| This is the companion CD to the video under the same title. On the CD you get most of the music that accompanies the video, without of course the scenic views of Scotland. The Black watch continues to be a popular item in the States because of its historic ties with America. The band, pipes and drums have toured many times since their first visit in 1958. These days the regimental band is no more, and the pipes and drums soldier on without them. Many tunes which would have been greatly enhanced with the band are therfore religated to electronic accompaniment here. This is unfortunate, but a sign of the times. There is a lot of likeable music here, including some good regimental pipe music. For those who like pipes playing atmosphereic tunes like "Amazing Grace" and "She Moves Through The Fair" there is a good selection of that fare as well. As I say this music would be greeatly enahnced with a true regimental band with the pipes. A few musicians from the Light Division band provide some of the accompaniment, but the military band background is much less than it should be. I would have preferred even the Highland or Lowland Bands to accompany the Watch in this CD. The video is probably better with all its scenes of Scottish castles and the like, but the sound quality on the CD is better. Both are good in their own right and it depends on which medium the listener prefers. Those wanting to see the Black Watch on tour again in the States have only to wait until 2005. |
