Best wishes for the Galway gig tonight. Sadly, following a tough week I’m not able to make it but my heart will be there. Never underestimate the courage and support that your music gives us in dark days. We don’t thank you enough and we should – so, thanks for the music in 2015. Look forward to seeing you along the way in 2016. With Railway cup hurling in Salthill today I’m sure Iggy and the Tribesmen will face the puckout with you. Have a great night.
Christy, thank you for the show tonight. It’s hard to put into words the swirling emotions your singing causes when listening in person, especially when home as a visiting exile. Your voice is incredibly emotive and we felt so lucky to be in a small room with you.
Your dedication before City of Chicago sent my heart thumping through my skin and had us driving home on cloud nine. A night that will truly stay with us forever.
By the way, our names are Martin and Lee. Although dun2501 lead to a better story. Thanks again.
Christy's reply
sound Martin & Lee….that was a good night for us too
regrets PD…seems like that time is done…no more long haul for this auld Balladeer…had some good gigs up there in the 80s and 90s..met some great people…greetings to all songsters from Wooloomaloo to Cudgee…Warnambool to Vinegar Hill….
On a Wet and Windy night in the Midlands the Four of you really hit some sweet notes. Thanks for a beautiful Gig……safe journey to the West……and give Iggy a loan of the Honda 50 on the way over .
It’s been a wonderful year of Gigs.
Ride on
Patsy
Christy's reply
sound Patsy…well done on winning the quiz..must nearly be time for another…safe home to Westmeath
I’ve lived in america for the past 21 years, leaving Dublin when I was 20. I’ve taken your songs with me where ever I’ve traveled, they keep the heartbeat close to home. I’ve never been able to time a visit home to see you sing any of these songs live. Tonight, that finally changes. A short spin down to Tullamore and myself and the wife will finally share a room with you. It’s been on the ole ‘bucket list’ for a long time. Can’t wait to hear you sing, dreaming of a pair of brown eyes or North and South or Natives, sure I guess anything at this point. Thanks for the gift of comfort you’ve provided for years.
Christy's reply
hey 2501….never got around to natives…hope ye have a good time on our home trip..fáilte arais
Hi Christy hope ye have a great gig tomorrow night not going to make it this time the Massey 165 is acting up again the right wheel brake is stuck I keep going round in circles have a good one face the puck out and if you win the toss play with the wind I ll be with ye in spirit safe travelling to all
Christy's reply
you shoulda stuck with the Ferguson TVO..them new fangled tractors has too many gadgets…hope all the family are well and that we meet again before too long
Good afternoon dear Christy!
“December man looks through the snow [not yet] to let eleven brothers know they’re all a little older …”
In this time of the year when days are getting shorter and gloomy – your last gigs of 2015-Tour are about to happen – I remember the two fabulous concerts with MOC-Band in January (Kilkenny) and April (Spanish Point) which we enjoyed very much.
Glad to hear the recent gigs in your and then in Declan’s hometown were so vibrant and you got such a warm welcome … wonderful selection of new and old songs … There are a good few new songs now I’m looking forward to become familiar with.
I liked to read your characterization of Jimmy Higgins, you’re giving him the credit he deserves – Well done! But must admit I didn’t recognize him as one of the musicians in “Jimmy’s Hall” (a great film!) so I’ll watch out when we are getting to see “Brooklyn”, hopefully soon. Thanks for the hint.
Wishing you a happy winter and I hope you’ll enjoy your gigs with the Trad Outfit. Best of Luck to you and your Companeros! Traudel
Christy's reply
The rain is lashin, the sun is sinkin, the wind is howlin thru the trees, its a bad night for cycling around the Boglands but the show must go on…
Been away from the book for a while. Busy times etc etc. Not listened to much either. So last night when I was feeling a little in the doldrums I put on the old headphones and listened to some of your most depressing songs on the playlists. Gave me just the lift I needed. Thanks for the kick up the arse.
frankie
Christy's reply
a new competition beckons (perhaps) 10 most depressing songs…let me think about it ( gloomily)
Hi Christy
Just about to waffle on about Pete Coe et al ,when I saw the new post from Tony.As 50% of ‘Nightshift’ duo (which,happily, I still am),,we were regular residents at Poynton FC in the early 80s.Played support and MCd nights featuring Brass Monkey,Jake Thackray ( a true gent and genius),Dick Gaughan amongst others……it was a great venue,hope you also had chance to visit,Sadly (for me at least)our paths have never crossed in a playing format…..I like to think there’s a chance yet……
You’re right that Pete Coe was in a duo with his (then) wife,Chris.As well as numerous other collaborations and projects.I’ve just followed up some of his references from last week’s gig.Notably, focusing on the work of a Victorian folk song collector from Leeds – Frank Kidson.Its led me to Pete ‘s fascinating website about FK and the music collection…..
fivefingerfrank.co.uk (Five Finger Frank being a self deprecating reference to his limited musicianship)
There’s a mass of information about FK and his work.On a quick flick through pages of the collection,I spotted a piece on ‘The Shan Van Voght’.Merely reading the title of the song conjures up the unique tones of Ronnie Drew.A truly wonderful sound…..
I hope you and readers get chance to have a shufti at the Coe/Kidson stuff….its an interesting dip into past times and a pleasant distraction from current gloomy news and events.
Enjoy the remaining gigs of the year.
Dave
Christy's reply
Thanks for that Dave..will check it out…I think I heard a programme some time back about Irish Traveller songs …produced by Pete…….you mention “pleasant distraction”!! I agree entirely….pick up the guitar and enter into a few old ballads….space out into the ether of song…Isis Astarte Diana Hecati Demeter Kali Inarna……7 years they being past and over , 7 more they were rolling on….and I woke in California ,many miles from Spancilhill….remember when we were young, you shone like the sun….when you look into a child’s face, you are seeing all the human race….I’m a messenger boy, bringing my love to you…2 big dogs and a man shouts “who goes there”? sing on Dave
Christy, greetings and after months have mastered the log in. I came across your music via BBC Radio 2 a couple of years back. I have very much enjoyed the Chats you have posted along with your many observations to other posts. I have a question. You mention with fondness your tours of the Lancashire and Cheshire clubs at the outset of your ‘Lounge Tour’. Did you ever play Poynton Folk Club in the 1970’s? Most of the artists you have previously referred to, Mike Capstick, Mike Harding Cyril Tawney, etc did so, along with Jasper Carrott!
Your observations of the divide back then between the new and traditional, brings back hearing some rather heated and usually uncharitable debates.
Whenever you have played the South East of England these last couple of years I have been working away. However on Wed 6th April next year, I am greatly looking forward to seeing you play at the Southbank for the first time, or following a 40 year break.
All best wishes for the Golden Jubilee and the festive season.
Tony
Christy's reply
I can find no mention of Poynton…it does ring a bell …Congleton was a much favoured club back then..every monday in The Chesire Cat…The Resident Band were The Union Folk… a great bunch of lads and a really tight band..their big number was “O those New York girls can really dance The Polka”…..happy days…..I enjoyed the trip to Buxton recently..lots of memories revived as we drove from Manchester up in to the hills
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Egan.
There are people who inspire by just being. They may be storytellers, singers, poets, actors, painters, milkmen, postmen, farmers,priests, footballers, golfers, boxers, Rugby players and even lawyers… through probably not accountants.
From what I gather Martin Egan was of a sort…. good company, with a view on the world, a finger on a pulse and with a rare sense of humour.
We are all the poorer for being without him and his like … hopefully his spirit is still among us.
Christy's reply
His memorial service yesterday was a fitting farewell….he could not have arranged it better
Lynched enter the arena, Ye Vagabonds are taken down the well trodden & tested road, meanwhile, Gav off the Cujo Family(the guitar band I showed ye, my friends here on the coast) has buckets of this stuff tucked away, I love em & I hate em. Classic. https://soundcloud.com/gav-mc-cabe/betty/s-ropJg
Christy's reply
thats the essence of what its all about..the ongoing cycle…across the pond, up the mountains and then back again….from the bogs to the swamps,up the mountains down onto the vinyl and back to The Harbour Bar
Hi…A hometown gig for Declan,,,always special….the Opera House is a fine buidling,,,but in this weather would all be freezing !!! Beir bua agus beannacht..H
Christy's reply
good funky room right in the heart of the old town..love those narrow streets..turn a corner into a snazzy hotel reception like Kingsbridge Station of a Christmas Eve…great room of listeners, models of the yellow belly….The Rackard County turned out in style ….that multi named room (Whites-Bewleys-Clayton) suits the shelmaliers more then thon Opera House….
Hi Christy
Great that your home town gigs went so well.
I was thinking of you last night.In the intimate setting of the upstairs room of The Globe pub,Glossop I got to see a top quality,’old school’ folk gig by Pete Coe.A multi instrumental approach meant that trad ballads,shanties and songs collected by Pete from travellers / researched in little known collections were presented in a sensitive,absorbing manner. Battling bronchitis,he gave it full throttle-fair play to him.Numerous reasons why you came to mind included a great tribute to Al O’Donnell as well as the citing of the influences/songs obtained throughout Pete’s long career,mainly based in the Midlands and Yorkshire.Names that will bring back memories for you included Stan Hugill,Peter Bellamy,Cyril Tawney,Johnny Handel,Tony Rose and The Wilson Family.Class……..
Its a great process whereby such quality music is passed on to the next generation.My music partner in crime and I will be playing a support set at The Globe in January for Hannah James,who is gaining a mighty reputation for innovation within the folk idiom.Always great to see where things are heading.Last but by no means least …..next year,Andy Irvine will be returning to the same venue for the first time in a decade.That will be a ‘must see’ as his own epic career rolls on.
All the best to you and companeros
Dave
Christy's reply
met many of the turns you mentioned…Johnny Handle when I played The Ranters…Cyril Tawney back at The Grove in Leeds…Tony Rose in Halifax, and Al O’Donnell many times in those early formative years…Peter Coe was just coming around when I returned home…was he part of a Duo back in the early 70s? never had the pleasure of hearing him play….I think I heard Pete Bellamy once….The Young Tradition made a great sound (that I did not appreciate at the time)…Andy Irvine never tires of the road..may it long rise up before him…best to you Dave
Christy, I’m sorry for the loss of Martin Egan. His song is one of my earliest memories at the start of this journey for me. Time is a beast. I had the greatest fun going with the girls to see Lynched at Kings Place in Kings Cross. They were great. They had so much gumption and a stomach for the fight. And fab exponents of the song tradition. I like the notion of passing the baton. . If you think it suitable the venue might be a consideration. Kings Cross certainly isn’t as it once was. Wall to wall Guardian readers. Anyway I hope you find yourself warm in temperature. Xx
Christy's reply
Them Lynched is a cool bunch no doubt…had a grand afternoon with them over the Summer…strong tea, proper sangwidges and we even sang a few auld songs…they have their own way of doing things and they follow their own style and vision…long live Lynched
Hi Christy, Sad to hear of the passing of your good friend Martin Egan “Make for Foley’s work the topshelf talk puck, pints and the GAA” ..My condolences on your loss. I had some funny interaction with Martin on facebook over the last few years, he wasn’t a big football fan and he would give out to me about all my Liverpool postings and ramblings…. May he rest in peace… Glad to report that all is good here in “The Hills” I’m looking forward to catching up at the Galway Bay next week…Bringing along a good friend of mine, David, who amazingly has never seen you perform live before. I’ve told him he is in for one brilliant nights entertainment. See you then Christy…Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
Martin A.Egan was not a sporting man but he was great sport when the humour was on him…he kept coming back too
There sure was a lovely vibe in the Keadeen on Friday night!
I don’t think I’d heard “How Long” live before and for an opener, it sure set the tone for a great show.
Again, you made a little 8 year olds night with your kind words – thank you.
And thanks again to Hilary for the follow up afterwards – great generousity, much appreciated.
These shows are truly happy times that should be cherished by us all!
Keep the show on the road..
Colum
Christy's reply
we’ll keep going for as long as there is fuel in the tank…thank you
Best wishes for the Galway gig tonight. Sadly, following a tough week I’m not able to make it but my heart will be there. Never underestimate the courage and support that your music gives us in dark days. We don’t thank you enough and we should – so, thanks for the music in 2015. Look forward to seeing you along the way in 2016. With Railway cup hurling in Salthill today I’m sure Iggy and the Tribesmen will face the puckout with you. Have a great night.
Christy, thank you for the show tonight. It’s hard to put into words the swirling emotions your singing causes when listening in person, especially when home as a visiting exile. Your voice is incredibly emotive and we felt so lucky to be in a small room with you.
Your dedication before City of Chicago sent my heart thumping through my skin and had us driving home on cloud nine. A night that will truly stay with us forever.
By the way, our names are Martin and Lee. Although dun2501 lead to a better story. Thanks again.
sound Martin & Lee….that was a good night for us too
Christy boy, any chance of a wee gig in Oz?!
regrets PD…seems like that time is done…no more long haul for this auld Balladeer…had some good gigs up there in the 80s and 90s..met some great people…greetings to all songsters from Wooloomaloo to Cudgee…Warnambool to Vinegar Hill….
On a Wet and Windy night in the Midlands the Four of you really hit some sweet notes. Thanks for a beautiful Gig……safe journey to the West……and give Iggy a loan of the Honda 50 on the way over .
It’s been a wonderful year of Gigs.
Ride on
Patsy
sound Patsy…well done on winning the quiz..must nearly be time for another…safe home to Westmeath
Well Christy,
I’ve lived in america for the past 21 years, leaving Dublin when I was 20. I’ve taken your songs with me where ever I’ve traveled, they keep the heartbeat close to home. I’ve never been able to time a visit home to see you sing any of these songs live. Tonight, that finally changes. A short spin down to Tullamore and myself and the wife will finally share a room with you. It’s been on the ole ‘bucket list’ for a long time. Can’t wait to hear you sing, dreaming of a pair of brown eyes or North and South or Natives, sure I guess anything at this point. Thanks for the gift of comfort you’ve provided for years.
hey 2501….never got around to natives…hope ye have a good time on our home trip..fáilte arais
Hi Christy hope ye have a great gig tomorrow night not going to make it this time the Massey 165 is acting up again the right wheel brake is stuck I keep going round in circles have a good one face the puck out and if you win the toss play with the wind I ll be with ye in spirit safe travelling to all
you shoulda stuck with the Ferguson TVO..them new fangled tractors has too many gadgets…hope all the family are well and that we meet again before too long
Good afternoon dear Christy!
“December man looks through the snow [not yet] to let eleven brothers know they’re all a little older …”
In this time of the year when days are getting shorter and gloomy – your last gigs of 2015-Tour are about to happen – I remember the two fabulous concerts with MOC-Band in January (Kilkenny) and April (Spanish Point) which we enjoyed very much.
Glad to hear the recent gigs in your and then in Declan’s hometown were so vibrant and you got such a warm welcome … wonderful selection of new and old songs … There are a good few new songs now I’m looking forward to become familiar with.
I liked to read your characterization of Jimmy Higgins, you’re giving him the credit he deserves – Well done! But must admit I didn’t recognize him as one of the musicians in “Jimmy’s Hall” (a great film!) so I’ll watch out when we are getting to see “Brooklyn”, hopefully soon. Thanks for the hint.
Wishing you a happy winter and I hope you’ll enjoy your gigs with the Trad Outfit. Best of Luck to you and your Companeros! Traudel
The rain is lashin, the sun is sinkin, the wind is howlin thru the trees, its a bad night for cycling around the Boglands but the show must go on…
Alrighty. We’re in for 1 more. See you in Galway Saturday……
We’ll take you home again Kathleen, across the ocean wild and wide
Hi there Christy.
Been away from the book for a while. Busy times etc etc. Not listened to much either. So last night when I was feeling a little in the doldrums I put on the old headphones and listened to some of your most depressing songs on the playlists. Gave me just the lift I needed. Thanks for the kick up the arse.
frankie
a new competition beckons (perhaps) 10 most depressing songs…let me think about it ( gloomily)
Hi Christy
Just about to waffle on about Pete Coe et al ,when I saw the new post from Tony.As 50% of ‘Nightshift’ duo (which,happily, I still am),,we were regular residents at Poynton FC in the early 80s.Played support and MCd nights featuring Brass Monkey,Jake Thackray ( a true gent and genius),Dick Gaughan amongst others……it was a great venue,hope you also had chance to visit,Sadly (for me at least)our paths have never crossed in a playing format…..I like to think there’s a chance yet……
You’re right that Pete Coe was in a duo with his (then) wife,Chris.As well as numerous other collaborations and projects.I’ve just followed up some of his references from last week’s gig.Notably, focusing on the work of a Victorian folk song collector from Leeds – Frank Kidson.Its led me to Pete ‘s fascinating website about FK and the music collection…..
fivefingerfrank.co.uk (Five Finger Frank being a self deprecating reference to his limited musicianship)
There’s a mass of information about FK and his work.On a quick flick through pages of the collection,I spotted a piece on ‘The Shan Van Voght’.Merely reading the title of the song conjures up the unique tones of Ronnie Drew.A truly wonderful sound…..
I hope you and readers get chance to have a shufti at the Coe/Kidson stuff….its an interesting dip into past times and a pleasant distraction from current gloomy news and events.
Enjoy the remaining gigs of the year.
Dave
Thanks for that Dave..will check it out…I think I heard a programme some time back about Irish Traveller songs …produced by Pete…….you mention “pleasant distraction”!! I agree entirely….pick up the guitar and enter into a few old ballads….space out into the ether of song…Isis Astarte Diana Hecati Demeter Kali Inarna……7 years they being past and over , 7 more they were rolling on….and I woke in California ,many miles from Spancilhill….remember when we were young, you shone like the sun….when you look into a child’s face, you are seeing all the human race….I’m a messenger boy, bringing my love to you…2 big dogs and a man shouts “who goes there”? sing on Dave
Christy, greetings and after months have mastered the log in. I came across your music via BBC Radio 2 a couple of years back. I have very much enjoyed the Chats you have posted along with your many observations to other posts. I have a question. You mention with fondness your tours of the Lancashire and Cheshire clubs at the outset of your ‘Lounge Tour’. Did you ever play Poynton Folk Club in the 1970’s? Most of the artists you have previously referred to, Mike Capstick, Mike Harding Cyril Tawney, etc did so, along with Jasper Carrott!
Your observations of the divide back then between the new and traditional, brings back hearing some rather heated and usually uncharitable debates.
Whenever you have played the South East of England these last couple of years I have been working away. However on Wed 6th April next year, I am greatly looking forward to seeing you play at the Southbank for the first time, or following a 40 year break.
All best wishes for the Golden Jubilee and the festive season.
Tony
I can find no mention of Poynton…it does ring a bell …Congleton was a much favoured club back then..every monday in The Chesire Cat…The Resident Band were The Union Folk… a great bunch of lads and a really tight band..their big number was “O those New York girls can really dance The Polka”…..happy days…..I enjoyed the trip to Buxton recently..lots of memories revived as we drove from Manchester up in to the hills
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Egan.
There are people who inspire by just being. They may be storytellers, singers, poets, actors, painters, milkmen, postmen, farmers,priests, footballers, golfers, boxers, Rugby players and even lawyers… through probably not accountants.
From what I gather Martin Egan was of a sort…. good company, with a view on the world, a finger on a pulse and with a rare sense of humour.
We are all the poorer for being without him and his like … hopefully his spirit is still among us.
His memorial service yesterday was a fitting farewell….he could not have arranged it better
Lynched enter the arena, Ye Vagabonds are taken down the well trodden & tested road, meanwhile, Gav off the Cujo Family(the guitar band I showed ye, my friends here on the coast) has buckets of this stuff tucked away, I love em & I hate em. Classic. https://soundcloud.com/gav-mc-cabe/betty/s-ropJg
thats the essence of what its all about..the ongoing cycle…across the pond, up the mountains and then back again….from the bogs to the swamps,up the mountains down onto the vinyl and back to The Harbour Bar
Hi…A hometown gig for Declan,,,always special….the Opera House is a fine buidling,,,but in this weather would all be freezing !!! Beir bua agus beannacht..H
good funky room right in the heart of the old town..love those narrow streets..turn a corner into a snazzy hotel reception like Kingsbridge Station of a Christmas Eve…great room of listeners, models of the yellow belly….The Rackard County turned out in style ….that multi named room (Whites-Bewleys-Clayton) suits the shelmaliers more then thon Opera House….
Hi Christy
Great that your home town gigs went so well.
I was thinking of you last night.In the intimate setting of the upstairs room of The Globe pub,Glossop I got to see a top quality,’old school’ folk gig by Pete Coe.A multi instrumental approach meant that trad ballads,shanties and songs collected by Pete from travellers / researched in little known collections were presented in a sensitive,absorbing manner. Battling bronchitis,he gave it full throttle-fair play to him.Numerous reasons why you came to mind included a great tribute to Al O’Donnell as well as the citing of the influences/songs obtained throughout Pete’s long career,mainly based in the Midlands and Yorkshire.Names that will bring back memories for you included Stan Hugill,Peter Bellamy,Cyril Tawney,Johnny Handel,Tony Rose and The Wilson Family.Class……..
Its a great process whereby such quality music is passed on to the next generation.My music partner in crime and I will be playing a support set at The Globe in January for Hannah James,who is gaining a mighty reputation for innovation within the folk idiom.Always great to see where things are heading.Last but by no means least …..next year,Andy Irvine will be returning to the same venue for the first time in a decade.That will be a ‘must see’ as his own epic career rolls on.
All the best to you and companeros
Dave
met many of the turns you mentioned…Johnny Handle when I played The Ranters…Cyril Tawney back at The Grove in Leeds…Tony Rose in Halifax, and Al O’Donnell many times in those early formative years…Peter Coe was just coming around when I returned home…was he part of a Duo back in the early 70s? never had the pleasure of hearing him play….I think I heard Pete Bellamy once….The Young Tradition made a great sound (that I did not appreciate at the time)…Andy Irvine never tires of the road..may it long rise up before him…best to you Dave
Will you come back to play Dublin around the rising commemorations? Hope you add a gig that weekend!
maybe there will be another rising
Christy, I’m sorry for the loss of Martin Egan. His song is one of my earliest memories at the start of this journey for me. Time is a beast. I had the greatest fun going with the girls to see Lynched at Kings Place in Kings Cross. They were great. They had so much gumption and a stomach for the fight. And fab exponents of the song tradition. I like the notion of passing the baton. . If you think it suitable the venue might be a consideration. Kings Cross certainly isn’t as it once was. Wall to wall Guardian readers. Anyway I hope you find yourself warm in temperature. Xx
Them Lynched is a cool bunch no doubt…had a grand afternoon with them over the Summer…strong tea, proper sangwidges and we even sang a few auld songs…they have their own way of doing things and they follow their own style and vision…long live Lynched
Sorry that it’s a phone recording Christy, but here ye are, thanks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P02X8oBG1cY
you’re a fair old chanter young Dylan…thats a grand version of thon song
Hi Christy, Sad to hear of the passing of your good friend Martin Egan “Make for Foley’s work the topshelf talk puck, pints and the GAA” ..My condolences on your loss. I had some funny interaction with Martin on facebook over the last few years, he wasn’t a big football fan and he would give out to me about all my Liverpool postings and ramblings…. May he rest in peace… Glad to report that all is good here in “The Hills” I’m looking forward to catching up at the Galway Bay next week…Bringing along a good friend of mine, David, who amazingly has never seen you perform live before. I’ve told him he is in for one brilliant nights entertainment. See you then Christy…Love & Respect Martin Mac
Martin A.Egan was not a sporting man but he was great sport when the humour was on him…he kept coming back too
There sure was a lovely vibe in the Keadeen on Friday night!
I don’t think I’d heard “How Long” live before and for an opener, it sure set the tone for a great show.
Again, you made a little 8 year olds night with your kind words – thank you.
And thanks again to Hilary for the follow up afterwards – great generousity, much appreciated.
These shows are truly happy times that should be cherished by us all!
Keep the show on the road..
Colum
we’ll keep going for as long as there is fuel in the tank…thank you