I recently tuned in to Derek Mooney's afternoon show on the Irish Radio Station, RTE, while driving in my car and I heard this most engaging and gentle of men being interviewed about his life and his music. His life story is stunning; in what he went through; how he grew strong in adversity; and how he emerged slightly bloodied but totally unbowed. In "800 Voices" (which I since bought, along with his other excellent Album "This Tenderness"), he has put together an amazing account of his life in a Dublin orphanage between the ages of eight and sixteen. It not only tells a riveting story but does so in a collection of songs which come straight out of his heart in the most endearing tones and sentiments, accompanied by wonderful, versatile instrumental sounds which echo with redemption. The man is a true poet; a wonderful writer of lyrics and music; as well as a most lovable soul. All sixteen tracks are fully his own, with the exception of "Stolen Child" which is a poem by W.B.Yeats, to which Danny has put music in his own masterful way. Anyone who does not acquire this album and listen carefully to it, will be missing something big and will be much the poorer for it.

This album does everything it says on the box...and more!It resonates deeply on a personal level - incredibly sad, yet not once does Danny give the impression that he feels sorry for himself, or is angling for sympathy. A masterpiece, and as moving, touching and downright disturbing as any "confessional" album before it, by the likes of Jackson Browne, Paul Simon, Joni etc. The music is as moving and witty as the lyrical content, tasteful, happy, and most of all a vehicle for Danny's beautiful, often plaintive voice - one of the most natural on the planet. 800 voices reminds me of the best Robin williams movies, where you're crying your heart out one minute and weeping with laughter the next. Only drawback with this album is, it's so emotionally charged I could only take it 3/4 songs at a time! Oi'll give it six stars!!

At first this album seems like it is going to be dark and depressing but then the light starts to shine through and gets brighter and brighter and the story of little Danny's survivor is told through beautiful music and an angelic Irish voice. It must be listened to several times to fully take in the story but it becomes richer with each listening. A must have album for those searching in their lives, which is all of us. Mike Dennis Mills River, NC