Customer Reviews

Old Friends

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My mother accidentally ran across The Irish Tenors on PBS last year. Ever since then, we have both been addicted to John McDermott's voice. I took an immediate like to him and went out and bought every CD I could find. He has been the greatest find of the 20th century! I've not heard a voice so clear and beautiful. He goes from the Irish to the Scottish songs with ease. Massacre at Glencoe and The Dutchman are two songs I have to hear more than once when they come around. If you like this, buy his When I Grow Too Old to Dream CD. You won't be sorry!

voice of the gifted John McDermott. This CD has an interesting collection of songs, which include different arrangements of "The Old Man" and "She Moved Thro' the Fair." My favorites are "Ye Banks and Braes of Bonie Doon" and "Dark Loch Nagar." I'd never heard of John McDermott before I saw "The Irish Tenors" on PBS, but it seems he's spoiled me for regular music! I've bought most of his CD's and play them over and over. "Home for Christmas" by The Irish Tenors is heavenly, as is John's "Danny Boy Collection" --which includes beautiful renditions of "The Rose of Tralee" and "Loch Lomond." There is some duplication of songs on "Old Friends" and "Danny Boy Collection," but it's still worth buying both!

No purchase price was ever more gladly paid than the amounts I have spent on John McDermott's cds. I, too, was late in discovering his talent and have been catching up as fast as I can afford. This cd gets off to a great start with "Ye Banks and Braes" and "One Last Cold Kiss," both songs detailing the bittersweet experience of losing a love. I find the juxtaposition of "Amazing Grace" and "Farewell to Pripchat" (story of the town of 40,000+ abandoned after the Chernobyl crisis) very intriguing. The poignancy of loss is also explored in "The Skye Boat Song" and "Loch Ny Gair." But perhaps the most shocking expression of loss is heard in the bitter lyrics of betrayal in "The Massacre of Glencoe." The words are strong while the music is softly melodic--a contrast that is unforgettable. I can't wait for more great music from this talented, expressive singer. After listening to these selections, I gained a deeper appreciation of the Gaelic reverence for the bards. John and his kind carry a special heritage in their hearts and brains and enrich us all.

The time and research that John invests into his choices of music is very apparent in this CD. I have all of John's CDs, but find myself drawn to this one the most. John is not just a performer, his music comes from the soul and you can't help but feel that when listening to him. The music world without John McDermott would indeed be a very bleak place.

I've never been thrilled with "Amazing Grace" until I heard Mr McDermott's version. There is nothing less than perfect on this CD. I discovered Mr McDermott thru the "Irish Tenors" he gets his heart and mind around his music and draws you into it. This CD is a must have.

John Mcdermott has a voice that can send shivers down your spine. With his accent you feel you are in Ireland. We have seen him on the PBS special with the Irish Tenors and my husband was enchanted with his voice. The song The Old Man brings tears to my eyes every time that I hear it. My husbands sister and her father have gotten the other CD's that Mr. McDermott has out and they are all wonderful. I must get his Christmas Album now!

John McDermott's rapidly growing following is well deserved. My family and I have been fans since we bought his first CD two years ago. "Old Friends" is a wonderful CD, with several outstanding songs. Most of the songs are traditional, but of the newer songs, I particularly liked "Farewell to Pripchat" (which laments the Chernobyl nuclear accident)and "The Old Man." They blend in very well with the traditional music. The CD is a delight, with an achingly beautiful rendition of "My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose." You will find yourself listening to it over and over and saying (as I do nearly every time), "I love his voice." "Lachin Y Gair (Dark Loch Nagar)is terrific, another song I've listened to over and over. I truly believe that anyone who purchases this CD will be thrilled that they did. It is truly outstanding.

This early release of John McDermott's is as fine a collection of beautiful music as you may ever hear. As a followup to his unexpectedly successful debut album, "The Danny Boy Collection," "Old Friends" again features McDermott's glorious tenor on (predominantly) traditional Scottish and Irish favorites. His quiveringly lovely treatment of "My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose" is just as beautiful to me as when I first heard it seven years ago and the poignant rendition of "The Old Man" still has the power to bring a tear to my eye. In truth, there are so many highlights it is difficult to name them with any semblance of accuracy and fairness to those I neglect. Some of my other personal favorites, though, are "The Skye Boat Song," "Dark Loch Nagar" and "Massacre of Glencoe."

And not only is McDermott's singing on the highest order, so too are the wonderful liner notes, which explain his personal affinity for the songs he has chosen, as well as the historical background behind each song.

A sublimely beautiful album, "Old Friends" won't fail to hold a cherished spot in your heart.

The time and research that John invests into his choices of music is very apparent in this CD. I have all of John's CDs, but find myself drawn to this one the most. John is not just a performer, his music comes from the soul and you can't help but feel that when listening to him. The music world without John McDermott would indeed be a very bleak place.

Old Friends is a lush, beautifully arranged CD with an enticing selection of songs of Irish and Scottish origin. From the first notes of the haunting Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon until the last note of The Parting Glass, you will be captivated by John's clear, golden tenor and by the great musicians he has surrounding him. This CD takes you through many emotions. The modern day horror of Chernobyl is showcased in Farewell to Pripchat. The dedication of Margaret as she cares for her husband who is lost in the world of Alzheimer's disease in the so touching The Dutchman, will strike a chord for anyone who has had a firsthand knowledge of that terrible disease. The love of Margaret is a triumph over it and this version brings that love to the forefront. Dark Lock Nagar is an absolutely marvelous song. John's voice on this song hits the heights and makes you shiver and smile in amazement. It is GLORIOUS! As John himself is wont to say, this CD is a roller coaster ride of emotions. It has stories brought to life by the voice with the heart that is always there. Here is John's first version of The Old Man. It is lovely and it is most interesting to put it against the version that John now sings in both concert and on other CDs. This was recorded prior to the death of John's beloved father. It is a touching song with an edge of saddness for words not spoken. It's a sweeter version than the newer ones that have so much more of John's own personal pain in them. The loss of his dad is a part of him that will forever be there in every performance. Mother Machree has a lilting quality that gives thanks to mothers everywhere. This CD has poignant moments of historic loss as in The Skye Boat Song and Massacre at Glen Coe. John's Scots-Irish heritage is always in his music. ENJOY THAT HERITAGE! This array of songs is a personal favorite that has been played many times over in the years since I first was able to get my hands on it. So nice that now a John McDermott CD does not involve a hunt through little specialty shops in out of the way places. Take advantage of their availability and take the journey with John, Brigham, Bill, Ray, Eamonn and all his musicians and you will get a time well spent visiting places of history and bravery. Listen to a voice that is unique with perfect diction and a love that is apparent for every song he chooses to sing. Old Friends is, indeed, an old friend!