Hello Christy,
How are Lady Barnard and Musgrave treating you? Kindly I hope!
Rebecca
Christy's reply
they arrived last night, unexspected with no forewarning….they settled in quickly and were generously welcomed retrospectively…they left immediately afterwards
I m fullfilled with happiness from last night. It was so unbelievable amazing. You re living your music… you re in such a good mood and so lifely and just yourself. It s just wonderful…. And you were so kind and played the two Island swans and in such a beautiful way… it brought me to tears. I appreciate this so very much …. And I loved this awesome place I d never been before and I promise I ll come back…what a stunning night…..words are insuffizient to tell….So thanks a million for this great night and all the best for you and the fantastic crew around you who makes all this happen… and I hope your tooth is much better today….. you didn t show the slightest discomfort around last night…. Chapeau….
So please ride on, stay healthy and keep the spirits high
tabhair aire
Dia dhaoibh
Ursula
Christy's reply
I enjoyed last night’s gathering…very happy to revive some songs…..”Two Island Swans” “Little Musgrave” “Going To Hear Bob Dylan” “Veronica” “How Long”all back in the set..
Tremendous audience last night..great vibe in the room..Powerful singing and intense listening….
Thank you for the goodies !,
Quinte Brigada
Black & Amber
How Long
Matty
Veronica
Smoke ‘n Whiskey
Boy in The Wild
Going to gear Dylan
Little Musgrave
Magdalen Laundry
Ringing The Bell
Lyra McKee
Well Below The Valley
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
Sacco& Vanzetti
Beeswing
Delerium Tremens
Two Island Swans
Voyage
On The Mainland
Back Home in Derry
Time Has Come
Joxer in Stuttgart
North & South
Nancy Spain
Hi Bourkey, here in Liverpool we have a number of phrases and sayings we ‘borrowed’ from the Irish Language. When referring to group of people scourers will often say ‘what are yous doing’ (plural) as opposed to ‘what are you doing’ (singular) which I am told has its origins in Irish.
Ta Ra La
Christy's reply
you remind me of Bruce Scott….always loved meeting him when visiting. Merseyside…first met him with Barry Halpin way back in 1966…what a pair….supped with them in Wigan, Liverpool and Thurles…..
Bruce wrote and sang “The Peoples Own MP”
“Thomas Ashe gave everything
in nineteen seventeen
the Lord Mayor of Cork McSwiney died,
his freedom to obtain
but never a one of all our dead
died more courageously
than young Bobby Sands from Twinbrook,
The People’s Own MP”
“He was a poet and a soldier
he died courageously
we gave him 30,000 votes
He was the People’s Own MP”
Hi Christy,
Good luck with this evening’s cabaret.
Toothache’s a bitch.
And a bitchless badtard’s whour as Shane would say.
Hope he’s looking down on you tonight.
And may Michael Considine whisper in your ear as well.
Didn’t know that our pals in Liverpool took Tabhair Aire
And translated it to Ta Ra.
So Ta Ra Chuck
Bourkey
Christy's reply
“we dug the Mersey Tunnel way back in ’83
dug a hole in the ground until we found a place called Wallasey
the Ganger cried jump clear me lads, the roof she’s tumbelin down
I’ll tell ye Whack, we swam straight back, into Dear Old Liverpool Town”
Hi Christy, I know you are busy at the moment with recording and the Vicar Street season in full flow, so I don’t know if you get much time to tune into the old TV? Great programme on Sky Arts last week, it was Steve Earle, The Great Songwriter (season 4). Just Steve Earle a guitar and a mandolin, singing & talking openly and honestly about, his early life, the art of song writing, his battle with drug addiction and his love for Galway. I was lucky to catch him playing the Black Box back in 2003 along with is son Justin Townes (R.I.P) I remember standing at the front and having to pick my pint glass up off the stage in case it was kicked over by a member of the band. Unlike today when you pay £100 for a concert ticket and still need a pair of binoculars to see the act. Stay safe (and sane) John
Christy's reply
I have that Steve Earle recorded and will watch tonight when I get home.I met the man once at a Festival here in Ireland…we did not get a chance to talk as he was heading for a flight back to USA….I’ve listened to him since and read his short stories….
My husband and I arrived yesterday from Rome for tonight’s show in Vicar Street.
We didn’t want to miss out on so much excitement.
We attended a show of yours in Galway at the end of August two years ago and it was a dream come true after many years.
I first heard your music in the early ’90s. The first songs I fell in love with were “Ride On” and “Back Home in Derry.”
I was a young girl, I came to Dublin a couple of times for summer English courses and bought a lot of audio cassettes 🙂
I was in particular fascinated by “Ride On” which everyone was singing in the pubs. Goosebumps every time.
So we really can’t wait for tonight!
And for us it’s also great to be in Dublin on the eve of the new president’s inauguration.
We do love Ireland.
Le Grá Mór
Ilaria (Hillary)
Christy's reply
Welcome back Ilaria….
getting ready here this morning
soon departing for the auditorium
Christopher Moore is a unique and hugely talented bringer of song and joy.
He loves to carry his stories and messages on the wings of a dove, flying high above the plains of County Kildare and beyond to many foreign shores.
Christy doesn’t preach, but just speaks to our hearts and minds.
He has been a shining star and a beacon of hope to all who share the pain of living with injustice. Christy has reached out to countless thousands and helped us find the strength to carry on through the darkest nights.
Our love for him is beyond words, but is felt in our dreaming, when he wraps a warm blanket around our battered bodies. Our spirits live on.
We will remember you eternally, and his voice will live on in the deep, stirring, beautiful songs from the genius of balladry, and in the homes of the faithful and the brave. Slainte!
Christy's reply
Sunday Morning, page to fill
gather grist, grind the mile
seek a pot ,dip my quill
sacrifice all candour……. (from Scallcrows ..2001)
Morra Francis….I have bleddy toothache, and a gig tonight…
I should have had ’em all “out and in” back in the one day when I had the chance…
I hope you have peace of mind this lovely bright winter’s morning
The Weekend section of today’s Irish Times has an article about portraits by the Belfast-born artist Colin Davidson. His paintings are incredibly good, and the piece includes a wonderful portrait that he did of Christy.
Christy's reply
It was a pleasure to meet Colin Davidson….I sat with him in the Lexicon Library in Dún Laoghire…we chatted while he sketched…
some months later he invited us to see the portrait in the Douglas Hyde Gallery…it was quite an experience
then to see it again in yesterdays Irish Times ( thanks to your pointer) …
there with Martin, Seamus, Brian, Michael D, Ed, Edna, John,Angela and others….
all because of the songs
What’s the story Christy a Chara,
Still following the Gospel according to Luke, Damo & Christy here Down Under.
I have a great Buddy of mine attending that Spiritual Room on Thomas Street for your gig on Dec 2nd.
Could I please ask you to play Ordinary Man for an Extraordinary Man … Keith Coughlan aka ‘Cocko’
He’d be absolutely thrilled.
Go Raibh Míle Maith Agat
Ride On a Chara 💪💪💙💙
Dublin Dan
Christy's reply
Morra Dan…I suppose its getting hot and steamy up there in Brisbane….we’ll try and give Cocko a mention but no guarantees…some nights the call outs dont flow, other nights every one in the room gets called out..sometimes by the crowd control engineers…last week we had a listener hauled out in a straight jacket….his Bulmers/ Mushroom concoction kicked in as I sang the national anthem…two rusty rifles took offence and active service kicked in…the room erupted, Legion Of Mary got stuck in , the Burkes of Castlebar were up on the Balcony saying the Rosary with Con McGregor….I exited stage left and went to Burdocks
Today Christy i am taking my parents to see my dad’s sister, it might well be the last time.
She was a ballerina, married a yorkshire carpet baron who went down, her kitchen was half finished for 30 years, she is a great and funny lady but not keeping so well now. She is now in Stoke, its probably a place you criss crossed through many times around 68.
The potteries.
The absolutely wonderful and uplifting football and disability film MARVELLOUS is from there.
Will try to hijack my dad’s car radio ( surely the driver’s perogative,) as they listen almost exclusively to classical whereas it does not yet float my boat, though the do like Tom Barry ( your nephew?).
A long journey, plenty time to chat , and then i must take notes of their conversations with my aunt before those old time stories disappear.
Rory
Ps some great musings with dagrab and pat d outside this chatroom, oh we do laugh.
Christy's reply
you describe an emotional journey….perhaps you might allow your parents spin the dial on the way to Stoke….what a privilege for you…one that I can only imagine…
yes, our nephew Tom Barry is making music …it flows from Galway
Hi Christy,
Well that’s another bit of the daily bread gone.
Listening to The Bells, a bit of An Nuacht and then
an hour of our Louise playing the tunes.
But nay, nay and thrice nay. The powers that be in
Radio Eireann have moved her to Ray’s ould slot.
And we know how that went …
“But you can listen to her on the player”
And you Mister man from RTE can stuff it up your
Whole of The Moon is their most famous tune.
Just isn’t their best.
In better news NCH gigs next May
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
Sad to say….with every passing week I listen to less and less Radio….you speak of the “powers that be” in bealach a seacht…….
self serving comes to mind…..crassness too….
Well Christy, to my delight for a 3rd spring in a row I have managed a ticket to see you in concert, May 17th Dublin. The only thing I have to do now is to get the time off work and start to plan another amazing vacation in Ireland.
I am living the life ✌️
Take care Brendan
Christy's reply
Thank you Brendan….your journies to Dublin honour the songs… honours those who carried them, wrote them , shared them…to you, and all those songsters who travel long distance , I offer sincere gratitude….the presence of long haulers always adds significance to our precious gatherings….shine on you crazy diamonds
I was one of the lucky people who attend your first Vicar Street gig this year on the first of november. I have seen you a lot times since my first gig in Cologne 1990, but this was really special. You were absolute phantastic and the audience was on the same level. Not the fanatism as in Barrowland but with a great feel for the situation. I really loved that evening. But, and there is always a but ;), the next time – I got a ticket for the 17th of may for the NCH – I really would like to listen to you singing “Victor Jara”. Greetings from Germany and stay strong. Good to see you in such shape.
Matthias from Duisburg
Christy's reply
Greetings Matthias….Come next May I will try and sing your request for “Victor Jara”..last Sat in Vicar St I had hoped to sing it..had practiced it in anticipation…
BUT
in the confusion of the night,
the excitement of the moment,
the state of the world,
the weather,
the night that was in it….
I hit the opening chord and it was “Allende” that escaped my aching lips….
“but who needs a Poet who wont take commands
would rather make love then war”………
Gotta say Matthias, I’ve never associated Barrowland with fanaticism…more with high energy, great enthusiasm, fun, love, …. similar the Markethalle in dear old Hamburg, The Forum in Kentish Town, The Lansdowne in New York or the (Old) Meeting Place ,once upon a time in Dublin…..among great venues of the world in my lifetime…. Flann O’Brien’s in Paris, The Dogs Bollocks in New Zealand, De Barras in Clonakilty, The Merriman in Scariff, the Greenbriar in Belfast, Coolara House in Sligo, Rakish Paddy’s in Lanesboro……I’m outa wind
Hello Christy,
Well, it’s all to do with Musgrave. I want to play it on the guitar because I’ve got this noise in my head. I sing it in C and it doesn’t want to budge. Tried it in D so I could play it with the dadgad guitar. It’s too high for me. Damn! C is pretty impossible unless I want to sound like a mandolin. I’m wanting a dark sound to compliment the song.
Soooo, that’s the story of my journey to the baritone guitar. It landed here yesterday.
Tuned it into dadgad transposed down to B on the bottom string. (B is standard on the bottom string for a baritone). B. F# B. E F# B. Then to work!
It’s lovely! A dark, mellow, softly resonant sound. Exactly what I’ve had in my head all this time. Just got to practise it now 💚
I traded two guitars for the baritone. My stable stands at four.
Spot on,Christy
Dransfields…Carthy and Swarbrick paved the way…always brilliant to read your folk club memories…brilliant times.
Also,a boost to feel your enthusiasm for new material…
Right now,I’m having an interesting listening experience…BBC Radio Six…interview with Rosalia,discussing music released today on her album, ‘ Lux’ until c 8 45,I’d never heard her music…wow,she’s something special…intelligent,funny…class…I know you’re busy and everyone has commitments,but I’d urge fellow travellers to check out Rosalia)Lux ..
Dave
Christy's reply
no PA systems, no bad Mikes, no tricky sound engineers, most times no stage, 2×25 min sets, great floor singers, real ale, rogan josh, public baths, train time tables, hopin for the doss,
Hi Christy
A few months ago,there was a fab exhibition about Bill Leaders life and work.I spent ages looking at and taking photos of exhibits.
I also made a note of Leader LPs that I’d like to have….thanks to a local charity shop,the list is now one shorter…
Now playing,a mint condition vinyl,’The Rout of theBlues’ by Robin and Barry Dransfield…a pure gem from over fifty years ago.
When I took the record from the dust sleeve,I saw a hand written note,by the original owner. ‘Monday folk club appearance…album purchased there…30/-) pre decimal investment!
A shame there’s no folk club name or date,but it’s a fun addition.
Brilliant LP, reminds me of seeing the guys at The Free Trade Hall. They were Yorkshire based…ever come across them?
Dave
Christy's reply
I dont think I ever met The Dransfields..I do recall the excitement engendered when they first emerged…was it late 1960s ?…were they similar in sound/line up to Martin & Dave ?
Your reference to Folk Clubs brings me back once again to those early years….moving around the Island in cars,buses,vans and trains
Mon… Congleton with The Union Folk
Tue…..Stockton-on-Tees with THe Fettlers
Wed…St Clare’s with Fr.Fritz
Thu….back of Piccadilly with The Beggarmen
Fri……The Topic Leeds
Sat….Bay Horse Bently with Tony Capstick
Sun…The Old Contemtible B.Ham with Mick Hipkiss
a sample week from an hectic 1968 schedule ….legions of us criss crossing, sharing experiences, swopping info about accom,food, fees,…..Hamish Imlach, Martyn W Read, Ralph, Cyril T., The Yetties, The Taverners, Valley Folk, Marie Little, Mike Harding, Noel Murphy, Tony Downes, Rosie Hardman, Mary Asquith, Harry Bradshaw, Tom & Smiley, Watersons, Pennine Folk,John Doonan, Marsden Rattlers, High Level Ranters, Aly Bain, Barbara Dickson, Archie Fisher RIP, JImmy Hutchison, Owen Hand, on and on I could happily ramble
What a time of learning, the arrival of Bill & Helen Leader…..
what that meant to so many of us..
Leader and Trailer labels were life lines to so many…
thats it Dave..gotta get up, stop ruminating, stir the porridge and face into the day….got a great song on the desk at the moment, struggling contentedly to get it into shape….have some new verses too that need melody ….how I miss Wally Page…..
Greetings to Suffragette City this beautiful November Winter’s Morning..
“the poor November man sees fire and mist,
wind and rain and Winter air”
…….(January Man by Dave Goulder)
Hello Christy,
Hope you’re doing well.
My wife and I are thrilled to come to see you in Dublin the 17th of November.
Many years ago we once had the privilige to be at your gig in Brussels, I think it was in the Cirque Royale.
In the following years we talked a lot about coming to see you a second time, but it never worked out.
Till now!
At Sunday a good hike in the Wicklow Mountains and on Monday Vicar Street.
We are really looking forward.
Twenty years ago, during our wedding ceremony, we had a stunning a capella version of your ‘The Voyage’.
Now, having our own crew of three, it would be so overwhelming to hear you bring it Live.
We should think it’s for us only :-).
See you in Dublin!
Greetings, Marten and Evelyn
Christy's reply
I remember the Cirque Royale…great venue…
I wish you both a safe journey and a happy time back here on The Island…
I’ve noted your request for Johnny Duhan’s great song….he shared it with me 40 years ago…. we lost him last year
Hi Christy,
My first yellow vinyl purchase was 47 years ago, back when i was into punk n new wave and i invested in a 7″ single by the Uk Subs called ‘party in paris’.
I recall all manner of coloured vinyl, green one and pink one by squeeze, black n white stripes by blondie, brown by dr feelgood, shaped discs by the pogues, those were the days. Rory
Christy's reply
such excitement in the hood
“Jailhouse Rock”, “Hound Dog”, 78″ singles….3/6
then came the 45s “Mess of Blues”, “Its Now Or Never” 4/6
feckin Colonel Parker ( destroyer of beauty)began choosin the songs
then poor Elvis went to Vegas and the Mojo began to crumble
but we loved him to the very end
“Some People like to Rock
Some People like to Roll
but Movin & a Groovin
gonna satisfy my soul”….
Hello Christy,
Thanks for the tip about Seán McKeon’s new album “Salamanca”. It’s on yellow vinyl! I’ve ordered it for Steve’s birthday. I listen to piping most days.
The experiment with dadgad put down a tone into C wasn’t the greatest success. The poor guitar developed a buzz on the bottom string. Not enough tension , I guess. So I’m going to try a baritone guitar. Should be fun. Hope I can reach the end of the neck…
Rebecca
Christy's reply
you’re gonna have more guitars then Eric Clapton !!!
if poss, always purchase good 2nd hand or vintage….
happy playing to both of you
Hello Christy,
How are Lady Barnard and Musgrave treating you? Kindly I hope!
Rebecca
they arrived last night, unexspected with no forewarning….they settled in quickly and were generously welcomed retrospectively…they left immediately afterwards
Hello Christy
I m fullfilled with happiness from last night. It was so unbelievable amazing. You re living your music… you re in such a good mood and so lifely and just yourself. It s just wonderful…. And you were so kind and played the two Island swans and in such a beautiful way… it brought me to tears. I appreciate this so very much …. And I loved this awesome place I d never been before and I promise I ll come back…what a stunning night…..words are insuffizient to tell….So thanks a million for this great night and all the best for you and the fantastic crew around you who makes all this happen… and I hope your tooth is much better today….. you didn t show the slightest discomfort around last night…. Chapeau….
So please ride on, stay healthy and keep the spirits high
tabhair aire
Dia dhaoibh
Ursula
I enjoyed last night’s gathering…very happy to revive some songs…..”Two Island Swans” “Little Musgrave” “Going To Hear Bob Dylan” “Veronica” “How Long”all back in the set..
Tremendous audience last night..great vibe in the room..Powerful singing and intense listening….
Thank you for the goodies !,
Quinte Brigada
Black & Amber
How Long
Matty
Veronica
Smoke ‘n Whiskey
Boy in The Wild
Going to gear Dylan
Little Musgrave
Magdalen Laundry
Ringing The Bell
Lyra McKee
Well Below The Valley
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Palestine
Yellow Triangle
Sacco& Vanzetti
Beeswing
Delerium Tremens
Two Island Swans
Voyage
On The Mainland
Back Home in Derry
Time Has Come
Joxer in Stuttgart
North & South
Nancy Spain
1 hour 45 minutes
Hi Bourkey, here in Liverpool we have a number of phrases and sayings we ‘borrowed’ from the Irish Language. When referring to group of people scourers will often say ‘what are yous doing’ (plural) as opposed to ‘what are you doing’ (singular) which I am told has its origins in Irish.
Ta Ra La
you remind me of Bruce Scott….always loved meeting him when visiting. Merseyside…first met him with Barry Halpin way back in 1966…what a pair….supped with them in Wigan, Liverpool and Thurles…..
Bruce wrote and sang “The Peoples Own MP”
“Thomas Ashe gave everything
in nineteen seventeen
the Lord Mayor of Cork McSwiney died,
his freedom to obtain
but never a one of all our dead
died more courageously
than young Bobby Sands from Twinbrook,
The People’s Own MP”
“He was a poet and a soldier
he died courageously
we gave him 30,000 votes
He was the People’s Own MP”
Hi Christy,
Good luck with this evening’s cabaret.
Toothache’s a bitch.
And a bitchless badtard’s whour as Shane would say.
Hope he’s looking down on you tonight.
And may Michael Considine whisper in your ear as well.
Didn’t know that our pals in Liverpool took Tabhair Aire
And translated it to Ta Ra.
So Ta Ra Chuck
Bourkey
“we dug the Mersey Tunnel way back in ’83
dug a hole in the ground until we found a place called Wallasey
the Ganger cried jump clear me lads, the roof she’s tumbelin down
I’ll tell ye Whack, we swam straight back, into Dear Old Liverpool Town”
Hi Christy, I know you are busy at the moment with recording and the Vicar Street season in full flow, so I don’t know if you get much time to tune into the old TV? Great programme on Sky Arts last week, it was Steve Earle, The Great Songwriter (season 4). Just Steve Earle a guitar and a mandolin, singing & talking openly and honestly about, his early life, the art of song writing, his battle with drug addiction and his love for Galway. I was lucky to catch him playing the Black Box back in 2003 along with is son Justin Townes (R.I.P) I remember standing at the front and having to pick my pint glass up off the stage in case it was kicked over by a member of the band. Unlike today when you pay £100 for a concert ticket and still need a pair of binoculars to see the act. Stay safe (and sane) John
I have that Steve Earle recorded and will watch tonight when I get home.I met the man once at a Festival here in Ireland…we did not get a chance to talk as he was heading for a flight back to USA….I’ve listened to him since and read his short stories….
My husband and I arrived yesterday from Rome for tonight’s show in Vicar Street.
We didn’t want to miss out on so much excitement.
We attended a show of yours in Galway at the end of August two years ago and it was a dream come true after many years.
I first heard your music in the early ’90s. The first songs I fell in love with were “Ride On” and “Back Home in Derry.”
I was a young girl, I came to Dublin a couple of times for summer English courses and bought a lot of audio cassettes 🙂
I was in particular fascinated by “Ride On” which everyone was singing in the pubs. Goosebumps every time.
So we really can’t wait for tonight!
And for us it’s also great to be in Dublin on the eve of the new president’s inauguration.
We do love Ireland.
Le Grá Mór
Ilaria (Hillary)
Welcome back Ilaria….
getting ready here this morning
soon departing for the auditorium
Christopher Moore is a unique and hugely talented bringer of song and joy.
He loves to carry his stories and messages on the wings of a dove, flying high above the plains of County Kildare and beyond to many foreign shores.
Christy doesn’t preach, but just speaks to our hearts and minds.
He has been a shining star and a beacon of hope to all who share the pain of living with injustice. Christy has reached out to countless thousands and helped us find the strength to carry on through the darkest nights.
Our love for him is beyond words, but is felt in our dreaming, when he wraps a warm blanket around our battered bodies. Our spirits live on.
We will remember you eternally, and his voice will live on in the deep, stirring, beautiful songs from the genius of balladry, and in the homes of the faithful and the brave. Slainte!
Sunday Morning, page to fill
gather grist, grind the mile
seek a pot ,dip my quill
sacrifice all candour……. (from Scallcrows ..2001)
Morra Francis….I have bleddy toothache, and a gig tonight…
I should have had ’em all “out and in” back in the one day when I had the chance…
I hope you have peace of mind this lovely bright winter’s morning
The Weekend section of today’s Irish Times has an article about portraits by the Belfast-born artist Colin Davidson. His paintings are incredibly good, and the piece includes a wonderful portrait that he did of Christy.
It was a pleasure to meet Colin Davidson….I sat with him in the Lexicon Library in Dún Laoghire…we chatted while he sketched…
some months later he invited us to see the portrait in the Douglas Hyde Gallery…it was quite an experience
then to see it again in yesterdays Irish Times ( thanks to your pointer) …
there with Martin, Seamus, Brian, Michael D, Ed, Edna, John,Angela and others….
all because of the songs
What’s the story Christy a Chara,
Still following the Gospel according to Luke, Damo & Christy here Down Under.
I have a great Buddy of mine attending that Spiritual Room on Thomas Street for your gig on Dec 2nd.
Could I please ask you to play Ordinary Man for an Extraordinary Man … Keith Coughlan aka ‘Cocko’
He’d be absolutely thrilled.
Go Raibh Míle Maith Agat
Ride On a Chara 💪💪💙💙
Dublin Dan
Morra Dan…I suppose its getting hot and steamy up there in Brisbane….we’ll try and give Cocko a mention but no guarantees…some nights the call outs dont flow, other nights every one in the room gets called out..sometimes by the crowd control engineers…last week we had a listener hauled out in a straight jacket….his Bulmers/ Mushroom concoction kicked in as I sang the national anthem…two rusty rifles took offence and active service kicked in…the room erupted, Legion Of Mary got stuck in , the Burkes of Castlebar were up on the Balcony saying the Rosary with Con McGregor….I exited stage left and went to Burdocks
Today Christy i am taking my parents to see my dad’s sister, it might well be the last time.
She was a ballerina, married a yorkshire carpet baron who went down, her kitchen was half finished for 30 years, she is a great and funny lady but not keeping so well now. She is now in Stoke, its probably a place you criss crossed through many times around 68.
The potteries.
The absolutely wonderful and uplifting football and disability film MARVELLOUS is from there.
Will try to hijack my dad’s car radio ( surely the driver’s perogative,) as they listen almost exclusively to classical whereas it does not yet float my boat, though the do like Tom Barry ( your nephew?).
A long journey, plenty time to chat , and then i must take notes of their conversations with my aunt before those old time stories disappear.
Rory
Ps some great musings with dagrab and pat d outside this chatroom, oh we do laugh.
you describe an emotional journey….perhaps you might allow your parents spin the dial on the way to Stoke….what a privilege for you…one that I can only imagine…
yes, our nephew Tom Barry is making music …it flows from Galway
Hi Christy,
Well that’s another bit of the daily bread gone.
Listening to The Bells, a bit of An Nuacht and then
an hour of our Louise playing the tunes.
But nay, nay and thrice nay. The powers that be in
Radio Eireann have moved her to Ray’s ould slot.
And we know how that went …
“But you can listen to her on the player”
And you Mister man from RTE can stuff it up your
Whole of The Moon is their most famous tune.
Just isn’t their best.
In better news NCH gigs next May
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Sad to say….with every passing week I listen to less and less Radio….you speak of the “powers that be” in bealach a seacht…….
self serving comes to mind…..crassness too….
Well Christy, to my delight for a 3rd spring in a row I have managed a ticket to see you in concert, May 17th Dublin. The only thing I have to do now is to get the time off work and start to plan another amazing vacation in Ireland.
I am living the life ✌️
Take care Brendan
Thank you Brendan….your journies to Dublin honour the songs… honours those who carried them, wrote them , shared them…to you, and all those songsters who travel long distance , I offer sincere gratitude….the presence of long haulers always adds significance to our precious gatherings….shine on you crazy diamonds
Hello Christy,
I was one of the lucky people who attend your first Vicar Street gig this year on the first of november. I have seen you a lot times since my first gig in Cologne 1990, but this was really special. You were absolute phantastic and the audience was on the same level. Not the fanatism as in Barrowland but with a great feel for the situation. I really loved that evening. But, and there is always a but ;), the next time – I got a ticket for the 17th of may for the NCH – I really would like to listen to you singing “Victor Jara”. Greetings from Germany and stay strong. Good to see you in such shape.
Matthias from Duisburg
Greetings Matthias….Come next May I will try and sing your request for “Victor Jara”..last Sat in Vicar St I had hoped to sing it..had practiced it in anticipation…
BUT
in the confusion of the night,
the excitement of the moment,
the state of the world,
the weather,
the night that was in it….
I hit the opening chord and it was “Allende” that escaped my aching lips….
“but who needs a Poet who wont take commands
would rather make love then war”………
Gotta say Matthias, I’ve never associated Barrowland with fanaticism…more with high energy, great enthusiasm, fun, love, …. similar the Markethalle in dear old Hamburg, The Forum in Kentish Town, The Lansdowne in New York or the (Old) Meeting Place ,once upon a time in Dublin…..among great venues of the world in my lifetime…. Flann O’Brien’s in Paris, The Dogs Bollocks in New Zealand, De Barras in Clonakilty, The Merriman in Scariff, the Greenbriar in Belfast, Coolara House in Sligo, Rakish Paddy’s in Lanesboro……I’m outa wind
Hello Christy,
Well, it’s all to do with Musgrave. I want to play it on the guitar because I’ve got this noise in my head. I sing it in C and it doesn’t want to budge. Tried it in D so I could play it with the dadgad guitar. It’s too high for me. Damn! C is pretty impossible unless I want to sound like a mandolin. I’m wanting a dark sound to compliment the song.
Soooo, that’s the story of my journey to the baritone guitar. It landed here yesterday.
Tuned it into dadgad transposed down to B on the bottom string. (B is standard on the bottom string for a baritone). B. F# B. E F# B. Then to work!
It’s lovely! A dark, mellow, softly resonant sound. Exactly what I’ve had in my head all this time. Just got to practise it now 💚
I traded two guitars for the baritone. My stable stands at four.
Rebecca
always great to trade back in
“I’d gladly give £100 to be on yonder plain”
Spot on,Christy
Dransfields…Carthy and Swarbrick paved the way…always brilliant to read your folk club memories…brilliant times.
Also,a boost to feel your enthusiasm for new material…
Right now,I’m having an interesting listening experience…BBC Radio Six…interview with Rosalia,discussing music released today on her album, ‘ Lux’ until c 8 45,I’d never heard her music…wow,she’s something special…intelligent,funny…class…I know you’re busy and everyone has commitments,but I’d urge fellow travellers to check out Rosalia)Lux ..
Dave
no PA systems, no bad Mikes, no tricky sound engineers, most times no stage, 2×25 min sets, great floor singers, real ale, rogan josh, public baths, train time tables, hopin for the doss,
Hi Christy
A few months ago,there was a fab exhibition about Bill Leaders life and work.I spent ages looking at and taking photos of exhibits.
I also made a note of Leader LPs that I’d like to have….thanks to a local charity shop,the list is now one shorter…
Now playing,a mint condition vinyl,’The Rout of theBlues’ by Robin and Barry Dransfield…a pure gem from over fifty years ago.
When I took the record from the dust sleeve,I saw a hand written note,by the original owner. ‘Monday folk club appearance…album purchased there…30/-) pre decimal investment!
A shame there’s no folk club name or date,but it’s a fun addition.
Brilliant LP, reminds me of seeing the guys at The Free Trade Hall. They were Yorkshire based…ever come across them?
Dave
I dont think I ever met The Dransfields..I do recall the excitement engendered when they first emerged…was it late 1960s ?…were they similar in sound/line up to Martin & Dave ?
Your reference to Folk Clubs brings me back once again to those early years….moving around the Island in cars,buses,vans and trains
Mon… Congleton with The Union Folk
Tue…..Stockton-on-Tees with THe Fettlers
Wed…St Clare’s with Fr.Fritz
Thu….back of Piccadilly with The Beggarmen
Fri……The Topic Leeds
Sat….Bay Horse Bently with Tony Capstick
Sun…The Old Contemtible B.Ham with Mick Hipkiss
a sample week from an hectic 1968 schedule ….legions of us criss crossing, sharing experiences, swopping info about accom,food, fees,…..Hamish Imlach, Martyn W Read, Ralph, Cyril T., The Yetties, The Taverners, Valley Folk, Marie Little, Mike Harding, Noel Murphy, Tony Downes, Rosie Hardman, Mary Asquith, Harry Bradshaw, Tom & Smiley, Watersons, Pennine Folk,John Doonan, Marsden Rattlers, High Level Ranters, Aly Bain, Barbara Dickson, Archie Fisher RIP, JImmy Hutchison, Owen Hand, on and on I could happily ramble
What a time of learning, the arrival of Bill & Helen Leader…..
what that meant to so many of us..
Leader and Trailer labels were life lines to so many…
thats it Dave..gotta get up, stop ruminating, stir the porridge and face into the day….got a great song on the desk at the moment, struggling contentedly to get it into shape….have some new verses too that need melody ….how I miss Wally Page…..
Greetings to Suffragette City this beautiful November Winter’s Morning..
“the poor November man sees fire and mist,
wind and rain and Winter air”
…….(January Man by Dave Goulder)
17th November I’m waiting to hear Weekend in Amsterdam please play it for us 🙏
its on the lengthening list of song requests for nov 17th…thank you…may your prayer bear fruit
Hello Christy,
Hope you’re doing well.
My wife and I are thrilled to come to see you in Dublin the 17th of November.
Many years ago we once had the privilige to be at your gig in Brussels, I think it was in the Cirque Royale.
In the following years we talked a lot about coming to see you a second time, but it never worked out.
Till now!
At Sunday a good hike in the Wicklow Mountains and on Monday Vicar Street.
We are really looking forward.
Twenty years ago, during our wedding ceremony, we had a stunning a capella version of your ‘The Voyage’.
Now, having our own crew of three, it would be so overwhelming to hear you bring it Live.
We should think it’s for us only :-).
See you in Dublin!
Greetings, Marten and Evelyn
I remember the Cirque Royale…great venue…
I wish you both a safe journey and a happy time back here on The Island…
I’ve noted your request for Johnny Duhan’s great song….he shared it with me 40 years ago…. we lost him last year
Hi Christy,
My first yellow vinyl purchase was 47 years ago, back when i was into punk n new wave and i invested in a 7″ single by the Uk Subs called ‘party in paris’.
I recall all manner of coloured vinyl, green one and pink one by squeeze, black n white stripes by blondie, brown by dr feelgood, shaped discs by the pogues, those were the days. Rory
such excitement in the hood
“Jailhouse Rock”, “Hound Dog”, 78″ singles….3/6
then came the 45s “Mess of Blues”, “Its Now Or Never” 4/6
feckin Colonel Parker ( destroyer of beauty)began choosin the songs
then poor Elvis went to Vegas and the Mojo began to crumble
but we loved him to the very end
“Some People like to Rock
Some People like to Roll
but Movin & a Groovin
gonna satisfy my soul”….
Buck You Col Parker
Hello Christy,
Thanks for the tip about Seán McKeon’s new album “Salamanca”. It’s on yellow vinyl! I’ve ordered it for Steve’s birthday. I listen to piping most days.
The experiment with dadgad put down a tone into C wasn’t the greatest success. The poor guitar developed a buzz on the bottom string. Not enough tension , I guess. So I’m going to try a baritone guitar. Should be fun. Hope I can reach the end of the neck…
Rebecca
you’re gonna have more guitars then Eric Clapton !!!
if poss, always purchase good 2nd hand or vintage….
happy playing to both of you