After years upon years of love, love, loving the various combinations of women comprising Celtic Woman on TV, DVD and the internet, I got to see and hear them live in concert in the beautiful Belk Theatre within the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Uptown Charlotte. I never thought that the present talent could meet that of past groupings. WRONG!
Though Irish as Irish can be, Susan McFadden has that All-American blonde Barbie doll beauty and belts out a tune as well as and better than any vocalist I've ever heard, as she does with The Voice.
All of the wondrous women of Celtic Woman have been breathtakingly beautiful, but diminutive Mairead Carlin is perhaps the purely prettiest of all and has a soprano range unsurpassed by any I've ear witnessed. Her rendition of Ave Maria was spellbinding and soul soaring.
Eabha McMahon has a visual exoticism and vocal distinctiveness unlike any Celtic Woman to date. Backed by a wholly heartwarming/wrenching projected slide show, her performance of Isle of Hope... was perhaps and probably the most emotionally evocative song ever sung in my presence.
And Tara...sweet, new Tara McNeill....I may never feel the same symbiosis that I did for Mairead Nesbitt, but she is a multi-talented instrumentalist with a sweet, sweet smile. And she presents the visual epitome of Celtic femininity.
This tour is aptly named as these women are truly the voices of angels. Their solos are celestial and their harmonies are heavenly. And they have instrumental talents as well! Beginning the second half of the show with Teir Abhaile Riu, Susan played spoons, Eabha blew a flute and Mairead squoze a mini squeezebox, along with Tara bowing her violin to everyone's delight. I couldn't keep from chair dancing. I apologize to the entire Celtic Woman ensemble for the audience being largely comprised of a bunch of stiffs.
It's hard to name highlights within a show when the entire show is a highlight of my life. Briefly meeting and speaking with Piper Anthony Byrne was truly an unexpected thrill.
Opening with a powerful arrangement of Mo Ghile Mear, presenting perhaps the most musically magical arrangement of Dulamon, causing overjoyous weeping with Walk Beside Me and closing with an encore performance of The Parting Glass, Celtic Woman WOWED! As did their band, during their couple of sans singers songs, featuring the most resonant and resounding percussion section, led by the super talented and fabulously funny Ray Fean.
I've not attended many live concerts in my life, and none compare to this. I laughed. I cried. I stomped my feet and clapped my hands. I jumped up and cheered. I was transported. It is a memory that I shall hold and keep near and dear for all my remaining days. I just hope to God, Jesus and Mother Mary that somewhere along the tour, they shoot a concert in entirety for DVD release.
