Thank you, Ronan Tynan! My all-time favorite Irish singer has recorded my all-time favorite Irish song.

The song -- "Fields of Athenry" -- is one of 15 tracks on the just-released Ronan & Billy Live. Billy is William Lewis, an American, who has accompanied Ronan at hundreds of performances around the world. Ronan says he wanted to give his fans the experience of a live concert. He says the recording is "even more special because you get the performance, warts and all, rather than the perfect takes that end up on a studio release." The CD was recorded in Dublin, Ireland, at a private concert for American friends.

Both artists introduce each track with a brief history or background of the piece that, to me, adds a bit of enjoyment to the appreciation of the music. The fact that this recording is a non-studio production gives it an intimacy and warmth as Ronan and Billy react to the audience and "the occasional flubs make me think that we are with you in your sitting room, singing songs around the piano." Don't let the apparent lack of studio perfection turn you off; the quality on this recording is superb. In fact, the upshot is a totally delightful effect.

The talents of Ronan and Billy complement each other. The combination of Ronan's powerful voice and Billy's gentle touch on the piano is mesmerizing. The obvious rapport between the pair lends itself to a performance that is both warm and humorous.

Ronan's treatment of "Fields of Athenry" -- Ireland's unofficial anthem -- is undoubtedly the best I've ever heard. That's saying something; I've heard dozens of versions of the song.

Perhaps the most memorable track is Ronan's moving rendition of "Into the Fire," which was written by Bruce Springsteen as a tribute to the hundreds of firemen who selflessly gave their lives on 9/11. It sends chills down your spine.

Lewis shows his ability as a singer in the extremely humorous "Donegan's Daughter." He joins with Ronan in several other songs, including "Kathleen/My Irish Molly O." His piano solo "Lament for the Wild Geese" by Phil Coulter is guaranteed to soothe your jangled nerves.

"Grace" is a poignant reminder of the heartache caused by Ireland's republican movement of 1916 known as the Easter Rising. Not only did many Irishmen lose their lives for the cause, it was also deeply felt by those who loved them. This one 'tis sure to bring a tear to your eye.

My wife and I were fortunate to see Ronan in concert. After listening to this CD, she said "this is almost as good as seeing him live." This recording is a perfect vehicle to showcase Ronan's voice as well as his impish Irish personality. Ronan has the ability to sing something operatic like "A Vuchella" and immediately shift gears for something light and funny.

Valentine's Day is only two weeks away. This CD is a present that both the giver and givee will enjoy for years to come. In Ronan's own words, "I'm sexy" and "I'm hot." It is available only on Ronan's website.

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