The music is a departure from Simon's usual recordings and reflects his love of free improvisation and experimentation. It also reflects his interest in Scottish culture and identity, hence the title “Experiments in Culture”. The themes in it are a continuation from  previous compositions - Celtic Connection's Suite, Music for a New Scottish Parliament, and The Scottish Requiem.
 
Of the eight tracks on the CD three of them feature live recordings of everyday life on buses, trains and in people’s houses. The music paints a portrait where the recordings are the canvas and the performing musicians are the palette of colours that is life. The remaining tracks are duos and trios and one big band piece entitled “War not Piece?”
 
The musician’s on the CD are Phil Bancroft, Mairi Campbell, Paul Dunmall, Dave Francis, Corrina Hewat, Kevin Mackenzie, Clare McLaughlin, Mark Maguire, Dave Milligan, Rachel Newton, and Aidan O'Rourke.

Warning for buyers: Although there is concertina and other instruments featured on this CD, it is not an album of folk tunes.