Dear friends of guitar music,

after the great success of “Irish Traditionals” a new book and a CD with my second Celtic love – the traditional Scottish music – follow now. Again I have arranged the melodies for guitar in that tuning which is made for them: DADGAD! 24 Scottish gems, sometimes swinging, sometimes elegiac, sometimes pensive, sometimes exuberant, but always full of life!

Since I knew in advance that Ian Melrose, a good friend and colleague and also one of Europe‘s leading Celtic and contemporary guitarists, would be mixing the CD this time, I got carried away during the recording process and gave each piece trusty companions (classical guitar, baroque guitar, lute and bass) with the result that I suddenly had a complete album recorded. Since I liked it so much, I figured a few icing on the cake would make my happiness perfect. Knowing that Ian is also a wonderful whistle player, I asked him if, since he was doing the mixing anyway, he wouldn’t mind playing on a few ... and he did! Instinctively I had left some space on four pieces and this Ian filled with his dreamy low whistle, which makes not only my heart – I am sure – beat faster. Also for this reason I would like to recommend this CD to you.

It was only later that I realized again that Ian, besides his earthly gifts, has another unbeatable advantage: He is Scottish!