An Evening with Mr. Wright
By Berta Calechman

A good friend recently said to me, that we only see a small part of the talents of The Irish Tenors, when we go to an IT concert. That was especially evident at the final concert in Cork, of Finbar Wright's solo tour. The most famous Corkman did himself proud that night. He came out onstage looking dashing, handsome, and relaxed. No "monkey suit", but rather a lovely jacket and white shirt, dark pants. And that captivating smile.

He began his concert with a song which boded well for the evening ahead..."Some Enchanted Evening" from South Pacific. Usually sung by baritones or basses, since it was created by the great Ezio Pinza, it was most interesting to hear a tenor sing it. Finbar's lower and middle voice is quite rich and almost baritonal. It was beautifully sung. This was followed by one of Finbar's trademark songs-The Way Old Friends Do. All in all, Finbar sang 22 songs, and 4 encores, and there were 3 musical interludes from his wonderful backing musicians. Although I was given the song list, I prefer to make special mention of some of the most beautiful and moving highlights of the evening. I think my favorite of the evening was "Miss Otis Regrets." It's a very sophisticated song by Cole Porter, and Finbar's biting enunciation of the words, especially the word "Madame", captured the urbane quality necessary to put this song across. It was sung with tongue firmly in cheek, and Cole Porter would have approved, I'm sure. "Little Brigid Flynn" has lost nothing of its fun since the March Tenor tour ended, and Finbar sang it wonderfully, and was very fleet of foot. How this bachelor is "living all alone" is a mystery to me!

Another favorite of mine was "The Contender" by Jimmy McCarthy, about boxer Jack Doyle. It was a very powerfully sung tale of the downslide of the boxer, from superstar to drunk. Just super. And "Blaze Away", a tribute to the memory of famous Irish tenor Josef Locke, was marvelously sung. Finbar didn't disappoint when he sang my favorite, "I Dine Alone." It was perfect. And I was thrilled with the lovely way he sang "Can't Help Falling in Love", an Elvis song. Well, Elvis may have left the building, But Finbar Wright hasn't, thank Heaven!

Finbar again dedicated a trio of songs to his American visitors, and I may have to rethink the fact that I'm not fond of "Don't Fence Me In!!" He danced with himself in "Tennessee Waltz" since the stage was too high for him to pick an audience member, but he made even that simple song a lovely experience. There was chatting and banter, too, and Finbar told a hilarious story about famous journalist and feminist Nell McCafferty, before the strings played a rollicking "Nell McCafferty's Lament."

He ended the program proper with his signature song, "Whatever You Believe", and it was spectacular! Really fabulous. Of course the audience wouldn't let him go yet, so he sang Danny Boy, and a trio of encores, during which he encouraged the audience to sing along...I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen, Galway Bay, and When Irish Eyes are Smiling. And there wasn't an unsmiling eye in the entire Cork Opera House, American or Irish, at the end of this evening!! I mentioned Finbar's wonderful backing band. It really was superb, and was marvelously led by Andy O'Callaghan. I know I had a crush on Andy by the end of the evening. He's a great partner to Finbar, anticipating his singer's every vocal move, becoming almost an extension of the Finbar Wright Sound. That's the kind of support a singer wants, and needs behind him at a concert. At the end of the concert, my friend asked me how I enjoyed it, and said "ah, we've missed him so much."

This was my first Finbar Wright solo, and I already miss him!!! Finbar, you can leave Paddy Reilly, but come back, yourself!!

Berta Calechman (who adores Ireland, and can't wait to go back!)


Berta meets Finbar after the concert