Customer Reviews

Celtic Crossing

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William Coulter is a classicly trained musician, with the acute analytical skills that implies, but it is the heart and sweetness of his playing that won me over. I have heard him solo and in bands since he was a student at US Santa Cruz, with other luminaries of British Isles music and playing my guitar in an ice cream shop. He shines, just shines. This album captures more of his immediacy and glow than any other. Perfect album to introduce the uninitiated to Irish music.

William Coulter brings a wealth of musical talent to this delightful collection of instrumental Celtic tunes. Some are ancient, some of his own composing (Stor Mo Chroi, written on the night of his son's birth, is a delight) and all are well-chosen and played. Coulter is one of a highly talented group of northern California musicians who consistently produce some of the best instrumental Celtic music available today. Grab this one if you love Celtic tunes.

this is an amazing recording. in a world of overly percussive guitar styles and a lost identity amidst much nouveax celtic music, coulter brings a sense of purity and melody that is not only refreshing, but yet simple and memorable. i find myself whistling tunes after listening to the cd. the clarity of the recording makes you feel there.

William Coulter has developed a reputation for very tasteful arrangements of Celtic 'standards' and a fine technical control of his instrument - the guitar. Much of this reputation is based on the style he first displayed in Celtic Crossing. Since that time he has gone on to be part or lead in a further eight albums. Considering the time span, this demonstrates both Coulters ability as a musician and the depth of his creative energy. The album also contains the talents of Shelley and Barry Phillips, Kevin Burke, and several others.

This is very much a traditional album, and one that prefers a soft and intimate tone. The focus is always on the music, rather than on the brilliance of any particular player. There is plenty of that, though, but it is always in keeping with the moment. This is 'cup of tea and staring out the window' music, and has a seductive grace that is often sadly lacking. I suppose that there is such a thing as too much Irish music in the house, but this album will always be welcome.