Paul Cotton

“When The Coast is Clear”

CAHorse Productions

Growing up in Mystic, I can tell you that little touches my soul like the smell of salt water and the sound of seagulls singing their songs. Given that, I can tell you, quite honestly, that no one writes songs about the sea, putting you right there, like the wondrous Paul Cotton.

Recorded over a number of places and times over a decade, and miraculously pulled together by uber-producer Jack Sundrud, along with virtual founding member Cotton, a member of Poco, the finest band in the land, you will truly feel like you’re holding a Pina Colada with the wind in your sails to appreciate the fine songs and playing on this magnificent record.

Longtime Poco fans will probably recognize the vastly reworked “Barbados” on this release, but that is only part of a much bigger story. Cotton also covers Van Morrison’s “Into The Mystic,” turning the track around and into another validation of the beauty of the tides and the ocean. Within other great originals are two breathtaking instrumentals, “Open Channel” and “Santiva,” that will make you feel the salt breeze in your face.

And the final track, “The Last Sunset,” may be the most emotional, heartfelt song that Cotton has ever recorded. I absolutely dare you to listen to it without a lump in your throat or longing for the beach, high tide, and your sails in the air. And, I suspect that just how this incredible artist wants it.

The wait for “Coast” was clearly worth it.

- Mark T. Gould

****1/2