Review of Irving Plaza Show Opening for Shane McGowan and the Popes

Irish Voice
By Mike Farragher
.......Chris Byrne, the former rapper/singer/uillean pipe player from Black 47, displayed a highly entertaining comedic side to his personality during his on stage banter.

"We're Seanchai and the Unity Squad and if you like us, we play Rocky's(Rocky Sullivan's, located on Lexington Ave) every Friday night. If you don't like us tell your parents to get married already!"
Byrne was able to support this puffed-chest bravado with a blistering setthat drew heavily from his fine new album 'A Sunday At The Turn Of TheCentury.' "I Am Garvaghy Road" was the highlight, with Byrne barking outpolitical raps while prowling the stage like an overcaffeinated panther.
As a nod to the roots of their leader, the band turned in a retooled version ofthe Black 47 classic "It's Time To Go" with mandolins and horns.

Singer Rachel Fitzgerald's sweet voice was a perfect foil to Byrne's hardened persona. Her tender version of "Fields of Athenrye" made this reviewer squint back the tears.