Earlier,I posted about David Rooney’s art…I visited his brilliant website. Then found a superb YouTube film about him…’when art and music meet’…interesting how important music is to him (Echotal compositions).
The man is brilliant…he mentioned artwork for a cellist,Jo Quail…I now have her stunning’The Cartorapher’ in my headphones…wow! Fab, when ideas merge…
As Ian Dury so wisely said,’There ain’t ‘alf some clever bastards’ …
I’m reminded of the sitting Taoiseach back in 1981…how he “wept” (on TV) for his “constituents”…. I remember seeing that too but I wonder is it because we have a very powerful civil service and at the end of the day that they actually are the controllers and that the politicians are only mouthpieces and they do as they are told, that this tragedy was let run and run.? Fair play to the families of the deceased’s persistence against all the odds.
Christy's reply
are you letting CJ off the hook ? maybe we need to run out a multi hooked setline…we might all end up on it !!
Great that you had such a great time in Derry,and did some recording…
Whilst mulling over what the next LP will sound and look like,I enjoyed a run out of the vinyl ‘Flying Into Mystery’…so well recorded and paced in the running order. David Rooney’s detailed art work certainly comes into its own in the large format,even down to the iceberg and reflection on the record label!
Your version of Dylan’s ‘i Pity the poor Immigrant’ is a powerful finish,and the final note hanging,as the needle exits the disc…So, onwards and upwards to the next release…
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
just heard that The Quare Fella is due back again…all the way from Minnesota
Hard to beat the old Rialto vibe, Christy – I loved St Columb’s Hall too. There’s talk of it being refurbished and improved. Great to see the atmosphere in the forum these days. In the earlier years it hadn’t the same buzz – think it was too new and fancy and was a bit like going to church. A lot more relaxed now though. I’m glad you had a good few days around the place. Great to see the long haul listeners too – there has always been a great connection around the gigs – met so many wonderful people through the gigs. Long may it continue. Listening to the podcast with Joe now – love how natural your chats are. Stay safe and keep the songs going – we are grateful.
Christy's reply
I picked up on that over the past few visits..its taken a few years for people to settle into the Forum ….pity they did not call The Rialto Theatre from the start..it might have settled in quicker…David and all the staff there are always welcoming…it has a great atmosphere…seems to be busy too… a Beatles tribute tonight and George Murphy at the weeknd…Rock on The Forum
Hello Christy,
Just musing about your song They Never Came Home, and how you and it were the only ones prosecuted all those years ago.
One thing to take from it – music is very important…
Ach Christy! Albert Fry! Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a few decades….since I was teaching the Gaeilge up in Rannafast. Albert used come down from his wee cottage on the hill and take his seat in teach Phaidí Óig….he was a beautiful singer, a rare person, he certainly kept the songs and folklore of Donegal alive and kicking. And in Belfast as the high king on the high stool in Cumann Chluain Ard he was a great presence.
Off I go now to my vinyl, where I have two signed albums…. Tráthnóna Beag Aréir, agus Thiar i dTír Chonaill.
Tell me Christy, did you ever perform with Albert? I’d love to know what ye would sing together.
Christy's reply
Just met the good man twice….we never sang together….
Your mention of Rannafast reminds me:
myself and my two Sisters attended the Gael Scoil in Gortahork back in the Summer of 1957….
(I think Eilish and Anne returned in 1958)
I remember it very clearly…in ainm Dé
Hello Christy from my humble abode The City Hotel.What a fantastic night tonight in the Fourm.A musical masterpiece again from yourself. It was an honour and a privilege ro be seated among the great group of 4711ers.The journey South begins in the morning. I’ll take with me great memories of 2 great nights.Go raibh mile maith agat Christy. Let the music keep our spirits high.
Christy's reply
Daithí mo cara….you’ll be jet lagged by the time you land in Timoleague….same for Herself when she hits Trá Lí…..after the walled City I have a week now to prep for a return to The Banner….I worked there in 1964…learnt a few right good ballads when working in Tulla, Ennis, Miltown-Malbay and Lisdoonvarna…£8 a week and all I could ate
Absolutely brilliant gig tonight- such energy and power. Just amazing. Loved The Boy from Tamlaghtduff – so powerful. Can’t believe that’s 43 years. Thank you for coming to our city, Christy- you are always welcome. Thank you to all the crew too that make it happen- such a solid team. Stay safe and well.
Christy's reply
could not have gone better for me…great audience of listeners,responders,lifter-uppers…got home still buzzin….for me,it still feels like “The Rialto”
Hi Christy,
That was a great bit of radio on The Free Stare podcast.
Yourself and the lads taking a trip down memory lane.
By the sound of it it didn’t take much coaxing for
Joe Brolly to finish it with a song.
Fair play. He gave it socks.
Enjoy this evenings cabaret.
Bourkey
Christy's reply
13 minutes to kick off
nerves nicely twitching for throw in (Used to be throw-up)
it being the 2nd night I gotta vary it ..many comin back for 2nd night
stretches done, stage gear on,keks freshly pressed, same sox and jox as tue
the crowd buzzin in, some wild buckos in from The Rock tonight
whallup
ps
later
went well
great audience
29 songs
1 hour 50 minutes
met Cathal Hayden afterwards
we had some great gigs together in The Companeros
just crossed back into The Free State at Aughnacloy
Simon Harris waiting to welcome me home
3 days in Derry, 2 gigs and 2 songs recorded
as always, Derry is a very special City to visit
my first gig there was back in 1972 with Planxty
a concert in St Columbs Hall with Seamus Heaney and Albert Fry
I still have the souvenier programme from that gig
around the same time we played in The Hanger…. all hair and flares
Back on the banks of the Foyle …. a road well travelled these days between football and gigs …. can’t think of any better reasons.
Second half in the forum is nearly upon us , if its half as good as Tuesday we will head back to the Hills Happy again.
Hup.
Christy's reply
Yizzer Gluttons for Punishment but it always does the heart good to see Ye….
from Ballyshannon and The Glenties
They sailed right into Hell
they suffered like the weepin Christ
down Duffy’s Cut they sweat their blood
into his Wishin Well
were they takin by the sickness
Hope you’re getting the Wintergreen ready and the last few stretches before the second half. thinking of the Stardust families today – and that it is 38 years tomorrow since the tragedy that was Chernobyl. So many will pay the price of that for centuries to come. We should never forget all those who suffer in so many ways. Let us remember…
I am writing from the museum dedicated to the ancient royal site for Connacht, Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon, and the home of the great warrior queen Medb (Maeve).
Hearing you on the recent podcast episode, and familiar with the Tulsk lyrics, and of excellent live performances some years ago in Dr. Hyde Park and in Ballinasloe, I would like to extend an invitation for you to return to Tulsk, and to Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. We would be thrilled to give you a tour of our ancient archaeological landscape, introduce you to our fabled ‘Gate to Hell’ at Oweynagat Cave. If you were interested, you would be very welcome to play an intimate charity gig, in our lecture room, in aid of a charity very close to our hearts, the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. In so doing, you would be following in the footsteps of our friends from Horslips, Jim Lockheart and Barry Devlin.
We would be happy to man the door for you, and in the spirit of diplomacy, exorcise the demons of yesteryear with an open hand of friendship to visit our facility!
Best regards,
Daniel Curley (Taughmaconnell, Co. Roscommon)
Manager
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre
Christy's reply
Hello Daniel,
great to hear from Rossie land….as a descendent of Queen Maeve it was quite emotional to read your note…many years ago I spent a wild night in the Cave at Oweynagat ….a clatter of Witches, Mystics, Priestesses, Bowrawn batterers, Tansey and a man with 5 bottles of Poitín….Michael D was supposed to turn up but went canvassin to keep the blueshirts out….John Hoban was there from the West , fresh from turnin the hen house into an Ashram, Johnny Spillane arrived in late after hang glidin down from Ben Bulben after a seance in Strandhill….Flatley could’nt make after goin over on his ankle in Monte Carlo…
re the “intimate charity gig in lecture room” ..with diminishing time and advancing years I’m reduced to 8 benefits this year and they are all in place ..alrady I have a waiting list for next year if Dog spares me……
have you tried Joe Brolly..he has a big following in the Strokesown area and visits regularly to collect his calf nuts
I wish Ye all well in Rathcroghan… as Queen Maeve herself might chant
“Isis-Astarte-Diana-Hecati-Demeter-Kali-Inarna”
Hello Christy,
Over the past fw days my wishlist of songs to learn on the guitar has been growing. Here they are so far
Rosalita and Jack Campbell
Mcillhatton
Sail on Jimmy
Raglan Road
No time for love
Madam I’m a darling
Martin’s Last Straw
Johnny Jump Up
Inchicore Wake
Aisling
16 Fishermen Raving
I made s similar list six years ago for the harp. It’s grown and grown and some of them have faded. Looking forward to seeing how this list goes. Just got to get my first finger to behave. Its got a papercut thing down one side but not looking too bad today.
I’m very much looking forward to hearing your new recordings. Good luck for a smooth journey.
Great memories,Christy
The Guardian piece reminded me to check out Granada TV.,..not only ground breaking,but now well preserved via YouTube…I just put in Granada TV,folk music and the screen lit up !
First up a cracking Fairport programme from 1981,totally new to me…somewhere,there’ll be folk gigs from The Two Brewers,Inc The Dubliners…
The Aladdin’s Cave of YouTube has to be one of the best aspects of modern life! D
Ta to Rory for posting the music link…my phone refused to budge it….fair play to The Guardian writer,great research and folk references.Hopefully,of interest here.
Have a great day and gig.
Dave
Christy's reply
thanks Dave…of great interest…”taking The Guardian”, a life in itself
Hi Christy, I just heard the podcast of Joe , Dion and yourself and it was brilliant, the chats are refreshing and easy . I hope you had a great 2 nights in Derry under the lamps and vamps. Ballinscreen is a cracker of a song , when last home I stayed in Draperstown for a night before returning to the shortgrass , I love the chat you had with the muckers, old friends having a good chin wag about days past and days to come . Love Fin 💚
Christy's reply
one done..second one tonight…a great City…good to be Back Home in Derry
Thanks Dave (and Rory) …a great slice of Mancunian Musical History ….so fitting to see Harry Boardman referenced…..I served my apprenticship there and Harry was one of the many good people I encountered….the Manchester Folk scene was a world within itself, fond memories come tumbling out….Mike Harding singin “Poverty Poverty Knocks”, Tony Downes “Plane Crash Los Gatos”,Rosie Hardiman,Mary Asquith singin the blues, The Beggarmen, Marie Little, Pete Ryder, Tom & Smiley cuttin the Bluegrass, Droney & Jenks at the MSG,Pete Wilmot, Tony & Arthur, Jack & Mavis, Des English,The Valley Folk, The Pennine Folk, we were all jostlin for support spots when the stars rolled into town….Fairport,Stefan Grossman, Ewan & Peggy,The Watersons, High Level Ranters, Carthy & Swarb, Noel Murphy, Alex Cambell, Luke Kelly, Hamish, Long John Baldry, The Corries, The Yetties,
it always comes back, those formative years, listening,learning, hitchin, arriving at a folk club hoping to get a floor spot, maybe a support slot, getting connected,travelling to the outskirts of Bury,Rochdale,Congleton,Hyde,Wilmslow ,Leigh.Bolton….maybe a few pints and a pork pie
Ps
The Cartographer
Jo Quail. Cello and effects
Hi Christy/all
Earlier,I posted about David Rooney’s art…I visited his brilliant website. Then found a superb YouTube film about him…’when art and music meet’…interesting how important music is to him (Echotal compositions).
The man is brilliant…he mentioned artwork for a cellist,Jo Quail…I now have her stunning’The Cartorapher’ in my headphones…wow! Fab, when ideas merge…
As Ian Dury so wisely said,’There ain’t ‘alf some clever bastards’ …
Dave
Good steer there Dave
I’m reminded of the sitting Taoiseach back in 1981…how he “wept” (on TV) for his “constituents”…. I remember seeing that too but I wonder is it because we have a very powerful civil service and at the end of the day that they actually are the controllers and that the politicians are only mouthpieces and they do as they are told, that this tragedy was let run and run.? Fair play to the families of the deceased’s persistence against all the odds.
are you letting CJ off the hook ? maybe we need to run out a multi hooked setline…we might all end up on it !!
Hi Christy
Great that you had such a great time in Derry,and did some recording…
Whilst mulling over what the next LP will sound and look like,I enjoyed a run out of the vinyl ‘Flying Into Mystery’…so well recorded and paced in the running order. David Rooney’s detailed art work certainly comes into its own in the large format,even down to the iceberg and reflection on the record label!
Your version of Dylan’s ‘i Pity the poor Immigrant’ is a powerful finish,and the final note hanging,as the needle exits the disc…So, onwards and upwards to the next release…
All the best
Dave
just heard that The Quare Fella is due back again…all the way from Minnesota
Hard to beat the old Rialto vibe, Christy – I loved St Columb’s Hall too. There’s talk of it being refurbished and improved. Great to see the atmosphere in the forum these days. In the earlier years it hadn’t the same buzz – think it was too new and fancy and was a bit like going to church. A lot more relaxed now though. I’m glad you had a good few days around the place. Great to see the long haul listeners too – there has always been a great connection around the gigs – met so many wonderful people through the gigs. Long may it continue. Listening to the podcast with Joe now – love how natural your chats are. Stay safe and keep the songs going – we are grateful.
I picked up on that over the past few visits..its taken a few years for people to settle into the Forum ….pity they did not call The Rialto Theatre from the start..it might have settled in quicker…David and all the staff there are always welcoming…it has a great atmosphere…seems to be busy too… a Beatles tribute tonight and George Murphy at the weeknd…Rock on The Forum
Hello Christy,
Just musing about your song They Never Came Home, and how you and it were the only ones prosecuted all those years ago.
One thing to take from it – music is very important…
Rebecca
spot on there Rebecca
Ach Christy! Albert Fry! Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a few decades….since I was teaching the Gaeilge up in Rannafast. Albert used come down from his wee cottage on the hill and take his seat in teach Phaidí Óig….he was a beautiful singer, a rare person, he certainly kept the songs and folklore of Donegal alive and kicking. And in Belfast as the high king on the high stool in Cumann Chluain Ard he was a great presence.
Off I go now to my vinyl, where I have two signed albums…. Tráthnóna Beag Aréir, agus Thiar i dTír Chonaill.
Tell me Christy, did you ever perform with Albert? I’d love to know what ye would sing together.
Just met the good man twice….we never sang together….
Your mention of Rannafast reminds me:
myself and my two Sisters attended the Gael Scoil in Gortahork back in the Summer of 1957….
(I think Eilish and Anne returned in 1958)
I remember it very clearly…in ainm Dé
Hello Christy from my humble abode The City Hotel.What a fantastic night tonight in the Fourm.A musical masterpiece again from yourself. It was an honour and a privilege ro be seated among the great group of 4711ers.The journey South begins in the morning. I’ll take with me great memories of 2 great nights.Go raibh mile maith agat Christy. Let the music keep our spirits high.
Daithí mo cara….you’ll be jet lagged by the time you land in Timoleague….same for Herself when she hits Trá Lí…..after the walled City I have a week now to prep for a return to The Banner….I worked there in 1964…learnt a few right good ballads when working in Tulla, Ennis, Miltown-Malbay and Lisdoonvarna…£8 a week and all I could ate
Absolutely brilliant gig tonight- such energy and power. Just amazing. Loved The Boy from Tamlaghtduff – so powerful. Can’t believe that’s 43 years. Thank you for coming to our city, Christy- you are always welcome. Thank you to all the crew too that make it happen- such a solid team. Stay safe and well.
could not have gone better for me…great audience of listeners,responders,lifter-uppers…got home still buzzin….for me,it still feels like “The Rialto”
Hi Christy,
That was a great bit of radio on The Free Stare podcast.
Yourself and the lads taking a trip down memory lane.
By the sound of it it didn’t take much coaxing for
Joe Brolly to finish it with a song.
Fair play. He gave it socks.
Enjoy this evenings cabaret.
Bourkey
13 minutes to kick off
nerves nicely twitching for throw in (Used to be throw-up)
it being the 2nd night I gotta vary it ..many comin back for 2nd night
stretches done, stage gear on,keks freshly pressed, same sox and jox as tue
the crowd buzzin in, some wild buckos in from The Rock tonight
whallup
ps
later
went well
great audience
29 songs
1 hour 50 minutes
met Cathal Hayden afterwards
we had some great gigs together in The Companeros
just crossed back into The Free State at Aughnacloy
Simon Harris waiting to welcome me home
3 days in Derry, 2 gigs and 2 songs recorded
as always, Derry is a very special City to visit
my first gig there was back in 1972 with Planxty
a concert in St Columbs Hall with Seamus Heaney and Albert Fry
I still have the souvenier programme from that gig
around the same time we played in The Hanger…. all hair and flares
Back on the banks of the Foyle …. a road well travelled these days between football and gigs …. can’t think of any better reasons.
Second half in the forum is nearly upon us , if its half as good as Tuesday we will head back to the Hills Happy again.
Hup.
Yizzer Gluttons for Punishment but it always does the heart good to see Ye….
from Ballyshannon and The Glenties
They sailed right into Hell
they suffered like the weepin Christ
down Duffy’s Cut they sweat their blood
into his Wishin Well
were they takin by the sickness
Hope you’re getting the Wintergreen ready and the last few stretches before the second half. thinking of the Stardust families today – and that it is 38 years tomorrow since the tragedy that was Chernobyl. So many will pay the price of that for centuries to come. We should never forget all those who suffer in so many ways. Let us remember…
Hello Christy,
I am writing from the museum dedicated to the ancient royal site for Connacht, Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon, and the home of the great warrior queen Medb (Maeve).
Hearing you on the recent podcast episode, and familiar with the Tulsk lyrics, and of excellent live performances some years ago in Dr. Hyde Park and in Ballinasloe, I would like to extend an invitation for you to return to Tulsk, and to Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. We would be thrilled to give you a tour of our ancient archaeological landscape, introduce you to our fabled ‘Gate to Hell’ at Oweynagat Cave. If you were interested, you would be very welcome to play an intimate charity gig, in our lecture room, in aid of a charity very close to our hearts, the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. In so doing, you would be following in the footsteps of our friends from Horslips, Jim Lockheart and Barry Devlin.
We would be happy to man the door for you, and in the spirit of diplomacy, exorcise the demons of yesteryear with an open hand of friendship to visit our facility!
Best regards,
Daniel Curley (Taughmaconnell, Co. Roscommon)
Manager
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre
Hello Daniel,
great to hear from Rossie land….as a descendent of Queen Maeve it was quite emotional to read your note…many years ago I spent a wild night in the Cave at Oweynagat ….a clatter of Witches, Mystics, Priestesses, Bowrawn batterers, Tansey and a man with 5 bottles of Poitín….Michael D was supposed to turn up but went canvassin to keep the blueshirts out….John Hoban was there from the West , fresh from turnin the hen house into an Ashram, Johnny Spillane arrived in late after hang glidin down from Ben Bulben after a seance in Strandhill….Flatley could’nt make after goin over on his ankle in Monte Carlo…
re the “intimate charity gig in lecture room” ..with diminishing time and advancing years I’m reduced to 8 benefits this year and they are all in place ..alrady I have a waiting list for next year if Dog spares me……
have you tried Joe Brolly..he has a big following in the Strokesown area and visits regularly to collect his calf nuts
I wish Ye all well in Rathcroghan… as Queen Maeve herself might chant
“Isis-Astarte-Diana-Hecati-Demeter-Kali-Inarna”
i wish ye well
Hello Christy,
Over the past fw days my wishlist of songs to learn on the guitar has been growing. Here they are so far
Rosalita and Jack Campbell
Mcillhatton
Sail on Jimmy
Raglan Road
No time for love
Madam I’m a darling
Martin’s Last Straw
Johnny Jump Up
Inchicore Wake
Aisling
16 Fishermen Raving
I made s similar list six years ago for the harp. It’s grown and grown and some of them have faded. Looking forward to seeing how this list goes. Just got to get my first finger to behave. Its got a papercut thing down one side but not looking too bad today.
I’m very much looking forward to hearing your new recordings. Good luck for a smooth journey.
Rebecca
a nice set you got there
Sounds like productivity is the order of the week.. great to hear recording is moving along and things are off to a flyer in Doire. Hope it’s ok to post the link for the second part of “Free State” – available here: https://shows.acast.com/641338125bde790011089c5b/66298122ea302100128f91ca
Kev
Joe rules the roost
Great memories,Christy
The Guardian piece reminded me to check out Granada TV.,..not only ground breaking,but now well preserved via YouTube…I just put in Granada TV,folk music and the screen lit up !
First up a cracking Fairport programme from 1981,totally new to me…somewhere,there’ll be folk gigs from The Two Brewers,Inc The Dubliners…
The Aladdin’s Cave of YouTube has to be one of the best aspects of modern life! D
we’ll get no work done
Morning Christy
Ta to Rory for posting the music link…my phone refused to budge it….fair play to The Guardian writer,great research and folk references.Hopefully,of interest here.
Have a great day and gig.
Dave
thanks Dave…of great interest…”taking The Guardian”, a life in itself
Hi Christy, I just heard the podcast of Joe , Dion and yourself and it was brilliant, the chats are refreshing and easy . I hope you had a great 2 nights in Derry under the lamps and vamps. Ballinscreen is a cracker of a song , when last home I stayed in Draperstown for a night before returning to the shortgrass , I love the chat you had with the muckers, old friends having a good chin wag about days past and days to come . Love Fin 💚
one done..second one tonight…a great City…good to be Back Home in Derry
Hi folks
From dagrab with suffragette love
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2024/apr/23/a-musical-tour-of-manchester-from-the-halle-to-the-happy-mondays
Rory…from dave
Thanks Dave (and Rory) …a great slice of Mancunian Musical History ….so fitting to see Harry Boardman referenced…..I served my apprenticship there and Harry was one of the many good people I encountered….the Manchester Folk scene was a world within itself, fond memories come tumbling out….Mike Harding singin “Poverty Poverty Knocks”, Tony Downes “Plane Crash Los Gatos”,Rosie Hardiman,Mary Asquith singin the blues, The Beggarmen, Marie Little, Pete Ryder, Tom & Smiley cuttin the Bluegrass, Droney & Jenks at the MSG,Pete Wilmot, Tony & Arthur, Jack & Mavis, Des English,The Valley Folk, The Pennine Folk, we were all jostlin for support spots when the stars rolled into town….Fairport,Stefan Grossman, Ewan & Peggy,The Watersons, High Level Ranters, Carthy & Swarb, Noel Murphy, Alex Cambell, Luke Kelly, Hamish, Long John Baldry, The Corries, The Yetties,
it always comes back, those formative years, listening,learning, hitchin, arriving at a folk club hoping to get a floor spot, maybe a support slot, getting connected,travelling to the outskirts of Bury,Rochdale,Congleton,Hyde,Wilmslow ,Leigh.Bolton….maybe a few pints and a pork pie