An Afternoon with Switchback

Martin Mc Cormack and Brian Fitzgerald
Switchback

 

One of the things that makes it possible to work through life's trials and tribulations is to have a backlog of really uplifting experiences  - the kind that fill your heart and soul and mind so that your cup runneth over. Luckily I had one of those here at Kendal on Friday afternoon, March eighth, when we had the good fortune to hear a program of music presented by the “musical partnership of Brian Fitzgerald and Martin McCormack known as Switchback.”  Each of them was an established musician in his own right when they came together twenty-seven years ago.

Both of these personable performers sing and play guitar with Brian switching to mandolin part of the time.  They lived up to their billing as presenters of “An Amazing Mix of American Roots and Celtic Music.” clearly evidencing an extensive repertoire.  As the program unfolded we were treated to a wide spectrum of music ranging from the toe tapping, foot stomping, hand clapping sort to the calm tranquil, quiet meditative, easy listening kind. One could say the selections went from the sublime to the ridiculous.

The program began with a delightful instrumental number called "The Boys of Bluehill", a traditional Irish jig.  One piece that particularly touched my heartstrings was their tender rendition of “I Will Take You Home Again Kathleen.”  My mother often sang Irish songs in her beautiful soprano voice and this one was one of her favorites.  It was from her that I learned it was written by a German for his Irish bride. Thus when Martin said he was going to sing an Irish song actually written by a German, I knew immediately which song he meant. Another of my favorites was “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” from the romantic pop-art opera which illustrated yet another facet of their talent.

We were also favored with numbers such as “The Wabash Cannon Ball," “Who Threw the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder?” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” and "Moonshiner," an Irish drinking song about poteen, Irish moonshine.  These along with other similar pieces provided opportunities for foot stomping, hand clapping, and singing-a-long.  In addition they mixed in Johnny Cash's "Jailhouse Blues" and an interlude of solo mandolin quiet hymnlike music by Brian for good measure.

Further proof of the extent of their ability was demonstrated when they presented an original composition called "Right Then" which they were inspired to compose in the style of the songs popular in the big band era after visiting the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.  It took me back to the days when I was dating.

The program ended with their unique version of “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”  It brought to mind a much more robust group of riders than I envisioned when back in the late 1940’s my roommate and I were lucky enough to have our dates take us to hear Vaughn Monroe sing this when he brought his band to Toledo. 

For me it ended too soon because it cut short my walk down memory lane.   For that is what I was experiencing as they played and sang.  Each number evoked a special memory since music has been at the center of my life. I grew up in a family where music was valued, I met my husband playing the cello in the Sunday School orchestra he directed and much of our courtship consisted of attending concerts or other events  where he was playing or directing music.   Needless to say a wide variety of musical activities were a vital part of our married life.  Music has become the fabric that binds my heart, soul, mind and body together.  Without music my life would be unbearably empty.  Thus I feel it a privilege to find myself in the presence of musicians with what I perceive to be kindred spirits like those of Brian and Martin.  And so it was these two Irish men charmed me with their music and helped to make me whole.  Not only me but from the reaction of the audience I would say most of them were also charmed.