Irish Traditional, James L. Molloy, Philip Martin, Lynette Johnson, Thomas Moore, Frank Lambert, Raymond Loughborough, Percy French, Richard Farrelly, William Wallace, Tempest Sanderson, Francis McPeake - The Irish Tenors Live in Belfast

Just a year after their smash breakthrough debut album--itself still riding high in the charts--the Irish Tenors have added another delightfully varied collection to their discography. Live in Belfast again showcases the group's obvious concert charisma from a performance given in February 2000. It's a generous smorgasbord of medleys, traditional numbers, and songs from popular sources (including "Scorn Not His Simplicity," which Sinead O'Connor has interpreted)--mixing nostalgic sentimentality with selections of bittersweet melancholy. Binding the whole together is the unmistakable stylish charm of the Irish Tenors, whether singing in solos or in ensembles. But the biggest surprise for fans already hooked on the Tenors is the introduction of Finbar Wright as replacement for original member John McDermott. Wright's bright, romantic voice easily wins over a potentially skeptical crowd--especially in the dreamy "Isle of Innisfree"--and blends nicely with his colleagues. (McDermott, who had to bow out of the performance due to the death of his mother, makes a surprise appearance to solo in a memorable and touching "The Last Rose of Summer"--given as a tribute to his parents--and to rejoin the Tenors for "Red Is the Rose.") The arrangements by Tenors producer Frank McNamara are played with zest by the Orchestra Warsaw Sinfonia. --Tom May Amazon.com

Great Music and Outstanding Voices

My wife and I saw these tenors live and on stage and we were truly impressed. Their voices blend beautifully and they present a well rounded variety of songs. We so enjoyed the first CD that we bought this current one. March 28, 2007

Time for a new one

I bought this CD, (plus the video) in July 2000 and listened to it so much I think it must be just about worn out.!!!The video I have seen so often I bet I have seen every idiosyncrasy of each of them. The Tenors are almost my total pastime. About 12 hours a day, listening and viewing. I "met" them July 22/00 and have been to four concerts, and I'm still impressed by the joyous sounds of their voices.
It's been a lomg time since I wrote my last review of this CD, but I hope I have helped to encourage others to enjoy the thrill of the most magnificent voices of their lives.
The Tenor's #1 Fan,,,, Joan Way October 19, 2001

Wonderful music, wonderful voices

I do not claim to be a musical expert. It has always been my contention that music which makes the listener feel good, which raises the spirits and makes the heart glad, is worthy of being heard. Such is this CD. I don't listen to it to search for flaws, flubs, failings and screw-ups. I listen to it because it makes me happy. I am of Irish ancestry, and this wonderful music stirs a core deep within my soul. I got to hear some traditional Irish folk music I'd never heard before. I would hope that all those who listen to this CD would choose to enumerate its merits based on the fact that this music is meant to lighten the soul. It never was meant to be held up to intense scrutiny, because it is folk music. These are the songs the people sang. They weren't meant to be grand, classical opera, and should not be regarded or critiqued as such. They are beautiful and moving, just as they stand, and I am grateful that God gave these four men such voices to sing these old tunes and to preserve them for the generations to come. God knows we need positive, beautiful music now more than ever. May 31, 2001

Professional on professionals

I am taking from the best in the world. I have met Pavarotti's teachers (Joan Doanerman and Joan Sutherland) and also take from them. I am very well-known in musical analyzing and teaching. I have read all reviews, and personally, many of you need to learn much more about proper vocal technique to be a critic. The voice must flow, with support (breath), low larynx, etc. All four tenors possess the proper singing qualities. However, stage presence, song interpretation, and musicianship also take into affect. Finbar Wright needs to continue his musicianship. He possesses much more romanticism than he shows. Also, anyone can say words like "texturing, spellbinding and dominance," and sound like a knowledgeable critic. However, these words are thrown into sports review as well. Face it folks, know what you are saying. John McDermott has a beautiful voice, but it is a much different classical style than many people know. John is a Celtic Tenor, which means that his under- and overtones will sound much different than the other three. The symphony is NOT too dominant, David Schierholz. If you have worked with the Met recording studios, than you can talk with me, because I have sat in on them. These are live performances, not takes in a studio. Folks, I am a born and bred Irishman. These men are great, but there needs to be more of there individual literature available. I would love to find Anthony Kearns classical recordings. Then, when you have studied and understand the nature of the voice and theatre, then you can write your reviews. May 5, 2001

Tenners for Tenors

This cd and video was my introduction to the wonderful "Irish Tenors". Seperately each is spellbinding. Together they are nothing short of magical. Finbar Wright is a dashingly romantic figure while Ronan Tynan is most compelling. Anthony Kearns will be a major star someday in the opera world. His voice is clear and strong. Wright's voice soars in songs such as "Carrickfergus" and "Isle of Innisfree". He seems a bit nervous which is understandable given he had only 10 days to prepare for this concert. He was asked literally days before the performance to step in for John McDermott. Thank goodness he did! The one downer for me was the appearance of John McDermott as his voice is not my cup of tea. February 16, 2001

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