Celtic Thunder Makes For a Striking PBS Special
72 | Amazon Price: $12.99 List Price: $16.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $11.99 List Price: $18.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $10.82 List Price: $18.98 |
You have to give producer’s Sharon Browne and Phil Coulter credit for their honesty. They make no attempt to hide the fact that Celtic Thunder, the latest sensation to join in on PBS’ Irish Invasion, is basically Celtic Woman with testosterone. The formula for both projects, in member selection and production, is almost identical, leaving this concert special feeling somewhat forced and a little too overblown for several of the individual group members. Still, once you allow yourself to forget the hideous lighting and ridiculous set, you’ll find there is a lot to enjoy in this production.
One departure that Celtic Thunder: The Show makes from its females predecessors is the decidedly masculine feel of the music. The opening group number, entitled “Heartland” is rousing and percussive, setting a promising tone for the rest of the show. The subsequent group numbers don’t disappoint. Most notable are the patriotic “Ireland’s Call,” and the dreamy “Caledonia.” The only ensemble piece that misses its mark is “Steal Away.” The repetitive, mostly a cappella piece is, frankly, boring and just can’t be saved no matter how hard the boys tried to sell it. Rest assured, this is not a problem throughout. The guys know how to throw out the power hits, be it together or solo.
The first solo in the televised special introduces us to Keith Harkin, 21. With a sweet face and a sweet voice, Harkin is an all-around feast for the eyes and ears. He is presented here as the brooding, romantic, somewhat lost soul who just wants to know what love is. Whether any of it’s true or not doesn’t matter: it works! If your heart isn’t pounding too loudly, you’ll love his renditions of “The Island,” Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and his own original composition, “Lauren and I.”
Another truly beautiful guy is Ryan Kelly, 28. Kelly is the embodiment of tall, dark and handsome, complete with piercing eyes and a smirk that will capture the heart and keep you hanging on his every word. A true performer, his songs cater to his musical theatre background. No where is this better seen than in the wonderfully entertaining song, “Heartbreaker,” in which he portrays a self-involved but irresistible ladies man. He keeps up the fabulous work in his other numbers, too, namely with “Ride On,” a powerful and dramatic piece; and with his rendition of The Eagles’ “Desperado,” which is beautifully sincere and heartfelt.
Tenor Paul Byrom, 29, adds a classical flare to the Celtic Thunder mix. He certainly looks and sounds great, but he would be so much more enjoyable if only there were less of him. Individually, his solo numbers are beautiful, but there isn’t a lot of variation among them. This is most painfully clear when he has two plodding solos in a row: a version of “She,” followed by the sickly romantic “Remember Me.” However, one exception, which almost makes up for all the others, is his commanding performance of The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin.” Bryom’s version is so real and passionate, making it just as good, if not better, than the original. Also working in his favor is that Byrom seems genuine and likable. He’s most fun to watch during ensemble numbers in which he sincerely seems to be having fun.
Unfortunately, with the likes of Harkin, Kelly and Byrom in their midst, the remaining members of Celtic Thunder, George Donaldson, 40, and Damian McGinty, 15, seem mediocre by comparison. Donaldson’s solos are filled with typical Irish melancholy and suffer the same lack of variation as Bryom’s. The directors must have realized this and made up for it by giving him the lead on some of the more powerful ensemble numbers such as Paul McCartney’s “Mull of McIntyre” and “Ireland’s Call,” which is so good, it truly deserves a second mention here. McGinty, on the other hand, is young and definitely sounds like it. He’s got a charming voice, but he’s not the kind of remarkable young talent like we’ve seen in the likes of Charlotte Church or Chloe Agnew. Even so, he finds redemption in his thoroughly enjoyable (if out-of-place) version of the classic, “Puppy Love,” complete with adorable, over-the-top staging. Indeed, Donaldson and McGinty have their strong points; it’s simply harder for them to shine.
Ultimately, Celtic Thunder pales in comparison to its female counterpart. It seems there’s just no beating the original. However, when taken by itself, it really is a very entertaining, and even touching couple of hours. Even with its flaws, I would happily recommend this concert to PBS viewers of all persuasions. It’s replayed frequently on television and the DVD and two CDs are currently available for purchase. So answer Ireland’s call and check out Celtic Thunder today.
Official Website
 | Amazon Price: $11.97 List Price: $19.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $18.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $7.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $5.81 List Price: $11.94 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.70 List Price: $18.98 |
| Amazon Price: $12.99 List Price: $16.98 |
| Amazon Price: $11.99 List Price: $18.98 |
| Amazon Price: $10.82 List Price: $18.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $11.16 List Price: $16.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $11.19 List Price: $16.98 |
CommentsLoading...
eltic Thunder is the best creation I have encountered for years. All the artists involved are superb; one is really no better than another, although Damian gets the most audience response due to his talent, age and charm. The Celtic Orchestra is amazing. Everyone has sculpted a true craft, unlike the talentless masses who appear on audition shows. The best way to support the Celtic Thunder effort is to attend one of their shows or buy the DVD and CDs. Damian and his friends also have other material they have recorded. This will help all the members to move forward in their musical careers. I wish Damian and his musical associates all the best in the future. Young people need good role models these days; there are so few.
This is quite late, I just found you, but are you out of your mind? The Celtic "Counterparts" as you say, are wonderful. Celtic Womens song ALL sound the same to me, high pitch and soft. These guys are real showmen, I was lucky enought to see them in LA, and the show was GREAT! ALL, ALL, the songs were great and done with real class, and style. I watch the video over and over again. My favorit is Ryan Kelly, but Harkin, Byrom, Donalson and little Mc Ginty are wonderful, and anything they have done, they have done they have done WONDERFUL! Their concert audiance was made up of every age group you could think of, how many times can you say that now a days. They should be praised, not put down, these boys and men are wonderful roll models, and something for a family to do together. You don't find that at Celtic Women Concerts.
The only real bone to pick with the production is how little celtic it really is. I'm sorry if CT fans are pissed at that comment, but God almighty, have you eve listened to the Dubliners, Clancy Brothers, Great Big Sea, Flogging Molly, Oysterband, Clannad, Lunasa, or Dougie MacLean (who, by the way, penned Caledonia and does a much, much better version of it himself alone on a guitar)? Seriously, if the irish invasion is this stuff, you best take a trip to learn of those who've passed the real irish, scottish, welsh, and english hearts from their generation and onward.
I like the show, if it weren't called Celtic. It's European men, some irish, some not, with voices. The bodhran player isn't even one of them. That's just plain sad. It's the same crap as Celtic Women, which on that note only deters people from REAL celtic music. Want to here the real Buchaill on Eirne? Go find Anuna's version, it's in actual gaelic. Or ho about the popular Molly Malone? Best done by a concertina and bouzouki duet.
Sorry, but if you want a taste of the celts, email me. I'll send real bonafide celtic music your way. If you want the marketable, psuedo trash that won't be remembered in 10 years, keep watching PBS. They always promote the best of imitations out there.
Like I said, good show, crappy idea. Take all things "celtic" out of it and it's a pretty good neo-pop stage prop.
BTW, good hub. Not anything wrong with what was written in it, just some issues with the ridiculous replies.
I am not a big fan of Celtic Women, but the first time I heard amd saw Celtic Thunder I was hooked. Together the harmony is spectacular, and they each have their own way of singing an individual songs. I like the fact that George really opened up when he sang 500 miles. Way to go George.
The Dubliners, etc. had their day with all irish songs, but we're in a culture where it nice to hear a combination of songs, and boy can they sing it. Welcome to Amercia and come back often. PS: Stay together.
I saw the show in NY and they played to a sold out crowd which was great to see.
Who dares to say Celtic Thunder is bad?! They are amazing! Paul Byrom is absolutely the best guy out there, with that amazing voice, hilarious sense of humor, and rather good looks, too. I first saw Celtic Woman, and think that their first two concerts are actually quite good, but afterwards--no deal. They should never have let Meav go. She held the group together. I went to the Isle of Hope concert, and it was weak. As for Celtic thunder, as long as The Swanky tenor is still there, they should survive and continue to be the best. The rest of them, especially Keith and Damian, can just leave. They will lose absolutely nothing. Yeah, add George to the to-go list.
Fantastic Hub, really well written and gives a real flavour of the music.
i am a 71 year old grandmother, and i watch celtic thunder at least once per week. i enjoy it so, thank you guys for giving me such enjoyment.
Yesterday was a gloomy Sunday with nothing going on, depressing as all hell, until the PBS pledge drive came on. Celtic Thunder, and 2 hours of nonstop laughter, began. This is the funniest stuff ever! There's some comfort in knowing that the Lawrence Welk Show style of entertainment goes on. I can't wait until these guys do Branson Missouri!
This is the biggest crap I've ever read. Less of Paul? George and Damian NOT SHINING?? I mean, seriously? But, in reality, Celtic Thunder cares nothing about the crappy reviewers. Celtic Thunder cares about their mega huge fan base.
Maybe you should get your facts straight, considering they're all from Ireland except for George who's Scottish. CT's amazing. Giving their own flair to songs I've never heard before... (and then I hear the originals and must say that I preferred CT's version for many of them). Damian sure has grown up, too!
(George is my fav, though :) ....coming from a 20 yr old)
I disagree about Damian. Of course he has improved over the years however from the start I thought he was fantastic. Now, he's compleatly stolen my heart. How can you resist that cute boyish charm and the sexy voice and accent???? Love him foreverrrrr
For you to say that Celtic Thunder is a break off of Celtic Women, you are way off base!!!!!!! The first Celtic Women I saw was wonderful, the next should not have been on t.v. The men are wonderful, they, and I mean all of them are just awesome. I am afraid Damian will wish he was back on Celtic Thunder instead of his new show, he would have more singing time. Ryan Kelly I really hope never leaves the show. George Donaldson is what holds the show together!! His voice is awesome. I just wish I had not lost my job so I could go to Kansas City,Mo and see them on Oct 18,2011. I would go in a heart beat to see these fine young men sing that you criticized s.o much
Ignorance of the fact, is the problem that most of Celtic Thunder's negative critics have. Celtic Thunder Show may not be 'your thing' and that's perfectly okay: to each his own, I say. However, the reality is, that Celtic Thunder is a 'SHOW' and NOT A GROUP and that is FACT No. 1. They are all celtic men and have a right to be labelled so and that is ANOTHER FACT. Nowhere in the Celtic Thunder's publicity is there ANY CLAIM that they perform "only" traditional Irish music. That is A FACT. There is a place for Irish traditional music, which is loved the world over and that particular music genre is well filled with many excellent bands and performers. But Ireland is a modern country where many genre of music is enjoyed. So it is A FACT that what we see in Celtic Thunder (and will learn if you care to inform yourself about the show) are men from celtic lands performing modern popular music and some favorite and new Irish songs together in a show, expertly arranged and performed by amazingly new, talented men who represent and cater to the music tastes of many generations of popular music fans. The applause from appreciative audiences at their shows, is certainly 'thunderous' so that part of their title fits also. The writer of this blog is entitled to an opinion but must also expect criticism when views expressed are obviously unbelievable coming from someone reviewing music and music talent...unbelievably ignorant! Oh, and, ALWAYS research your FACTS, at least, before you write anything in a public domain. Oh, and just in case anybody has missed the FACT, that CT's DAMIEN McGINTY has recently enjoyed much publicity and praise for his success in joining the cast of GLEE, winning a contest which started with over 40,000 competitors: well, I rest my case, for this certainly makes my point in saying, that the writer of this blog has ABSOLUTELY NO CREDIBILITY when writing reviews about Celtic Thunder or any musical performances. And that fellow readers is ANOTHER FACT!
Amanda B 2 years ago
I have to disagree with your opinion of Damian McGinty. At only 14 years old, he has an amazing voice that got my attention immediately. I had to look around at all the other guys to see it where it was coming from! I even considered Keith at one point. Damian has tons of fans. Keith's my favorite though... I've seen them in concert before, and I'm seeing them again on March 27th. I can't wait, sixth row seats!