Customer Reviews

The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem: Reunion Concert at the Ulster Hall Belfast

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

 

 

The Clancy brothers and Tommy Makem always had the greatest energy. Tommy Makem plays so many instruments as they sing "Brennan on the Moor", "Irish rover", "Shoals of Herring", "Isn't it grand boys", "I'll tell Me Ma", Rocky Road to Dublin", "Carrickfergus", "The Ballad of William Bloat", "Galway Races", "Portlairge", "Jug of Punch", "Wild Rover", "Will ye go lassie go", and "Holy Ground".

This was recorded during the groups 1984 reunion concert tour. The original group disbanded in 1969, as Tommy Makem went on a solo career. The remaining three joined up with brother Bobby Clancy and later Louis Killen to make more successful albums together. Liam Clancy left in the mid 1970's to embark on a solo career, and then joined up with Tommy Makem to form the tremendous duo, Makem and Clancy. This DVD is great because it gives fans a chance to see some moving images of the group, since there is so little material available. The quality of the audio/video is not perfect, as Tom Clancy can barely be heard (some have said that he had Laryngitis at this concert). It also appears to have been recorded over a period of a few nights, as there are slight differences in some of the songs. However, the song selection is great and these minor problems don't deter from the great performance. This would be the last time that the Clancy's and Tommy Makem would reunite, as Tom died in 1990 and Paddy in 1998. Oh, if only a video of the New York reunion concert was available....

From their introduction to us in the folk revival of the early '60's, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem remain unique. Their moving and rousing Irish ballads, rebel songs and slow tunes fill you with an instant energy. You don't have to be Irish to enjoy this spirit. With the recent passing of Paddy Clancy, I've become even more appreciative of their work. This video captures their reunion concert in Northern Ireland. From "Brennan on the Moor" to "Wild Rover" to the beautiful "Go, Lassie, Go", the Clancy's put on an outstanding performance. There will never be anything like them again.

The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were and still are the greatest performers ever. With Tommy and Paddy gone, every fan should have this video as there will never be another group like them.

For those who like The Clancy Brothers, this DVD is a must. The Reunion concert took place in the mid 80s in Ireland and the recording was very good but not excellent. Regardless, to see the group in their mature years is a treat. I strongly recommend that the Reunion CD be purchased as well. It was recorded in the US and the song selection is somewhat different. The song selection on the CD is superior in my opinion [although this is a question of taste] and I rate the CD 5 stars.

The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were and still are the greatest performers ever. With Tommy and Paddy gone, every fan should have this video as there will never be another group like them.

If you are a Clancy/Makem fan - and you weren't fortunate enough to experience them live, then this will more than do the trick. It is their first concert since 1969 (16 years passed). Music is great, the boys are great and full of the spirit. The sheer joy of performing together after such a lengthy hiatus is evident throughout the show. Liam Clancy is passionate and excited. Paddy is stoic and intense and Tom is his usual jovial "glad to be here" self. Tommy Makem exudes the true essence of the Freeborn Minstrel Gypsy...sadly only Liam is alive as Makem passed away this year (08/08). Great DVD well worth the price.

Based on the utterly sublime Reunion CD, I was expecting this video to blow me away. It didn't. The performances aren't as energetic as the album, and something was wrong with the concert sound, since the video has no songs with Tom Clancy singing lead, and in fact I couldn't hear him at all in the mix.