The Shamrock Tenors, a music group from Northern Ireland,
released their first full-length album, “Live From Belfast” on January 31,
2025. The band is made up of Jimmy Johnston, Tom Brandon, Matthew Campbell,
Raymond Walsh, and Jack Walsh. The band formed in 2018 in Ulster. This album
features 17 songs.
Typically, I’m not the biggest fan of live albums because
they tend to feature the audience instead of focusing on the band. However,
this album is different. The only time you hear the audience is when the band
invites them to sing and the applause. Was the audience not singing or
participating during other points? Was the sound technology able to solely
capture the band? Either way, this album is one of the best live albums I have
heard. The mixing on this album is very well done, considering it is a live
album. The vocals are clear and the audience does not overpower the band at
all.
The album features several songs that Irish music fans will
recognize with a few songs that are not as well-known. The songs that are
well-known tend to hold true to the songs without straying too far from the
classics. A few of the harmonies are different, which adds an unique sound to
the Shamrock Tenors’ rendition of the songs.
One of the songs that are unique to this album is “Bodhran
Duel.” It is cool to hear how the bodhran can make different sounds, depending
on how it is played. This reminds me of the Celtic Thunder drum battles they
have in a few of their songs, particularly their instrumentals and their
version of “Raggle Taggle Gypsy.”
While most of the songs are covers of traditional Irish
classics, “Mary” is a Shamrock Tenors original. The song follows the pattern of
traditional Irish songs, even though it is new. It is about a man leaving his
sweetheart, “Mary,” and he tells her of all the reasons he is leaving. “The
Friends’ Goodwill” is mentioned, which was the first ship to successfully travel
from Ulster to America, landing in Boston in 1717.
Another original song by the Shamrock Tenors is “Climbing Over
the Mountain.” This song is upbeat and positive. It reflects on the
difficulties the singer has faced throughout life, but they are moving forward
and celebrating who they are. The singer is going to live a life free of
concern of what others think about who they are. It is a great song with an
empowering message and upbeat tune.
The album features one instrumental tune set, “Ornette's
Trip to Belfast / The Green Groves of Erin.” It keeps with the theme of being “Live
From Belfast.” The set is well-played with a smooth transition between the
tunes.
Overall, this album is a lot of fun to listen to. The songs
are familiar for the most part, so listeners get a chance to sing along with
the album, even if they are not able to see the Shamrock Tenors live. The covers
of the traditional songs hold true to the classic versions and lyrics and the
new songs are a lot of fun as well. The Shamrock Tenors are carrying on the
legacy of Irish music to a new generation, adding their voices to the bands who
have paved the way for them.
Rating: 9/10 Red Roses
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