Ronan Tynan                                                                                    Grade: C+

“The Dawning of the Day”

Decca Records

12 tracks @ 59:51

            Opera singer Ronan Tynan has not only accomplished much, he has overcome many setbacks that most of us would use as excuses for our shortcomings and failures.

            Tynan was born with both of his legs deformed.  He learned to walk wearing metal braces and concrete shoes.  But due to complications, his legs were amputated at the age of 20.  Tynan would go on to win 18 gold medals and set 14 world records in the Paralympics.  He also went to medical school and received his degree in orthopedic sports medicine.

            At the age of 33, Tynan started taking voice lessons and won an Irish television show competition. He would go on to becoming a member of the Irish tenors.  This record is described as an extension of his spiritual journey.

            Included on “The Dawning of the Day” are “Amazing Grace” and “Ava Maria,” songs that he performed at the funeral of President Ronald Reagan.  Many of the other tracks are traditional Christian hymns such as “Be Still My Soul” and “Faith of Our Fathers.”  “Morning Has Broken” features a duet with Vince Gill.

            Ronan Tynan has a distinctive voice.  While Brown Banister (Amy Grant, Avalon, Point of Grace) produced this record, many of the songs sound very similar in their arrangement.

- Rob S.

www.ronantynan.com