“A Shot In The Dark” is a multilevel and multifaceted guitar masterpiece that demonstrates the whole spectrum of Ian Melrose’s musical abilities, which extend well beyond just guitar playing. The first song could apply as a motto for the entire CD: “Fingerpickers have more fun!” If anyone can prove that, then it’s Ian Melrose with this percussive, driving and dance-like guitar solo. The CD proceeds on that same quality level, the repertoire offers humor and entertainment (“Pink Panther Theme” and “Slow Roll”) and a breathtaking and creative duo version of the Gershwin classic “Summertime” (with Chris Jones). The icing on the CD is the acoustic quartet version of the jazz standard “Take Five” in DADGAD tuning.

The solo album, "A Scottish Legacy", is a wonderful manifestation of the guitarist’s close connection to a tradition with roots in Celtic fingerstyle guitar. Melrose has plunged into the refinements and details of this music, and most of all, he has studied the ornamentations of the fiddler. The album comprises sixteen impressive songs, Ian’s favorites, which he plays on his Lowden steelstring and a Continental Resonator guitar. “A Scottish Legacy” exhibits virtuosic performing culture, clever harmonies and beautiful melodies. The guitarist’s Scottish heritage presents itself here in magnificent mood pictures, performed with charm and full of nuances. When Melrose reaches for his slide guitar, a sweet melancholy surfaces. His music is both serene and self-confident, sensitive and expressive at the same time. Ian’s own comment: "With this recording I would like to express my respect and fascination for this grand and lively tradition.” After hearing this CD, the listener will have no doubt that he has succeeded right down the line.

"Between The Sighs“ is acoustic guitar music bursting with wonderful melodies and the virtuoso culture of guitar-playing. The variegated moods that Melrose celebrates are both relaxed and profound. This collection of songs, performed on steelstring and resonator guitars, will continue showing new facets on each new hearing.

Dutch classical guitar virtuoso Nathasja van Rosse is back in search of the golden tone, after having to take a break due to a serious injury. This fresh restart also allows for recently discovered new ways to express her own creativity through composing for classical guitar and writing poetry, channelling deep emotions during lockdown into four original compositions.

These pieces blend perfectly into a beautifully balanced program in broad musical variety exploring mainly new works by young composers like Damien McCuskey and Jan Depreter while completing it with two pieces by Astor Piazzolla and Louise Walker. Nathasja’s refined artistry is remarkably immaculate, her dynamic performance between cascading arpeggios and heartfelt lyrical melodies shows depth and maturity in a clear and straightforward approach. Apart from quite a few premier recordings the Sonatina by Florian Palier might be regarded as outstanding.

Naturally according to its title this album is particularly inspired by warmth, love and poetry.