Black 47, Bankers & Gangsters (United
For Opportunity, 2010)
New
York's Black 47 turns 24, and the band's years of wisdom shows through in
their newest CD Bankers & Gangsters. The musicians in the band
frame singer Larry Kirwan's lyrics in that Black 47 orchestra-rock band
style. The women of Screaming Orphans bring a feminine voice to many of
the tracks, along with Kathleen Fee and Christine Ohlman.
Kirwan's fetching voice once again brings to life his poetic words,
while Black 47 celebrates its heritage as great storytellers through song
and the band's own distinctive style. This is one upbeat set of tracks
with stories that give you something to think about while you are dancing
the night away.
The Bankers & Gangsters songbook is another compilation of
Kirwan's observations and stories about heroes and heroines, life
circumstances and regrets. In the title cut, Kirwan notes the debauchery
of the financial meltdown, suggesting how just plain folk (the middle
class) have lost. Kirwan suggests temperance by the high priests of the
financial institutes, but change eludes them. Truth speaks through art.
Again, Kirwan celebrates women with his remembrance of "Rosemary
(Nelson)" and his recognition of the "Celtic Rocker." I love how Kirwan
shapes "Celtic Rocker" as HER moment of self-discovery through Celtic rock
... the good, the bad and the ugly.
Kirwan reminds us that while Black 47 are the lords of Celtic rock,
they are just as much a great rock band. Kirwan has been known to resist
the label of "Celtic rock band," he now throws down and embraces the
legacy ... and why the hell not? Shouldn't all rock bands have pipes and
whistles? Joe Mulvanerty and Fred Parcells probably think so.
Pipe on, Black 47, for another 20 years. I'll be gripping my walker,
tapping my toes and dancing at your concerts even then.
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