Ian Melrose

Foto: Manfred Pollert

The cognoscenti of the acoustic music scene have long been in the know: Ian Melrose, a Berliner by choice of Scottish origins, is one of the leading protagonists of the acoustic guitar in Europe. The strong relationship to Celtic fingerstyle guitar cannot be overheard, Melrose embelishes it further with all kinds of ethnic rhythms and colourful jazz harmonies. Being one of the top folk guitarists around, he is naturally always being invited to participate in serious studio sessions and projects. He has played for, among others, Reinhard Mey, Sara K., Allan Taylor and also for Clannad, with whom he went on a world tour. Clannad’s studio album “Landmarks” (Grammy 1999) and the live album (2005) were also refined with Melrose’s guitar arrangements. Current projects include “Kelpie”, “The Island Tapes”, Leuchter-Melrose Duo and “Talking Water”. A special experience is hearing Melrose as a solo artist. His Scottish heritage comes alive in the powerful moods he creates, they are charming, full of nuances and of the highest performance quality. His music is both serene and self-confident, both sensitive and expressive. Superficial displays of playing technique? Absolutely not. What we are hearing is a creative master guitarist, who can captivate the listener with his own personal “voice”.