The Spirit of the Glen

By Graham Davies - 20/12/2007

 Like them or hate them, bagpipes have a long history, were used in ancient Egypt and were the instrument of the Roman Infantry, but the highlanders of Scotland have since made them their own, forming the first pipe and drum band in the mid 19th century.

 

The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards recorded this CD in between tours of duty, going to show that these fine musicians are also serving soldiers at the top of their profession, both musically and militarily.

 

The first track is Amazing Grace and from the start one has to admire the way the pipes and drums have been blended into an imaginative orchestral arrangement of this favourite classic. Other well known pieces such as Sailing, Mull of Kintyre and even Pachelbel’s Canon are given similar treatment, but one never tires of the performances on this easy listening album.

 

When you listen to this CD it will be no surprise to learn that Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums are in heavy demand from all areas of the music business. The pipers you hear have already experienced war in Iraq before returning to the UK for the twenty-two week course to learn to become a piper or drummer.

 

I hope you will buy this CD and enjoy it as much as I did.