Search - John McDermott :: A Time to Remember

Magnificent Memories

helen2 | NY USA | 03/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Taken from the PBS television special of the same name, "A Time To Remember" takes its place as yet another superlative entry in the discography of Canada's golden-voiced tenor, John McDermott. And as the title implies, this is an album that soars with emotion, tugs at the heartstrings, beckons us to remember. The live performances, the deft orchestration of Frank McNamara and new arrangements, quickly alleviate any concerns that this is recycled fare. The biggest difficulty I have in describing the highlights of "A Time To Remember" is that there are so many of them, but I'll try. "Here You Are," a duet with the beautiful Allison Girvan is wonderfully done, as is the touching rendition of "When I Grow Too Old To Dream." (I believe the child's singing voice you hear on this is that of John's goddaughter). The jazzy sound John and conductor Frank McNamara bring to the "War Song Medley" (Roses of Picardy/Lili Marlene/We'll Meet Again) is delightful. This is evident again on "As Time Goes By." Wow, so many highlights, so many great songs! The arrangement on "The Skye Boat Song" is stirring and beautiful. John McDermott has often stated that he inherited his singing voice from his father. Track 13 features John's father, Peter McDermott," singing a beautiful version of "The Last Rose of Summer." Get past the scratchy sounding tape and all the background noise (for in fact, the tape was made in the Cabin Bar in Glasgow, Scotland in 1957) and you'll see what I mean. After that, get the tissues ready for "The Old Man." I haven't even seen the show yet and hearing this song made me cry. According to an interview I read, John glanced at one of his sisters while performing the song and that was it as far as keeping his emotions at bay. The mournful sounding intro to "Danny Boy" by Eammon Dillon on flute leads into John's acapella version of this well-loved song. Sublimely beautiful. Another highlight for me is track 16, "Christmas In The Trenches," based on an incredible, but true, incident from the Great War (WWI)When EVERY song on an album is good, when many of them are wonderful, what should you do? Not a difficult question, is it? But I will warn you, once you buy one John McDermott album, you WON'T stop there. In a sea of voices, his is the one you'll spot miles away!"

Another winner!!!

helen2 | 03/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John McDermott's "A Time to Remember" is a companion cd to the television special of the same name currently airing on PBS stations across the country. John McDermott, an original member of the Irish Tenors has enjoyed a successful solo career for the past nine years with several cd's to his credit. While "A Time to Remember" doesn't offer a lot of new material, the musical arrangements of Frank McNamara make each familiar song sound brand new and as always John's beautiful tenor voice brings them to life as no one else really can. Highlights include "Here You Are", a beautiful duet sung with Canadian Alison Girvan, "Christmas in the Trenches" which never fails to bring me to tears, and John's incomparable acapella version of "Danny Boy". John's special ability is to bring each song he sings to life and his rich tenor voice wraps itself around you like a warm blanket and takes you to the places he sings about...the banks and braes of bonnie Doon, fishing on the Mira, waltzing across the floor to "I'll Be Seeing You", fleeing with Prince Charlie "over the sea to Skye" - it's not just a song, it's an experience! John's cd's should come with a warning label - listen and you'll be hooked and most likely a fan forever. As long as Mr. McDermott is willing to sing - I'll be listening."

Kindred spirits, only please!

Irish Admirer | Hiwasse, AR USA | 04/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All you have to do to count yourself as John Mcdermott's kindred spirit is love your family, friends, nation, and timeless stories. John sings few "new" songs; he's far too busy making us cry with "The Old Man," "Crazy Mary," "Danny Boy," and the War Medley. We also get to go traveling with him to Skye ("The Skye Boat Song"), Cape Breton ("Song of the Mira") and meet new friends like Alison Girvan, whose lovely voice is featured with John's in "Here You Are." The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" could not be more effectively sung than it is performed here, perhaps because John acknowledged that he was thinking of heroes as he sang it. None of John's fans have to be encouraged to buy this cd; we wait for each one to arrive so we can immediately purchase copies for ourselves, our families, and friends. If you're not a fan, just listen. You'll learn to love him and his music, too."