Customer Reviews

One Voice

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

 

 

Christy Moore has supported so many human rights causes in different countries that he makes Bob Dylan seem politically-timid, Joan Baez look lazy, and may have spent more time performing in prisons than Johnny Cash. Moore begins each of the 200+ chapters with the lyrics of a song in his repertoire, many of which he has written, and explains what the song means to him. With openness about his feelings and candor about his wild-man past, he achieves an intimacy and depth that eludes more traditionally-structured biographies. Every bit as good a singer as Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor and Bono, Moore could have cashed in a long time ago with more mainstream material, but instead has followed his passion for Irish "trad," folk and protest songs of many nations. "One Voice" includes many photos of Moore's family, friends and fellow musicians. An engaging self-portrait of an artist/activist, whose infectious love of folk music and the people who make it will keep readers turning pages long after they meant to go to sleep.

First, I love Christy Moore. His approach to singing, his connection to audiences, his songwriting and, of course, his voice make him a wonderful performer. This book is autobiographical, but in a unique way. He provides information and opinions as connections to songs, offering the lyrics as well. In most cases, these snippets work well, creating an understanding of Moore's connection to his music and of his long-time struggles to find himself. Sometimes, he's angry, and often he's filled with guilt; his thoughts about his family, especially about his mother, are raw, painful and utterly absorbing. Other times, though, he's whimsical and funny. This book is as unique as the man himself.

Being a huge fan of Christy it is wonderful to read about where each song originated, and learn so much more about him. He is a very kind man, and I am a big fan.