In a striking contrast to books such as "Angelas Ashes" and "Teacher Man" by the brothers McCourt, which were both excellent books, Liam Clancy, of Clancy brothers fame, has done what would seem impossible. He has created an Irish memoir that, while it acknowledges the rationing and illnesses that plagued Ireland in the 1940's and on into the 1960's, does not leave the reader worn and depressed. With a simple and engaging style he takes us through the stages of his life and career, duly giving note to all the Irish myths and songs that came before him.
Born in Carrick on Suir in the shadow of the Slievenamon Mountain, the area Mr. Clancy grew up in was rife with the history of man. The ruins and burial sites which abound the place predate the Pyramids of Egypt. These are humble beginnings.
The most amazing thing about this book is the complete honesty in which the author presents his life. While acknowledging all of the poverty he never dwells upon it, instead he is always looking forward to a future. He has dreams to fulfill.
His descriptions of the harsh education in Catholic School make you think about, rather than recoil at, the injust and archaic practices that passed for education.
Music has always been part of the Clancy family tradition. As the youngest of the clan he tries to enter into the insurance business like his Dad, but it holds no interest for him. His brother and wife send home recordings from America and Greenwich Village that spark his love for folk music and his lust to travel.
At the age of 19, and hardly been kissed, he meets American heiress Diane Guggenheim, who falls in love with him. She makes several trips to Ireland to record local folk songs for Alan Lomax. Mr. Clancy soon finds himself traveling with her on a journey of musical discovery. And shortly after that he finds himself in New York, where he meets the elder Mr. Guggenheim and begins the life of a troubadour in Greenwich Village.
Although his relationship with Ms. Guggenheim eventually fades away, she has begun Mr. Clancy on a journey that will earn him fame and adulation as a member of the Clancy Brothers as well as his work with Tommy Makem. Their adventures in the Greenwich Village scene of the late 1950's will thrill you. It was a time of beatniks and hipsters, poets and folksingers. The thrill of the music and art was in the air. The brothers Clancy and the brothers McCourt are no strangers to one another as they inhabit, and dominate, this small enclave of art.
Filled with stories of, as well as keen insights into, the folk scenes of both Ireland and America, this book gives the reader a wonderful portrait of a very vibrant period. Through the music they were playing, The Clancy Brothers would help give rise to a fusion of sounds that would blossom into the Folk Music Scene and even the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's.
A pleasant read with just the right balance of pathos and joy. Makes me want to shout "Erin Go Braugh."
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