Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile (Long Life to You on Your Homecoming)
An Poc Ar Buile (The Mad Goat)
The Rose of Tralee
The Old Bog Road
How Are Things In Glocca Morra
The Croppy Boy
A Nation Once Again
Let There Be Peace
Danny Boy
God Bless America
The Irish Tenors' fourth album sees the trio of Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan, and Finbar Wright paying a sentimental musical tribute to Ellis Island, the hallowed landmark that met the majority of immigrants entering the Un... more »ited States at the beginning of the 20th century. Needless to say, the Tenors' repertoire this time around is full of reflective ballads of love, loss, and homesickness, including the original "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" that opens this disc. Throughout this studio recording, the Irish Tenors are in fine form and backed by a soft-hued orchestra that never interferes with their soaring vocals. Traditional tunes include "My Wild Irish Rose," "How Are Things in Glocca Mora," and, of course, "Danny Boy" (the last sung by all three tenors, with refreshingly simple solo piano accompaniment). Thankfully, the threesome didn't forget that the immigrants had fun, too, as evidenced by some lighthearted fare; "The Courtin' Medley" features the Tenors at their most upbeat and comical. Ellis Island is a moving aural portrait of the struggles and triumphs of the Irish émigrés and a must-have for fans of the threesome. Newcomers may enjoy the Tenors' debut disc even more, as the earlier live album is a slightly more upbeat and spirited affair. --Jason Verlinde« less
The Irish Tenors' fourth album sees the trio of Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan, and Finbar Wright paying a sentimental musical tribute to Ellis Island, the hallowed landmark that met the majority of immigrants entering the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. Needless to say, the Tenors' repertoire this time around is full of reflective ballads of love, loss, and homesickness, including the original "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" that opens this disc. Throughout this studio recording, the Irish Tenors are in fine form and backed by a soft-hued orchestra that never interferes with their soaring vocals. Traditional tunes include "My Wild Irish Rose," "How Are Things in Glocca Mora," and, of course, "Danny Boy" (the last sung by all three tenors, with refreshingly simple solo piano accompaniment). Thankfully, the threesome didn't forget that the immigrants had fun, too, as evidenced by some lighthearted fare; "The Courtin' Medley" features the Tenors at their most upbeat and comical. Ellis Island is a moving aural portrait of the struggles and triumphs of the Irish émigrés and a must-have for fans of the threesome. Newcomers may enjoy the Tenors' debut disc even more, as the earlier live album is a slightly more upbeat and spirited affair. --Jason Verlinde
"This newest release from The Irish Tenors is perhaps the best yet. The selection of songs is superb, as is the delivery. Their voices seem to just get better and better! The CD begins with "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears," which tells about the first person through Ellis Island, 15 year old Annie Moore from Ireland. It closes with a stirring rendition of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America," which makes you want break into song.The remainder of the songs are just as wonderful (it's difficult to choose a "favorite"). Each one evokes strong emotion and may even bring you to tears. Some songs are poignant and tender, others more "upbeat" and stirring, but they are all enhanced by Frank McNamara's beautiful arrangements.Don't delay - buy this CD immediately! You will not be disappointed!"
Ellis Island: The Irish Tenors
Kathleen M. Day | China, Texas United States | 03/11/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the best album yet! All three tenors are in fine voice, and the orchestral arrangements show Frank McNamara's expert touch. Highlights are "Macushla" and "The Croppy Boy" by Anthony Kearns -- whose voice continues to improve. He can raise goosebumps when he hits notes like high C and high B flat. It's unbelievable how the clarity and sweetness of his voice adds to a song. Finbar Wright is superb In "Slievenamon" and "The Old Bog Road" to both of which the mature quality of his voice and his mellow sound is eminently suited. Ronan Tynan's rendition of "The Green Fields of France" is enough to make everyone go out and end war for ever. The Gaelic medley is wonderful -- the blending of their voices is better than ever and the climactic "God Bless America" is the icing on the cake. Buy this CD; you won't regret it."
BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!
Dianne E. Kraemer | Minneapolis, MN United States | 03/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Irish Tenors have grown into a polished ensemble of powerful individual voices, exquisite harmonies, and beautiful instrumental backgrounds. Ellis Island shows them off to perfection.The Irish trio, sung in Gaelic, is upbeat, unusual and, to me, totally mesmerizing. I was blown away when I first heard it and now can't play it enough! The first track is Isle of Hope, Isle of Freedom, about the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island is haunting and beautiful.It is truly difficult for me to pick favorites. Anthony Kearns' voice is painfully beautiful on The Croppy Boy, Finbar is wonderful on Forty Shades of Green. Frank McNamara is the musical genius behind the arrangements. This is simply the best music around!"
Perfection...cubed
mmmmhmmmm | Paradise | 03/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This trio, which might have become just a TV marketing executive's version of a parlor trick and evaporated after a year or so, shows amazing strength in this album, bringing to life a collection of traditonal Irish tunes, contemporary favorites, and patriotic tributes. More than either of their two "Live from..." albums, THIS is the perfect introduction to the Irish Tenors. Their song selections are poignant stories set to music, the arrangements by Frank McNamara are lush but not overpowering, and most of all, the voices of these three men are perfection itself. Fans of the two previous albums will be happy to know that this is a studio recording (no interruptions for applause) and also includes an insert with lyrics (although, unfortunately, no translation of the Irish songs).The Irish Tenors are here to stay, and this album is just the beginning swell of their next wave of popularity. Gift idea? Ride the wave and be the one to introduce your friends to this trio through "Ellis Island"."
Doesn't seem possible but this may be the best yet.
J. Huber | Littleton, Colorado USA | 03/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow!! "Isle of Hope Isle of Tears" starts the journey and "God Bless America" ends it. Between these two powerful pieces of music is the best collection yet by the best voices you'll ever hear. This CD takes your breath away. I have all of their CD's and frankly didn't think it could get better than the "Live From Belfast" concert. This is better although how they continue to improve prefection is a mystery. Listen carefully to "The Greenfields of France" it might be the jewel in this recording althought "Forty Shades of Green" and"Macushla" are beautiful pieces as well. There isn't a weak point in this recording I can't imagine anyone not loving this CD"