Albums

Landscape to Light

Landscape to Light celebrates the remarkable landscape of the North of Scotland. Written for piano and string quartet, James draws inspiration from author Neil Gunn’s evocative descriptions and vivid pictures of land, sea and nature in his collection of essays of the same title. 

These Are The Hands

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An album of new songs and music with words by Alexander McCall Smith and music composed by James Ross

The music and the songs celebrate the presence of the sea in Scottish life, past and present. The sea defines Scotland’s character: it gives us our weather, our skies, and, even today, an important part of our livelihood.

Influenced by Scottish traditional music, the new compositions convey a sense of just how the sea has made its mark on the people of Scotland- Vikings and Saints, whalers and Navy Officers, shipbuilders and fishermen, and through the long history of immigration and those leaving Scotland for sunnier shores. The historical circumstances may vary, but the nature of the sea itself- its pull, its warnings,and its perils, remain constant.

The songs are performed by Michelle Burke and Kathleen MacInnes.

Chasing the Sun

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Chasing the Sun is a six-movement suite evoking a day's and a year's westward journey along Scotland's north coast. Interweaving folk, classical and jazz elements, and featuring Ross with renegade string quartet Mr McFall's Chamber, plus Fraser Fifield on soprano saxophone, smallpipes and whistle, it was originally co-commissioned by the Blas festival and Celtic Connections.

Live performances incorporate atmospheric backdrop images by Scottish photographer Catriona Murray, some of which also adorn the CD cover, while renowned producer Calum Malcolm oversaw the recording.

James Ross

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Release of a debut album on the Greentrax label, a mix of piano arrangements of traditional and original material. Produced by Brian McNeill.

The Boy and the Bunnet

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A musical adventure story for 7 to 10 year olds in Scots and Gaelic with words by James Robertson and music by James Ross. The Boy and the Bunnet was produced by Bryan Beattie and released by Big Sky.

Performed by:
James Ross on Piano
Fraser Fifield on Pipes & Whistle
Corinna Hewat on Clarsach
Patsy Reid on Fiddle
Neil Johnstone on Cello
Angus Lyon on Accordion
Signy Jakobsdottir on Percussion
Gerda Stevenson as the Narrator

Other Albums

Albums James has played piano on: