REVIEW: Brian Mackey “Good Morning Ireland”

Brian Mackey – Good Morning Ireland

The cover of this CD alone hints as to how poignant it is. There have been others in the past equally adept & powerful – Cindy (Cidny) Bullens’ Somewhere Between Heaven & Earth, following the death of her 11-year daughter. David Knopfler’s “Goin’ Fishin’ (With My Son),” where a busy Dad finally realizes he’s neglecting his little boy. Rick Springfield’s “My Father’s Chair,” — the son seeks comfort in his late Dad’s chair after his passing. Judy Collins’ classic “My Father,” where she sings about the things her Dad wanted to do & never did.

There, artists communicate despite sadness & life’s challenges. This LP covers the emotions of renewal with the birth of Brian’s daughter following the tragic loss of his son (Brian Keith Mackey Jr). It makes one wonder what kind of man this little boy would’ve become.

The LP explores with melody & words 16 meaningful tunes on Good Morning Ireland (Drops June 21/Red Pass Records/61:23). “Dublin Night Bird,” is exquisite. Sung with emotion Mackey (vocals/keys/piano/effects/drums) is a well-polished expressive singer with every word & note perfectly placed.

It’s amazing how a tragedy can pull riveting melodies from a soul. These soothing, healing songs give a fraction of welcome acceptance as part of the mourning. I’m sure the tug of family love pushed the pen along the paper for Brian Mackey, Cindy Bullens, Knopfler, Springfield & Collins to create their compositions & dedications. Songs that became their prayers to a loved one.
Sets like this may even be therapy & a way of dealing with the indescribable. Any parent who has lost a child will find this music comforting. To keep the album from being too melancholy, it isn’t without its rockers. “Maintenance Man,” is a fuel-injected tour-de-force followed by the gentle acoustic “Six Strings,” & concludes with a reprise of “Counting the Stars” — to return to its storytelling base.

First-class songwriting hauntingly arrives with “Dust On the Wall” & these pieces can become cherished musical memories. Easily one of the year’s best collections. Easily…

The LP with its touching cover art was produced by Brian, Jeff King (acoustic & electric guitars), Leonardo Caucci Molara (keys/effects), Jim Kimball (dobro/effects/acoustic guitar) & Mitch Furr.

Highlights – “More Than Anyone,” “Dublin Night Bird,” “Count the Stars,” (both versions), “Even Though I Try,” “Maintenance Man,” “Minnie,” “Six Strings,” “Saturday Night Sleeping,” “Dust On the Wall,” “Fill Your Empty,” “Take My Life Back” & “You Are Amazing.”

Musicians – Tammy Rogers King (fiddle/violin), Jason Webb (piano/Hammond organ/keys), Steve Brewster (drums), Mark Hill (bass), Mark Fain (upright bass), Paul Nelson (cello), Delana King & Beth Slocum (vocals).

A beautiful 20-pp color lyric insert is included. Color image courtesy of Brian’s website gallery/Squarespace. CD @ https://www.brianmackeymusic.com/