Customer Reviews

The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan

5 star:		(170)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

After watching the Irish Tenors on PBS I immediately went out and bought the CD. I listen to it ever day and enjoy it now as much as I did the first time I heard it. I also have a tape that I listen to when I go walking on my lunch break. I loved Anthony Kearns' singing of "Boolavogue" and "Grace", Ronan Tynan's rendition of "The Town I Love So Well" and John McDermott's "The Old Man" and the "Voyage". When they sang "Spanish Lady" and "Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?" they looked like they were really enjoying themselves and it made it fun to watch them. I also bought the video so not only can I enjoy the music but I can enjoy their performance as well. I was so hoping to see them when they come to the West Coast but alas I was disappointed to hear that they will not be making a stop in Canada. I hope they will visit us in the near future.

I hope another TV special is in the works. The power, passion, and beauty of their singing makes me want to hear more. They are truly a joy to listen to.

John McDermott has been my favorite performer ever since I first listened to his "Battlefields of Green" collection (which is only slightly different from the "Danny Boy" album). Thanks to the Internet I was able to find and purchase all of his music. (By the way, Amazon, if it's possible, I'm sure his audience would like you to sell his other recordings, "Love Is A Voyage" and "When I Grow Too Old To Dream"). So when I learned that he would be featured on "The Irish Tenors" special I was very anxious to see the program. Of course, as millions who saw "The Irish Tenors" discovered, it was a magnificent performance. Although I've listened to this CD well over a hundred times, it just seems to get better. Whether singly or together, each performance is superb. Ronan Tynan's rendition of "The Town I Loved So Well" is incredible. His personality exudes a love for singing and joy in life that the audience can sense. His vocal range, from beautifully tender to extremely powerful, was captivating. (Is Amazon going to make available his CD, "My Life Belongs To You?" anytime soon? Many of us would like to purchase it). Anthony Kearns' singing will delight many. My ten-year-old son says he is his favorite singer and he wants to buy any music he has made (although I don't believe he has any releases as yet). His bouncy renditions of "Eileen Og" and "The Darlin' Girl from Clare" are worth listening to over and over. But it's the dramatic, passionate performance he lends to "Grace" that I love. What a joy to hear him sing! John McDermott's beautiful singing of "Voyage" and his deeply moving, emotional "The Old Man" were wonderful. He has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. The amazing thing, though, is how magnificent these mens' voice sound together - a superb blending of talent. The orchestration is perfect, arousing our feelings with just the right touch. A wonderful recording, light years beyond the mundane.

The songs are a good mix of familiar and not so familiar. "Grace" sung by Anthony Kearns was beautifully heartbreaking and sad because of the lyrics and because of his smooth, beautiful, powerful voice. "Mountains of Mourne" fun and funny because of the lyrics and surprising because it was such a great song I would have expected to have heard it already. "Will Ye Go Lassie Go," "Only Our Rivers Run Free," and "The Town I Loved So Well" sung by Ronan Tynan are truly delightful songs and stand outs. "Boolavogue" was impressive too. I have heard it sung by others though none so well as by Anthony Kearns. And though I have never liked the song "Danny Boy," if John McDermott sings it I like it alot. My personal favorite of the three is Anthony Kearns though all three have beautiful voices. I've gotten this CD and their Christmas CD and also Ronan Tynan's only CD and a CD from John McDermott. My question is when will the Tenors come out with a new CD and where is Anthony Kearn's CD? I have heard that Anthony Kearns will be touring next year as a guest tenor with a well known orchestra but I don't know the name but you can be sure I will find out and be there should he come to my city. As far as this CD is concerned, I am a tad Irish but I know you don't have to be to recognize the beauty and power of their voices and the songs they sing. And though the music may not be traditional Irish music as I've heard in recordings from the 20's to the 50's, it still is Irish and proud of it.

(When I originally wrote this review I had no idea that Ronan Tynan would be leaving the group and that John McDermott would be returning. But now that I DO know that, I thought it necessitated inserting that information in this review). Anyway, on to the review as it was originally written.

Now that they have several hit CDs under their belts and a change in lineup, I still look back at the Irish Tenors' debut album as their very best. The sheer beauty of the classically trained Ronan Tynan's and Anthony Kearn's voices melding with that of the Scot's-born John McDermott's can still send a shiver up my spine. You can also sense that the then relatively unknown threesome were as caught up in the excitement and joy of this performance as were we who watched it live on the PBS special. Old Irish standards such as "Toora-Loora-Loora" and "Will Ye Go Lassie Go" are infused with an enthusiasm that we seldom experience among singers of any genre. Anthony, John and Ronan LOVED singing these old chestnuts and wow, did we love hearing them sing them! Anthony's renditions of "Eileen Og" and "The Darling Girl From Clare" are done with roguish charm and Ronan's bravura performance of "The Town I Loved So Well" is a showstopper. John McDermott's "The Old Man" would make a stone cry as would Anthony's heartbreakingly beautiful rendition of "Grace." So do yourself a favor. If you don't own a copy yet, get it soon. It is definitely one purchase you will never regret.

Please do not misunderstand me-- the three of them (McDermott, Kearns, and Tynan) have a great ability to blend their voices for good ensemble pieces, but I found the solos on this album to be superior.

I can't wait for Anthony Kearns to record a solo album. His renditions of "Grace" and "Boolavogue" practically wore out the Repeat button on my CD player. I had purchased two CDs (one for me, one for Mom) since she really likes John McDermott. For me, Anthony Kearns was a most pleasant discovery on the way to McDermott's music. I listened to the CD BEFORE I saw the PBS special. Stylistically, Anthony Kearns really tells the story in those two songs with his voice; his facial expressiveness and demeanor as he delivers the song on-stage only makes his musicianship more magical.

This album by the Irish Tenors is perfect for both classical and Celtic fans. It features classic Celtic songs, including some of my favorites like "The Minstrel Boy", "Believe Me", "The Old Man" and "Booavogue". There are traditional songs and also songs by well known writers like Percy French and Phil Coulter. John McDermott, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan are three very talented tenor singers, who sing in very moving styles and make the songs sound so alive. I especially enjoyed John McDermott's style, with his strong accent. He sounded very good in "Voyage" and "The Old Man". Anthony Kearns, who is well known for his true lyric tenor, sings very powerfully and beautifully. His best song on this album is by far "Boolavogue". Ronan Tynan also sings very gracefully, doing some of the longer songs. His best on this album is "The Town I Loved So Well", which is very touching. The trio also sound very good together, especially in "The Minstrel Boy", "Will Ye Go Lassie, Go?", "Only Rivers Run Free", and "Spanish Lady". Part of what makes the music sound so nice is the orchestrations by Frank McNamara. His arrangements makes the music sound very strong, with a Celtic/Classical cross. Some of the best orchestrations are those of "The Minstrel Boy", "Will Ye Go Lassie, Go?", "Boolavoge", and "Galway Bay". It's hard to say everything about this album, since it does have so many great songs. All four of these men(The Irish Tenors and the conductor) make very wonderful music. This is certainly a classic to enjoy.

If ONE person reads this, and buys this cd, then I have done a wonderful thing; I have given them a present that will last their lifetime. I do not think you have to be Irish to appreciate the wonderful music on this cd.. all you have to be, is human, and have had a family, or have been in love, or have know those who have struggled for something that is just out of reach. I am 52, and not ashamed at all to tell you that these songs bring tears to my eyes every time I hear them, both for their beauty, their meaning, and their delivery. As I read elsewhere in these reviews..." IF YOU ONLY BUY ONE CD THIS YEAR, MAKE IT THIS ONE! "

I found this one in the library. The best irish vocal music that you will ever hear. This CD is recorded live at the Royal Dublin Society Main Hall. As you listen to this music you will have chills of joy up and down your spine. It would be impossible for any rational listener to rate this CD at less than the maximum 5 stars.

(N Haven)

The emotion, the feeling, and the vocal presence of these three Irish singers, both individually and collectively, truly stirred my soul. Some light-hearted familiar tunes, sung in unison and harmony brought feelings of immense joy. The darker, more poignant lyrics offer a look into the soul of the nation...tragedy and pain, much of it self-inflicted...but with hope for healing...and the optimism of a changed tomorrow. Highly recommended listening. There is a video of the performance as well. This would make a thoughtful gift to anyone who cherishes their Irish heritage.

Fantastic....I'm building a Celtic CD collection...and this is my favorite..along with "Legends" Phil Coulter/James Galway...so if you are really into the culture, Irish or not..I highly recommend it...The Irish tell their history in music..so be prepared to carry puffs around...Grace is my favorite song..next is The Old Man..which was played at a dear friend's funeral in the Summer of 1999. Both bring tears and shivers to my body.