By Michael Arnold
When discussing this album, one has to ask where to start? There is literally so much I could say for The Song of the Singing Horseman, it is a hidden gem in contemporary folk music. Everything on this album is a joy to hear. This includes the equestrian imagery in the songs which compliments the cover art depicting a sunset against the mountains with a Jack B. Yeats ‘Singing Horseman’ painting on the side, and the organic feel of the instrumentation, not to mention some of the most beautiful lyrics ever penned by an Irish writer.
This album is not least a greatest hits compilation from a man who steadily built up his reputation (as several songs would suggest) writing songs for other artists, but it gives the impression of a man set to become a more complete musician. With his own renditions of Irish folk classics of the 1980s (‘Ride On’, ‘No Frontiers’ and ‘Mystic Lipstick’ to name but a few) and unheard compositions listeners are informed this is a man intent to immortalize his art.
The use of traditional instruments marks a departure from Jimmy’s early soft rock singles ‘Miles of Eyes’ and ‘Like in the Movies’, and compliments nicely with any timely Christy Moore or Mary Black record (both of whom have had hits performing Jimmy’s songs). From the opening track ‘On My Enchanted Sight’, with its churning string instruments against the backdrop of upbeat vocals demonstrate Jimmy’s homage to his pop sensibilities while still keen to test the waters in new ventures. As we will see, the remainder of the album shows a strong sense of melody in its form and production.
Then there’s the downbeat ‘A Hard Man to Follow’, which addresses a man who has “ridden on the back / Of a magical steed” yet holds sympathy for what could have been, hence “And once I did live / In a biblical time / Been to a feast / Seen water turn to wine”. This sense of nostalgia carried by Bill Whelan’s string arrangements creates a sense of mystery and leads the listener to wonder where this Cork man will take them on their conceptual journey through the album. And, as further songs will suggest there is indeed a level of mythology evident in the journey of Irish men, which will be received from the following tracks.
Songs like ‘Mystic Lipstick’ and ‘Missing You’ are testaments to Ireland’s history, the economic downturns of history, right through to emigration and the paddy jokes of those hoping to return in glory. The former tells the story of a culture that “tells myth and legend” and “sings rock and roll” and despite all the hardships “wears wings of hope”, while the latter conveys some level of satire in lyrics such as “who did you murder, are you a spy / I’m just fond of a drink helps me laugh, helps me cry” possibly told from the perspective of drunk Irishmen undertaking manual labour in 1980s England. That said, and with all the seriousness of said songs the lighter sense of humour and country and western rhythms in songs such as ‘The Mad Lady & Me’ and ‘The Grip of Parallel’ offer some balance to the album.
Many of the 11 tracks are deceptively dark at times, some in the instrumentation, others for the lyrical content. The haunting piano work in ‘Bright Blue Rose’ contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the melody and exaggerates the more startling lyrics like “I am the geek with the alchemists stone”. One should know too, this is a song that with a memorable version previously recorded by the great Christy Moore on his Voyage album (1989) is potentially a ‘Danny Boy’ or ‘Raglan Road’ of its time. The deep insight on Christianity and Spirituality offered in lyrics such as “For all of you who must discover / For all who seek to understand / For having left the path of others / You’ll find a very special hand.” makes this song the perfect accompaniment for marriages, funerals, among other civil, ritual ceremonies. An appealing trait that draws many listeners to ‘John O Dreams’ and many other great earlier folk songs. And the Halloween-themed ‘Ancient Rain’ should be the cherry on top for the less pop-oriented listener. Up to this point the album has catered for listeners of taste on both ends of the spectrum, but the finale will make the odyssey all the more rewarding.
Jimmy had stated, the final song of this album, the title track only came to him after a visit to the Jack Yeats Room of the National Gallery and witnessing the painting mentioned in the title. This exemplifies how one gaze for all its inspirational value can change so much. The title itself ‘The Song of the Singing Horseman’ was so perfect for this album with the equestrian imagery added to the former notion of a hallelujah. This Gospel-style track is an uplifting piece supplemented by a huge chorus coinciding with a fifty-three piece choir who just carry the message “I’d love you, I’d love you in my life” so perfectly to its subtle conclusion removed from earlier tracks which cater to different audiences.
Overall this is an album that would largely appeal to many folk fans, among listeners of other genres including pop, country and western, classical and gospel. It was Jimmy’s first album, but to this date still his best. Listen once, if you’re disappointed some aspect either lyrical or instrumental may return to you down the line, but if you enjoy what you hear it will stay with you indefinitely.
All lyrics quoted written by Jimmy MacCarthy.
Jimmy MacCarthy 