From: Pete Fyfe
[petefyfe_at_aol_dot_com]
Sent: 07 June 2012 00:59
Subject: Pete Fyfe: Tommy Fleming
review & sleeve
Attachments: Tommy Fleming - Platinum
Collection.jpg
TOMMY FLEMING - The Platinum
Collection (TF Productions TFPCD007)
The first time I heard Tommy
Fleming sing was probably around 1996 when he was the latest recruit to the
ranks of De Dannan. Of course the lads kicked up a storm (as they always have)
but it was Fleming's operatic tones that truly astonished the audience.
Unfortunately (to my shame) I did not catch up with him until recently having
by chance caught sight of his website whilst doing some research. In the
intervening years he has carved himself a reputation as one of Ireland's finest
singers and deservedly so if this handsome 3 CD set is anything to go by. With
twenty years of recordings under his belt he has a great wealth of songs to
choose from and his own self selection shows he has no problem in exploiting
commercially acceptable material such as "You Raise Me Up", "The Isle Of
Innisfree" and "The Rose" alongside standard favourites including "Clare To
Here", "The Leaving Of Liverpool" and even "Danny Boy". In this case it's not
only the singer that holds the recording together as credit should also go to
the duets and orchestral arranged numbers making for radio friendly use and at
the same time providing wider appeal to anyone who enjoys good music pure and
simple. With 40 tracks to choose from, Fleming's music will provide a great
conversation piece for dinner parties where the words ?folk music' are more
often than not talked about in hushed tones. On the other hand, if you feel
you're an enthusiastic supporter of the left-field ?folk' genre why not make an
investment of your time starting here?you'll be well rewarded! www.tommyfleming.com
PETE FYFE