Worcester05 - Page: 1 of 1

Anthony Kearns made a triumphant return to Mechanics Hall, on Sunday night.
He told the audience how pleased he was to be back at the site of his first
American concert. The audience was even more pleased to have him back. I
know it sounds redundant, but this was one of the best concerts I've heard
Anthony and Patrick do. Anthony was in sumptuous voice, beginning the
program with the Schubert "Ave Maria." It says a lot about the confidence
and expertise of Mr. Kearns, that he chose to begin with this piece. To be
honest, most singers begin a program with something less challenging , to
ease into the harder pieces. But Anthony made the right choice. As soon
as his first tones floated through the hall, I knew this would be a great
concert. And I wasn't wrong. From the humor of "Trottin' to the Fair",
"Kitty of Coleraine", and "Kitty Me Love", to the thrilling "Mattinata",
after which Anthony said he needed a couple of minutes to calm his heart
rate, and a perfectly magnificent "Song of Songs", Anthony was, to
paraphrase something he once said.....on top of his game. He had to have
been tired. He and Patrick had a 6:30 am flight from Louisiana, and a stop
in Atlanta, to get to Worcester. But tired or not, he gave his
considerable best to us. And he was rewarded with applause and cheering by
a thrilled audience.

To me, the highlights began at the beginning, with the ethereal "Ave
Maria." It was reverently sung, and it was wonderful. "Younger Than
Springtime" is absolutely perfect in Anthony's voice. I don't think I'll
ever hear it more beautifully sung. "Song of Songs" is an early 20th
century "melodie" by Moya. The words are by Clarence Lucas (1866-1947),
and it was published in London, in 1914, originally as a duet. It suits Anthony's
voice and he sang it gorgeously. It was one of the loveliest pieces of the evening.
"Girls Were Made to Love and Kiss" is another perfect song for Anthony,
and he sings it with such sensuality. Two of the duets remained from last
week. "The Bould Gendarmes" and "Friendship", which by now everyone
knows Patrick wrote, are sung by both men with such
relish. They really get into the songs, and they and the audience have
loads of fun. This night, Anthony added a marvelous "Love Thee Dearest",
and after "Danny Boy", sang his fabulous "Granada", holding onto the
penultimate high note forever. It brought down the house, as it always
does, and brought the cheering audience to its feet.

Patrick Healy was even funnier and more entertaining, than last week, if
that's possible. He read the Church bulletins, adding a couple, I think,
and described in hilarious detail, the unfortunate happenings on their way
from Monroe to Worcester. And he sang one of my favorite songs - "And Her
Mother Came Too," by Ivor Novello. Having heard a recording of Jack
Buchanan, who created the song in 1921, I can say that no one does it
better than Patrick Healy.

Godspeed to both men, until May when we'll be lucky enough to have more
concerts. And thank you both for bringing the loveliness of spring to a
long winter!

Berta Calechman