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25 of 26 found the following review helpful:
 As Delightful As The Original!Mar 14, 2000
By Dawn Livingston
I like John McDermott's voice, so without intending to be, I was a little standoffish with regards to Finbar Wright. Face it, John McDermott cannot be replaced. What you have in Finbar Wright is a strong, beautiful, noteworthy voice in the operatic style of Tynan and Kearns. Basically, he's won me over enough for me to want to buy his solo CD and if that's not a recommendation, I don't know what is. McDermott has a distinct and warm voice but Wright's is worthwhile too. Wright starting off the songs "Dublin in the Rare Old Times" and "Fields of Athenry" was ideal. There is something of Wright's voice that seems (at least to me) to be a combination of Kearns and McDermott's voices and well suited to the kinds of songs that McDermott would sing. Perhaps the best song of the entire CD is "Scorn Not His Simplicity" by Tynan. A beautiful song I'd never heard before with thoughtful, stirring lyrics paired with Tynan's distinctive and expressive voice. Exquisite. If it were a movie, it would win an Oscar. Kearns stand-out songs are "Bantry Bay" and "There is a Flower That Bloometh." Both beautiful songs done full justice by Kearns. By the way, the "gloaming" of "Bantry Bay" means twilight. Didn't know that til I looked it up. "Dublin in the Rare Old Times" was warm and very well done. I liked "Molly Malone" but having first heard the slower, sadder Dubliners version I find it hard to get used to the Irish Tenors one. It seems rushed and the ending seems too abrupt. The "Fields of Athenry" by Wright, Kearns and Tynan was very well done but topped by the dramatic "Star of the County Down", also done by the three. For those that like "The Fields of Athenry," I highly recommend the version of it done by singer Paddy Reilly. Because Wright, Tynan and Kearns sing in an operatic style I think they sing more easily together. Perhaps it is easier for them to sing in harmony than it is with McDermott because his style is a little different, that is, not operatic. And the harmony of Wright, Kearns and Tynan is at it's best in "Star of the County Down." However, "Red is the Rose" showcases how marvelous the harmonies between the distinct voices and styles of McDermott, Kearns and Tynan can be at their best. Beautiful lyrics, melody and harmonies. A quiet and restrained song, delicate and beautiful yet strong. Perfection. I simply cannot imagine it being done better. "Carrickfergus," "Green Isle of Erin" and "Isle of Inisfree" were all done well by Finbar Wright and though I don't like the song "Carrickfergus" I have to say that Wright sings it beautifully so that I find myself listening to it anyway. I liked the Percy French Medley that begins with "Phil the Fluther's Ball" but I kind of felt left out because I couldn't understand all the words. I hope that in future CD releases, which I imagine there will be many more of, will include the lyrics. I very much like "Come Back Paddy Reilly" by Tynan, and "The Lay of the West Clare Railway" by Wright, and I think they were the perfect choices to sing those particular songs as their voices seemed to be an excellent fit. I think the song "Paddy McGinty's Goat" would be a good song to include on a future CD along the same lines as those in the Percy French Medley. Other songs to include in the future might be "Irish Ways and Irish Laws" and perhaps "The Widow Malone." I think some may be disappointed that McDermott's involvement was so small. But he does have solo CD's of his own and this is the Irish Tenors, not just him alone. Kearns voice is always good but seems to get better the more listened to and Tynan is always a delight. Wright is not McDermott, but his voice will charm you if you only let it. I hate the idea that either Wright or McDermott won't be in the next tenors CD. An evening spent listening to them is a relaxing and delightful one. But, fortunately, I can console myself with the CD's that exist already. I think if you get the CD because your favorite is McDermott, then you might be disappointed because he sings only two songs and Wright is not a carbon copy of him. However, if you listen to the CD wanting to be entertained, and wanting to listen to beautiful songs done very well, possibly better than anyone else can do them, you will be very happy with this CD.
22 of 23 found the following review helpful:
They've done it again!Mar 11, 2000
I have once again lost myself in the music of these wonderful men. They are more relaxed in this CD and their passion comes through brilliantly. Anthony continues to amaze in his range of songs. His "Phil the Fluther's Ball" cause the foot to tap and his "There is a Flower that Bloometh" and "She is Far From the Land" cause the heart to swell. Finbar is a wonderful addition and I look forward to hearing more from him. "Carrickfergus" is a song I have loved for years and "Isle of Inisfree" brings back the memories too. Ronan continues to delight and make us think also. His "Scorn Not His Simplicity" brings tears. The wonderful surprise of John McDermott made the performance that much more special. I want the Four Irish Tenors next!
15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
The Irish Tenors "Live in Belfast:"Mar 18, 2000
This CD is everything I hoped it would be! Finbar Wright is a great addition and I hope he stays when John McDermott returns; four Irish Tenors instead of three.
16 of 17 found the following review helpful:
The Four Tenors?Apr 19, 2000
By Lavonne McClish
After I had taped the "Live from Belfast" television program from PBS, I liked it so much that I wanted the CD also. I greatly admired John McDermott for singing the tribute to his parents so soon after his mother's death. Obviously the audience loved him, and I liked him too. However, Finbar Wright is an excellent tenor, and I would like to see him given more opportunities. As for Anthony Kearns, he has, to my way of thinking, a nearly perfect voice. I love the way he ornaments a note with trills, turns, and lilts. He can sing fun songs, patriotic songs, and sad songs equally well. He seems to put everything he has, emotionally, into his singing, and he touches my heart.
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
MesmerizingMar 24, 2000
By Mrs. John T. McFadden
I happened to turn (by Irish luck!) to Channel 12 a few weeks ago and saw the Irish Tenors perform. I was so impressed by their beautiful voices and performance that I had to order the CD right away. The next week I attended two St. Patrick's Day festivities where some of the same songs were performed, poorly in comparison. The genius of the arrangements by McNamara is equaled to each of the tenors' delivery. I am especially impressed the voice of Finbar Wright. The harmony and excellent vocal collaboration of all of them make for many hours of exquisite listening pleasure. I have been transported to another place and absolutely haunted by their songs. "The Fields of Athenry" is in a class by itself for story, melody and delivery. I highly recommend this CD.
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