Highland Cathedral  (Audio CD) 
by Phil Coulter

Enya, of course, owns this market segment, and will probably own it forever. But once you leave her own ingenious ability to write beautiful music and sing it just as well, the drop off to second best is a bit steep. Phil Coulter is perhaps the best of them, although his style is more or less one step removed from Celtic film music, it's always the kind of listening that invites you to sit bake and take a weight of your shoulders.

Occasionally, he shows some daring, but for the most part he is theme and variations of traditional sounds. And, perhaps, a bit too much them and not enough variation. Even so, I like Highland Cathedral, and probably always shall. Like most of my generation, I am a secret Celt. Entranced by legends, and music and sounds that always seem a bit better than the ones to which I am heir.

And this suits me fine, whether it is that martial bagpipes of 'Highland Cathedral,' the easy familiarity of 'The Flowers of the Forest,' or the beautiful singing on 'If these Stones Could Speak' or 'Our Island Barque.' While this music will never move mountins, it can still move the listener a bit closer to comfort and peace. No small accomplishment.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

Highland Cathedral by Phil Coulter  Feb 19, 2004
This is as good as it gets. Mr. Coulter is in touch with the stars of the heavens, and his music speaks with nostalgia of a world he knows well, remembers fondly, and wishes to introduce to us. Just buy it - you will love it.