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“Let
it
flow outta ya as it's been flowin'
inta ya for the last couple a hours!”
- Tommy Makem
(Tommy's signature appeal for
audience sing-along participation)
| My
good friend Gerry Timlin remembers first listening to the 1963
recording of THE CLANCY BROTHERS AND TOMMY MAKEM IN PERSON AT CARNEGIE
HALL on something called the “Elizabethan Pop 10” phonograph at
his
home in Coalisland, County Tyrone, Ireland. Although there seems to be
scant photographic evidence as to the existence of this particular
machine, I was able to locate a picture of the ultra modern “Astronaut”
model by the same manufacturer. And one aficionado in the field of home
audio did recall the efficient “Elizabethan Pop 10,” boasting that it
came fully equipped with a Garrard Autoslim deck and a valve amp. |
David Mc Bride
| As
for me, my earliest memories of Tommy Makem and the Clancy brothers
sprang from social gatherings during the early 1970s at the home of my
brother-in-law Jim’s parents, May and Phil Clarke. The family would
celebrate and indulge their Irish heritage with great frequency. And I,
having little prior knowledge of my own lineage or ancestry decided to
adopt the ways of Erin - especially the music, the melancholy, the
mischief and the mash. |
| During
the last four decades I’ve spent a good bit of time in Irish
Taverns, and while ensconced in those sessions I’ve experienced some
remarkable Celtic music. The level of musicianship has excelled over
the years, and yet there is still nothing sweeter than hearing the
harmonies of Paddy, Tom and Liam Clancy with Tommy Makem on ballads
such as Carrickfergus or Will You Go Lassie Go. Those glorious
incantations resonate like a soft rain on a spring morning.
Unfortunately, the music world and the Irish community lost Tommy Makem
on August 1st, 2007. |
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SIT DOWN AND
ENJOY
SOME IRISH FARE
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MUSIC IS ALWAYS ON
THE MENU
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AND THERE IS A
GREAT
SELECTION OF BREWS
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| On a
recent afternoon while enjoying an unhurried pint at THE
SHANACHIE, I spoke at length with Gerry Timlin about his
longstanding
personal and professional relationship with The Bard of Armagh.
Gerry
recounted stories that exemplified the marvelous wit and generous
nature of Tommy Makem. They had last performed together at the
University of Notre Dame in September of 2006, and these two old
friends shared their parting words the day before Tommy passed away. |
Just
as these sad recollections were about to bring on a case of Gaelic
melancholia, it occurred to me that I was in the presence of a man who
not only was the proprietor of this very pleasant Irish pub; but who,
by way of his own talents, could spin a yarn and sing a traditional
tune as well as his fallen comrade. Now if only I could convince Mr.
Timlin to wear a white Irish-knit Aran sweater all would be right with
the world!
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Ed Petersen
THE SHANACHIE PUB AND RESTAURANT
111 EAST BUTLER
AVENUE
AMBLER, PENNSYLVANIA 19002
(215) 283-4887
www.shanachiepub.com
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