Following on from their recent release of ‘To Feel The Power Of Love’ (Carl Corcoran), Ardú are proud to release ‘The Phoenix’ (Corcoran/McGann), originally conceived in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.
Art McGann and Carl Corcoran have collaborated many times. Initially in the Jamie Stone-age,(Corcoran’s pseudonym in the 70s). Art, a master of words, has constructed a work of beauty in response to the emotive melody of ‘The Phoenix’. The song saw several iterations over its 20 years in existence, and last November, in anticipation of the 20th Anniversary this year Ciaran Kelly (Ardú Artistic Director) dressed the song in these beautiful choral clothes.
The World Premiere recently performed as part of MusicTown 2021 Festival in April featuring Ardú and members of The Palestrina and St. Mary’s Cathedral Choirs, is the first step in the journey for ‘The Phoenix’, with obvious connections to Commemorations in September.
The song encapsulates the images of a tragic day, September 11 2001 including ‘images’ of Fr. Mychal Judge, Chaplin to FDNY and son of immigrants from Leitrim, while celebrating the resilient nature of mankind, and in particular America at this time. The lyric echoes the words of Emma Lazarus on the plaque of the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.” The music reflects the spirit of strength and defiance of the aftermath rather than the shock of the day – hence the title ‘The Phoenix’. Ciarán Kelly’s beautiful arrangement captures the essence of the songwriters’ endeavours.
Release Date Friday August 13thh
Available for purchase Bandcamp, and streaming on all the usual digital platforms
