PAUL COTTON - THE LAST SUNSET (ACOUSTIC)

In 1997 Paul came to the small Caribbean island of Curaçao to visit me. He had his acoustic guitar with him, and we drove to the secluded and deserted beach of San Juan. We stopped at an old wooden shack and Paul began to play as pelicans flew around, and the deep blue sea rolled gently to the shore. Paul loved this scenery and his magic filled the air. He has always been drawn to the ocean and the beaches, and he played his heart out with the warm ocean breezes surrounding us. Listen closely and you may hear those breezes.
He blew me away and I recorded the songs right there, songs for his new solo project ‘When The Coast Is Clear’, Paul’s masterpiece, that we recorded and released in 2004.
'The Last Sunset', was a favorite of Paul and I, and many others. He played it as the sun went down.
It's a great opportunity to relax, shut your eyes and listen to him, all alone with his acoustic guitar. Listen to this unique recording of a man that never ceased to amaze us with his many talents.
Happy Sails dear friend!
Peter van Leeuwen
Curaçao, august 2nd 2021
© Photo of Paul Cotton with Takamine by Peter van Leeuwen
Paul wrote 'Don't Stop The Carnival (down here on Curaçao)' about his visit to Curaçao and me, another example of his amazing talent to paint sceneries with words and music. The song is available on his album 'Firebird', and on all major streaming platforms, where you can find all of Paul's solo albums too.

[@markhaggard7463]

I've been a fan of Paul's since 1970. He wrote some of my all-time favorite songs. I miss him terribly.

[@johnmayo5085]

Rest in Peace with Sand between your Toes Paul Cotton.

[@rosemariemaldonado5886]

Loved his music and the man. Sail on

[@jsteele21]

This absolutely beautiful Peter. Our friend is dearly missed

[@maryellenstankovich1511]

RIP Paul Cotton 💔😥

[@cwj617]

Loved this man's talent. RIP Paul Cotton.💔

[@douglasdegraff8335]

Thank you Peter, Paul is at Rest. No more strife, worry, pain. Just Peace. I will miss you Paul Cotton, you are one of the Best. God Bless you also Caroline and Family. This one hit hard.

[@Stenispenisman]

Such a great talent ❤️ R.I.P Paul❤️

[@rjhall5712]

Was introduced to Mr. Cotton on the Poco album , "from the inside" my first and favorite Poco album

[@pghpookie]

Beautiful.... RIP Paul.

[@daveburke2209]

So sad, happy memories, love Paul's music R.I.P.

[@twocoyotes]

Great tribute Peter. RIP PC.

[@mr.kaboom8729]

I've always loved listening to Paul Cotton's songs. There was something special about his music contribution to Poco though he never managed to get that ungrateful Rusty Young to honor the contract Paul's been requesting. It's a sad chapter for Paul and he left the band. I don't think Paul ever got over that for all the years of material contribution to Poco. RIP Paul...sigh ...sigh

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Sad to hear that Rusty didn't do right by Paul

[@bennettsykes9408]

RIP Paulie...you were the man in Poco...saw one of your first shows Glassboro State College 1970...Richie said they were still teachin you the songs before the show.But I knew you would nail em down because I was a huge fan of Illinois Speed Press!!!!!Sail on brother.

[@susanmiller6248]

RIP Paul...

[@GloriaMoncada]

I just visited Key West and Pirate Radio played an acoustic version of Heart of the Night that is from this EP. I learned he was living there and had recently passed. Thank you for posting this. If there’s any way for you to post the acoustic version of Heart of the Night, it would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[@pocopeter]

Hi Gloria, glad you like it. Heart of the Night is not on the CD that I released. Sorry for that, but I am glad Paul played his heart out here on Curaçao 😉