Search - John McDermott :: Danny Boy

A wonderful experience in Irish listening pleasure

Sean Patrick | Boston MA | 10/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered John McDermott through the Irish Tenors Album and bought this at the same time. I played it many times with enough pleasure to lose one's self in. The Rose of Tralee is my favorite but Danny Boy rivals it. Although mainly an Irish fan,Loch Lomond and Auld Lang Syne are wonderful additions. The Dutchman and Waltzing Matilda were first heard by me from Liam Clancy and I'm sure he will be proud of these versions. Some of these songs are just too beautiful to hear - a stunning experience and I am a new fan. I want more works from John McDermott."

The Danny Boy Collection

Jim Reed | Reno, Nevada | 01/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm sure many are mislead by the title of the CD, thinking it's your typical collection of Irish Songs. Nothing could be further from the truth. John McDermott has put together a collection of songs from the various wars that have plagued the world in an attempt to ensure that those who fought and/or died in the many conflicts are not forgotten. War is one element of man's sinister side that gives absolute creedence to the statement that "those who forget history are destined to repeat it." Mr. McDermott is one of many who realize that many of those wars are fading from memory and to forget the horrors and suffering they brought about is easier than preserving their memory as a deterrent. Thank You, John McDermott, for the courage to remind us of those things that - while, yes, they're easier to forget - need always remain in the collective psyche of the peoples of the world lest we repeat their folly."

Both quietly evocative and soaring with emotion.

low.julie@uis.edu | Springfield,Illinois, U.S.A | 04/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let there be no mistake. Loss is the overriding theme of the songs on John McDermott's, The Danny Boy Collection . . . loss of love, life, limb, country, freedom . . . usually as a result of war. Yet McDermott's renditions of these songs impart an emotional sense of a nation's strength, dignity, and faith rather than an overriding sense of sadness. All songs on this CD are delivered in a slow,evocative style, leaving listeners in a breathless, almost dreamlike state. McDermott's tenor is esquisite, his accent both refreshing and alluring, and his delivery near perfection. His use of falsetto at the conclusion of "Danny Boy" is masterful, and "Amazing Grace" quite literally left me wordless. I recommend this work without hesitation. I hope to hear more from John McDermott soon and expect that his recent appearance as part of PBS' Irish Tenors will make that happen."