Customer Reviews

Ireland's Greatest Hits

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have just received this CD this afternoon and am playing it for the second time straight through already! I had been looking for the title "A Little Bit of Heaven" and was pleasantly surprised to find it on this CD and performed by one of my favorite artists, John Gary. This CD includes so many of the Irish favorites, many of which are no longer being recorded or found in stores. If you are Irish (even just for a day) you will be sure to enjoy this entire CD. There are the standards: Mother Machree, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Galway Bay, Danny Boy, My Wild Irish Rose, Clancy Lowers the Boom, I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen, How Are Things in Glocca Morra?, Cockles and Mussels, That's An Irish Lullabye, Kathleen Mavourneen, Macushla, Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms, and many others. I know I haven't found a CD with as many of the irish songs on it as this one does. Danny Boy and A Little Bit of Heaven are the ones that I play the most, but don't miss the lyrics on "Birthday of St. Patrick", it is a darling, typically "Irish" explanation for something that can't be explained!! The performances by John Gary, Dennis Day, and Leo McCaffrey make this a CD that no self-respecting Irishman would want to omit from his collection.

It's getting near St. Patrick's Day, and if you are looking for a CD containing the best versions of "That's an Irish Lullaby", Mother Machree, My Wild Irish Rose, I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen A Little Bit Of Heaven, and Danny Boy, you've found the right site because John Gary's versions of the aforementioned songs are the greatest renditions, I have ever heard, and that includes Frank Patterson. Leo Mc Caffrey's version of the "Wild Colonial Boy" is excellant. If you're old

enough to remember Dennis Day who was popular in the 40's and 50's - and if you liked his vocal renditions of Irish songs, then you are in for a treat, because John Gary is light years ahead of Dennis Day. John Gary sings these songs exactly the way you would envision them being sung in Ireland by a mother to her child in "That's An Irish Lullaby" or a father to his son in "Danny Boy". I own 147 Irish CD's - from Patterson to Paddy Reilly - from the Clancy Brothers to the Dublin City Ramblers, etc. John Gary's voice is the best I have ever heard, including Frank Patterson. Leo Mc Caffrey's version of Danny Boy and the Rose Of Tralee are fabulous, but unfortunately they are not included on this CD. There are six Mc Caffrey songs on this CD, and I have yet to hear him sing a bad song. Dennis Day sings his songs as if he's American Irish, which is OK I guess, but not for me. In short, this is the finest and most cherished CD that I possess for the simple reason of John Gary's voice. But one for yourself, and one for a friend.

It's getting near St. Patrick's Day, and if you are looking for a CD containing the best versions of "That's an Irish Lullaby", Mother Machree, My Wild Irish Rose, I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen A Little Bit Of Heaven, and Danny Boy, you've found the right site because John Gary's versions of the aforementioned songs are the greatest renditions, I have ever heard, and that includes Frank Patterson. Leo Mc Caffrey's version of the "Wild Colonial Boy" is excellant. If you're old

enough to remember Dennis Day who was popular in the 40's and 50's - and if you liked his vocal renditions of Irish songs, then you are in for a treat, because John Gary is light years ahead of Dennis Day. John Gary sings these songs exactly the way you would envision them being sung in Ireland by a mother to her child in "That's An Irish Lullaby" or a father to his son in "Danny Boy". I own 147 Irish CD's - from Patterson to Paddy Reilly - from the Clancy Brothers to the Dublin City Ramblers, etc. John Gary's voice is the best I have ever heard, including Frank Patterson. Leo Mc Caffrey's version of Danny Boy and the Rose Of Tralee are fabulous, but unfortunately they are not included on this CD. There are six Mc Caffrey songs on this CD, and I have yet to hear him sing a bad song. Dennis Day sings his songs as if he's American Irish, which is OK I guess, but not for me. In short, this is the finest and most cherished CD that I possess for the simple reason of John Gary's voice. But one for yourself, and one for a friend.

This is a splendid collection of traditional Irish folk songs and ballads by three of the finest performers of this genre. In particular, John Gary offers moving and beautiful performances of such chestnuts as "Danny Boy", "A Little Bit of Heaven", and "Mother MaCree". While some of the recordings by Dennis Day are a bit dated (made in 1940s), they are all rendered in a very appealing and sincere fashion, and Gary particularly shines in his wonderfully controlled, touching baritone voice with his marvelous 3-4 octave range and fabulous breath control. Several of these recordings are simply gems and are to be treasured by all lovers of "the Emerald Isle."

This recording, is most likely the BEST overall compilation of Irish Standards, ever! I mainly purchased it, to hear 10 (out of 23)songs by John Gary, who voice carries you to Ireland on the wings of angels. Rounding out this recording are Dennis Day and Leo McCaffrey, whose Irish tenor voices also take us back to another place and time. This is the ULTIMATE recording for St. Patrick's Day or for any other day you'd like to sit back and relax and visit Ireland...if only in your mind and heart.

A real pick-me-up. Music to make you feel good and alive. You will find yourself humming or singing along - and maybe even long after the music has stopped - you won't be able to help it. Enjoy.

......you can't go wrong with this CD.

I purchased this as a St. Patrick's Day gift to my girlfriend (whose ancestry is mainly Irish), and she liked the traditional Irish music featured on this CD.

My Title says it All! The performances by John Gary are Especially Excellent! So many Male Vocal Performers get praised that don't really deserve praise, because they REALLY CAN'T SING! But John Gary CAN!! Whatever happened to Vocalists like John Gary, Robert Goulet, Vic Damone, Men who really have/had VOICES!!! This CD is Great for capturing that Good 'ol Irish Sentimental Spirit! Leo McCaffrey and Dennis Day are also very good, but John Gary's Rendition of "How are Things in Glocca Morra?" is PURE FANTASTIC!!!!! Well Worth the Money!

In my previous life, I sang (baritone) and I've always considered John Gary to be a great example of a singer's singer. I think it takes another singer to fully appreciate how glorious his 3-octave voice was truly was. It was a pity that his career peaked just as his style of romantic concert hall singing was being eclipsed (as was everything else) by the British Invasion. I always lamented not having his records until his CD's recently became available and then I snatched them up. His "Danny Boy" is arguably the best ever recorded. Anyone who can appreciate appreciate singing that is beautiful rather than edgy owes it to themselves to check him out.

Such beautiful music. Just sit back and close your eyes and you will be swept away to the Emerald Isle. I never get tired of listening to this CD. All the artists are so talented.