Danny Boy - Recommendations

Of course there's always the more traditional...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA_D3KU

I highly recommend you get a copy of THE KERRY DANCERS AND OTHER SWINGING FOLK, by the late great Little Giant Johnny Griffin and his quartet on Riverside records.

His version of Danny Boy/The Londonderry Air still brings tears to my eyes it's so beautiful. This group also has Barry Harris, Ron Carter, and Ben Riley and the rest of the songs, along with the sound quality is reference level.

I like Jackie Wilson's version myself. Hearing it always makes me laugh (I can't take that song seriously anyway), because it is so over the top. But, it is also a spectacular display of his singing talents too.

John McCormack, the great Irish tenor sang a precursor (name eludes me) of Danny Boy that is, for all intents and purposes, the same song. Very scratchy, early (possibly pre-electronic) recording of poor quality, but an amazing rendition.

I'm not sure if he ever recorded the actual "Danny Boy", but - if you like those sad Irish ballads, I'd check him out, anyway.

Good Luck

Marty

Instrumental version: Bill Evans (w/Shelly Manne - dr & Monty Budwig - bs) on 'Empathy' lp (Verve).