Put courage in your dreams, Ronan,
and leave the rest to the Man Above,
and then you will carve your footprints
in the sand.
- Therese Tynan, to her son

When I was approached to write a review of Ronan Tynan's latest recording, released by Decca/Universal on March 1, I assumed I only got a third of the story. Ronan Tynan is, of course, best known as one-third of the Irish Tenors. While I have enjoyed the music of the Irish Tenors for several years, I somehow missed the announcement that Dr. Tynan left the group last year to strike out on his own.

Leaving a group as successful and universally acclaimed as the Irish Tenors had to be a daunting prospect, but there's no doubt the move was a good one. Ronan is a sure-fire winner. Whether on his own or singing as part of the famed trio, there is no disputing the fact that Ronan Tynan is a world-class singer and human being.

Before getting into the specifics of this CD, a wee bit of background. Ronan Tynan has spent his life facing challenges head-on and coming out on top. He lost both his legs at an early age, after which he became a record-setting athlete and equestrian, became a medical doctor in his native Ireland and left his practice to pursue his passion for singing. He then took that talent to the rest of the world as a member of the Irish Tenors and in 2004 went solo. Wow, what a career!

He even finds time to sing "God Bless America" at Yankee Stadium during playoff and World Series games. As a Yankee fan of nearly 60 years, I'd like him for that alone. Also, his voice comforted many Americans in the wake of 9/11, especially at benefits and memorial services for members of New York City's police and fire departments who were killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center. Oh yes, he's also a motivational speaker.

Expecting to hear airs from dear old Erin, I was surprised when I read the list of tracks on this recording. It includes several of my favorite hymns as well as popular and semi-classical songs, and nary a note from the auld sod. The initial surprise turned out to be a pleasant one. As Tynan explains, "For the first time I'm singing material that has tremendous depth and weight. I wanted to sing a greater variety of music and spread my wings a bit, make a move out of the classic 'Irish tenor' vein."

The recording opens with "Man of La Mancha." How appropriate: Don Quixote was the tilter of windmills and Ronan's life has been nothing but a triumph over impossible dreams. The soaring melody holds a bright promise of what's to follow.

Tynan's version of the perennial favorite "How Great Thou Art" is without a doubt the finest solo rendition of this hymn I've ever had the pleasure to hear. The crystal clarity of the notes transports the listener to an almost mystical experience. The backing of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra only adds to the thrill.

"The Old Man" is a poignant tribute to a father as he is laid to rest. Written and composed by Phil Coulter, the words of this song, as gently interpreted by Tynan, will tug at the heartstrings of every child who has lost a parent. In the liner notes, U2's Bono says it best: "When Ronan sings the clouds cry but the sun turns up sooner than it would have. He sang for my father ... when we put him in the ground and it felt like shelter. The wind died down, the rain stopped for the loudest, softest voice we have."

The traditional "Amazing Grace" begins with the words and melody of "Going Home" before going into the world's best-loved hymn -- truly an inspirational experience. A Celtic pipe soars over the orchestra during the final two verses as Ronan's powerful voice transcends over all and carries into the final verse of "Going Home."

The final track is "Passing Through," which Tynan helped write after "watching my mum succumb to the ravages of that terrible disease, Alzheimer's." It's easy to understand how much Ronan loved his mother and how much she encouraged him to strive to reach his goals.

Among the other songs are "The Light Inside You," "Mansions of the Lord," "Ready to Fly" and "Carry Me Home." If there's any criticism of this recording -- and this is only because of a personal preference -- the tempo could be a little more upbeat on several of the tracks, such as "From a Distance."

After listening to Ronan, it's easy to understand why he was invited to sing at the funeral of Ronald Reagan and the Presidential Inauguration Prayer Service for George W. Bush. Ronan Tynan is the consummate "Irish Tenor." Ireland has contributed much to the world; Dr. Tynan has to be near the top of those gifts. This recording is a sublime achievement and is a must-hear for anyone who loves good music.

- Rambles
written by Bill Knapp
published 17 March 2005