- MICHAEL'S CHURCH
BROOKLYN, NY
FEBRUARY 27, 2005
ANTHONY'S MID-WINTER MINI TOUR
Anthony Kearns began his "cure for the mid-winter doldrums", also known
as a mini series of concerts, on Sunday, at St. Michael's Church in
Brooklyn, NY. The church was packed. And amidst the cold weather, and the
threat of a nor'easter this week, the beauty and warmth of Anthony's voice
were a balm for the ears, and the soul. About the first half of the
show.........the less said the better. With the exception of a moving
tribute to a fallen firefighter, by his Ladder Company, in uniform. It was
humbling. Anthony did not sing until almost 5:00 pm. It was worth the
wait, but it was a long afternoon. Anthony and Patrick gave a full
concert, minus maybe 1 or 2 songs. He began with a sweet "Meeting of the
Waters." It's difficult sometimes, for a singer to choose which song
should begin a program, but Anthony seems to have a knack for picking
something quite special. The nostalgic mood continued with "Little Grey
Home of the West", a gorgeous "Smilin' Through," and "If I Can Help
Somebody", which was an appropriate choice, considering the financial
straits in which St. Michael's finds itself. They were all beautifully
done, and very polished. There were songs full of humor, which the
audience loved, such as "Kitty of Coleraine", "Off to Philadelphia", and a
new patter song - "Kitty Me Love." Anthony tossed them off with laughter in
his voice.......and the large audience was won over.
There were some very special moments, such as "Younger Than Springtime",
which sounds more luminous each time I hear it, "A Vucchella", which seems
to have become a staple of the Kearns repertoire. There have been many
famous singers who have made this song a favorite of theirs, such as
Caruso, and Rosa Ponselle, and now Anthony Kearns. We had a real treat,
with 3 duets by the dynamic duo, and they were all wonderfully received: a
rollicking "Bould Gendarmes", the marvelous "Friendship", which Patrick
wrote, and the very moving "We'll Gather Lilacs." This is a hauntingly
lovely piece of music, and as I've said before, with Patrick's mellifluous
speaking voice, and Anthony's shining singing, it's always a memorable
moment, and many a tear is shed.
But as is almost always the case, it was the "showstoppers", the
"barnburners" that brought down the house. Anthony's voice has gotten
bigger, and his top notes are spectacular. He sang a ringing "Mattinata",
and a new piece, "Song of Songs" which brought the audience to its feet,
and earned applause which shook the rafters. After the ever-present,
evergreen "Danny Boy", Anthony ended the program with a magnificent
"Granada", which, inasmuch as Father Pat's parish is largely
Spanish-speaking, was rapturously received.
Patrick Healy, looking well after his recent bout with the flu, was just
wonderful! He read some "Church bulletins with typos" which were new to
me, and very funny. He also sang "Galway Bay", and reprised his hilarious
story of the wife who goes on holiday without her husband.
After the concert, there was a planned reception with the men of the
hour, which was supposed to be a "walk-through." Not so. A table was
brought out for Anthony and Patrick, and it was a real meet & greet, with
both men staying until everyone who wanted a word or a photo with them got
their wish. Thanks to Father Pat for having the good taste to bring
Anthony Kearns and Patrick Healy to Brooklyn. And thanks to Anthony and
Patrick, for bringing the sounds of a beautiful spring day with them.
Berta Calechman