Kennedy’s Songs of Scotland

“Mr Kennedy’s songs of Scotland—There was a goodly gathering of the sons and daughters of Scotia at Steinway Hall last evening, convened for the purpose of spending with Mr. Kennedy “twa hours at hame.” Mr. Kennedy, as is well known, possesses the rare gifts of being an entire company in himself and of being ever fresh. Whether entertaining the audience with songs, in which homely sentiment touches the tender chords of the listeners’ hearts, or with stories, in which the wit and humor of his countrymen are strongly illustrated, Mr. Kennedy is equally happy. Last evening he sung a number of the most stirring Scottish songs, humorous, sentimental, and patriotic, and interspersed the programme with humorous tales well told. He was in fine voice and was frequently and deservedly applauded.  Miss Kennedy presided at the piano, and, besides proving to be an excellent accompanist, she performed a fantasia on popular Scotch airs in remarkably clever style. The performance was brought to a close by the entire audience singing ‘Auld Lang Syne.’”

“Last night Steinway Hall was well attended by our Scotch citizens, to hear Mr. Kennedy sing the old songs so familiar at home. Mr. Kennedy’s entertainment is quite unique, enlisting only the services of his daughter, (a skilful young accompanist on the piano-forte,) and himself. He sings well. His voice seems to possess two different qualities of tone, and by the alternation of these qualities he produces an unusual variety of effect. His singing of that fine old song, the ‘March of the Cameron Men,’ was a fine specimen of manly vocalism and musical declamation; and in ‘Roy’s Wife’ he showed a delicacy and taste which makes this selection one of the gems of his programme. Mr. Kennedy is, moreover, a clever story teller, and between his songs relates anecdotes that causes protracted ripples of laughter to pass over his sea of auditors.”