Internationally recognized folk guitarist Christopher Dean is not just a gifted exponent of Celtic music. In the Celtic tradition, he is also a bard. He tells engaging, humorous stories, and weaves Celtic lore with his music - haunting airs that take you far away to a land of the imagination - laments that evoke past glory - and the familiar trinity of lively jigs, reels, and strathspeys. REVIEW "...We've all heard flashy players who impress but don't move or engage us because their guitar work is more fingercraft than communication. It is apparent from Dean's deft yet unhurried execution that the goal is not to win a fingerpicking tournament, but to render each tune with an economy that lays bare its emotional wiring. Notes and phrases ring with purpose, and an intangible "something" (perhaps "soul" is a good word) emerges from the outlines of ages-old melodies and modal harmonies. Highland Heritage's deliberate pacing and hushed reverence draw you into an almost mysterious communion with the ancient Scots-Irish. It comes from an area in the heart reserved for reflection on the personal meaning of history, place, and bloodline. And it does not require being of Scottish or Irish descent to become enveloped in its poignancy and emotion." - John D'Agostino, Award-winning Music Critic (Los Angeles Times, San Diego Reader, Musician) REVIEW "... I frequently play the CD "Highland Heritage" which features the sensitive, tranquil solo acoustic guitar playing of Christopher Dean. Now, Chris (who has Scottish roots but lives in Southern California) has produced another CD "The Gael" with a mixture of Scottish and Irish traditional and contemporary music, performed instrumentally on acoustic guitar. I've bought a copy and it is now on my 'most often played' list" Alan Scott Rampant Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland REVIEW "...Canadian author Rob Lockhart describes Dean's music beautifully. "It is wholly remarkable that Christopher Dean's solo fingerstyle guitar can evoke the very soul of Celtic spirit and emotion. His Irish and Scottish ancestry infuses the notes with mystery, and nostalgia, and pride. The notes are not just played, they are expressed lovingly, as if by a poetic bard who speaks to your very soul...." "With two Celtic albums already recorded, Dean remains loyal to the Celtic sounds of his musical heritage. His CD's, Highland Heritage and The Gael, were received with rave reviews. Dean also adds a humorous storytelling aspect to the music during his live shows. ...be forewarned: his beautiful ballads may just steel your heart!" San Diego Troubadour