Hi Christy
Just received an update from The Unthanks.Their diverse projects look as interesting as ever.I’m especially struck by the forthcoming release of the album marking Ewan MacColl’s centenary .Great to see you listed amongst the illustrious contributors.Its now on my hit list…….
Hope you enjoy the weekend gigs.I’m about to finish packing for a few days playing (‘Nightshift’duo) in Scotland.If any readers are near The Anchor Hotel,Kippford,Dumfries &Galloway,it would be great to meet up for an evening of music and chat…….also a cracking Saturday afternoon session at The Crown Hotel,Newton Stewart…….
‘and we’ll all go together…….’All good wishes,Dave
Christy's reply
good luck with your Scotland gigs, hope ye have a “reet good do”…I was very happy to get the call for Ewan’s Centenary album…. even more so when I heard that “Good Ship Granma” (aka Companeros) was available…I just love singing that song and can clearly recall the first time I heard Ewan and Peggy sing it…I got my hands on an advance copy triple CD of Ewan’s singing that is also scheduled for release…he sure did cover some ground….no one has contributed more to the Folk Song movement the Ewan MacColl..since 1967 I have enjoyed singing
Shoals of Herring
Champion at keepin them Rolling
The Hot Ashphalt
Travelling People
Go Move Shift
Tim Evans
Companeros
First Time Ever
Green Island
School Days Over
The Joy of Living…….and have attempted many others…
Apart from Bob Dylan, I wonder has any other writer been covered as extensively as Ewan?…..I heard Ewan and Peggy 6 times…The Grafton Cinema Dublin ( it may have been Liberty hall), The MSG Manchester, The Mucky Byre St Andrew’s, Grimsby Folk Club and twice in The Singers Club London, the second time there as a guest singer I sat on stage with them for my set.
CM (70)Tà mè Ann sàsta go mbeidh tù ag teacht chuig an clochàn amaràch. The best gluten free sausages are there.in Kelly’s butchers. Tà súil agam go bhfuil tú go maith .I enjoyed your interview with marion .I enjoyed Mick Blake’s oblivious.CS (11)
P.S . I watch match of the day too….I entered a competition for it today.
P.P.S Thank God Dublin won . between ourselves Can’t stand Kerry ..But I like hilary …. Sorta sometimes
Christy's reply
CS…..re Kerry Football…jealousy will get us no where…historically, they are the masters of the game…other counties come and go, some rule for a time, like Galway’s 3 in a row, but Kerry are always there or there-abouts and inevitably will return before too long…..like their rebel neighbours they sometimes lack modesty, also they tend to hide their humility lest it be misconstrued as weakness…but when all is aid and done,they are a great auld crowd… well up for the crack and they’d never see you stuck for a prátaí or a cupán tae….
“The Pale Moon was rising above the Green Mountain”
Yep, well, my hub worked for William Morris in Beverly Hills forever…and although it hung always in our home, and still does, I guess that’s how stories get made…passed around!
Anyway.
You’re the greatest, and I hope McLoughlin is filming you for Docu.
Will be incredible!
Happy trails, Cheers to you Christy Moore. For real, cheers. Thank you for your music.
Christy's reply
The original idea was for me to be facing the audience with more emphasis on the faces of the audience and a greater variety of Knuttal caricatures…it would have been the sleeve of the 1990 album “Live at The Point”…..Glad to hear that the picture still exists…thanks for sharing
Don’t know if you’ve heard Jack Warshaw’s take on the refugee situation but thought I’d post it here for those who visit: https://youtu.be/Z-vVGJax7II
Difficult times for so many these days and sad to read Lar’s account of the guy trying to help the homeless and being turned back.
Hope the projects are going well for you – great to see you still producing such quality as the 50th year of the neverending tour approaches. Unfortunately i can’t say i was there for all of those years, but the ones i have been there for have been good – and the current ones are up there with the best of them. Keep doing what you do – hopefully see you real soon.
Hi Christy
Hope your enjoying the rugby world cup go Ireland and Fiji and the AB’s.
Love reading your post .as the climate becomes dryer in New Zealand water is becoming a precious thing too.
Very sorry your not doing long haul have never forgotten your concert in the Aotea center.
Kia Ora
Karen
Christy's reply
you mention the concert in the Aotea Centre….was that,by any chance, the night I invited a choir on stage ?….if so,what year might that have been ?……my eyes are becoming oval shaped and we’re still in the first week
Enjoying your tales of the road as much as I have always loved your music. Thank you.
I own an amazing portrait painting of you by Graham Knuttel.
Know it?
Christy's reply
I think I do…Many years back I approached Graham to make a picture for an album sleeve…I saw and liked the picture but it was not what I had in mind for the album sleeve. I heard that the picture went to America .Subsequently there was a limited edition poster published. It was rumoured that the original picture went to the offices of The William Morris Agency in New York but now it seems that you may have it! Thanks for the info..best wishes
I find after watching the Rugby, GAA football & Hurling, that soccer is a bit of a snoozefest at times. Everton had a great 3-1 win last week and it was a great game, and my first time to watch MOTD in a long time….and it seems maybe the simplest of them all, but anyway, less time in hair & make-up might help…
I’ve been lucky enough to meet & photograph the complete 1968 M.Utd team and wonder what they would make of all that carry on you mentioned…who knows.
Eagerly awaiting more word on all your new projects and music….currently building a great new website for the Wal, with the help of Aine H…looking good so far…it’ll be live soon..plus a gig in early October….
I only saw Jimmy Faulkner play with you twice, and they were magic, and I’m thinking of the great night now in The Olympia, the tribute night, Gary Moore etc…another night to remember…I’m keeping away from the tarts…I’ll stretch when I know how… 🙂
Just heard a young lad on Joe Duffy that looks after some homeless people around Harry Street in Dublin, but he was moved on and shut down by the cops on Sunday coz there was too many homeless people in the area he was told and it was Sam final day with lots visitors in the city he was told….he cooks the food himself, brings it in and clothes too he gives out… but stopped on Sunday…I’d like to contact him and do something…he was such a brilliant speaker on the radio too…brilliant…his name Is Darren I think…he’s making a change and a little difference.
A lovely start to a weekend in Carlows Visual….so good to hear songs that haven’t heard in a while.. Ruby, Amsterdam, Reel, Ronnie Reagan, and loving the longer version of Encore again too…a great night in a brilliant venue…fantastic sound from the three of you on the stage, really enjoyed it, thank you all. Another great weekend of sport on the box, I’m out for the count just watching balls of every shape & size…nothing a tart and cream cant sort out…I suppose you could add Ed Sheeran to your list of guitar players list…have a great week
Christy's reply
Hey Lar…leave it out (tart &cream!)….The Dubs were massive even if I did get drenched on the Hill…what was The Gooch doing back in defence? twas a bit like having Clapton playing Bass….I only included guitarists with whom I have gigged or recorded…hopefully Ed will be on the list some day soon….the Japan v South Africa match topped even Galway vTipp game as my match of the year (to date)…it was brilliant to watch a team in any code playing with the passion and courage of that Japan Rugby team..their tackling, their ever-improving skills and strategies…..watching Rugby, Gaelic and Hurling makes me realise how cynical Soccer has become…their rolling around trying to get opponents booked, their ridiculous celebrations, their crest clutching as if to indicate loyalty to whatever franchise employs them (this week)…they could do worse then watch the modesty displayed in other codes..hopefully their pathetic carry-on wont spread to the other codes ( that said, I never miss MOTD)…..I really enjoyed Carlow, the trio on Friday and the Duo on Saturday…I’ll soon be in as many different outfits as Jimmy Higgins !!!! Ride On Lar….ps watching games can be a good time to do the bit of stretching
The most talented, listening, attentive, skilful guitarist that you ever played with :)https://www.facebook.com/decsinnott
Christy's reply
My mind lit up when I read your post. What better way to begin a new week then to compose a list of guitar players with whom I played since 1966 when I first hit the road…in no particular order this list includes players with whom I have recorded or gigged, how ever briefly..
Donal Lunny
Declan Sinnott
Sheamie O’Dowd
Jimmy Faulkner
Luka Bloom (aka Barry Moore)
Ralph McTell
Ike Isaacs
Denny Wright
Steve Benbow
Arty McGlynn
Paul Brady
Denis Cahill
Steve Cooney
Des Moore
Anto Drennan
Michéal O’Domhnaill
Tim Edey
Glen Hansard
The Edge
Philip Chevron
Philip Donnolly
Damien Rice
Robbie Iverson
Jonny Buckland
Bass Guitarists
Eoghan O’Neill
Tommy Moore
Tony Molloy
Declan McNelis
Guy Berryman
Dear Christy, how much I love these evenings – coming to your gigs and listening to you later on Youtube, I wonder how Donal is and love his guitar so much https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B3nal_Lunny – Hamish Imlach stayed at my house once, after a folk club gig… I will never forget him, or you, or Donal, may God bless you all, big hugs from Kent 🙂
Hi All… Two very different gigs in that nice small venue in Carlow, not just in terms of the setlists,,,,Follow me Up to Carlow must be a hard song to sing, the language sounds ancient and certainly bloody !!! but also for the sweet music we heard with Jimmy and Sheamie on Fri and just you and Jimmy last night,,different sounds,,, all enchanting,,, Its a big day in HQ today,,,heres looking forward to a good sporting game, there will be some buzz…beir bua agus beannacht,,, H
Hi Christy
I just booked 2 tickets to your concert in Guilford, for March 31, 2016 as a Christmas gift for my husband. Hopefully the Newfoundland weather will co-operate! just wondering if you do meet and greets as that would be the icing on the cake!
Thanks
Michelle
Christy, you are a man of your word and out came the bodhran! Great night in The Visual last night! You ticked many boxes in terms of our expectations. The young lads were excellent … A big burden on young shoulders which they both rose to. The mandolin is a lovely addition. Sorry we won’t be in Carlow again to night …
Maybe see you in Whites in November!
Thank you for a magic night in The Visual …
Stay well and happy.
Christy, we will be in Carlow to night. Last sighting was Sneem a year ago. I hope the old Bodhran will be talking to you … Love the latest chat and looking forward to the concert !
Christy's reply
Hopin to give the drum a good auld rattle tonight..up above Carlow upon the Highlands of the Castlecomer Plateau I once traded beats with the legendary Joe Kelly, a great and original Bodhrán Maker….out there upon The Brow,above the Coon River, Joe and Mrs Kelly reared their fine family in that hospitable homestead…during our time there, before the Horseyman was heard tell of, we knew the best of neighbours down the Old Protestant Road. The Walshes, Stedmonds,Toby Butler,Francie Bradley,The Agars,The Shirleys, Larkins,Kinsellas,Moloneys to name a few
There were great nights too in The Salmon Pool,Kane’s Bridge,The Ridge Bar, Mooneenroe,The Coalmine,Conways,The Avalon and further afield in Ballyraggett ( where the crow shit on the hens lip) Gowran, Goresbridge, Kedgeree Corner (where they shot the pigs for bein hungry)
The Ganjee thrived in that sunny clime and we also had great crops of onions. In the end interminable weeds conquered all.We were forced to return to The Black Lagoon. Fond memories still linger from those days 40 years ago.
Yes, I’ll give the drum a rattle tonight….
Hi Christy
Just got round to sorting a bunch of CDs following a house move last year.Had a great afternoon collating a selection based on your releases plus those of your companeros in Planxty,Moving Hearts ,their solo and spin offsolo projects etc and a varied collection of compilations.Donal’s curation of ‘sult’ is a real gem..
To celebrate my newly organised collection and having finally rediscovered it (!)I played the first Planxty album and was transported back to the early 70s when I was fortunate to have seen the band at several gigs in Manchester.The arrangements and interplay of instruments are as powerful now as they were at the time.As a semi pro player in a duo with a few nstruments at our disposal,some songs seem to dictate the arrangement.Others evolve through trial and error in rehearsals.Have you had similar experiences eg in Planxty days and currently with Declan et al? Time for some Andy Irvine now………Thanks,Dave
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing Dave. It is heartwarming to hear of the old albums getting a spin.Seems that Planxty music is enjoying a revival as new listeners tune in and turn it up.Some of the songs from that time continue to evolve. “The Well”, The Raggle”, “Lord Baker”,”Little Musgrave” and “Michael Hayes” continue to reverberate. They evolve into new versions and take on new arrangements as different musicians come aboard. Lyrics and Melodies sometimes altered, verses sometimes added or subtracted,….but dont tell the Mudcats….I could end up in transportation to VDL …..them puritans show no mercy to us working cabaret artistes
Shine On Dave…let the music keep your Spirits High,Life is an ocean,Enoch Powell ‘ll give us a job diggin our way to Donegal,anyone for the last few choc Ices?, woe me boys sing woe, hey ho chicken on a raft,
Bring Back Bert Lloyd, Harry Boardman, Fred Jordan, Pete Bellamy…..let the songs reveberate through the night
We actually went to the gig having driven from Glengarriff the next day. it was magical. It made for a fabulous week in Ireland with four Van Morrison concerts (Slieve Donard & Cyprus Ave) and two spectacular gigs of yours in Tralee and Glengarriff. So that brings me to a thought. Far be it from me to suggest a song for you to sing by soemoen else, BUT but one of Van’s hidden gems is Take it Where you Find it from his Wavelngth album in the 70’s. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYo9eyzJ2mE . I think you could work wonders with it . I especially love the line “Lost Dreams and Found Dreams in America” since I emmigrated to America over 30 years ago. He only ever played it live twice according to the records; 12th of October 1978 and as part of a medley in September 23rd 2011, So it’s been lying dormant for years. Anyway, how about giving it a lash? Only a dream……..
Christy's reply
I have long since enjoyed Van’s art…started listening around 1972….he is one of the special ones….instantly recognisable, always brings a feelgood factor….our paths have crossed briefly maybe half a dozen times…have tried a few of his songs over the years but could never do them justice, who knows,maybe your suggestion will be the one …long may he rave on…you too Heff
Ha … now I have a pic in my head of you down in BallyP, dressed in green holding a carrot in front of Garret… and I can’t stop singing the song! 🙂 Hope you had a good one in the land of vales and honey .. chat soon x
Christy's reply
Ballyporeen is a very interesting place…God knows but they surely must have better icons to worship then that auld bollicks…its terrible what happens to decent communities when some slithery auld bucker is presented in their midst with such massive PR and security hullabaloo….
There was Billy MacDermott and Shaughnessy’s brat.
With Terence O’Driscoll and crooked-face Pat;
There was Nora McCormack and Brian O’Lynn,
And the big red-haired cook-maid who works at the inn.
There was Shelia and Larry the genius,
With Pat’s uncle, old Derby Dennis;
Black Thady and crooked Macgennis,
Assembled at Ballyporeen.
Hi Christy
Just received an update from The Unthanks.Their diverse projects look as interesting as ever.I’m especially struck by the forthcoming release of the album marking Ewan MacColl’s centenary .Great to see you listed amongst the illustrious contributors.Its now on my hit list…….
Hope you enjoy the weekend gigs.I’m about to finish packing for a few days playing (‘Nightshift’duo) in Scotland.If any readers are near The Anchor Hotel,Kippford,Dumfries &Galloway,it would be great to meet up for an evening of music and chat…….also a cracking Saturday afternoon session at The Crown Hotel,Newton Stewart…….
‘and we’ll all go together…….’All good wishes,Dave
good luck with your Scotland gigs, hope ye have a “reet good do”…I was very happy to get the call for Ewan’s Centenary album…. even more so when I heard that “Good Ship Granma” (aka Companeros) was available…I just love singing that song and can clearly recall the first time I heard Ewan and Peggy sing it…I got my hands on an advance copy triple CD of Ewan’s singing that is also scheduled for release…he sure did cover some ground….no one has contributed more to the Folk Song movement the Ewan MacColl..since 1967 I have enjoyed singing
Shoals of Herring
Champion at keepin them Rolling
The Hot Ashphalt
Travelling People
Go Move Shift
Tim Evans
Companeros
First Time Ever
Green Island
School Days Over
The Joy of Living…….and have attempted many others…
Apart from Bob Dylan, I wonder has any other writer been covered as extensively as Ewan?…..I heard Ewan and Peggy 6 times…The Grafton Cinema Dublin ( it may have been Liberty hall), The MSG Manchester, The Mucky Byre St Andrew’s, Grimsby Folk Club and twice in The Singers Club London, the second time there as a guest singer I sat on stage with them for my set.
CM (70)Tà mè Ann sàsta go mbeidh tù ag teacht chuig an clochàn amaràch. The best gluten free sausages are there.in Kelly’s butchers. Tà súil agam go bhfuil tú go maith .I enjoyed your interview with marion .I enjoyed Mick Blake’s oblivious.CS (11)
P.S . I watch match of the day too….I entered a competition for it today.
P.P.S Thank God Dublin won . between ourselves Can’t stand Kerry ..But I like hilary …. Sorta sometimes
CS…..re Kerry Football…jealousy will get us no where…historically, they are the masters of the game…other counties come and go, some rule for a time, like Galway’s 3 in a row, but Kerry are always there or there-abouts and inevitably will return before too long…..like their rebel neighbours they sometimes lack modesty, also they tend to hide their humility lest it be misconstrued as weakness…but when all is aid and done,they are a great auld crowd… well up for the crack and they’d never see you stuck for a prátaí or a cupán tae….
“The Pale Moon was rising above the Green Mountain”
My good pals out on the coast here, the only guitar band I bother with. The real thing… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t8KsrHpadY
The Banks a the old Gan Gees…..fair play for postin….
Yep, well, my hub worked for William Morris in Beverly Hills forever…and although it hung always in our home, and still does, I guess that’s how stories get made…passed around!
Anyway.
You’re the greatest, and I hope McLoughlin is filming you for Docu.
Will be incredible!
Happy trails, Cheers to you Christy Moore. For real, cheers. Thank you for your music.
The original idea was for me to be facing the audience with more emphasis on the faces of the audience and a greater variety of Knuttal caricatures…it would have been the sleeve of the 1990 album “Live at The Point”…..Glad to hear that the picture still exists…thanks for sharing
Don’t know if you’ve heard Jack Warshaw’s take on the refugee situation but thought I’d post it here for those who visit: https://youtu.be/Z-vVGJax7II
Difficult times for so many these days and sad to read Lar’s account of the guy trying to help the homeless and being turned back.
Hope the projects are going well for you – great to see you still producing such quality as the 50th year of the neverending tour approaches. Unfortunately i can’t say i was there for all of those years, but the ones i have been there for have been good – and the current ones are up there with the best of them. Keep doing what you do – hopefully see you real soon.
Thanks for posting John….
Hi Christy
Hope your enjoying the rugby world cup go Ireland and Fiji and the AB’s.
Love reading your post .as the climate becomes dryer in New Zealand water is becoming a precious thing too.
Very sorry your not doing long haul have never forgotten your concert in the Aotea center.
Kia Ora
Karen
you mention the concert in the Aotea Centre….was that,by any chance, the night I invited a choir on stage ?….if so,what year might that have been ?……my eyes are becoming oval shaped and we’re still in the first week
Enjoying your tales of the road as much as I have always loved your music. Thank you.
I own an amazing portrait painting of you by Graham Knuttel.
Know it?
I think I do…Many years back I approached Graham to make a picture for an album sleeve…I saw and liked the picture but it was not what I had in mind for the album sleeve. I heard that the picture went to America .Subsequently there was a limited edition poster published. It was rumoured that the original picture went to the offices of The William Morris Agency in New York but now it seems that you may have it! Thanks for the info..best wishes
I find after watching the Rugby, GAA football & Hurling, that soccer is a bit of a snoozefest at times. Everton had a great 3-1 win last week and it was a great game, and my first time to watch MOTD in a long time….and it seems maybe the simplest of them all, but anyway, less time in hair & make-up might help…
I’ve been lucky enough to meet & photograph the complete 1968 M.Utd team and wonder what they would make of all that carry on you mentioned…who knows.
Eagerly awaiting more word on all your new projects and music….currently building a great new website for the Wal, with the help of Aine H…looking good so far…it’ll be live soon..plus a gig in early October….
I only saw Jimmy Faulkner play with you twice, and they were magic, and I’m thinking of the great night now in The Olympia, the tribute night, Gary Moore etc…another night to remember…I’m keeping away from the tarts…I’ll stretch when I know how… 🙂
Just heard a young lad on Joe Duffy that looks after some homeless people around Harry Street in Dublin, but he was moved on and shut down by the cops on Sunday coz there was too many homeless people in the area he was told and it was Sam final day with lots visitors in the city he was told….he cooks the food himself, brings it in and clothes too he gives out… but stopped on Sunday…I’d like to contact him and do something…he was such a brilliant speaker on the radio too…brilliant…his name Is Darren I think…he’s making a change and a little difference.
A lovely start to a weekend in Carlows Visual….so good to hear songs that haven’t heard in a while.. Ruby, Amsterdam, Reel, Ronnie Reagan, and loving the longer version of Encore again too…a great night in a brilliant venue…fantastic sound from the three of you on the stage, really enjoyed it, thank you all. Another great weekend of sport on the box, I’m out for the count just watching balls of every shape & size…nothing a tart and cream cant sort out…I suppose you could add Ed Sheeran to your list of guitar players list…have a great week
Hey Lar…leave it out (tart &cream!)….The Dubs were massive even if I did get drenched on the Hill…what was The Gooch doing back in defence? twas a bit like having Clapton playing Bass….I only included guitarists with whom I have gigged or recorded…hopefully Ed will be on the list some day soon….the Japan v South Africa match topped even Galway vTipp game as my match of the year (to date)…it was brilliant to watch a team in any code playing with the passion and courage of that Japan Rugby team..their tackling, their ever-improving skills and strategies…..watching Rugby, Gaelic and Hurling makes me realise how cynical Soccer has become…their rolling around trying to get opponents booked, their ridiculous celebrations, their crest clutching as if to indicate loyalty to whatever franchise employs them (this week)…they could do worse then watch the modesty displayed in other codes..hopefully their pathetic carry-on wont spread to the other codes ( that said, I never miss MOTD)…..I really enjoyed Carlow, the trio on Friday and the Duo on Saturday…I’ll soon be in as many different outfits as Jimmy Higgins !!!! Ride On Lar….ps watching games can be a good time to do the bit of stretching
The most talented, listening, attentive, skilful guitarist that you ever played with :)https://www.facebook.com/decsinnott
My mind lit up when I read your post. What better way to begin a new week then to compose a list of guitar players with whom I played since 1966 when I first hit the road…in no particular order this list includes players with whom I have recorded or gigged, how ever briefly..
Donal Lunny
Declan Sinnott
Sheamie O’Dowd
Jimmy Faulkner
Luka Bloom (aka Barry Moore)
Ralph McTell
Ike Isaacs
Denny Wright
Steve Benbow
Arty McGlynn
Paul Brady
Denis Cahill
Steve Cooney
Des Moore
Anto Drennan
Michéal O’Domhnaill
Tim Edey
Glen Hansard
The Edge
Philip Chevron
Philip Donnolly
Damien Rice
Robbie Iverson
Jonny Buckland
Bass Guitarists
Eoghan O’Neill
Tommy Moore
Tony Molloy
Declan McNelis
Guy Berryman
Dear Christy, how much I love these evenings – coming to your gigs and listening to you later on Youtube, I wonder how Donal is and love his guitar so much https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B3nal_Lunny – Hamish Imlach stayed at my house once, after a folk club gig… I will never forget him, or you, or Donal, may God bless you all, big hugs from Kent 🙂
Hi All… Two very different gigs in that nice small venue in Carlow, not just in terms of the setlists,,,,Follow me Up to Carlow must be a hard song to sing, the language sounds ancient and certainly bloody !!! but also for the sweet music we heard with Jimmy and Sheamie on Fri and just you and Jimmy last night,,different sounds,,, all enchanting,,, Its a big day in HQ today,,,heres looking forward to a good sporting game, there will be some buzz…beir bua agus beannacht,,, H
Hi Christy
I just booked 2 tickets to your concert in Guilford, for March 31, 2016 as a Christmas gift for my husband. Hopefully the Newfoundland weather will co-operate! just wondering if you do meet and greets as that would be the icing on the cake!
Thanks
Michelle
Christy, you are a man of your word and out came the bodhran! Great night in The Visual last night! You ticked many boxes in terms of our expectations. The young lads were excellent … A big burden on young shoulders which they both rose to. The mandolin is a lovely addition. Sorry we won’t be in Carlow again to night …
Maybe see you in Whites in November!
Thank you for a magic night in The Visual …
Stay well and happy.
Hi All…Christy..Carlow.. Culture Night..Check…. H
Curse and Swear Lord Kildare
Christy, we will be in Carlow to night. Last sighting was Sneem a year ago. I hope the old Bodhran will be talking to you … Love the latest chat and looking forward to the concert !
Hopin to give the drum a good auld rattle tonight..up above Carlow upon the Highlands of the Castlecomer Plateau I once traded beats with the legendary Joe Kelly, a great and original Bodhrán Maker….out there upon The Brow,above the Coon River, Joe and Mrs Kelly reared their fine family in that hospitable homestead…during our time there, before the Horseyman was heard tell of, we knew the best of neighbours down the Old Protestant Road. The Walshes, Stedmonds,Toby Butler,Francie Bradley,The Agars,The Shirleys, Larkins,Kinsellas,Moloneys to name a few
There were great nights too in The Salmon Pool,Kane’s Bridge,The Ridge Bar, Mooneenroe,The Coalmine,Conways,The Avalon and further afield in Ballyraggett ( where the crow shit on the hens lip) Gowran, Goresbridge, Kedgeree Corner (where they shot the pigs for bein hungry)
The Ganjee thrived in that sunny clime and we also had great crops of onions. In the end interminable weeds conquered all.We were forced to return to The Black Lagoon. Fond memories still linger from those days 40 years ago.
Yes, I’ll give the drum a rattle tonight….
Hi Christy
Just got round to sorting a bunch of CDs following a house move last year.Had a great afternoon collating a selection based on your releases plus those of your companeros in Planxty,Moving Hearts ,their solo and spin offsolo projects etc and a varied collection of compilations.Donal’s curation of ‘sult’ is a real gem..
To celebrate my newly organised collection and having finally rediscovered it (!)I played the first Planxty album and was transported back to the early 70s when I was fortunate to have seen the band at several gigs in Manchester.The arrangements and interplay of instruments are as powerful now as they were at the time.As a semi pro player in a duo with a few nstruments at our disposal,some songs seem to dictate the arrangement.Others evolve through trial and error in rehearsals.Have you had similar experiences eg in Planxty days and currently with Declan et al? Time for some Andy Irvine now………Thanks,Dave
Thanks for sharing Dave. It is heartwarming to hear of the old albums getting a spin.Seems that Planxty music is enjoying a revival as new listeners tune in and turn it up.Some of the songs from that time continue to evolve. “The Well”, The Raggle”, “Lord Baker”,”Little Musgrave” and “Michael Hayes” continue to reverberate. They evolve into new versions and take on new arrangements as different musicians come aboard. Lyrics and Melodies sometimes altered, verses sometimes added or subtracted,….but dont tell the Mudcats….I could end up in transportation to VDL …..them puritans show no mercy to us working cabaret artistes
Shine On Dave…let the music keep your Spirits High,Life is an ocean,Enoch Powell ‘ll give us a job diggin our way to Donegal,anyone for the last few choc Ices?, woe me boys sing woe, hey ho chicken on a raft,
Bring Back Bert Lloyd, Harry Boardman, Fred Jordan, Pete Bellamy…..let the songs reveberate through the night
We actually went to the gig having driven from Glengarriff the next day. it was magical. It made for a fabulous week in Ireland with four Van Morrison concerts (Slieve Donard & Cyprus Ave) and two spectacular gigs of yours in Tralee and Glengarriff. So that brings me to a thought. Far be it from me to suggest a song for you to sing by soemoen else, BUT but one of Van’s hidden gems is Take it Where you Find it from his Wavelngth album in the 70’s. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYo9eyzJ2mE . I think you could work wonders with it . I especially love the line “Lost Dreams and Found Dreams in America” since I emmigrated to America over 30 years ago. He only ever played it live twice according to the records; 12th of October 1978 and as part of a medley in September 23rd 2011, So it’s been lying dormant for years. Anyway, how about giving it a lash? Only a dream……..
I have long since enjoyed Van’s art…started listening around 1972….he is one of the special ones….instantly recognisable, always brings a feelgood factor….our paths have crossed briefly maybe half a dozen times…have tried a few of his songs over the years but could never do them justice, who knows,maybe your suggestion will be the one …long may he rave on…you too Heff
Ha … now I have a pic in my head of you down in BallyP, dressed in green holding a carrot in front of Garret… and I can’t stop singing the song! 🙂 Hope you had a good one in the land of vales and honey .. chat soon x
Ballyporeen is a very interesting place…God knows but they surely must have better icons to worship then that auld bollicks…its terrible what happens to decent communities when some slithery auld bucker is presented in their midst with such massive PR and security hullabaloo….
There was Billy MacDermott and Shaughnessy’s brat.
With Terence O’Driscoll and crooked-face Pat;
There was Nora McCormack and Brian O’Lynn,
And the big red-haired cook-maid who works at the inn.
There was Shelia and Larry the genius,
With Pat’s uncle, old Derby Dennis;
Black Thady and crooked Macgennis,
Assembled at Ballyporeen.
Hi Christy the world cup is here, good luck,See you in Liverpool .
the oval ball is gonna take some kicking in the coming weeks….