Jimmy MacCarthy review: Magnificent night at Cork Opera House from one of our all-time greats 

An emotional homecoming went beyond expectations as the Macroom man thrilled with gorgeous arrangements of Ride  On and many of his other classics 

Jimmy MacCarthy pictured earlier this year as he prepared for his come-back concerts. Picture: Gareth Chaney

Jimmy MacCarthy, Cork Opera House ★★★★★

 Please tell us that Jimmy MacCarthy’s deeply moving, wonderfully orchestrated show before a capacity Cork Opera House has been recorded and captured for posterity.

This night was the epic homecoming performance that his flawless 1991 debut album The Song of the Singing Horseman, and now newly re-released, has been waiting 35 years for. The album’s track-list on reads like a ‘Best of’ collection.

“When I wrote this song [ As I Leave Behind Neidin], I thought of it as my farewell to music,” said the Macroom man. “Looking out at you all now, that’s clearly not the way things worked out.” 

 MacCarthy’s biggest hits were made famous by Christy Moore, Mary Black, Mary Coughlan, Maura O'Connell and The Corrs. At 73, he still has a very full and fresh voice, and his delivery adds great poetic depth to the songs.

He played the entirety of The Singing Horseman, adding some of his other favourites on the night. Oddly, despite all the hits, this wasn’t really a big singalong night. He’s not really that kind of a performer. In truth, he’s not someone who performs; he’s just someone who is.

Jimmy MacCarthy on stage at Cork Opera House.

So, what was so wonderful about this night? In a word, everything. The carefully selected band, the stunning arrangements by pianist David Hayes and violinist Nollaig Casey, and, of course, the timeless classic hits like Mystic Lipstick, Ride On, No Frontiers, Missing You, Ancient Rain, The Contender and The Bright Blue Rose.

But atop all of this, it was the shared elation of MacCarthy and this enraptured audience to get to witness arguably Ireland’s all-time best  collection of ballads delivered with such charm and grace. MacCarthy’s own heightened emotions typified the depth of feeling evident in every corner.

As the band headed for the interval break, MacCarthy told the audience: “You probably saw that I was a bit emotional at times during those first few songs. That should really have been you. We’ll see what happens in the second half.” 

 Well, there certainly were some tears flowing amid the sumptuous tiers of the vaulted venue. Anyone who has seen MacCarthy’s live shows will know that he’s a totally authentic ‘flaws and all’ character, at times quirky, quixotic and edgy. No pageantry, no showbiz smiles, unguarded and  open.

Jimmy MacCarthy (centre, with yellow shirt) and his ensemble take their bows at Cork Opera House.

Generally reading from a script, while also ad-libbing each time, he told the tale of every song. Having played The Mad Lady and Me (based upon a woman who spent some time in an insane asylum that MacCarthy dubbed The River Lee Hilton), closely followed by The Grip of Parallel, MacCarthy wryly reflected that he only wished that he had flown more often to these mad and mystical heights.

After the show, huge queues formed as people bought copies of the album on vinyl and CD. In due course, MacCarthy sat in the Opera House lobby, signed albums, chatted and posed for photos with fans. Affable and engaging.

MacCarthy is due to play another show with this incredible ensemble on Thursday, October 22, in the National Concert Hall, Dublin. You'd do well to get hold of a ticket. If that gig is even half as good as Tuesday’s triumphant homecoming, it’ll be worth the trip.