The Ian Bruce Band - Jigs, Jives and Jacobites - Inverness Courier

This Glasgoe singer-songwriter's material has a country flavour and he introduces contemporary rhytms to traditional Scottish songs. "Dark Lochnagar", notoriously difficult to sing, is taken in Bruce's vocal stride and acquires a gentle swing, "Ye Jacobites By Name" is given a reggae beat.

Bruce's own songs range from a poignant elegy for victims of progress (although it's hard to be sure) to a tongue-in-cheek lament for the pub-singer's lot. Interspersed with instrumentals featuring accodianist Iain Lowthian, Bruce's songs are strong and Sharply-observed and his delivery is powerful.