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Anthony Kearns has many gifts. His voice of course, his gift for languages, his sense of vocal style, and his rapport with his audiences. But this week, having attended 2 Kearns concerts, 3 days apart, I was again made aware of his consummate professionalism. The first three gifts wouldn't help him much if he couldn't rise to the occasion and sing a wonderful concert, even when he did not feel his best. Being able to capture and please an audience even when conditions are not optimum, is one mark of a great artist. "Ireland's Best Living Tenor" is such an artist. Monday's concert was very good. "Little Grey Home in the West," "Kitty of Coleraine," "Girls Were Made to Love and Kiss," to name a few, were lovely. "Ireland, Mother Ireland," "Torna A Surriento," and "With a Song in My Heart" were wonderful. And "Younger Than Springtime" was extraordinary. Anthony had to be extremely tired from the previous day's tapings and concerts, not to mention the flights. Flying is not kind to a singer's voice. But he used his voice wisely and well, and as the evening progressed, the voice warmed up, and we were able to hear its beauty.

Thursday night in Waterbury, CT, was an entirely different story. After having a few days off, Anthony was in marvelous voice, and the concert was spectacular. From the beautifully controlled "Sweet Vale of Avoca" to his encore, a stunning "Mattinata," with its ringing high notes, we heard a man in complete control of his voice. From astonishing high notes to clear, vibrant low notes, and his own special ability to crescendo and diminuendo, and then crescendo again, all on one breath, Anthony held his spellbound audience in the palm of his hand. They loved him! (Well, it is Connecticut, after all!) Just to make mention of a very special few moments....."Younger Than Springtime" was ravishing. This is the perfect song for Anthony, and if Rodgers and Hammerstein were casting South Pacific now, he would be a shoo-in for the role of Lt. Joe Cable. The 2 brand-new (to the
audience, not to Anthony) songs were an aria from "The Gondoliers", by Gilbert Sullivan, and another of Moore's pieces. "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes" was
charmingly done, especially at the second concert. It proves that what Patrick
has said - that "Gilbert & Sullivan suits Anthony's voice right down to the ground."
Anthony said that Patrick has been bullying him into singing it. And for that we
thank you, Patrick. Thomas Moore's "I Saw From The Beach" is another example of Moore's melodies. And in the shimmering and expressive voice of Anthony Kearns, it was gorgeous. I hope it finds a permanent place in his repertoire.
"Ireland, Mother Ireland" and "Vienna Mine" were very beautiful. "As I Sit Here," an addition on this night, was magnificent, and "I'll Walk Beside You," during which there was a key change, making it a full tone higher, was effortlessly handled. The duets between Anthony and Patrick were superb. "Bould Gendarmes," and "Friendship" were two of the highlights of the evening.

And speaking of the ever wonderful, multi-talented Mr. Healy, he gets better and better each time I see him perform. His spot on delivery, his perfect timing, and his ability to spin a story, can't be bettered by anyone. As Anthony has said, "he's master of his craft........and wait till you see him tango!"

All in all, it was a perfectly wondrous evening, and the lucky audience was properly appreciative. Having worked with concert promoter Michael Culhane, I know that they will be starting the process very soon, to bring Anthony and Patrick back to Waterbury. My home state has such good taste!

Berta Calechman