Music reviews  Michael
Londra – Celt
LML/ALLEGRO Michael Londra’s first solo CD sees the former Riverdance on Broadway
singer lend his voice “that floats and transcends,” as composer
Bill Whelan puts it, to classic tunes like “Danny Boy,” “She
Moved Through the Fair” and “Ag Criost an Siol.” The
Wexford native also penned some original tracks on Celt, and while some
are a little oversentimental, all are well arranged by Grammy-winning
producer Steve Skinner. Londra was chosen for the role of Jesus in The
Passion of the Christ Symphony and will tour the world with this show
for the next two years.
 The
Essential Irish Drinking Songs & Singalongs: Whiskey in the Jar
SONY / BMG MUSIC
If there was ever a soundtrack to a good old drinking session, this
double CD might be it. There are tunes here to suit all types, from the
raucous rockers to balladeers to traditional Irish classic singers-along.
All the old reliables are present and accounted for here, with the Clancy
Brothers with Tommy Makem, The Dubliners, and Frank Patterson all performing
multiple tracks. Irish-American outfits The Dropkick Murphys, The Young
Dubliners and Rogues March also get in on the lively act. The Pogues are
front and center on disc two with live versions of
“Dirty Old Town” and “Sally Maclennane.” Definitely
one to have in the collection.
Mick Moloney – McNally’s Row of Flats
COMPASS RECORDS
This CD is Moloney’s ode to two of the most famous Irish-American
Tin Pan Alley composers and lyricists, Ed Harrigan and David Braham. The
two published sheet music that was sung and performed wherever a piano
or organ was present, as the lyrics of Harrigan and melodies of Braham
were immensely popular in the 1870s. Moloney arranges certain numbers
using traditional Irish instruments, while in others he incorporates the
big orchestra sound from Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks. A labor of
love, this album contains 14 songs that portray urban life in the cultural
melting pot of New York in the 1870s and 80s.
Greatest Irish Tenors – John McCormack and Frank Patterson.
VALLEY ENTERTAINMENT
This album would not be possible without the recent advances in recording
wizardry. Producer John Kearns has taken old releases from the McCormack
catalogue and blended them with Patterson’s voice and the Irish
Philharmonic Orchestra.
The songs chosen reflect the close ties both performers had to America.
Some of the old recordings sound slightly scratchy but this, if anything,
adds character and authenticity to the project. “I Hear You Calling
Me,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and a haunting “Macushla”
are standouts on this original and entertaining album.
Original Irish Tenors –
The Legendary Voices or Celtic Song
SONY / BMG MUSIC
This album showcases the voices of early-20th-century Irish tenors John
McCormack, Dennis Day, Morton Downey, Christopher Lynch, Frank Parker
and Phil Regan. McCormack and Lynch were born and reared in Ireland but
enjoyed their greatest success in the United States, while the other four
were born and raised on American soil. The album is an homage to the “Irish
immigrant songs” that all above tenors performed during their careers.
“The Minstrel Boy,” “Galway Bay” and “When
Irish Eyes Are Smiling” feature in this enjoyable compilation.
 The
Cottars – Forerunner
ROUNDER RECORDS
The dual brother/sister combination of Ciarán and Fiona MacGillivray
and Roseanne and Jimmy Mackenzie make up Cape Breton folk band The Cottars.
Highly rated in folk circles, they are exceptional musicians for their
age (the oldest is 18). Not afraid to experiment, they cover two Tom Waits
originals, “Georgia Lee” and “Hold On,” and a
Ron Hynes song. Boasting intricate harmonies and impressive lead vocals
from Fiona MacGillivray, for a group so young this is a fine debut effort.
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