SOUTH DELTA BAPTIST CHURCH
DELTA, BC
MAY 7, 2010
The concert for the benefit of the Delta Police Pipe Band was held in
the South Delta Baptist Church, in Tsawwassen, British Columbia,
a lovely venue. Surprisingly, it was sparsely attended to the
consternation of me and of concern to Anthony and Patrick as they
commented on it, something I have never heard from them. We found
out later, being Americans and Irishmen and unfamiliar with the
Canadian social structure, there was a Stanley Cup (World Series)
play-off between the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Redwings?
Be that as it may, Anthony and Patrick always give their best
performance and Friday night was no exception. Berta reported the
improved quality of Anthony’s performance, and I will continue with
same. I think the programme may have been a little different from
Worchester; I will list the songs later. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
has been just a song he sings while I am waiting for Granada or
Vienna Mine. This rendition was far and away the best I have
heard. His lower register was deep, rich and resonated throughout
the sanctuary. It was like warm chocolate, smooth and wonderful.
Of course, he has not lost his ‘top’ register (“I’ve got top Ceeeee”).
Let’s see: Vienna Mine, Vale of Avoca, Kitty Me Love,
Sally Gardens, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Kitty from Colraine. Break.
Patrick was at his best too regaling us with tales of yore and
not so yore. He remarked that last year we had a pipe band
and “a great deal of beef.” That brought the house down. Then
he sang “The Girl with a Bit of a Brogue” after which he said he
had given Anthony enough of a break so that he could have taken
a bath. With that Anthony came back on stage with Because
You’re Mine, Deep is the Night, The Old House, and the Bold
Gendarmes. (I just learned that the melody from the Bold
Gendarmes was ‘borrowed’ for the Marine Hymn, how interesting.)
Intermission (“Talk amongst yourselves.”)
Back with Finiculi, Finicula, How Are Things in Gloca Mora,
McBreen’s Heifer, Estrellita in English, Star of Love, I think
he said it was, She Moved through the Fair, long time since
I have heard that. Under the Bridges of Paris which he dedicated
to all the ladies, Gounod’s Ave Maria (for which he received a
standing ovation), Friendship (Patrick really knows how to write
for Anthony’s voice), Danny Boy and, too soon, the encores,
Granada and I’ll See You Again.
I did not note when he took the second break for Patrick to
tell his stories, but I guess Patrick took too long because
as he was about to re-introduce Anthony, Himself came
striding out from backstage. Patrick did not see him, so Anthony
sat himself down at the piano and with a big grin, played a
few introductory notes to which Patrick said, “I take back
all those nice things I said about him.”
I will never take back the nice things I have to say about this
duo. They are two of a kind and without peer in my not-very-humble
opinion.
by Fay Loux
Fay Loux
