New Album Release

"We're Still Together"

Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis

CD Review By Davy Kennedy  Nell CD 006   

Thomas’s early solo albums, ‘Margie’s At The Lincoln Park Inn’ and ‘Thomas Maguire Sings’ were, I thought, terrific.   After hearing them, I became a confirmed Thomas Maguire admirer.

In the last couple of years he has been joined by the lovely Fhiona Ennis, and together the ‘package’ has become even stronger.

 Two of their recent excellent singles, ‘We’re Still Together’ and ‘We Were Made For Each Other’, are both included on this new album. 

I must mention though, their recent Christmas single, which is, of course, not included here.    I speak about Thomas and Fhoina’s outstanding version of ‘Fairytales Of New York’.

Yes it’s a cover of the well known Pogues song, and even trying it was a big risk.   But it worked, and I think that their interpretation stands on it’s own feet, as a really great recording. 

Now we have this new album to enjoy, and enjoy it I did, very much.

From  Thomas’s up tempo opener, ‘Please Feed The Jukebox’ right through to the last of the fifteen tracks, Fhiona’s original song ‘Help’(not the Beatles one of the same name), I loved it.

In their choice of material, they’ve not taken the easy option.   The same bravery they displayed with the ‘New York’ single is evident on this collection as well. 

Songs made famous by The Dooleys and The Travelling Wilburys.  Buck Owens and Johnny McAvoy. As well as some excellent ‘originals’.  A strange mixture, but again, it works.  The result is that the listener is never bored.   In fact, this is one of the most ‘un-boring’ albums I’ve ever heard. 

At this point I must mention the producers and backing musicians, All of whom are  excellent. Every top session man in Ireland seems to have been involved.

The sleeve design and photographs help to make this a very attractive package indeed. 

It would be unfair to pick out favourite tracks, but if my arm was twisted, they could be ‘End Of The Line’ or ‘A Rose Has To Die’, then there’s ‘Never Mind’, ‘aw’ forget it, they’re all good.   Just go out and buy it.   You’ll be glad you did.  

 

Like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in the films Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton and George Jones and Tammy Wynette were the standard setters for Country Music Duets.  Back home in Ireland Ray Lynam & Philomena Begley were the Pacesetters in the 1970's.

The Next Generation of Country Music in Ireland brings us a new alliance in the form Of Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis, This Co. Fermanagh/Co. Wexford combination was born in 2005 with the release of their very first duet "Promised To John".  At that time both artists were working separately with their own bands but as time would tell both artists would combine their talents to form Irelands current only Male/Female Country Duo on the bigger touring scene.

Track Listing

Please Feed The Jukebox

Never Mind

We're Still Together

Cannibais

Long Before Your Time

We Were Made Fore Each Other

Somewhere My Love

A Rose Has To Die

Little Homestead Cottage

When The Mornin' Comes

Love Me Tonight

What Goes Around

Tennessee Waltz

End Of The World

Help