Customer Reviews

Lake of Shadows

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are many emotions expressed here through the delicate piano playing of Phil Coulter, the deep Celtic flavor, and the water theme. These compositions are all centered around Lough Swilly in County Donegal, Ireland, a lake which was the scene of many significant moments of Irish history. This lake also was the scene of joyful moments and tragic moments in the life of the pianist/composer. Each track has its story and its very special mood. Coulter's dedication to painting various moods especially shine in certain tracks: "The Flight of the Earls" depicting a sad ending to a glorious chapter of Irish history and featuring Liam Neeson, "The Star of the Sea" written for Phil's brother Brian who was a tragic victim of the lake, "The Shores of the Swilly" sung by Sinead O'Connor and written for his sister who also drowned in the lake, "Prayer for the Fishermen" read by Roma Downey, and the final cut featuring all the musicians on the CD, "Take Me Home".

Listening to this is an emotionally rewarding experience.

"Men don't cry". "Men are strong and don't show their emotions". "Women feel and get emotional; men think and do". I wonder if these stereotypes have anything to do with why so much "angry music and lyrics" appeal to teenagers and young adults today? Phil Coulter's CDs, all of them, are what I like to call, "Stereotype Busters" and that's one reason I love them so much. In the privacy of home and car, or visiting family, I can get in touch with my feelings of happiness and sadness. In "Lake of the Shadows", the song "The Star of the Sea" brought me to tears even before reading the insert that this song was written in memory of Mr. Coulter's brother who was drowned in Lough Swilly in 1984. Same with "Celtic Horizons" and the selection "Tears on the Heather". One of my sons was the first to share that song with me, saying he felt like crying every time he heard it ... and for some reason, so did I. When I read the insert, I knew why: it's all about a mother's heartbreak over her children's immigration to America. For father's contemplating leaving unhappy marital situations, listening to "My Boy" on "Songs I Love So Well" just might give the strength and courage they need to stay and work things out and work toward reconciliation.

So, how is it that music can stir the soul? After all, it's just an arrangement of musical tones from various instruments and changes in timing and volume, and things like that ... or is it? Maybe it's more ... like an intangible something that allows the composer and artist's feelings to break through to stir the soul? Whatever, Phil Coulter has a wonderful gift that gives me the liberty to cry and feel good about it and then do something for those close to me to let them know how much I love them! In four years, it's going to be "six score and ten" and before I let any more time pass, I'm going to burn a CD of all my Phil Coulter favorites and request that it be played at my funeral. That's the best way I can think of to express my love to those I love so much, even after I've gone.

I listened to the title song of Lake of Shadows on the internet and fell for it on the first hearing. I purchased the CD the first time I saw it in a store, without hearing more than that first track. As I was listening to the disc at home and enjoying each and every track, I read Coulter's story about the origins of this CD. The personal tragedy for the artist that has touched this very real place in Ireland made the songs even more compelling and, if possible, more beautiful. You know the emotions of the music are indeed born of real life. You will enjoy this CD even if you never read the notes that accompany the disc. If you read the story, it will mean even more.

This is an immensely impressive CD. It is one of the finest discs that I own from a collection of over 500.

"Lake of Shadows" is the local name given to a stretch of water called Lough Swilly in Ireland. This is an area close to the composer's heart- a scene of both happiness and absolute tragedy.On this CD, Phil Coulter uses music to capture some of these memories, and what an outstandingly good job he makes of it.

The music here is beautiful, reflecting the natural wonder of the country I have been fortunate enough to visit on many occasions. Coulter plays the piano, but he is joined by a whole host of guest musicians, each of whom contributes wonderfully to the success of this disc in their own unique way. From Frank Gallagher's fiddle, viola and whistle, to Ivan Gilliland's guitars, to Catherine Mary Clancy's Harp, right through to The Ballyclare Male Choir and the Coolea Choir, this is a real team effort.

A special mention must call to the gorgeous voices of Sinead O'Connor, Liam Neelson and Roma Downey. What a display of talent.

It is the very personal nature of this CD that makes it such a success. Each composition comes from the heart, and this comes through very clearly to the listener.

The compositions themselves are exquisite. They are a delight to listen to and are wonderfully melodic and memorable. Be prepared to be whistling the tunes for days on end.

This is the sort of CD which will get many listens in your CD player. It really is that good. The notes from the composer are comprehensive and track the history of each piece.

Full marks to Phil Coulter here. A superb CD from start to finish, and one that I recommend very highly.

One great album. I sent "Lake Of Shadows" to our son while in Iraq and he said this album was the one he listened to at the end of a day that was particularly unpleasant and it calmed him like nothing else. I have had a copy for at least three years and have never tired of it.

I listened to the title song of Lake of Shadows on the internet and fell for it on the first hearing. I purchased the CD the first time I saw it in a store, without hearing more than that first track. As I was listening to the disc at home and enjoying each and every track, I read Coulter's story about the origins of this CD. The personal tragedy for the artist that has touched this very real place in Ireland made the songs even more compelling and, if possible, more beautiful. You know the emotions of the music are indeed born of real life. You will enjoy this CD even if you never read the notes that accompany the disc. If you read the story, it will mean even more.

Magnificent..........Splendid........

All of the reviews I read were right on. Buy this CD!!

I bought this CD after listening to several tracks in a Borders bookstore. I must admit, after I heard the first track, I was hooked. This CD has a haunting, but beautiful sound throughout the entire album. I don't think anybody could be disappointed with this CD.

Phil Coulter has really topped himself this time. Lough Swilly is a beautiful area of Donegal and his songs reflect it. All U.S. Navy veterans will recognize track 7 [For those in peril on the sea] as the Navy Hymn, but Coulter dedicates it to his brother who was lost on the Lough in an accident. This is his best effort yet.

If you like Enya, you'll love this CD. The sound is incredible, the melodies complex, the music like comfort food for your head.