Phil Coulter Words & Music (Shanachie) (STAR)(STAR) 1/2
Irish musician Phil Coulter, the king of easy listening, has gained an international following by offering mellow instrumental arrangements of well- loved Irish classics and popular melodies. His latest release, ”Words & Music,” marks his 25th anniversary in the music business. It`s also a major departure, being the first Coulter recording to feature vocals. The Irishman has gathered an impressive lineup of guest vocalists (the Dubliners on ”Take Me Home,” Ralph McTell on ”I Loved the Ground,” Suzanne Murphy on ”Scorn Not His Simplicity” and Liam Clancy on ”Home From the Sea”) while ace rock guitarist Rory Gallagher offers a moving rendition of ”Will Ye Go Lassie Go?” Coulter himself sings several cuts (”Steal Away,” ”The Old Man” and, most effectively, on the autobiographical ”The Town I Loved So Well”). Arguably his best song, it`s a lovely remembrance of growing up in Derry before the ”troubles” began. Coulter is an unabashed romantic. With his pleasant singing voice and lush arrangements, he clearly aims to please. His music is innocuous and unobtrusive enough: ear candy with an Irish accent.
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