David Paton - Fragments (1997)

Well-traveled pop and rock session bassist/vocalist David Paton returns to his proverbial roots with this collection of songs about triumph, defeat, pride, camaraderie and farewell. These are not unusual topics in the realm of Scottish music, but there are some particularly curious components to Fragments. Paton's rather unique voice lies somewhere between that of Phil Keaggy and the Proclaimers' Reid brothers; while an abundance of traditional and Celtic-rock bands exist, those utilizing Celtic elements paired with accessible pop music seem to be quite scarce (the Corrs come to mind); plus, setting 18th-century poet and songwriter Robert Burns' works to contemporary pop arrangements is also an intriguing concept. Paton pays homage to six Burns compositions, but the the real attention-getter is the opening anthem by Corries member Roy Williamson, titled "The Bonnie Blue Bonnets." This song, written in the Burns patois, tells, in droll fashion, the story of a failed coup attempt by the Scots' avaricious neighbors due south. The Scottish resolve throughout the ages is summed up in the lyric "The Roman legions tried in vain, the Saxon, Dane and Norsemen came. None of them could us contain, so heed this gentle warnin'..." Burns touches on a similar theme in "Scots Wha Hae," an inspirational appeal evoking William Wallace's heroics in anticipation of King Edward's imminent attack. "Loch Lomond" offers a more romantic perspective of battle, but it's Paton's own "This Honest Land" that addresses the Scots' passion for their homeland and their I-will-not-lie-down attitude.