First I post a self-serving review, now I post a plug. But tis one’s for a good cause.
Saint Paddy’s Day is over and the Amateur Irish have gone home to pounding skulls believing that Guinness is Good For You, which it is, but not remembering that Too Much Guinness is Bad for Anybody. In their wake, my own brother Brian, frontman for the Irish/Americana Roots band Arranmore, has spent the last few days playing his fingers off all over Chicagoland, from Bridgeport to Beverly, from Midway to South Shore. And now he has to get back to his day job. Such is the life of a man who plays it because he loves it.
Well I wanted to salute him in the beery aftermath of the day, because I missed singing with him this time around, but more so because he and Arranmore are always worth seeing. So I’ll bring you his rendition of Danny Boy, a rendition that’s not at all corny, as it usually is. And if you’re ever in Chicago or thereabouts and hear of Arranmore playing, go see them and give my brother a nod.
13 responses so far ↓
1 Dan Noutko-Kennedy on Mar 18, 2008 at 4:25 am
As a Danny whose Irish blood is never distilled with green beer or any manner of whiskey it is refreshing to hear such a lovely version of this song that doesn’t stagger and stumble between schmaltzy and maudlin. And may God bless the artist who shares his gifts with others even when fame and fortune are not given in return.
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2 stirrell on Mar 18, 2008 at 4:48 am
Your brother is Randy Bachman? Sorry, too obvious.
Thanks for sharing this. It truly is inspirational to see people doing the things they love. And in this case, doing them well.
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3 Beautiful Houndstooth on Mar 18, 2008 at 5:19 am
I wish you’da mentioned it before he performed! Thanks for the video clip.
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Reply from SEISMIC on March 18, 2008:
I second that!! Rock on to your brother!!
4 Natureboy (Ken) on Mar 18, 2008 at 5:38 am
Yeah, but can he get us Kevin’s autograph?
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5 Bill Corbett on Mar 18, 2008 at 6:05 am
A beautiful version of that song. Thanks. For once I didn’t want to weep and barf, simultaneously.
If you and Brian ever need me to step in and sing my punk version of “Carrickfergus,” well… you have my number.
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Reply from Dave-o on March 18, 2008:
“If you and Brian ever need me to step in and sing my punk version of “Carrickfergus,” well… you have my number.”
i’d buy that cd…but i suppose i have a sorta twisted taste in music/sense of humour.though
6 Clint on Mar 18, 2008 at 7:01 am
What a beautiful arrangement of that song. Lovely chord structures and a great voice. And I’ve always loved that melody, though it has been corned over the years.
But this - quality all around.
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7 MSTJedi on Mar 18, 2008 at 7:33 am
So is it Murphy family law that all male members must wear beards?
That said, great performance by your brother there. Now I see that vocal prowess runs in the family. I would’ve loved to see you singing along with him.
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8 Queen Bee on Mar 18, 2008 at 8:11 am
You’re a good brother, Kevin. And your brother’s a darn good singer.
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9 Neb on Mar 18, 2008 at 9:09 am
Well, I see that vocal ability runs in the family! That really is a fresh, appealing version of an old nut. Thanks for sharing!
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10 Dave-o on Mar 18, 2008 at 1:11 pm
i concur with everyone here, very tastefully and beautifully done. You and your brother are each talented in your respected fields. It would be great to hear a duet with you both. Ah! Irish harmony
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11 DL Shakey on Mar 18, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I’m from the south suburbs, with some Irish roots in the city; I’ll have to keep my ears peeled the next time I have some time to hang around some music venues. As an 18 year old “musician”, it’s refreshing to see guys out there playing music becuase they love it.
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