An early cuppa,playing ‘Hinterland’,the new Lisa Knapp/Gerry Diver album…after last night’s superb gig,I hope there’s a live album on the production line…
Their individual and collective talents are stunning,added to a lovely stage presence.Lisa’s clarity of singing is perfect for traditional ballads. Her love of words and sounds shines through…a big ballad like ‘Long Lankin’ has menace,with Gerry’s bass drum kicks,samples and fiddle giving pure drama.
Superb instrumental playing throughout a totally absorbing gig was riveting. What surprised me was when Gerry introduced ‘Speech Project’ andJoe Cooley’s voice resounded…wow…plus the final song of the set,’Old time musicians…a pleasure to hear it and watch two brilliant fiddle players concentrating on the precise parts .
The audience reaction was brilliant and an encore of ‘The Blacksmith’s was a perfect finish. As I headed into the rain,I was so glad of the privilege of attending a mighty gig. Punters were lining up to chat to Lisa and Gerry…I’d been lucky to collar them pre gig and talk with Gerry about our shared home suburb He was so chatty,I was worried he’d be late on stage…next thing,they’re in full flow and music magic is on..
Pure class…the new album is brilliant.I hope you and many here can share the mojo of a Knapp/Diver gig..
Enough prattling for now…I made a lot of notes,so there’s more to be said!
Soaking wet…very likely the only sober person for miles….waiting for the last train home.
More to come tomorrow,but the gig just witnessed was astounding. I’ve waited ages to see Lisa Knapp and Gerry Diver….lovely to chat to Gerry with such Manchester/Irish spirit….song and music at its finest.followed.
Thank you for the reply! I certainly will request it locally here and also on some of the shows I listen to on RTE Radio 1 and hopefully a few more of your fans do so to their favourite shows wherever they are in the world! It would be really nice to see the song get some attention around Lyra’s birthday and for people to remember her. What about a number one on the iTunes chart?!?
Fair play to the Mary Wallopers….they turn thousands on to the ballads and give their listeners a real good time…buck the fegrudgers….I like the way you keeps it short Casey
Bourkey, when I was a kid the local dentist was Mr. Krutli (Russian, maybe?)
We called him “Cruelty”
Just about put one knee on your chest as he wielded the pliers
“Can’t give you too much novocaine – deadens the area too much..”
Chewing on all those Combat gums & black cats & lolly umbrellas etc made me a victim of his..
Different bunch today: “we treat the patient today, not the tooth..”
Christy's reply
He had them all taken out and put back in on the same day
he loves his new gnashers
sticks them back in every mornin with Dr Wernets
he goes clackety clack when he ates the dinner
What a great set list, I was doing a bit of googling last night, you should release ‘Lyra’ next week to radio as it would have been her 35th birthday on the 31st of March, I love the song since I heard it live last summer and what a tribute to celebrate her life it is.
Christy's reply
Hey Sam…fair play…
Which Radio Station do you have in mind ?
Which Programme do you think might play James Cramer’s song?
Do you have a particular Presenter in mind ?
Might you consider requesting it to your fave programme ?….
Truth be told Sam…it takes a long time to learn, arrange, record and release these songs…when thats done I just sing them….all the radio programmes will have been given the tracks. by the record company…sometimes they spin them……
I’d love to hear Lyra being remembered on the radio….
Hello Christy,
Such beautiful songs on that list.
I’m practising Wandering Aonghus right now.
Hoping to give it an outing to the Panther Club on Tuesday.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
“and when white moths were on the wing”
Learnt from the beautiful singing of Richie Havens backstage at Woodstock
I met Judy Collins briefly backstage at The Sage Theatre,high above the mighty River Tyne…we spoke about the beautiful setting she created around the Sligo poem….
Hi Christy I was wondering if you could wish Happy Birthday to my son Lorcan Hartnett (lorcan has Down syndrome) he’s 23 years old and his birthday wish was to see you. He would be absolutely over the moon🥳🥳🥳
Christy's reply
I’ll do my best….I hope Lorcan has a good time…..its one of my favourite venues
Congratulations on another cracking gig – you had the house howling for more (some of us at wrong times)! There were a few in there that were new to me – I’d love to see the set list
Roll on Limerick, #10 since that powerful gig in the NCH just after Russia invaded Ukraine….
Keep ‘er lit 😎
Oscar
Christy's reply
City of Chicgo
Quinte Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Welcome to Cabaret
Black & Amber ****
Smoke & Strong Whiskey
Finglas Boys
Lingo politico
Shovel
Boy in The Wild ****
Matty
Cumann na Mná ****
John O’Dreams
Honda 50
Lisdoonvarna
Wandering Aonghus
Ordinary Man
Lyra McKee ****
Nancy Spain
Well Below The Valley
Only our Rivers
Companeros (Fidel & Che)
Sweet Thames
Beeswing
Voyage
Joxer
Palestine ****
**** these tracks are on recent album ” A Terrible Beauty”
released last November on Claddagh label
Glad to have played all those places, many different to what they were back then. (Though Murtagh’s in Kingscourt still going strong and the Community Centre in Ballinagh still a hub) Gigging away thanks be.. en route to Scotland for a couple of gigs in Edinburgh and Glasgow.. thinking about songs from Hamish Imlach and ‘Come All You Dreamers’.. playing across the road from Barras.. will check in for Maggie McIver..
Christy's reply
greetings to all songsters on The Clyde and in “Auld Reekie”
hope you have a good trip Kevin…Best wishes
Christy, I first saw you live in 2006 at The Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan at 16. Over the years people always ask me ‘is it not just the same thing?’ when going back to a concert. Not at all! Theres been solo gigs, session gigs, gigs with Declan, benefit gigs, remembrance gigs, online gigs..and a repertoire of songs that can produce from the back catalogue or something brand new on any given night. Last night ranks up there with the best I’ve heard you singing Viva La Quinte Brigada. To hear Sweet Thames Flow Softly and All For The Roses for the first time live was special. Then John O Dreams brought me to a place I’ve never been.. Thanks for a cracker of a gig..
Christy's reply
Its a great room….Cavan has always welcomed the ballads…going way back I recall so many great sessions, Cavan Town, Belturbet,Kingscourt, Tierworker, Ballinagh, Virginia, Bailiborough, Cootehill and The Slieve Russell…there were probably a few others….Thanks for your feedback and ongoing support…are you gigging yourself ?….what songs you working on ?….we are blest to have ballads in our lives…keeps me outa trouble (most of the time ) Keep coming back Kevin…..played The Hillgrove regularly back in the 1980s
Thanks Christy.
A mighty gig … some songs that we don’t get to hear very often….
All for the roses
Sweet Thames
Smoke and Strong Whiskey… amongst all the rest.
Very grateful for Companeros….
And glad you got the shout for Palestine.
We are very privileged to get to your gigs over the years… keep her lit.
Christy's reply
“against Batista, the Fidelista,
courage was their armour
as they fought at Fidel’s side
with Che Guevara”……………(Ewan MacColl)
Hi Christy,
Would like to add dentists to Danny’s list of good people
doing good things. Jaysus but toothache is a bitch.
Sneaks up on you like November and suddenly takes over.
The Horror. The Horror. Anyways the first earlies are in the ground.
And Buzzcocks from Manchester are playing The Rosin tonight.
The footballer John Barnes was in town last Friday.
Told a tale about life under The Souness regime …
He was a stickler for the preseason weigh in
See how much misbehaving the lads got up to during the break.
Jan Molby (a wand of a left foot) but a bit on the lofty side was always last up. Fourteen stones and four pounds was the verdict this time.
“Tell me Jan what was the lightest you ever hit the scales ?”
“Nine pounds, nine ounces Boss” badmouth badum.
See you in church. Enjoy this evenings Cabaret.
Bourkey
Christy's reply
“Your teeth are perfect but your gums’ll have to come out”
The Buzzcocks and John Barnes in the one week….you’re spoiled for choice…
up here in Brady’s Slíabh Russell tonight….the Sean Quinn Concert Hall has the finest crystal chandeliers of any ballad lounge in the 32 counties….always a great room to play….
I’ll declare an interest in why Jennifer Reid is so high on my gig list…partly because her roots are in the area where my late sister lived/I always enjoying visiting….and her full on ,geeky enthusiasm for her craft is addictive….to witness her high octane enjoyment of ballads,broadsides and drama is brilliant.
Last night,Jennifer rocked the old library and,rightly,earned a great ovation. Thehome town timing was fortunate….as soon as she finishes a tour with Eliza Carthy,Jennifer heads to New Zealand on a 14 gig solo tour…fair play to her. The punters are in for a treat!
Great to check out on line things,but,see her if at all possible!
Dave
Christy's reply
plenty of Folk activity in Suffragette City these days….its always been a hive of Folk activity….I’m thinking that Ewan MacColl lit the fuse in Salford back in his boyhood years as he climbed the Gasworks wall, as he rambled Manchester way,discovered the Joy of Living ….
sang two of his songs last night…. Companeros (Good Ship Granma) and Sweet Thames Flow Softly…
Thanks for the Jennifer Reid info…
Hey Christy
Any chance of a picture of you in the hat and scarf? No worries if you’d rather not. micihellepower@gmail.com
Hopefully we’ll have the good fortune to catch you in concert again.
Cheers
Michelle and Derek Power
Christy's reply
leave it with me……and thank you for the beautiful knitted bonnets
Mike Butler /Sounding the Century…produced a gem yesterday…
Seven hours of music,30 plus performers ( aged 20- 80) music from Ireland,Scotland,England,USA blues,South Africa,Spain -1936 era…
I can’t list everyone here,but will give more info,if there’s interest….
No PA needed as Library natural acoustics are spot on…
Great to pass on greetings to Bill via his wife,Lynne and chat with Jennifer Reid…more later…
Rioghnach Connolly ‘got me’ with a sublime ‘ By Westlin Winds’ and there were wonderful gigs all day. Three names came up regularly…said with respect and affection…Bill Leader,Martin Carthy…Christy Moore.
Hi Christy
An early cuppa,playing ‘Hinterland’,the new Lisa Knapp/Gerry Diver album…after last night’s superb gig,I hope there’s a live album on the production line…
Their individual and collective talents are stunning,added to a lovely stage presence.Lisa’s clarity of singing is perfect for traditional ballads. Her love of words and sounds shines through…a big ballad like ‘Long Lankin’ has menace,with Gerry’s bass drum kicks,samples and fiddle giving pure drama.
Superb instrumental playing throughout a totally absorbing gig was riveting. What surprised me was when Gerry introduced ‘Speech Project’ andJoe Cooley’s voice resounded…wow…plus the final song of the set,’Old time musicians…a pleasure to hear it and watch two brilliant fiddle players concentrating on the precise parts .
The audience reaction was brilliant and an encore of ‘The Blacksmith’s was a perfect finish. As I headed into the rain,I was so glad of the privilege of attending a mighty gig. Punters were lining up to chat to Lisa and Gerry…I’d been lucky to collar them pre gig and talk with Gerry about our shared home suburb He was so chatty,I was worried he’d be late on stage…next thing,they’re in full flow and music magic is on..
Pure class…the new album is brilliant.I hope you and many here can share the mojo of a Knapp/Diver gig..
Enough prattling for now…I made a lot of notes,so there’s more to be said!
Have a good day.
Dave
.
Hi Christy
Soaking wet…very likely the only sober person for miles….waiting for the last train home.
More to come tomorrow,but the gig just witnessed was astounding. I’ve waited ages to see Lisa Knapp and Gerry Diver….lovely to chat to Gerry with such Manchester/Irish spirit….song and music at its finest.followed.
G’night
Dave
Hi Christy
Killing time in rainy Ancoats…pre Diver/Knapp gig…looking at photos and notes from the Bill Leader exhibition…
Just remembered to look up the photo archive for
http://www.brianshuel.co.uk
Rightly,Brian is described as the photo equivalent of Bill’s audio genius…
The photo archive isn’t the easiest website to navigate,but the musicians within are worth the search.
All the best
Dave
Thank you for the reply! I certainly will request it locally here and also on some of the shows I listen to on RTE Radio 1 and hopefully a few more of your fans do so to their favourite shows wherever they are in the world! It would be really nice to see the song get some attention around Lyra’s birthday and for people to remember her. What about a number one on the iTunes chart?!?
What you think of the mary wallopers..some voice
Fair play to the Mary Wallopers….they turn thousands on to the ballads and give their listeners a real good time…buck the fegrudgers….I like the way you keeps it short Casey
Bourkey, when I was a kid the local dentist was Mr. Krutli (Russian, maybe?)
We called him “Cruelty”
Just about put one knee on your chest as he wielded the pliers
“Can’t give you too much novocaine – deadens the area too much..”
Chewing on all those Combat gums & black cats & lolly umbrellas etc made me a victim of his..
Different bunch today: “we treat the patient today, not the tooth..”
He had them all taken out and put back in on the same day
he loves his new gnashers
sticks them back in every mornin with Dr Wernets
he goes clackety clack when he ates the dinner
What a great set list, I was doing a bit of googling last night, you should release ‘Lyra’ next week to radio as it would have been her 35th birthday on the 31st of March, I love the song since I heard it live last summer and what a tribute to celebrate her life it is.
Hey Sam…fair play…
Which Radio Station do you have in mind ?
Which Programme do you think might play James Cramer’s song?
Do you have a particular Presenter in mind ?
Might you consider requesting it to your fave programme ?….
Truth be told Sam…it takes a long time to learn, arrange, record and release these songs…when thats done I just sing them….all the radio programmes will have been given the tracks. by the record company…sometimes they spin them……
I’d love to hear Lyra being remembered on the radio….
Hello Christy,
Such beautiful songs on that list.
I’m practising Wandering Aonghus right now.
Hoping to give it an outing to the Panther Club on Tuesday.
Rebecca
“and when white moths were on the wing”
Learnt from the beautiful singing of Richie Havens backstage at Woodstock
I met Judy Collins briefly backstage at The Sage Theatre,high above the mighty River Tyne…we spoke about the beautiful setting she created around the Sligo poem….
Hi Christy I was wondering if you could wish Happy Birthday to my son Lorcan Hartnett (lorcan has Down syndrome) he’s 23 years old and his birthday wish was to see you. He would be absolutely over the moon🥳🥳🥳
I’ll do my best….I hope Lorcan has a good time…..its one of my favourite venues
Dia duit Christy
Congratulations on another cracking gig – you had the house howling for more (some of us at wrong times)! There were a few in there that were new to me – I’d love to see the set list
Roll on Limerick, #10 since that powerful gig in the NCH just after Russia invaded Ukraine….
Keep ‘er lit 😎
Oscar
City of Chicgo
Quinte Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Welcome to Cabaret
Black & Amber ****
Smoke & Strong Whiskey
Finglas Boys
Lingo politico
Shovel
Boy in The Wild ****
Matty
Cumann na Mná ****
John O’Dreams
Honda 50
Lisdoonvarna
Wandering Aonghus
Ordinary Man
Lyra McKee ****
Nancy Spain
Well Below The Valley
Only our Rivers
Companeros (Fidel & Che)
Sweet Thames
Beeswing
Voyage
Joxer
Palestine ****
**** these tracks are on recent album ” A Terrible Beauty”
released last November on Claddagh label
Glad to have played all those places, many different to what they were back then. (Though Murtagh’s in Kingscourt still going strong and the Community Centre in Ballinagh still a hub) Gigging away thanks be.. en route to Scotland for a couple of gigs in Edinburgh and Glasgow.. thinking about songs from Hamish Imlach and ‘Come All You Dreamers’.. playing across the road from Barras.. will check in for Maggie McIver..
greetings to all songsters on The Clyde and in “Auld Reekie”
hope you have a good trip Kevin…Best wishes
Christy, I first saw you live in 2006 at The Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan at 16. Over the years people always ask me ‘is it not just the same thing?’ when going back to a concert. Not at all! Theres been solo gigs, session gigs, gigs with Declan, benefit gigs, remembrance gigs, online gigs..and a repertoire of songs that can produce from the back catalogue or something brand new on any given night. Last night ranks up there with the best I’ve heard you singing Viva La Quinte Brigada. To hear Sweet Thames Flow Softly and All For The Roses for the first time live was special. Then John O Dreams brought me to a place I’ve never been.. Thanks for a cracker of a gig..
Its a great room….Cavan has always welcomed the ballads…going way back I recall so many great sessions, Cavan Town, Belturbet,Kingscourt, Tierworker, Ballinagh, Virginia, Bailiborough, Cootehill and The Slieve Russell…there were probably a few others….Thanks for your feedback and ongoing support…are you gigging yourself ?….what songs you working on ?….we are blest to have ballads in our lives…keeps me outa trouble (most of the time ) Keep coming back Kevin…..played The Hillgrove regularly back in the 1980s
Thanks Christy.
A mighty gig … some songs that we don’t get to hear very often….
All for the roses
Sweet Thames
Smoke and Strong Whiskey… amongst all the rest.
Very grateful for Companeros….
And glad you got the shout for Palestine.
We are very privileged to get to your gigs over the years… keep her lit.
“against Batista, the Fidelista,
courage was their armour
as they fought at Fidel’s side
with Che Guevara”……………(Ewan MacColl)
great call out Marty
Hi Christy,
Would like to add dentists to Danny’s list of good people
doing good things. Jaysus but toothache is a bitch.
Sneaks up on you like November and suddenly takes over.
The Horror. The Horror. Anyways the first earlies are in the ground.
And Buzzcocks from Manchester are playing The Rosin tonight.
The footballer John Barnes was in town last Friday.
Told a tale about life under The Souness regime …
He was a stickler for the preseason weigh in
See how much misbehaving the lads got up to during the break.
Jan Molby (a wand of a left foot) but a bit on the lofty side was always last up. Fourteen stones and four pounds was the verdict this time.
“Tell me Jan what was the lightest you ever hit the scales ?”
“Nine pounds, nine ounces Boss” badmouth badum.
See you in church. Enjoy this evenings Cabaret.
Bourkey
“Your teeth are perfect but your gums’ll have to come out”
The Buzzcocks and John Barnes in the one week….you’re spoiled for choice…
up here in Brady’s Slíabh Russell tonight….the Sean Quinn Concert Hall has the finest crystal chandeliers of any ballad lounge in the 32 counties….always a great room to play….
Nb
http://www.jenniferballads.com
Hi Christy
I’ve previously rambled on about. http://www.jenniferballafs.com
I’ll declare an interest in why Jennifer Reid is so high on my gig list…partly because her roots are in the area where my late sister lived/I always enjoying visiting….and her full on ,geeky enthusiasm for her craft is addictive….to witness her high octane enjoyment of ballads,broadsides and drama is brilliant.
Last night,Jennifer rocked the old library and,rightly,earned a great ovation. Thehome town timing was fortunate….as soon as she finishes a tour with Eliza Carthy,Jennifer heads to New Zealand on a 14 gig solo tour…fair play to her. The punters are in for a treat!
Great to check out on line things,but,see her if at all possible!
Dave
plenty of Folk activity in Suffragette City these days….its always been a hive of Folk activity….I’m thinking that Ewan MacColl lit the fuse in Salford back in his boyhood years as he climbed the Gasworks wall, as he rambled Manchester way,discovered the Joy of Living ….
sang two of his songs last night…. Companeros (Good Ship Granma) and Sweet Thames Flow Softly…
Thanks for the Jennifer Reid info…
Hey Christy
Any chance of a picture of you in the hat and scarf? No worries if you’d rather not.
micihellepower@gmail.com
Hopefully we’ll have the good fortune to catch you in concert again.
Cheers
Michelle and Derek Power
leave it with me……and thank you for the beautiful knitted bonnets
Hi Christy
Mike Butler /Sounding the Century…produced a gem yesterday…
Seven hours of music,30 plus performers ( aged 20- 80) music from Ireland,Scotland,England,USA blues,South Africa,Spain -1936 era…
I can’t list everyone here,but will give more info,if there’s interest….
No PA needed as Library natural acoustics are spot on…
Great to pass on greetings to Bill via his wife,Lynne and chat with Jennifer Reid…more later…
Rioghnach Connolly ‘got me’ with a sublime ‘ By Westlin Winds’ and there were wonderful gigs all day. Three names came up regularly…said with respect and affection…Bill Leader,Martin Carthy…Christy Moore.
Enjoy gig and travels.
Dave