Well! Those of you who were paying attention were not caught out by my cunning plan to trick you. Some of you noticed that some of the last communication was headed ‘The Ninth Communication’. You didn’t let me down, nor, I hasten to add, did you let me off. Thank you, you pernickety bunch of.........

Here, in fact is The Ninth Communication and I find myself in good spirits (no not alcohol). So fear not. I think this is a contented letter! ALTHOUGH, when I think about it, I should be in a bloody foul mood. (You knew it was too good to last.) I am without motorbike. The poor thing has been sold, sniff! I was not using it quite as much as I used to and it wasn’t enjoying its frequent overnights in the street. I have no garage. So, until I have a place to keep one, I’ll probably be without. This situation will be rectified as soon as possible.

I see by my last contact that I went through the previous 6 months gigs and mentioned the ones that satisfied me most. I’m going to do it again; trusting that when I enjoy the gig, you lot do too. I can dream, can’t I???

Now, let me see.....

January 99 - I know I’m always going on about how good Germany is, but really, it’s been truly amazing this year. Heidi, my manager, thought it would be a good idea to do a show around the Burns songs I had recorded for Dr. Fred Freeman. She enlisted one of their local talents, Victor Besch. He was born in Chile, to a Chilean mother and, I think, a British father. So, quite naturally, his first language is Spanish. He was brought up in Wales speaking perfect English and, by all accounts, now speaks perfect German. Quite an asset. Unfortunately, though, he does insist on playing the pipes. Never mind. Oh, he sings and plays all kinds of other things too. Quite the little smartie pants. We played 10 gigs to packed houses. The show was a success. We were immediately fully booked for Jan 2000 and could be for the foreseeable future. I am releasing a Robert Burns album and recording a solo album for Vic within the next month. These are essentially to compliment the tour.

No, I’m not finished with Germany yet. I was back in April, touring with Ian Lowthian. Once more playing sell-outs. Ian is such a great musician and one of the nicest guys I’ve ever worked with. He’s a gem. (We’re in the middle of recording an album for him too.) Again, such was the success that we’re doing it again next April. We plan to record an album together in December. It could be a little peculiar, so, watch out for that one.

I’ve just flicked through my British gigs and realised that I have had a very, very good 6 months. I’m not quite sure what’s happened but something has and I like it. Thanks to every one who contributed to its success. Also, I’ve doubled my album sales in the last financial year. Happy bunny. (Could always be happier of course - please keep supporting.)

As you may have gathered, the studio side of things is working quite well now. I’ve recorded an album for Dr. Fred, called ‘To Be The Nation Again’. It is to coincide with the opening of the new Scottish parliament. I’m singing five of the tracks...’Internal Exile’, ‘The Rovin’ Dies Hard’, ‘Hermless’, ‘Jamie Raeburn’ and ‘The John MacLean March’. Don’t worry, there’s good stuff on it too. Joking aside, I will recommend this album it’s a little cracker..I promise. It also features Tony McManus, Marc Duff, John Morran, Wendy Wetherby, Mick West, Frank McLaughlin, Pete Clark and Jim Malcolm. I hope you’ll have one.

I mentioned that I’ve recorded a Robert Burns album. It’s a 14 tracks; 9 lifted from the Linn series and another 5 songs recorded specially. So, the track list is;-

Ye Jacobites By Name, Lassie Wi’ The Lintwhite Locks, Galloway Tam, Ye Banks and Braes, The Soldier’s Return, Parcel o’ Rogues, A Man’s a Man, The Winter of Life, Craigieburn Wood, Auld Lang Syne (different tune), When She Cam Ben She Bobbed / Mally’s Meek, Mally’s Sweet, Now Westlin Winds, Ca’ The Yowes and The Thames Flows Proudly To The Sea. When you see the list of contributing musicians I think you’ll agree that it’s really rather impressive. William Jackson, John Martin, Dougie Pincock, Ian Lowthian, Catriona MacDonald, Ian Anderson, Jack Evans, Tony McManus and Marc Duff (Apologies to any one I’ve missed out. I’m awfy chuffed aboot this album.

Incidentally, ‘Ca’ The Yowes’ made it to William Jackson’s ‘Celtic Experience Vol 1’ which, I’m told sold in tens of thousands. It was in the Britannia music catalogue, therefore, so was I. Wow!!!

Should you require any Ian Bruce music to add to your very tasty collection, (creepy!) then please send £12 per CD ( +£0.50 per unit p+p, free on three or more.) to Bob & Roseann Gilchrist, 14 Inchmurrin Drive, Cathkin Mains, High Burnside, Glasgow G73 5RT. Remember you can order by e-mail ianbruce@dial.pipex.com .

People are always asking to have a discography, so, here it is again;- Mrs. Bruce's Boys vol. 1 (1980) tape only Veil of the Ages (1981) tape only Mrs Bruce's Boys vol 2 (1985) tape only Too Far From She (1988) L.P. and tape Blodwen's Dream (1990) C.D. and tape Out of Office (1992) C.D. and tape Free Agent (1994) C.D. and tape The Naked Truth (1995) C.D. and tape A Kind and Gentle Nature (1996) C.D. and tape Annie Laurie (1997) C.D. only (Baby CD - only £3.00) The Complete Songs of Robert Burns* Vol2 C.D. and maybe tape The Complete Songs of Robert Burns* Vol3 C.D. and maybe tape The Complete Songs of Robert Burns* Vol4 C.D. and maybe tape Thirty Years of Bromyard (1997)* C.D.Only Hodden Grey (1998) C.D.Only To Be The Nation Again* (1999) C.D. Only Alloway Tales (Robert Burns One) (1999) C.D. Only

You’ll see by the attached gig list that I have another busy time ahead. I hope you’ll come along.. All the best.

IAN