"Spirit of the Glen" by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

"Spirit of the Glen"

Fontana International/2007

www..myspace.com/spiritofthegl en

In 1971 the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards became the only military band to have a number one song on the UK music charts with "Amazing Grace". The song stayed at the number one position for six weeks and brought the Guards 13 gold record awards. In celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the that release the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards released not only the hit single but an entire album titled "Spirit of the Glen".

"Spirit of the Glen" has 14 tracks of traditional, classical, and contemporary songs. The album opens with their hit "Amazing Grace". From the opening notes of the song it is evident that the Guards are no ordinary pipe band like everyone hears at parades and on St. Patrick's Day. The 24 pipers play as one with the proficiency of professional musicians. The Guards turn a traditionally religious hymn into an incredibly beautiful piece of music that anyone would love.

From there the Guards play traditional Scottish tunes mixed with unbelievable renditions of movie theme songs "Last of the Mohicans" and "Dances With Wolves" and the classical music piece by Pachelbel the "Cannon in D". Among the few vocal pieces is a cover version of "Mull of Kintyre" by Sir Paul McCartney. This mostly instrumental album is one that cannot be played just once; but begs to be heard over and over again.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have taken great care and attention to every detail of making the album including the art on the cover which portrays a Highland Piper in full traditional dress silhouetted against a loch at dusk.

What makes the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards pipe band so special is that the members of the band are all currently servicing in the Scottish military as regular soldiers who have served with distinction in the battlefield from Iraq to Bosnia and Kosovo. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are the only tank regiment still operating in Scotland. "Spirit of the Glen" was recorded between serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards make their home in Edinburgh Castle when not serving all over the world. Piping has been a part of the Scottish military since the seventeen hundreds. The practice was begun as a way to increase recruiting and to inspire the soldiers. The Guards have served in every major conflict for over two centuries. Members of the Pipe Band in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards love what they do so much that the regiment had to impose a piping practice curfew so that the non piping members of the regiment could get some sleep.

And after hearing "Spirit of the Glen" it is easy to see that love and devotion from the band members. The music is flawless! A must have for any music collection. Royalties from the album will go to service charities.