Customer Reviews

Ellis Island

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

This trio, which might have become just a TV marketing executive's version of a parlor trick and evaporated after a year or so, shows amazing strength in this album, bringing to life a collection of traditonal Irish tunes, contemporary favorites, and patriotic tributes. More than either of their two "Live from..." albums, THIS is the perfect introduction to the Irish Tenors. Their song selections are poignant stories set to music, the arrangements by Frank McNamara are lush but not overpowering, and most of all, the voices of these three men are perfection itself. Fans of the two previous albums will be happy to know that this is a studio recording (no interruptions for applause) and also includes an insert with lyrics (although, unfortunately, no translation of the Irish songs).

The Irish Tenors are here to stay, and this album is just the beginning swell of their next wave of popularity. Gift idea? Ride the wave and be the one to introduce your friends to this trio through "Ellis Island".

Wow!! "Isle of Hope Isle of Tears" starts the journey and "God Bless America" ends it. Between these two powerful pieces of music is the best collection yet by the best voices you'll ever hear. This CD takes your breath away. I have all of their CD's and frankly didn't think it could get better than the "Live From Belfast" concert. This is better although how they continue to improve prefection is a mystery. Listen carefully to "The Greenfields of France" it might be the jewel in this recording althought "Forty Shades of Green" and"Macushla" are beautiful pieces as well. There isn't a weak point in this recording I can't imagine anyone not loving this CD

This third Irish Tenors collection is, I think, the best yet. The song selection is wonderful and their voices sound better and richer than ever. It's difficult to select highlights when everything sounds so good, but my favorites include "Forty Shades of Green" by Finbar Wright, "The Green Fields of France" by Ronan Tynan and "The Courtin' Medley" by the trio. And Anthony Kearns' version of "Love Thee Dearest" brings me to tears every time. If you've enjoyed the previous Irish Tenors albums, this one is a must.

The Irish Tenors sound better than ever--something I had not thought possible. If I could give this 6 or 7 stars, I would. This is a must have for all Irish Tenor fans. The selection of songs are simply great and the Tenors' renditions are outstanding. Now all I have to do is wait for the video of the concert itself!

This is by far the best of The Irish Tenors CD's. The song selections run the gambit from lighthearted fare like "Courtin' in the Kitchen" to haunting melodies such as "Machusla". The vocal artistry of Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan is showcased thoughout this CD. This is not a live CD recording as were their Dublin and Belfast CD's. However, having had the privilege of attending the Ellis Island Video taping, I can say that this CD definitely invokes the same feelings and emotions in the listener as if they were there.

A definite must have for any fan of this fabulous group.

I watched the PBS special four times and all the songs are fabulous. The newest version of DANNY BOY is VERY good, especially with the piano only. But, I think I still like the "BELFAST" version best, because it was the wildest. And with Ronan's little prayer (??)(JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH !!!)at the intro to the song, added a little unexpected spark. I'm glad I found the CD because it is so much better and I can't wait for the video to arrive. Ronan looks great and sounds even better. Finbar has more charm than ever. And Anthony is a beautiful as ever. But when you put them all together it's M A G I C. THEY CAN MAKE YOU LAUGH AND EVEN WHEN ONE IS CRYING, ONE FEELS LIKE TAPPING A FOOT TO THE SOUNDS OF "COURTIN' IN THE KITCHEN" ETC. I listen to my new CD for hours each day. GREAT - GREAT - GREAT My new address is www.sonsofmine@hotmail.com if there is a way to pass it on to the IRISH TENORS ?????? FROM THEIR #1 FAN. JOAN WAY

I must have been the buyer of the first copy of this CD,
and then I got the video and the tape. Now I'm searching for the DVD. It is still not available in my area, and I'm still waiting for it.
From the first moment I heard this CD I knew it was their finest effort. The voices are just glorious ( as usual ) and they are a joy to listen to. Anthony's LOVE THEE DEAREST, & MACUSHLA are just examples of the magic of his voice. Finbar's FORTY SHADES OF GREEN & SLIEVENAMON are just two of his beautiful songs.
And then there is Ronan Tynan !!!!! Who would not enjoy the passionate emotions of THE GREEN FIELDS OF FRANCE (WILLY MCBRIDE) & MY WILD IRISH ROSE. I have the tape, video and CD
of this concert, and will have the DVD as soon as it's on the market. You will be glad you did, because those voices will take you out of this world and into one of pure listening joy.
Again, the Tenor's #1 Fan,,,,,Joan Way