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« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2017, 10:03PM » |
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Act II
Teír Abhaile Riú: Now this song as the Act II opener I wasn't sure about. Frankly, I'm still not sure. While the girls had a blast and it's a fun little song (infinitely better live seeing as the girls play instruments and the choir guys smash the bodhrans), the old version of this song is 100% better. I will say this, we in the audience got into the song and Mairead was encouraging us on by clapping her hands and clapping against her accordion (the noise of which I could hear in row 3, lol).
Orinoco Flow: I loved the new arrangement of this song! I loved the guitar intro and the lilting dings from the bells or chimes or whatever it was! It was also wonderful to have a vocal lineup matching the original CW version (an alto, a belting theatre soprano, and a soaring classical soprano). I loved that they did much of the Emerald choreography, but didn't overdo it.
For The Love Of A Princess: Ahhhh.... Such a beautiful song.... Tara really emoted though her violin the feeling she had and displayed such depth of emotion. The live tour version is extended somewhat and gives her a longer and higher climax to work with. And she did work it. Just breathtaking.
Ave Maria: Speaking of breathtaking.... As soon as I saw the mic stand coming out, I knew what was coming next. And how appropriate that Ronan brought it out for her as Mairead elegantly approached and the piano played Gounard's Ave. Oh my word.... Mairead so simply soared to a level that Destiny failed to give her. Her notes were beautiful and her voice rang out like a church bell over the audience. I could hear her off mic on those high notes and she was just spectacular. My friend Jimmy, who I always go with, said he thought it was the best Ave he'd heard them do (and we heard Chloe sing it multiple times). And I have to say, even though Chloe's my fave, I agree. There's just something special when it's just the singer and the music and the singer's voice soars that way.
Walk Beside Me: Tara came out to introduce this song next. She said thanks for being a welcoming audience on her first tour and that she was honored to be a part of the CW family (I'm thinking YRMU) and said thanks to the girls for being so welcoming every step of the journey. She said she was thankful for the friendships she made with the girls as they walked this journey together (Oh! It's Walk Beside Me, I thought). She introduced the song and began playing. Now, I prefer the Destiny version with just Eabha cuz I think it suits her voice perfectly, but I was touched by the emotions the 4 girls displayed. They truly made me like it better than when I first heard the VOA version. And Susan! They do sing live guys! Cuz Susan flubbed the lines of the first chorus! Don't sorry Sue! I do that all the time when I'm singing along to it in my car!
Óró Sé Do Bheatha 'Abhaile: Mairead introduced this song as being from their Grammy nominated Destiny album (to applause from the audience) and told us that it was a song that was an anthem to Granuaile saying welcome home to a strong, champion of a woman. And when the girls were singing it, Mairead, who took the first chorus that introduces the song, was very much getting into the song and looked like she was welcoming to her favorite sports team. For those who have been wondering who sang what in this song, as I said Mairead did the opening solo chorus, Susan took verse 1, Mairead verse 2, and Eabha took verse 3. Very well done, reminiscent of the Destiny Tour version. I liked the fact that at the end, the lights were a mix of the green background with white and orange beams scattered throughout.
All The Rays!!!! This is a fun little display of talent from Ray since way back in the Believe days. But this time! Ray outdoes himself by adding a bit of foot tapping play in addition to instrument. Is there nothing he can't do? Then when Catriona came out playing while he was walking off, he turned around with a look that said, "Excuuuuse me?! This is MY stage!" Then they were joined by Anto on another drum and the dancers. A fun little performance!
Westering Home: Guitar Guy started playing a tune that I couldn't quite place... It sounded a bit like Westering but slower tempo slightly and a different key. Then Mairead came out and began the song. And before his appearance, Anti came out too early and literally backed out again from sidestage, almost as if saying, "Nothing..... You saw NOTHING!" I'm so glad they kept this song as it's my favorite from the Destiny album. I just love it!
The Voice: This song is slightly different from the version we're used to. It begins with Piper Guy playing one of the flute-sounding but clarinet looking whistles (I'm so sorry but I really have NO idea what instrument it is! Please don't hurt me!) while Guitar Guy plays a bit. Then Susan begins the vocals we all know. The vocals are much the same arrangement as before with Susan adding more power to the climax and the high notes. Could even hear her off the mic at points! Also, Piper Guy plays the same whistle over all of Mairead Nesbitt's old violin parts. I actually like the way it sounded better. I think this is Susan's best version of this song!
Ard Tí Chuain/Sadhbh Ní Bhruinneallaigh: Okay! First of all! Those are the names of the 2 songs, per the program. Feel free to copy and paste if you wanna find other versions cuz my computer nearly had a heart attack and crashed when I told Spell Check that this was the correct spelling. Secondly, omg! I loved this solo from Eabha! She came out and introduced the Sean Nos style of singing to us in the audience and sang the first part almost completely a cappella (minor orchestration could be heard towards the end of the first part) and sang the second with Guitar Guy and Ray and Piper Guy with Guitar Guy and Ray providing background vocals. Eabha was so very statuesque and breathtaking during the first piece. The second piece she was having more fun. I could hear hear off the mic in the first part. Not because she sang particularly high or belted but because the audience was so quiet and enraptured you could've heard a pin drop. I loved it!
Time To Say Goodbye: Mairead came out and asked us to applaud for the amazing band and all that they did which we most certainly did! Then she introduced this song as being one of her favorite new songs. Oh! It was breathtaking.... It was also interesting to see who sang what and where everyone fit in the song. Mairead was the focal point, providing those gorgeous high notes that could, once again, be heard without a mic. Her classical side was really shining through tonight. At the end of the song, we gave them a standing ovation that jus wouldn't quit! I'm serious! Susan wiped away a tear and Piano Guy was trying to start the next song but he couldn't until the cheering died down. Eabha, who starts the next one, was smiling and laughing appreciatively while still motioning for us to sit and let them continue....
You Raise Me Up: I actually like the new arrangement. But it's better live and I'll tell you why in a minute. Eabha takes the first part, then Susan, then Mairead on the first chorus. I loved hearing Eabha take the first part of the second chorus! I don't care what anyone says! I LOVE it! The choir's harmonies on this were wonderful and, best of all, all 3 girls were belting out the notes as strong as they possibly could. It wasn't just Susan hitting the strong notes. I could hear a bit of Eabha. And Mairead? I have never heard her belting out high notes like that except in the climax of the studio version of Let The River Run. Simply beautiful!
The Parting Glass: Eabha begins this by saying, Well! I think that you guys want another one, right? She thanks us for being an awesome audience and introduces this song alongside the other girls. I have to say, I truly love the intricate harmonies and the beginning and crescendo a cappella moments. I can even tolerate the change in some of the lyrics. But I wish it would've ended with the same breathtaking climax as the original version. Still, very good. Oh and BTW! For those of you who are going to future concerts on this tour, listen to the music from the beginning of Anto's solo on. If I'm not mistaken, the tune sounds very similar to Auld Lang Syne! P!ease, somebody check!
Then came Anto's solo and the girls' bows! Another fantastic concert! Although I do wish they still did an encore after the bowing. Like Spanish Lady! Either way, definitely a show I wanna see again!
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