An Afternoon with Switchback

By E. Wanda Quay

One of the things that make it possible to work through life’s trials and tribulations is to have a backlog of really uplifting experiences - the kind that fill your heart and soul and mind so that your cup runneth over. Luckily I had one of those here at Kendal on Friday afternoon, March 8th, when we had the good fortune to hear a program of music presented by the “musical partnership of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack known as Switchback.” Each of them was an established musician in his own right when they came together 27 years ago.

Both of these personable performers sing and play guitar, with Brian switching to mandolin part of the time. They lived up to their billing as presenters of “An Amazing Mix of American Roots and Celtic Music,” clearly evidencing an extensive repertoire. As the program unfolded we were treated to a wide spectrum of music ranging from the toe tapping, foot stomping, hand clapping sort to the calm, tranquil, quietly meditative, easy listening kind. One could say the selections went from the sublime to the absurd.

The program began with a delightful instrumental opening number called “The Boys of Bluehill,” a traditional Irish jig.  One piece that particularly touched my heartstrings was their tender rendition of “I Will Take You Home Again, Kathleen.” My mother often sang Irish songs in her beautiful soprano voice and this one was one of her favorites. It was from her that I learned it was written by a German for his Irish bride. Thus when Martin said he was going to sing an Irish song actually written by a German, I knew immediately which song he meant. Another of my favorites was “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” from the romantic pop-art opera which illustrated yet another facet of their talent.

We were also favored with numbers such as “The Wabash Cannonball,” “Who Threw the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder?,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” and “Moonshiner,” an Irish drinking song about poteen, Irish moonshine. These along with other similar pieces provided opportunities for foot stomping, hand clapping, and singing along. In addition they mixed in Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and an interlude of solo mandolin, quiet hymn-like music by Brian for good measure.

The extent of their ability was demonstrated when they presented an original composition called “Right Then,” which they were inspired to compose in the style of the songs popular in the big band era after visiting the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. It took me back to the days when I was dating.  The program ended with their unique version of “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”

For me it ended too soon because it cut short my walk down memory lane, for that is what I was experiencing as they played and sang. Each number evoked a special memory since music has been at the center of my life. Music has become the fabric that binds my heart, soul, mind, and body together. Without music life would be unbearably empty. Thus I feel it a privilege to find myself in the presence of musicians with what I perceive to be kindred spirits like those of Brian and Martin. And so it was these two Irish men charmed me with their music and helped to make me whole. And it wasn’t only me. From the reaction of the audience I would say most of them were charmed as well.