We sang for Ronnie Drew all night. 7 years gone today. Phelim was there, sound lad, he sang too. I felt a bit out of me depth, but don’t tell the lads… ; ) That was my first time fronting a sing song and what a time to do it. I have the hunger for it now, just need a lot more songs. Another chance crossing, unrelated to last night, but was talking to a nephew of yours, Davog. What a ball of energy that lad is, bangin’ the bodhran like a warrior. I’m drinking too much and not writing, but enjoying song. Hope yer resting well Christy. Sing one for Ronnie
Christy's reply
theres a great auld song from The Handsome Family that I sang for Ronnie last time I was with him…we sat by the fire out in Greystones and swapped yarns..he liked this song..here is the chorus
“theres only so much wine
you can drink in one life…
but it will never be enough
to enough to save you from…
..the bottom of your glass”
we both struggled with the cratur, often talked about it…good luck to you Dylan
Hi Christy thanks for a mighty gig in Fermoy it was a magical night from start to finish take care and hopefully see you soon… Tony
Christy's reply
two very different nights, both enjoyable,but last night went off into that special zone…its a strange one…impossible to analyse or to plan..it just happens…from the off we were locked in tight but when Little Musgrave appeared we just followed him up to Mandolin Mountain ..Declan was finding the sweet notes and I was gliding along…its like the gig was playing itself..its a strange but joyful place..I felt like I was at the gig myself instead of playing it……
Thanks for the info about Hey Paddy! Christy. ‘Tis done. We also recorded North & South (license bought & paid). Mick Doyle, the other half of this duo, said to tell you that he is the nephew of Breda Doyle, who you apparently know.
Thanks again. We’d like to send you and Wally a cd when we get them.
Dave
Christy's reply
“Where Have You Been High Ho”…..tell us a bit about Nebraska, about your music and the scene there….all I know about Nebraska is from Bruce Dern,Bruce Springsteen, Buck Jones and Kit Carson
Hello Christy,
Thank you very much for the link to Lyric FM. Just listened to your interview with Iarla O’Lionáird and I loved it. Brilliant!!! The insight you’re giving us from early childhood into your 50 years career is fantastic. I like what you said about the audience …
Hope you’ll enjoy your gig in the rebel county.
Best wishes, Traudel
Flights booked for my first visit to Belfast and Dublin in 7 years, and to top of the Irish theme, tickets booked for our annual visit to see Christy at the Royal Festival Hall next April. Looking forward to the show already!
Christy's reply
may your visit bring you all you wish for….we are is Fermoy by the River Blackwater in North County Cork…We recommenced the tour last night,(year 50) in the beautiful Palace Theatre….so close to the River that I could feel it as we played…a community run theatre it was welcoming and hosted a listening audience…just getting ready for night 2 now, enjoying a bit of Summer Sun before facing the lamps one more time
Hi All,,,, so the never ending tour resumes tonight in the Rebel,,,, a lovely room,,,, Declan and Vicky played there some time ago,,, and for those not going the Lyric FM interview is on at 7 pm tonight with Iarla in his series about Vocal Chords ……while in Kerry Puck Fair has just finished and the goat has been returned safe and sound to his natural habitat,,,while the Roses gather in Tralee for the week of fun,,,, followed by the CM gig on Fri 28th Aug,,, I hear tickets are nearly all gone,,,, beir bua agus beannacht,,, H
Christy's reply
Just heard from a goat whisperer that the podium in Killorglin is considered highly desirable among the goat community…many goats feel that the animal rights community should butt out and allow one goat a year his moment in the Sun…I gather that upon returning to earth the chosen Puck is much in demand with nannies all over the Kingdom….another Goat person was overheard to whinny that animal rights protesters should concentrate their angst upon bodhrán players and Bradford Curry Houses (I should confess an interest here.. rap-a-tap-tap and yummy-yum-yum)
Yes indeed, having recently passed the 70 mark I now embark upon year 50 of the Ballad Lounge Tour…I give thanks to all who express support, who offer good wishes, surround the work with mighty ju-ju and good vibrations…Míle Maith agaibh go léir, moran grá agus gach beannacht……
hi christy. sad news dave cartwright who ran the royal oak folk club in halesowen with bill caddick and mike billington died suddenly a few days ago. I know you knew them well becuse i saw you play at their club in late sixties/early seventies and what great nights they were. He was a great performer and songwriter and a lovely man. cheers mick howson
Christy's reply
Sorry to read of Dave’s sudden death. I remember that Halesowen Club very well, Dave,Bill and Mike too. I played there twice and on another occasion went to hear Alex Cambell perform there. If memory serves twas a Tuesday night gig and I used to stay at Mike’s but I’m not a 100% sure of that. Dave shared his song “Letter to Syracuse” with me which later became part of the 1971 album “Prosperous”. Around the same time I learned Bill Caddick’s song”John O Dreams”. I remember Dave as a kind man with a great smiling face and friendly disposition. Its over 40 years since we met.My sympathy to his family and loved ones.
“I wrote me a Letter to Syracuse” ( Dave Cartwright RIP)
Thanks for the great memories,Christy.So many names………I can hear their music still and see their faces.In numerous North of England, venues,on the Manchester streets and at Piccadilly station,travelling to another gig.
You mention The Watersons.Their power was mighty in the intimacy of The Lesser Free Trade Hall c 1971 with the original lineup.
You praise the generosity of some and recall Tim Hart and Maddy Prior.As an early 70’s teenager ,happy to listen but keen to learn to play the Appalachian dulcimer,Tim Hart was regularly helpful to me,before or after gigs and by letter,when he probably had a zillion other things to do………..I’ve played stacks of semi pro gigs in recent decades an never forget Tim’s early support.RIP Tim, Martin Carthy also name checked Tim and Maddy on the recent gig as he launched into a fine version of ‘My son John’ with some updated verses ,showing the timeless poignancy of traditional song .
The songs you mention towards the end of your reply also resonate.They take me back to several of the singers you mention but also to your early days.As we approach 2016 and your 50 years on the road,it would be fantastic to hear them ringing out from larger stages at your concerts and in recordings.I hope that might be possible………
Keep hauling the nets………
Dave
Christy's reply
Tim and Maddy stayed with me in Yorkshire in 1968. I stayed with Tim’s family when I played in St Alban’s. Later they achieved great acclaim with Steeleye Span. Planxty played support to Steeleye in The Albert Hall circa 1973. Part of a series of “Fanfare For Europe” concerts back then.After the gig we met Edward Heath who inadvertently came into our dressing just as I was sparking an enormous spliff, a joint of truly European dimension. Thankfully, Ted’s mind was on other matters and his entourage did not linger.
Hi Christy
Great to read the exchange with Frankbyrne.Fairport and The Free Trade Hall bring back great memories,as well as you/Planxty playing there several times.Happy Days……..
I hope Frank has a great time at Cropredy.I’m shaking the straw out of my shoes,having spent the weekend baking in a corn field at The Wickham Festival ,Hampshire.A beautiful site with personal highlights of the superbly varied music being Martin Carthy’s masterclass gig,reminding us of his skills as an interpreter of trad songs accompanied by flowing guitar lines.This was followed a couple of days later by Luka’s gem of a set on Sunday afternoon.Long time fans gathered at the front of the marquee as the sound glided out.Wonderful to see him on ace form and be reminded of the power of his music.A bonus to shake his hand afterwards and have a chat.
After two visits to Wickham I’m determined to be a regular.It would be a brilliant gig for you,so hope to see you there sometime……….its only down the road from Cropredy and there’d be a mighty welcome for you.
I picked up a great Sweeney’s Men collection as I was waiting to meet Luka.Its rattling along sweetly now………’hey ho,roll and go’……..
All the best,Dave
Christy's reply
“I shipped on board of a Liverpool Liner
havin spent all my money money along with Sally Brown”
….I’d love to catch a Carthy gig..its been manys the day…there are not many from the 60’s circuit still knockin it out….Martin has kept the candle trimmed right through…Swarb still to the good…Martin Wyndham Read coming over here in The Autumn…Ralph McTell still hittin the boards…heard Bob Davenport here a few years back…lookin at Cambridge on TV I dont think I saw anyone from those times apart from Peggy Seeger,she turned in a lovely version of Ewan’s song to her….I’m thinkin tonight of The High Level Ranters, The Marsden Rattlers, The Doonans, The Stockton Fettlers,The Dransfields,The Pennine Folk, The Beggarmen, The Union Folk, The Munstermen, Ian Cambell’s Band,Noel Murphy and Shaggis, Johnny Silvo, Alex,Hamish,Archie, Jacqui and Bridie, Tim Hart and Maddy,Dave and Toni Arthur, Tony &Arthur,The Blackpool Taverners,Dave Burland,Nic Jones,Fred Jordan and,more then most,The Watersons…their vocal sound went in real deep, their voices still echoing 50 years on
“When First I went a waggonin a waggonin did go
Filled me poor old parents hearts with sorrow grief and woe
manys were the hardships we did undergo
Singin wo me lads sing wo,ride on me lads ride on
who would’nt be for all the world a Jolly Waggoner” ( thats the way I heard it,may not tally with the original)
others too who shared the life…Mike Harding, Tony Capstick,Vin Garbutt, Mary Asquith,Rosemary Hardiman, Marie Little, John Swift, Tommy Dempsey,Mick Hipkiss, The Oldham Tinkers,The Yetties,The Valley Folk, Bernard Wrigley,Watt Nichol,Josh McCrea, I remember a wonderful train journey meeting Bert Lloyd between Sheffield and London and him singing so tunefully and beautifully, meeting Jimmy McBeth,Davey Stewart, Jeannie Robertson,Paddie Bell, The Corries, Jimmy McGregor,Billy Gerry&Tam were Humble Bums,
thats where I began my journey in 1966, criss crossing all these players on the roads and railways, swopping yarns and information about clubs, organisers, curry houses, rough-lie-downs, swopping songs too,some were generous while others hoarded..I learned a hundred songs from a 100 singers…John O Dreams from Bill Caddick, Cold Blow from Mike Harding, Pontchartrain from Mike Waterson, Bogies Bonnie Belle from Muriel Graves, Black is The Colour from Hamish, Sun is Burning from Ian Cambell,January Man from Dave Goulder, Barr na Sraide from Mick Hipkiss, Dalesmans Litany from Denis Sabey, hearing Alan “Spud”Taylor,Bob Spray,Bob&Carol Pegg,Roger Sutcliffe, Alma Ford and all the other Leeds”chanters”…..glory years when we were in our prime
the journey continues,Thanks be, still chasing the songs,still listening to whats around, still hearing new voices, fresh nuances…as Tony Small sang on his last recording
“The Old songs keep calling me
calling through the night”
……….Tonight is a good night for remembering…….
PS.I learned “Letter To Syracuse” from Dave Cartwright who passed the day I wrote this note
Christy, I am trying to find out how to buy the mechanical license to record “Hey Paddy” on a new cd. Can you tell me who to contact? Sorry to bother you but I’ve been at this awhile and am coming to a dead end. I tried contacting Wally Page but am getting nothing there as well. Trying to give credit where credit is due!
Thanks for you time Christy, I’ve been a fan for a long long time.
Dave Marsh
Christy's reply
Just spoke to Wally. His song “Hey Paddy” is registered
Hey Paddy…Wally Page… (imro Ireland)
if you put that accreditation on your cd you are ready to roll
Patsy, I’ve seen your post…the re-launch of ‘celestial’ in Glasgow would certainly get the Barras hummin’…no doubt about it…but it’s not up to me unfortunately, and the choir their that gather at around half 7 onwards may or may not like it….but I’d bet they’d love it…..It’d be different…turned up full blast from the sound desk…do do do do do do do …da do do..do do do…just saying like.
Christy's reply
well Lar, in fairness you are running a very good campaign here… but its David Meade you need to convince…he controls all the entertainment before and after the gig and I dont like to interfere…perhaps he could be bribed (with a duck egg perhaps, or a nice home made scone with some gooseberry jam…or a photo of Rodney Marsh in his hay day or a lock of Joey Barton’s hair)
Hope all is well in the West Rock..we are still land-locked here in the East with the road works…the M8 was built quicker then the B.Rock cycle lane..bring back Bertie some say..he’d soon have the cruise ships in the harbour..theres a man who knows how to get a dirty job done in a hurry and (shure begorra) twas’nt off the floor he licked it
dear christy,
after 55 months have passed I just booked the clifden gig and my heart beats with excitement. in jan. 2011 dublin you played the january man after i asked for it.
The fortnight in eire I plan a roadstory hitchhiking mainly the westcoast to meet owners of rural pubs which have been closed down the last years. maybe some of you guys have some suggestions for me…
Looking forward so much klaus
Christy's reply
the best place to meet those owners might be in the pubs that are still open
good man christy, consider yourself booked….for any date you choose…to start your roots scottish tour in the beautiful border country ,at the heart of hawick theatre (holding an exuberant 111 fans) . the queue for tickets is forming already
Christy's reply
lets start in The Mucky Byre of a Sunday,then The Elbow Room Monday….the streets of Raith are well used to exuberance, especially when Kircaldy Rovers are on a winning streak
The link may have to be copied and pasted to make it work. Quality isn’t superb as I say in the description but for any Hearts fans it’s a treat, especially some of Declan’s playing.
Christy's reply
thanks for sharing….bringin it all back home….34 years since we were beating it out
Christy, I finally got around to sorting out my video of the famous 1981 Moving Hearts concert which has all but disappeared from the airwaves. Would you have any objection if I put as much of it as I can on Youtube? The quality isn’t the best but the performances are out of this world.
Christy's reply
please do (and thanks for asking)…I look forward to seeing that…there is very little Hearts footage about…you might give us the nod when its up and we’ll spread the word
i had a few days over with you to blow away a few thoughts with my great friends in ireland last week.
plenty gin (mainly cork dry) and your triple album on the cd player as i toured around,meant a great break to clear the head.
on tuesday i drove up, dragging a friend from punchestown with me, to see the yellow bog near allenwood,and i was not disappointed. a beautiful part of the world bringing to life that wonderful song which captivates me everytime i spin the cd.
anyway ,on saturday as i drove into galway races on came ‘the ballad of ruby walsh’. well yer man had only one ride on the card but he held it back, gave it a crack and up it went. so thanks for the tip, maybe you should start a column in the irish field ?
keep up the singing though, just in case the nags don’t always run true.
Christy's reply
thanks for the post…lovely to read how the songs were part of your journey..looking forward to a wee spin round Scotia in the Autumn…not that Edinburgh to Glasgow entails much of a spin….must try and do a proper Scottish tour again some day..in the 60s it would start at The Borders and end in Thurso..no half measures back then…Kircaldy, St Andrews,Dundee, Arbroath, Aberdeen, Inverness, Caithness,Perth, Stirling, Motherwell,Paisley,Montrose St, The Police Club…..hangin out in Henderson Row and Thistle St…Muirhouse Rd 62459….Hamish,Owen,Billy, Danny,Archie, Josh, Paddie,Dick,McCalmans, Binkies,Clutha, Lagan, Binkies, Freddie,Scotia..great times in The Mucky Byre,The Elbow Room,Mickey Walsh, Mickey Brennan,Mick Broderick, Davy Stewart, Old Davy Stewart, Im away up the stair….
good mornin…re-reading last night’s ramble I wish to add The Forum in East Kilbride which was my favourite Club for manys the gig….also to remember Wilma,Vhari,Fiona,Jim,Mairéad,Ruth,Seth and OJ for all they shared
Afternoon Christy.
All quiet here on the the Pennine front. Those dark satanic Saddleworth Moors have been shrouded in rain and mist most of the summer and doesn’t look like much changing.
Just seen your post on FB about the radio show on the 14th. Sadly I’ll have to give it a miss as hopefully I shall be sat contently in a field of dreams at Cropredy To be honest I’m getting quite giddy at the thought even at my age. My wife always asks me when we go to a show whether I’m enjoying it or not. I don’t give much away and I don’t need to be tapping my toes either. The song is more than the sum of its words and chords. How great it is to be moved to some far off place in your mind by the beauty that a song and then when it finishes you’re not even sure of the words you heard. Cropredy never fails for me. I shall sit there quietly eyeing the people around me, making laughing at their antics as no doubt they do to me. I will hear music but not concern myself with any chord progression or whether the fiddle player is pissed. I shall simply be lost in the whole mesmeric of it.
I see you are playing in Fermoy soon. If we ever meet up I have a great tale to tell of when I had to visit the town back in the late 90’s with work. I have a friend who works in the bookies there now.
God bless to you and yours.
Frankie
Christy's reply
I first heard Fairport in 1970 ish…it was a new sound and it sowed a seed…I think it was in The Free Trade Hall…also played there later when Planxty played support to Stefan Grossman…Played Leeds Festival with Moving Hearts in early 80s and Fairport were also on the bill…never made it to “Cropperty” but I’ve heard reports that its very different
wrestling with songs here as The Summer rains on…looking forward to Fermoy
We sang for Ronnie Drew all night. 7 years gone today. Phelim was there, sound lad, he sang too. I felt a bit out of me depth, but don’t tell the lads… ; ) That was my first time fronting a sing song and what a time to do it. I have the hunger for it now, just need a lot more songs. Another chance crossing, unrelated to last night, but was talking to a nephew of yours, Davog. What a ball of energy that lad is, bangin’ the bodhran like a warrior. I’m drinking too much and not writing, but enjoying song. Hope yer resting well Christy. Sing one for Ronnie
theres a great auld song from The Handsome Family that I sang for Ronnie last time I was with him…we sat by the fire out in Greystones and swapped yarns..he liked this song..here is the chorus
“theres only so much wine
you can drink in one life…
but it will never be enough
to enough to save you from…
..the bottom of your glass”
we both struggled with the cratur, often talked about it…good luck to you Dylan
Hi Christy thanks for a mighty gig in Fermoy it was a magical night from start to finish take care and hopefully see you soon… Tony
two very different nights, both enjoyable,but last night went off into that special zone…its a strange one…impossible to analyse or to plan..it just happens…from the off we were locked in tight but when Little Musgrave appeared we just followed him up to Mandolin Mountain ..Declan was finding the sweet notes and I was gliding along…its like the gig was playing itself..its a strange but joyful place..I felt like I was at the gig myself instead of playing it……
Thanks for the info about Hey Paddy! Christy. ‘Tis done. We also recorded North & South (license bought & paid). Mick Doyle, the other half of this duo, said to tell you that he is the nephew of Breda Doyle, who you apparently know.
Thanks again. We’d like to send you and Wally a cd when we get them.
Dave
“Where Have You Been High Ho”…..tell us a bit about Nebraska, about your music and the scene there….all I know about Nebraska is from Bruce Dern,Bruce Springsteen, Buck Jones and Kit Carson
Hello Christy,
Thank you very much for the link to Lyric FM. Just listened to your interview with Iarla O’Lionáird and I loved it. Brilliant!!! The insight you’re giving us from early childhood into your 50 years career is fantastic. I like what you said about the audience …
Hope you’ll enjoy your gig in the rebel county.
Best wishes, Traudel
Flights booked for my first visit to Belfast and Dublin in 7 years, and to top of the Irish theme, tickets booked for our annual visit to see Christy at the Royal Festival Hall next April. Looking forward to the show already!
may your visit bring you all you wish for….we are is Fermoy by the River Blackwater in North County Cork…We recommenced the tour last night,(year 50) in the beautiful Palace Theatre….so close to the River that I could feel it as we played…a community run theatre it was welcoming and hosted a listening audience…just getting ready for night 2 now, enjoying a bit of Summer Sun before facing the lamps one more time
Sitting in the third row awaiting what will be a great night in Fermoy. Very intimate location! Can’t wait
one down,one to go…what a beautiful venue…I’d love to attend a gig here somtime……
Hi All,,,, so the never ending tour resumes tonight in the Rebel,,,, a lovely room,,,, Declan and Vicky played there some time ago,,, and for those not going the Lyric FM interview is on at 7 pm tonight with Iarla in his series about Vocal Chords ……while in Kerry Puck Fair has just finished and the goat has been returned safe and sound to his natural habitat,,,while the Roses gather in Tralee for the week of fun,,,, followed by the CM gig on Fri 28th Aug,,, I hear tickets are nearly all gone,,,, beir bua agus beannacht,,, H
Just heard from a goat whisperer that the podium in Killorglin is considered highly desirable among the goat community…many goats feel that the animal rights community should butt out and allow one goat a year his moment in the Sun…I gather that upon returning to earth the chosen Puck is much in demand with nannies all over the Kingdom….another Goat person was overheard to whinny that animal rights protesters should concentrate their angst upon bodhrán players and Bradford Curry Houses (I should confess an interest here.. rap-a-tap-tap and yummy-yum-yum)
Yes indeed, having recently passed the 70 mark I now embark upon year 50 of the Ballad Lounge Tour…I give thanks to all who express support, who offer good wishes, surround the work with mighty ju-ju and good vibrations…Míle Maith agaibh go léir, moran grá agus gach beannacht……
hi christy. sad news dave cartwright who ran the royal oak folk club in halesowen with bill caddick and mike billington died suddenly a few days ago. I know you knew them well becuse i saw you play at their club in late sixties/early seventies and what great nights they were. He was a great performer and songwriter and a lovely man. cheers mick howson
Sorry to read of Dave’s sudden death. I remember that Halesowen Club very well, Dave,Bill and Mike too. I played there twice and on another occasion went to hear Alex Cambell perform there. If memory serves twas a Tuesday night gig and I used to stay at Mike’s but I’m not a 100% sure of that. Dave shared his song “Letter to Syracuse” with me which later became part of the 1971 album “Prosperous”. Around the same time I learned Bill Caddick’s song”John O Dreams”. I remember Dave as a kind man with a great smiling face and friendly disposition. Its over 40 years since we met.My sympathy to his family and loved ones.
“I wrote me a Letter to Syracuse” ( Dave Cartwright RIP)
Thanks for the great memories,Christy.So many names………I can hear their music still and see their faces.In numerous North of England, venues,on the Manchester streets and at Piccadilly station,travelling to another gig.
You mention The Watersons.Their power was mighty in the intimacy of The Lesser Free Trade Hall c 1971 with the original lineup.
You praise the generosity of some and recall Tim Hart and Maddy Prior.As an early 70’s teenager ,happy to listen but keen to learn to play the Appalachian dulcimer,Tim Hart was regularly helpful to me,before or after gigs and by letter,when he probably had a zillion other things to do………..I’ve played stacks of semi pro gigs in recent decades an never forget Tim’s early support.RIP Tim, Martin Carthy also name checked Tim and Maddy on the recent gig as he launched into a fine version of ‘My son John’ with some updated verses ,showing the timeless poignancy of traditional song .
The songs you mention towards the end of your reply also resonate.They take me back to several of the singers you mention but also to your early days.As we approach 2016 and your 50 years on the road,it would be fantastic to hear them ringing out from larger stages at your concerts and in recordings.I hope that might be possible………
Keep hauling the nets………
Dave
Tim and Maddy stayed with me in Yorkshire in 1968. I stayed with Tim’s family when I played in St Alban’s. Later they achieved great acclaim with Steeleye Span. Planxty played support to Steeleye in The Albert Hall circa 1973. Part of a series of “Fanfare For Europe” concerts back then.After the gig we met Edward Heath who inadvertently came into our dressing just as I was sparking an enormous spliff, a joint of truly European dimension. Thankfully, Ted’s mind was on other matters and his entourage did not linger.
Hi Christy
Great to read the exchange with Frankbyrne.Fairport and The Free Trade Hall bring back great memories,as well as you/Planxty playing there several times.Happy Days……..
I hope Frank has a great time at Cropredy.I’m shaking the straw out of my shoes,having spent the weekend baking in a corn field at The Wickham Festival ,Hampshire.A beautiful site with personal highlights of the superbly varied music being Martin Carthy’s masterclass gig,reminding us of his skills as an interpreter of trad songs accompanied by flowing guitar lines.This was followed a couple of days later by Luka’s gem of a set on Sunday afternoon.Long time fans gathered at the front of the marquee as the sound glided out.Wonderful to see him on ace form and be reminded of the power of his music.A bonus to shake his hand afterwards and have a chat.
After two visits to Wickham I’m determined to be a regular.It would be a brilliant gig for you,so hope to see you there sometime……….its only down the road from Cropredy and there’d be a mighty welcome for you.
I picked up a great Sweeney’s Men collection as I was waiting to meet Luka.Its rattling along sweetly now………’hey ho,roll and go’……..
All the best,Dave
“I shipped on board of a Liverpool Liner
havin spent all my money money along with Sally Brown”
….I’d love to catch a Carthy gig..its been manys the day…there are not many from the 60’s circuit still knockin it out….Martin has kept the candle trimmed right through…Swarb still to the good…Martin Wyndham Read coming over here in The Autumn…Ralph McTell still hittin the boards…heard Bob Davenport here a few years back…lookin at Cambridge on TV I dont think I saw anyone from those times apart from Peggy Seeger,she turned in a lovely version of Ewan’s song to her….I’m thinkin tonight of The High Level Ranters, The Marsden Rattlers, The Doonans, The Stockton Fettlers,The Dransfields,The Pennine Folk, The Beggarmen, The Union Folk, The Munstermen, Ian Cambell’s Band,Noel Murphy and Shaggis, Johnny Silvo, Alex,Hamish,Archie, Jacqui and Bridie, Tim Hart and Maddy,Dave and Toni Arthur, Tony &Arthur,The Blackpool Taverners,Dave Burland,Nic Jones,Fred Jordan and,more then most,The Watersons…their vocal sound went in real deep, their voices still echoing 50 years on
“When First I went a waggonin a waggonin did go
Filled me poor old parents hearts with sorrow grief and woe
manys were the hardships we did undergo
Singin wo me lads sing wo,ride on me lads ride on
who would’nt be for all the world a Jolly Waggoner” ( thats the way I heard it,may not tally with the original)
others too who shared the life…Mike Harding, Tony Capstick,Vin Garbutt, Mary Asquith,Rosemary Hardiman, Marie Little, John Swift, Tommy Dempsey,Mick Hipkiss, The Oldham Tinkers,The Yetties,The Valley Folk, Bernard Wrigley,Watt Nichol,Josh McCrea, I remember a wonderful train journey meeting Bert Lloyd between Sheffield and London and him singing so tunefully and beautifully, meeting Jimmy McBeth,Davey Stewart, Jeannie Robertson,Paddie Bell, The Corries, Jimmy McGregor,Billy Gerry&Tam were Humble Bums,
thats where I began my journey in 1966, criss crossing all these players on the roads and railways, swopping yarns and information about clubs, organisers, curry houses, rough-lie-downs, swopping songs too,some were generous while others hoarded..I learned a hundred songs from a 100 singers…John O Dreams from Bill Caddick, Cold Blow from Mike Harding, Pontchartrain from Mike Waterson, Bogies Bonnie Belle from Muriel Graves, Black is The Colour from Hamish, Sun is Burning from Ian Cambell,January Man from Dave Goulder, Barr na Sraide from Mick Hipkiss, Dalesmans Litany from Denis Sabey, hearing Alan “Spud”Taylor,Bob Spray,Bob&Carol Pegg,Roger Sutcliffe, Alma Ford and all the other Leeds”chanters”…..glory years when we were in our prime
the journey continues,Thanks be, still chasing the songs,still listening to whats around, still hearing new voices, fresh nuances…as Tony Small sang on his last recording
“The Old songs keep calling me
calling through the night”
……….Tonight is a good night for remembering…….
PS.I learned “Letter To Syracuse” from Dave Cartwright who passed the day I wrote this note
Christy, I am trying to find out how to buy the mechanical license to record “Hey Paddy” on a new cd. Can you tell me who to contact? Sorry to bother you but I’ve been at this awhile and am coming to a dead end. I tried contacting Wally Page but am getting nothing there as well. Trying to give credit where credit is due!
Thanks for you time Christy, I’ve been a fan for a long long time.
Dave Marsh
Just spoke to Wally. His song “Hey Paddy” is registered
Hey Paddy…Wally Page… (imro Ireland)
if you put that accreditation on your cd you are ready to roll
Patsy, I’ve seen your post…the re-launch of ‘celestial’ in Glasgow would certainly get the Barras hummin’…no doubt about it…but it’s not up to me unfortunately, and the choir their that gather at around half 7 onwards may or may not like it….but I’d bet they’d love it…..It’d be different…turned up full blast from the sound desk…do do do do do do do …da do do..do do do…just saying like.
well Lar, in fairness you are running a very good campaign here… but its David Meade you need to convince…he controls all the entertainment before and after the gig and I dont like to interfere…perhaps he could be bribed (with a duck egg perhaps, or a nice home made scone with some gooseberry jam…or a photo of Rodney Marsh in his hay day or a lock of Joey Barton’s hair)
Hope all is well in the West Rock..we are still land-locked here in the East with the road works…the M8 was built quicker then the B.Rock cycle lane..bring back Bertie some say..he’d soon have the cruise ships in the harbour..theres a man who knows how to get a dirty job done in a hurry and (shure begorra) twas’nt off the floor he licked it
dear christy,
after 55 months have passed I just booked the clifden gig and my heart beats with excitement. in jan. 2011 dublin you played the january man after i asked for it.
The fortnight in eire I plan a roadstory hitchhiking mainly the westcoast to meet owners of rural pubs which have been closed down the last years. maybe some of you guys have some suggestions for me…
Looking forward so much klaus
the best place to meet those owners might be in the pubs that are still open
good man christy, consider yourself booked….for any date you choose…to start your roots scottish tour in the beautiful border country ,at the heart of hawick theatre (holding an exuberant 111 fans) . the queue for tickets is forming already
lets start in The Mucky Byre of a Sunday,then The Elbow Room Monday….the streets of Raith are well used to exuberance, especially when Kircaldy Rovers are on a winning streak
Here we go Christy, this is the link for the Moving Hearts video.
http://youtu.be/KmNs5M7ejDA
The link may have to be copied and pasted to make it work. Quality isn’t superb as I say in the description but for any Hearts fans it’s a treat, especially some of Declan’s playing.
thanks for sharing….bringin it all back home….34 years since we were beating it out
Christy, I finally got around to sorting out my video of the famous 1981 Moving Hearts concert which has all but disappeared from the airwaves. Would you have any objection if I put as much of it as I can on Youtube? The quality isn’t the best but the performances are out of this world.
please do (and thanks for asking)…I look forward to seeing that…there is very little Hearts footage about…you might give us the nod when its up and we’ll spread the word
And the Banner-Man held the banner high
With an Alleluia in his eye
And I wish that I could be an Antrim man!
i had a few days over with you to blow away a few thoughts with my great friends in ireland last week.
plenty gin (mainly cork dry) and your triple album on the cd player as i toured around,meant a great break to clear the head.
on tuesday i drove up, dragging a friend from punchestown with me, to see the yellow bog near allenwood,and i was not disappointed. a beautiful part of the world bringing to life that wonderful song which captivates me everytime i spin the cd.
anyway ,on saturday as i drove into galway races on came ‘the ballad of ruby walsh’. well yer man had only one ride on the card but he held it back, gave it a crack and up it went. so thanks for the tip, maybe you should start a column in the irish field ?
keep up the singing though, just in case the nags don’t always run true.
thanks for the post…lovely to read how the songs were part of your journey..looking forward to a wee spin round Scotia in the Autumn…not that Edinburgh to Glasgow entails much of a spin….must try and do a proper Scottish tour again some day..in the 60s it would start at The Borders and end in Thurso..no half measures back then…Kircaldy, St Andrews,Dundee, Arbroath, Aberdeen, Inverness, Caithness,Perth, Stirling, Motherwell,Paisley,Montrose St, The Police Club…..hangin out in Henderson Row and Thistle St…Muirhouse Rd 62459….Hamish,Owen,Billy, Danny,Archie, Josh, Paddie,Dick,McCalmans, Binkies,Clutha, Lagan, Binkies, Freddie,Scotia..great times in The Mucky Byre,The Elbow Room,Mickey Walsh, Mickey Brennan,Mick Broderick, Davy Stewart, Old Davy Stewart, Im away up the stair….
good mornin…re-reading last night’s ramble I wish to add The Forum in East Kilbride which was my favourite Club for manys the gig….also to remember Wilma,Vhari,Fiona,Jim,Mairéad,Ruth,Seth and OJ for all they shared
Wrestle on there Christy, the victory is sweet
Giant Haystacks v Mick McManus
Afternoon Christy.
All quiet here on the the Pennine front. Those dark satanic Saddleworth Moors have been shrouded in rain and mist most of the summer and doesn’t look like much changing.
Just seen your post on FB about the radio show on the 14th. Sadly I’ll have to give it a miss as hopefully I shall be sat contently in a field of dreams at Cropredy To be honest I’m getting quite giddy at the thought even at my age. My wife always asks me when we go to a show whether I’m enjoying it or not. I don’t give much away and I don’t need to be tapping my toes either. The song is more than the sum of its words and chords. How great it is to be moved to some far off place in your mind by the beauty that a song and then when it finishes you’re not even sure of the words you heard. Cropredy never fails for me. I shall sit there quietly eyeing the people around me, making laughing at their antics as no doubt they do to me. I will hear music but not concern myself with any chord progression or whether the fiddle player is pissed. I shall simply be lost in the whole mesmeric of it.
I see you are playing in Fermoy soon. If we ever meet up I have a great tale to tell of when I had to visit the town back in the late 90’s with work. I have a friend who works in the bookies there now.
God bless to you and yours.
Frankie
I first heard Fairport in 1970 ish…it was a new sound and it sowed a seed…I think it was in The Free Trade Hall…also played there later when Planxty played support to Stefan Grossman…Played Leeds Festival with Moving Hearts in early 80s and Fairport were also on the bill…never made it to “Cropperty” but I’ve heard reports that its very different
wrestling with songs here as The Summer rains on…looking forward to Fermoy