Musician Andrew Scott is raising money for The Salvation Army's world missions (Story and photo: Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune)

What began as a simple conversation has become a source of inspiration for musician Andrew Scott and The Salvation Army. Originally from Grande Prairie, Alta., Scott lives in Edmonton and recently released a CD of public domain tunes as a fundraiser for world missions.

“The whole thing came from an idea that my mom, Eva Scott, and I had,” he says. “We asked what we could do that's fun and gives donors something that they can listen to.”

The Scott family has long been involved with the Army in Grande Prairie.

“My sister-in-law, Deanna, her parents and grandparents spent years in Africa as missionaries, and The Salvation Army has a long history of helping people in other countries. I've always been interested in it,” he explains.

The idea for the album was to take traditional hymns and songs and record them in a simple style. Scott chose nine tunes, including This Little Light of Mine, All to Jesus and Amazing Grace. With Scott on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, mandolin and percussion, James Oldenburg on electric guitar and percussion, and Anna McBryan Vanderheide adding her vocal talent, the songs were recorded and mixed in just two days.

“It's done well so far,” Scott says. “And 100 percent of the money goes to The Salvation Army's world missions.”

With the response much higher than anticipated, Scott says there is a plan for another album. “As an artist you don't always have the opportunity to be involved in charity. You feel good being a part of something that will make a difference. You can't help but smile when people are enjoying this and the money is going to a good cause.”

The album, entitled Shine Your Little Light, is available for download online at such outlets as iTunes, Amazon and Morpheous, with physical copies available through CDbaby.com.