IRISH TENORS REUNION CONCERT
COUNT BASIE THEATRE
RED BANK, NJ
August 19, 2010
The Irish Tenors sang the first concert of their two-concert "Reunion Tour",
in Red Bank, on Thursday night, and it was a wonderful evening. The
"usual suspects" were all there, with Ronan Tynan back in his accustomed
spot, next to Maestro Arnie Roth, who was also back in his rightful place
on the podium.
After the introductions were made, Anthony said the Tenors would take
us down Memory Lane, and they proceeded to do just that. Most of the
songs Tenor fans have come to know and love were there, and most of
us knew all the words to every song. After the opening orchestral piece,
played beautifully by the excellent orchestra, the men strode out to
"The Harp that Once through Tara's Halls." It was apparent that all three
were in excellent voice, and so the show began........
Each tenor sang three solos, and they picked songs that were mostly
perfect for them, and for which they were justly famous. Finbar's first
solo was one I haven't heard him sing in years....The Foggy Dew. It's
a lovely song, and Finbar sang it very beautifully. It brought back
memories of the review the Boston newspaper gave after he sang it
the first time. The reviewer commented on how Mr. Wright had fallen
into the "foggy jewels." Which we all thought was a nice place to fall!
His other two solos were "When You Were Sweet Sixteen," and a
marvelous and suave "South of the Border," which never fails to
tickle the audience, as they can't believe it was written by an Irishman.
Ronan came out to much applause, and proceded to sing his heart out
in his three solos....the highlight of which was a splendid version of
"The Town I Loved So Well." He also sang a very poignant "Grandfather's
Emigrant Eyes," and "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen," which he
said the other two lads had picked for him, since he was now the newcomer.
Anthony said years ago, that opera was his passion. It is also very
beneficial to his voice, because after his recent opera performances
in Ireland, he sang magnificently this night. He sang a delightful "How
are Things in Glocca Morra," and although it's not one of my favorites,
he seems to like it, and his pleasure is contagious. Now, I have to
say that he sang the hell out of "The West's Awake." I've never
heard it sung with more passion, pride, and plangency. Even
though I've heard him sing it many times, it was as if this was the
first time I'd heard it. Every word was clear as day, and he ended
on an absolutely stunning high C. In fact, I counted at least five
high Cs, along with several assorted high B-flats, and B-naturals.
He also sang one of the finest versions of "Grace," that I've ever
heard him sing.
The trios were terrific, going all the way back to The Minstrel Boy,
The Courtin' Medley, Isle of Hope, a beautiful arrangement of Galway
Bay, a raucous Irish Molly, and Whiskey in the Jar, a lively Will You Go,
Lassie, in which they danced (almost) like old times, Toora Loora
Loora, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, during which Finbar urged
the audience to join in, and a particularly beautiful Fields of Athenry.
There were hijinks galore, with Ronan the instigator as usual, and
the laughs went on all evening long. The photos by all our wonderful
photographers, on this website, tell the story.
The orchestra, as I said earlier, was excellent. The Tenors
dedicated the concert to a man who, through the years, had
helped them with pickup musicians. So I don't know if this was
the New Jersey Symphony, or a group of fine musicians. But they
were truly fine musicians, and they added so much to the high
standard of the concert. They were led by our own Arnie Roth,
and it was good to have him back at the helm. I really believe the
Tenors sing better, under his baton. That's the mark of a great conductor.
The lady sitting next to me, was a bit concerned that they hadn't
sung Danny Boy, and it seemed that the concert was over. I
assured her that no Irish Tenors concert would ever conclude
without Danny, and they would be back to sing some encores.
She felt better when Arnie came out again, and mounted the podium.
The concert finally ended when Danny made his appearance, and
amid cheers and whistles, Anthony bid the standing audience
"Good night, and safe home."
So, as it states at the beginning of the photo section....a good time
was had by all. The Irish Tenors did what they do better than anyone........
they sang beautifully, and brought a tear to the eye, and a smile to the
lips. Many smiles. And what could be better than that??
Berta Calechman
