Amazing Grace

by

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

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This is the classic recording of "Amazing Grace" by the combined bands of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. This recording was originally released in 1972 to mark the amalgamation of the Royal Scots Greys and the 3rd Carabiniers, to become the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Scotland's only cavalry regiment. The album first appeared on the RCA label and it was this recording which gained the bands such world reknowned fame, selling over 6 million copies of the tune when it was released on 45 rpm. In addition to "Amazing Grace," the bands present a stiring concert of regimental and martial tunes which are associated with the current regiment and its predessors. The versatility of the bands is shown in many selections, including "Going Home" which is a beautiful rendition of Dvorak's theme presented here for combined bands. The military band presents a fine concert piece in "Cornet Carillion" amply demonstrating the fine musicianship which existed in the band at that time. "The Russian Imperial Anthem" stems from when the Czar was colonel of the regiment at the turn of the century. There is also a selection of regimental trots and canters which recalls the days when the regiment was a mounted cavalry unit. The pipes and drums perform three rousing medlys of scottish tunes, including a "Drummers Salute." Listening to this pipe band, one can see why it has become one of the finest pipe bands in the British Army, and remains so today. There is much nostalga in this recording in that the military band of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards no longer exists, having been reduced in 1994 with the reduction of all British Army regimental bands. So the listener has a wonderful opportunity to hear these two bands in their prime from nearly 25 years ago. These bands helped create a demand for popular military music from their "Amazing Grace" release which still exists today. Sit back and enjoy.