Ellis Island

The Irish Tenors (Artist), Brendan Graham (Artist), Chauncey Olcott (Artist), Irish Traditional (Artist), Johnny Cash (Artist), John Francis Patterson (Artist), Dermot MacMurrough (Artist), C. Kirkham (Artist), Eric Bogle (Artist), Burton Lane (Artist), Thomas Osbourne Davis (Artist), Irving Berlin (Artist), Frank McNamara (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 6, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Music Matters
• ASIN: B000059TBG
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,760 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Music > Classical > Featured Performers, A-Z > ( I ) > Irish Tenors
  #9 in	Music > Opera & Vocal > Voices > Tenors
  #45 in	Music > Opera & Vocal > Vocal Non-Opera > Songs & Lieder > Folk Songs

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Irish Tenors' fourth album sees the trio of Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan, and Finbar Wright paying a sentimental musical tribute to Ellis Island, the hallowed landmark that met the majority of immigrants entering the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. Needless to say, the Tenors' repertoire this time around is full of reflective ballads of love, loss, and homesickness, including the original "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" that opens this disc. Throughout this studio recording, the Irish Tenors are in fine form and backed by a soft-hued orchestra that never interferes with their soaring vocals. Traditional tunes include "My Wild Irish Rose," "How Are Things in Glocca Mora," and, of course, "Danny Boy" (the last sung by all three tenors, with refreshingly simple solo piano accompaniment). Thankfully, the threesome didn't forget that the immigrants had fun, too, as evidenced by some lighthearted fare; "The Courtin' Medley" features the Tenors at their most upbeat and comical. Ellis Island is a moving aural portrait of the struggles and triumphs of the Irish émigrés and a must-have for fans of the threesome. Newcomers may enjoy the Tenors' debut disc even more, as the earlier live album is a slightly more upbeat and spirited affair. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In a Word - Awesome!, March 8, 2001

By	Kristine Curry (Salt Lake City, UT) - See all my reviews

This newest release from The Irish Tenors is perhaps the best yet. The selection of songs is superb, as is the delivery. Their voices seem to just get better and better! The CD begins with "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears," which tells about the first person through Ellis Island, 15 year old Annie Moore from Ireland. It closes with a stirring rendition of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America," which makes you want break into song.

The remainder of the songs are just as wonderful (it's difficult to choose a "favorite"). Each one evokes strong emotion and may even bring you to tears. Some songs are poignant and tender, others more "upbeat" and stirring, but they are all enhanced by Frank McNamara's beautiful arrangements.

Don't delay - buy this CD immediately! You will not be disappointed!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ellis Island: The Irish Tenors, March 11, 2001

By	Kathleen M. Day "[e-mail]" (China, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This is the best album yet! All three tenors are in fine voice, and the orchestral arrangements show Frank McNamara's expert touch. Highlights are "Macushla" and "The Croppy Boy" by Anthony Kearns -- whose voice continues to improve. He can raise goosebumps when he hits notes like high C and high B flat. It's unbelievable how the clarity and sweetness of his voice adds to a song. Finbar Wright is superb In "Slievenamon" and "The Old Bog Road" to both of which the mature quality of his voice and his mellow sound is eminently suited. Ronan Tynan's rendition of "The Green Fields of France" is enough to make everyone go out and end war for ever. The Gaelic medley is wonderful -- the blending of their voices is better than ever and the climactic "God Bless America" is the icing on the cake. Buy this CD; you won't regret it.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!, March 10, 2001

By	Dianne E. Kraemer (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Irish Tenors have grown into a polished ensemble of powerful individual voices, exquisite harmonies, and beautiful instrumental backgrounds. Ellis Island shows them off to perfection.

The Irish trio, sung in Gaelic, is upbeat, unusual and, to me, totally mesmerizing. I was blown away when I first heard it and now can't play it enough! The first track is Isle of Hope, Isle of Freedom, about the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island is haunting and beautiful.

It is truly difficult for me to pick favorites. Anthony Kearns' voice is painfully beautiful on The Croppy Boy, Finbar is wonderful on Forty Shades of Green. Frank McNamara is the musical genius behind the arrangements. This is simply the best music around!