by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Mick Moloney
Album: "McNally's Row Of Flats"
Year produced: 2006

Looking for something different and catchy? McNally's Row Of Flats is a flashback to another time, where America was a much younger place; in the late 1800's. This CD is centered around the work of the writer/musician combo Harrigan and Braham, who wrote vaudeville and minstrel show songs back in the day. This music was the precursor to the musical theatre of later days. The tunes don't lose the Irish feel, but definitely have the feel of something you might see performed on a stage.

This is the type of CD that you want to listen to for the well-crafted lyrics, which are both clever and simple all at the same time. You'll hear a wide variety of instruments, including button accordion, tenor banjo and piano. The arrangements are very harmonious, and the sound of the tracks are very pleasant to the ear. The vocals almost go to a barbershop quartet sound at times, adding to the show tune experience.

Being an Irish immigrant himself (as well as a scholar with a PhD in folklore) Moloney is certainly qualified to reflect on both the history and the experience. He does so with the quick wit and fun spirit that you would expect from such a well-educated Irishman. This is a terrific CD.

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at www.moonbeamdigital.com.

Labels: cd_review_2006

Posted by Marc Gunn, Saturday, April 15, 2006.
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