Search - John McDermott :: Old Friends

No regrets!

Barbara Lev | 10/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No purchase price was ever more gladly paid than the amounts I have spent on John McDermott's cds. I, too, was late in discovering his talent and have been catching up as fast as I can afford. This cd gets off to a great start with "Ye Banks and Braes" and "One Last Cold Kiss," both songs detailing the bittersweet experience of losing a love. I find the juxtaposition of "Amazing Grace" and "Farewell to Pripchat" (story of the town of 40,000+ abandoned after the Chernobyl crisis) very intriguing. The poignancy of loss is also explored in "The Skye Boat Song" and "Loch Ny Gair." But perhaps the most shocking expression of loss is heard in the bitter lyrics of betrayal in "The Massacre of Glencoe." The words are strong while the music is softly melodic--a contrast that is unforgettable. I can't wait for more great music from this talented, expressive singer. After listening to these selections, I gained a deeper appreciation of the Gaelic reverence for the bards. John and his kind carry a special heritage in their hearts and brains and enrich us all."

Old Friends Can Be The Best

kjenfan | United States | 09/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This early release of John McDermott's is as fine a collection of beautiful music as you may ever hear. As a followup to his unexpectedly successful debut album, "The Danny Boy Collection," "Old Friends" again features McDermott's glorious tenor on (predominantly) traditional Scottish and Irish favorites. His quiveringly lovely treatment of "My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose" is just as beautiful to me as when I first heard it seven years ago and the poignant rendition of "The Old Man" still has the power to bring a tear to my eye. In truth, there are so many highlights it is difficult to name them with any semblance of accuracy and fairness to those I neglect. Some of my other personal favorites, though, are "The Skye Boat Song," "Dark Loch Nagar" and "Massacre of Glencoe."



And not only is McDermott's singing on the highest order, so too are the wonderful liner notes, which explain his personal affinity for the songs he has chosen, as well as the historical background behind each song.



A sublimely beautiful album, "Old Friends" won't fail to hold a cherished spot in your heart."

Golden Tenor sings straight from the heart.

Barbara Lev | Rockaway Park, NY | 09/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Old Friends is a lush, beautifully arranged CD with an enticing selection of songs of Irish and Scottish origin. From the first notes of the haunting Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon until the last note of The Parting Glass, you will be captivated by John's clear, golden tenor and by the great musicians he has surrounding him. This CD takes you through many emotions. The modern day horror of Chernobyl is showcased in Farewell to Pripchat. The dedication of Margaret as she cares for her husband who is lost in the world of Alzheimer's disease in the so touching The Dutchman, will strike a chord for anyone who has had a firsthand knowledge of that terrible disease. The love of Margaret is a triumph over it and this version brings that love to the forefront. Dark Lock Nagar is an absolutely marvelous song. John's voice on this song hits the heights and makes you shiver and smile in amazement. It is GLORIOUS! As John himself is wont to say, this CD is a roller coaster ride of emotions. It has stories brought to life by the voice with the heart that is always there. Here is John's first version of The Old Man. It is lovely and it is most interesting to put it against the version that John now sings in both concert and on other CDs. This was recorded prior to the death of John's beloved father. It is a touching song with an edge of saddness for words not spoken. It's a sweeter version than the newer ones that have so much more of John's own personal pain in them. The loss of his dad is a part of him that will forever be there in every performance. Mother Machree has a lilting quality that gives thanks to mothers everywhere. This CD has poignant moments of historic loss as in The Skye Boat Song and Massacre at Glen Coe. John's Scots-Irish heritage is always in his music. ENJOY THAT HERITAGE! This array of songs is a personal favorite that has been played many times over in the years since I first was able to get my hands on it. So nice that now a John McDermott CD does not involve a hunt through little specialty shops in out of the way places. Take advantage of their availability and take the journey with John, Brigham, Bill, Ray, Eamonn and all his musicians and you will get a time well spent visiting places of history and bravery. Listen to a voice that is unique with perfect diction and a love that is apparent for every song he chooses to sing. Old Friends is, indeed, an old friend!"