Solo acoustic fingerstyle guitarist (Celtic and contemporary), dobro and low whistle player, studio musician, ex-Clannad lead guitarist, member of Kelpie, Leuchter-Melrose Duo, Guitar Celebration, Highland Saga; arranger, producer … many facets of a musical personality.
With SEVEN – his seventh solo album by now – Ian Melrose underlines his reputation as one of the most soulful fingerstyle guitarists of our time. In addition to some original compositions, we hear pieces that have accompanied the musician throughout his life and which he arranges in an impressive and sophisticated way. Well-known Irish and Scottish traditionals, but also music from the wealth of South American guitar music can be found on this CD, as well as a composition by Johann Sebastian Bach, spirituals, jazz and even rock music.How much Melrose enjoys the creative challenges of arranging and how important it is to him not to simply replay pieces, but to approach them in a very personal way, can be heard and felt in all his arrangements. And so he gives them the “Melrosian touch” and lets listeners share in his musical inspiration and imagination. (Press Release Text: Acoustic Music)
A well established acoustic fingerstyle guitarist and composer. Ian was a key collaborator with the iconic Celtic band Clannad, he contributed to their Grammy-winning album “Landmarks” and was lead guitarist on their 1996 World Tour. A regular studio musician at the renowned German Label Stockfisch Records and has contributed to more than 130 albums. He regularly performs around the world and has appeared at major festivals including Montreal Jazz Festival (CAN), Celtic Connections (SCO).