Hi Christy, Hope you are well sir. Thanks for the “Latest Chat” it shows, if we didn’t already know just how busy a man you are……working harder than ever to bring your music and your joy to us all. Honoured and privileged to be on the journey with you, Well the dust hasn’t had time to settle after #GE2016, Enda and the gang are up in a heap, nobody know who’s getting into bed with who, Uisce Eirean is f**ked as well and its blowing a gale outside…good enough time to pack the bags and head for the sun methinks, I’m off to Marbella in the morning and I’ll be leaving all my troubles behind …great to be alive ! See you soon Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
Sir MartiMac…off to Marbella with you and the country in a state of chassis…get yourself up the road to Frijiliana but keep well away from the Apple Spirit of that region…watch out for the bandits…we’ll have the Uisce sorted by the time you get back…if you have paid up already, your cheque will be in the post (its a red line issue sez Clare Daly)
Chat day is always a happy day. Thank you for taking us on the road with you. I like that “glocal” concept very much ! The whole piece is a worthwhile read, I hope Bent Sorensen gets in touch.
Come quick spring and bring the new album and the movie on your wings! It will be autumn here but who cares, we’re all glocally connected. xxx to all.
Christy's reply
the movie is all but in the can..the album is proving to be a difficult birth…time will cure me…getting ready now for Rathluirc….Sheamie to Join Declan Jimmy and I for the next 2 gigs….hope ye are all well up there in Chile
Dear Christy,
Thanks for a wonderful night in the opera house last Friday. Really enjoyed Mairtin and the lads. Any chance you could play either John Spillane’s Passage West or Jimmy McCarthys The Contender for my girlfriend Sarah Beth on Friday, if you can fit it in? She’s a Dub but we won’t hold that against her!.. I forgot about Valentine’s Day the other day so Charleville will have to do as a back up present!
Thanks again Christy! looking forward to the show ? ?
Christy's reply
how in God’s Name could anyone fail to notice Valentine’s Day…Dinny, you must be on the auld ganja …..forgetting Valentine is a dangerous oversight…I will see if we can put your wrong to right and deliver an emotionally charged Contender for your sweet Dub….however should I forget…you will understand
Thanks for two memorable gigs in the opera house.A lovely venue .The band and yourself were superb.Looking forward to charlaville for the 3rd in arrow.Thanks again Christy You are a living LEGEND
Christy's reply
Morra Madser…you were in great voice in The Opera House…you and your Buddy did some real sweet harmonising..just getting ready for Rathluirc now..getting ready to milk the cow…always a good night in Charleville….Sheamie O’Dowd will join Declan, Jimmy and I for a run out..I’m looking forward to hearing the sound that emerges from this line-up…
Hi there Christy. All well I trust.
There’s dilemma abounding here in the ol’ grey matter. Cropredy or Cambridge. can’t afford both so will have to make a decision sharpish. I’ll keep you posted. Never been to the Cambridge festival before and it has always been on my bucket list. The decision will be a little easier as I have banned the current Mrs Byrne from ever attending Cropredy again. I know she’s been going all these years for my benefit but she has no more interest in the music than she ever had in the beginning and that was bugger all. Some great posts to read again. Cross Keys Uppermill gets a mention. Sang there a few months back on an open mic night. And ‘Knocklong’ , I’m sure that’s not a million miles from the town of ‘Hospital’ where my late mother came from.
I’ll shall see you one ways or t’other this year so all the best on the road.
Frankie
Christy's reply
have you ever sung “The Rescue at Knocklong”?
re Cropedy v Cambridge…I cant make any comment on that one…..I’ve played Cambridge 5 times in 43 years but never had the pleasure of attending Cropedy. I went to Cambridge once as an audient and had a real good time…. I listened to Diz Disley play Django around a Camp Fire, did a duet with Johnny Silvo at Dawn, got outside a brace of Carlsberg Specials with Bert Jansch, heard reams of Ballads and Reels, Jigs and Jollies…it has changed with the times, gotten a bit less raggle taggle and a bit more smoothly organized..but so has the world and life in general….back in the day we hung a lot looser…sleeping bag ,guitar and the entrance fee was all we needed..now ye gotta have the sat nav, the ipad,ipod,iphone,fancy wellies, glam tent with fridge,wine celler, guest quarters,organic shirt, vip access,…good luck with your decision..
if you go to Croperdy tell the Fairports I was askin for them
Cheers for the update Christy.It’ll be worth the wait to see the trad outfit in these parts.I’m sure the fates and stars will come together with good karma in due course.
The Cross Keys at Uppermill and Sandbach Folk Club are two long standing venues that come to mind.I’m glad you know the book I mentioned.Happy days….
Hi Christy
Brilliant to read the latest Norse(man) saga and to find that all ended happily on the banks of the Lee.I was pretty sure it would.Heartwarming all round and fair play to all involved.I’m sure the Martin will sound even sweeter as a ‘Christy Moore signature model’!
To return to early days of your half century of gigs,I’ve just read about a book that was published in 2014.I realise you may have had some input,but thought it worth sharing with fellow Guestbookers.
‘Singing from the floor – A history of British folk clubs’ by JP Bean.
It seems to be a gem and ,no doubt,will ring many memory bells for you…Thanks to the toil of ( largely unpraised) organisers,I can still visit/play at several folk clubs in the hills surrounding Manchester and on the Cheshire plains.Several clubs still being run by their founders in the 60s.
Fantastic reports of the latest trad outfit gigs.I have a few digits crossed in the hope that there will be UK gigs,sooner rather than later…please!
Cheers,
Dave
Christy's reply
I enjoyed JP Bean’s book enormously…brought back many memories of nights gone by…..happy to read too that there are still many Folk Clubs functioning…nothing like the number of clubs that flourished at the height of the Revival but gatherings still take place…..
There is talk of possible future UK dates for The Trad Outfit but its very early days yet..hopefully it will happen but its a slow process and many different factors need to align….
I finally made it home to America after a most amazing weekend. I cant thank you and Hilary enough, Words are to small a tool describe my adventure. Ireland, and Cork in particular were amazing. Absolutely everyone I meet was kind, friendly and helpful. You have such a following across the land that is quite awe inspiring. When I was entering at the Passport control in Cork. The officer asked the reason for my travel.. I answered, to see Christy Moore at the Opera House, and he starts singing “didelidedeididelidedeididelidedeididelidedeoh! from Caberet…stamps my passport and says “Welcome to Ireland enjoy the show!”. I knew it was going to be good trip.
I also had the pleasure to talk to your brother Andy after the show, He is a very nice man and speaks so highly of you, It was a pleasure to meet him. I am still trying to catch up from the whirlwind trip and all the events but of the many highlights, the best was of course getting to hear you sing in person. Andy said you had done a lot of singing earlier in the day but the craic was ninety by the banks on Saturday night. And last, I cant thank you enough for the handshake, the pic and the perfect sentiment with your autograph on the Martin, Well done.
I can tell you I am the envy of the boys in my band at the pub tonight.
Your a solid man Christy Moore, I am proud to have meet you, to be inspired by you, to play your music and proud to carry you with me on stage from now on when I play.
I will see you again soon and as always..Ride On!
Thor Torgersen
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing your journey with us Thor…happy to read that your long haul trip to Cork went well for you..I get asked to sign guitars along the way but very few of them are Martins !….nice box you got there Thor…(I could’nt resist having a wee play in the dressing room after the gig!)
Cork is always a welcoming place….but you would need a few weeks to discover some of its hidden gems…great Music City
Hey Christy,
Thanks for the mighty gig in the Opera house, for doing Farmer Michael Hayes and for the mention. It was a special night. The music and the songs were so full of light. Best wishes from the ‘fine good land between Tipperary and Knocklong!’ Dermot
PS (that fellow is still lying low TG)
Christy's reply
sound Dermot…I like your comment about the songs being “full of light”…I am thoroughly enjoying my time with The Trad Outfit…that was our last gig until June/July when we will reconvene…sitting in the midst of Jimmy Sheamie Mairtín and Cathal is to be surrounded by sweet music and good vibrations..
This week I reunite with Declan and Jimmy which is an entirely different gig for me….the scope of repertoire is broader and the sound we achieve very different but just as sweet to my ears….getting to perform with two such different bands has the music evolving for me…subtle variations as the songs progress and age just like the old singer
Hi Christy, just a quick note to say thank you for the mention at your gig in the Opera House in Cork on Friday night and a serious thank you for a wonderful arrangement of Nancy Spain.
Brilliant combination of Martin’s band and Jimmys touch on percussion made it a night to remember. Memories of Planxty came floating back on more than one occasion during the show.
You might recall a while back that I mentioned the art work on your forthcoming album. I was just wondering if you gave it anymore thought?
Thanks again for Friday night.
Regards John
Christy's reply
its with great pleasure that I sit amongst Jimmy,Sheamie,Mairtín and Cathal….they create a soundscape in which I love to sing….. each a life-long gigging musician dedicated to their music…. they have travelled the world in many different Bands, guises and projects but they always return to their Roots….back to The Trad where their hearts beat to the rhythm…
Art work for album sleeves can be a very difficult area of the process….I struggle with it but it has to be a personal thing…it must bear some relationship to the way I hear the songs that I have just recorded….the sleeves I remember best are ….the first Planxty, the first Moving Hearts, Prosperous, Ride On, Listen, This is The Day,The Box Set (1964-2004), Come All You Dreamers…
At the moment I am trying to achieve final mixes for the forthcoming album,to re-record one of the songs, wondering will there be 10 or 14 tracks,deciding upon a title and suitable art work, graphic design for sleeve and booklet ……sometimes its difficult to think about anything else
Great memories of Pentanglers,Christy.
I’m glad you have fond memories of times with Bert Jansch.
I’ve had the pleasure of a few chats with Danny Thompson over the years,but if he’d ever had a ‘quiet word’,I’d have been looking over my shoulder,especially if it involved ‘Victoria’,his treasured bass.
A favourite gig involved Danny and Richard Thompson.They played a storming version of ‘Don’t sit on my Jimmy Shands’,the song that praises the virtues of rare 78s that are taken to a ‘shindig’,with a warning for folks to be careful with them and the plea, ‘just don’t rest your cheeks against my man’…maybe you were an inspiration for this classic.
Have a good day,
Dave
Christy's reply
all went well Leeside….great listeners on De Banks….met the big brother, nephews and nieces…had a session at Penny Dinners where I was serenaded by The High Hopes Choir…the weather was cold wet and stormy but the 2nd City remains forever warm and welcoming
We’re not able to communicate coherently due to flabbergastion. I am overwhelmed with how much last night meant to me. It was a showcase of superlative musicianship and big big hearts. And I am so pleased that there is this Kingdom of yours where you can be and where the blow in can be. Favourites of course Magic Nights, Road West, The Band, the hypnosis of Jimmy Higgins and the 30th year of being enraptured by your good self. I have to go home because the baby is 20 years old today but notwithstanding force majeure or the water charge EVERYONE should watch The Band and you. It is life affirming. Xx
Christy's reply
Great to see you boppin away to The Trad Outfit last night….pity every borough dont have a Barrowland or Kentish Forum…..Happy 20th to your beautiful baby…hope her candles burn bright….good JuJu to you and The Farmer…Shine on Ye Good Ting
Hi christy your my idol ive grown up listening to your poetry and music . i got married on october 8th last year to the music of the legendary Christy and “The Voyage” a moment ill never forget. I`m coming to your gig on 5th march in The Woodlands in Waterford. I`d love if you could sing The Voyage for myself and my wife Krystle. keep up the amazing work.
A lifelong fan
Trevor Hunt
Christy's reply
we’ll be there presently…gotta cover some road before we hit Decies…..see you next week
Thank you, Christy! So the tune is a traditional Irish song … Dolly MacMahon’s singing is beautiful! I think I know now where I heard this song before, it’s the version of Marianne Faithfull on that album together with The Chieftains.
Hope you’ll enjoy your gigs together with MOC-Band!
Greetings to the Banks of the Lee, Traudel
Christy's reply
“O Love is pleasing and Love is teasing
and Love is a pleasure when first its new”
I first heard these lines 55 years ago….I was mesemerised by the old songs I was hearing for the first time….it was a popular song back in the early days of the Folk Revival ( which was known as “The Ballad Scene” here in Ireland) Cant recall who was singing it , could have been Dolly McMahon or Maeve Mulvanny or Sharon Collen or Anne Byrne
Hi Christy,
Great to read the reference to ‘Dalesman’s Litany’.A wonderful song that was a real surprise when you played it at Buxton last year.Also,excellent to be sitting next to your Sheffield cousins and to witness their joyful reaction to the gig.
I just picked up a second hand CD of Bert Jansch’s ‘Moonshine’,containing a fabulous version of ‘January Man’.Symmetry to end the week with Bert’s music as I visited Highgate Cemetery on Monday and paid respects to Bert and Loren by their poignant floral tributes.Sad to lose John Renbourn last year,too.Unfortunately,I never saw either maestro solo,but have great memories of Pentangle at The Free Trade Hall in the early 70s.I wonder if your routes ever crossed with Bert or John.
Enjoy the ballad mongering in Cork.Sounds like the scene is set for a fine gathering.
All the best,
Dave
Christy's reply
I first encountered Pentangle in The Elbow Room in Kircaldy,Fife in the late 60’s. I was hangin around “The Streets of Raith”at the time and got to do a floor set before the Band. Danny’s Double bass was on the stage and I, inadvertently, rested my substantial posterior ( albeit momentarily) upon his “Bull-Strad”..Danny was less then impressed, the quiet word he had in my ear convinced me never to repeat the error of my way…. 5 years later I had a ( good) few Carlberg Specials with Bert at an early Cambridge Festival. We got comfortably wedged at the corner of the (piss) Artistes Bar ..there was very little conversation which seemed appropriate at the time….I played with Jacqui and John at a mad gig in Franfurt on a Paddy’s Night in the 80s…highlight of the night was Norman King of The Wild Geese coming on stage dressed up as St Patrick himself…my last encounter with Bert was in Whelan’s of Dublin when himself and Jacqui delivered a beautful set ,, that was maybe 10 years ago…..it was lovely to sit quietly with him afterwards and talk of old friends
We enjoy your music very much, any chance you can squeeze in a trip to New York this spring, or sometime later in the year? We would be happy to help organize/arrange a concert(s).
You have many fans here.
Ronnie
Christy's reply
divil the bit of a chance of it RBG.Very busy here in Hibernia with ongoing commitments in Carlow Mallow Thurles and Tuam, Leinster Ulster Munster and Connacht,various trips across the water along with having to cope with Magpies,Foxes, Elections.
Such fond memories are stirred by your post, Symphony Space, Town Hall, Carnegie Hall ( snooty unfriendly staff ) BAM, Lansdowne Bronx…..Town Hall my favourite…
Greetings to all NY Songsters as we head to Rebel Cork today for two nights in the legendary Opera House….many digitaries will attend to escape the fever and furore of today’s General Election….we are flocking to the voting booths this morning in the gentle Spring Rain…I expect a very confusing outcome and,possibly, the end of Irish Civil War politics as endured for decades…..send us some news from New York…
Hi Christy,
So glad you are coming back to Sheffield again. The old place has seen many changes over the years, but there are still some heritage gems to be found if get the chance to have a wander.
I have been following you since way back “when it was dangerous” (a Barney McKenna 60’s quote) and back in 1991 you dedicated a song to me when you played the Hammersmith just before I faced a “life saving operation. It was a great night. And we’ve many a good night together.
I’ve had a few more ops since then but I am still here, but facing another Cancer battle, but I hope to see you in October,
Your music has always been an inspiration to me, especially during hard times and long may it continue,
God bless you and your family
Trevor
Christy's reply
Hey Trevor, always good to hear from Steel City….my first visit to England was to Sheffield back in 1961 when I stayed with my Uncle,Aunt and Cousins in Nether Edge. Gigged there a lot when I went on the road in 1966 ( Barley Mow, Highcliffe,The Grapes, Donny, Bentley ) I’m remembering Malcom Fox, Win White and Tony Capstick. I wish you well in your forthcoming treatment and recovery…you’ve been wrestling with that demon for a long time…its years since The Hammy Odeon, its undergone numerous name changes since then….
“I’ve been through Sheffield lanes at night ‘twer jus like being in Hell
The furnaces thrust out tongues of flame that roared like t’wind o’er The Fell
I’ve sammed up coal in Barnsley Pit with muck up to my knee
from Hull and Halifax and Hell good lord deliver me”
(from an old Yorkshire Dialect Poem adapted to song “The Dalesman’s Litany ” learned from Denis Sabey and Alastair Cameron at Causeway Foot,Halifax in 1968)
Hi Christy, Hope you are well sir. Thanks for the “Latest Chat” it shows, if we didn’t already know just how busy a man you are……working harder than ever to bring your music and your joy to us all. Honoured and privileged to be on the journey with you, Well the dust hasn’t had time to settle after #GE2016, Enda and the gang are up in a heap, nobody know who’s getting into bed with who, Uisce Eirean is f**ked as well and its blowing a gale outside…good enough time to pack the bags and head for the sun methinks, I’m off to Marbella in the morning and I’ll be leaving all my troubles behind …great to be alive ! See you soon Love & Respect Martin Mac
Sir MartiMac…off to Marbella with you and the country in a state of chassis…get yourself up the road to Frijiliana but keep well away from the Apple Spirit of that region…watch out for the bandits…we’ll have the Uisce sorted by the time you get back…if you have paid up already, your cheque will be in the post (its a red line issue sez Clare Daly)
Chat day is always a happy day. Thank you for taking us on the road with you. I like that “glocal” concept very much ! The whole piece is a worthwhile read, I hope Bent Sorensen gets in touch.
Come quick spring and bring the new album and the movie on your wings! It will be autumn here but who cares, we’re all glocally connected. xxx to all.
the movie is all but in the can..the album is proving to be a difficult birth…time will cure me…getting ready now for Rathluirc….Sheamie to Join Declan Jimmy and I for the next 2 gigs….hope ye are all well up there in Chile
Dear Christy,
Thanks for a wonderful night in the opera house last Friday. Really enjoyed Mairtin and the lads. Any chance you could play either John Spillane’s Passage West or Jimmy McCarthys The Contender for my girlfriend Sarah Beth on Friday, if you can fit it in? She’s a Dub but we won’t hold that against her!.. I forgot about Valentine’s Day the other day so Charleville will have to do as a back up present!
Thanks again Christy! looking forward to the show ? ?
how in God’s Name could anyone fail to notice Valentine’s Day…Dinny, you must be on the auld ganja …..forgetting Valentine is a dangerous oversight…I will see if we can put your wrong to right and deliver an emotionally charged Contender for your sweet Dub….however should I forget…you will understand
Thanks for two memorable gigs in the opera house.A lovely venue .The band and yourself were superb.Looking forward to charlaville for the 3rd in arrow.Thanks again Christy You are a living LEGEND
Morra Madser…you were in great voice in The Opera House…you and your Buddy did some real sweet harmonising..just getting ready for Rathluirc now..getting ready to milk the cow…always a good night in Charleville….Sheamie O’Dowd will join Declan, Jimmy and I for a run out..I’m looking forward to hearing the sound that emerges from this line-up…
Hi there Christy. All well I trust.
There’s dilemma abounding here in the ol’ grey matter. Cropredy or Cambridge. can’t afford both so will have to make a decision sharpish. I’ll keep you posted. Never been to the Cambridge festival before and it has always been on my bucket list. The decision will be a little easier as I have banned the current Mrs Byrne from ever attending Cropredy again. I know she’s been going all these years for my benefit but she has no more interest in the music than she ever had in the beginning and that was bugger all. Some great posts to read again. Cross Keys Uppermill gets a mention. Sang there a few months back on an open mic night. And ‘Knocklong’ , I’m sure that’s not a million miles from the town of ‘Hospital’ where my late mother came from.
I’ll shall see you one ways or t’other this year so all the best on the road.
Frankie
have you ever sung “The Rescue at Knocklong”?
re Cropedy v Cambridge…I cant make any comment on that one…..I’ve played Cambridge 5 times in 43 years but never had the pleasure of attending Cropedy. I went to Cambridge once as an audient and had a real good time…. I listened to Diz Disley play Django around a Camp Fire, did a duet with Johnny Silvo at Dawn, got outside a brace of Carlsberg Specials with Bert Jansch, heard reams of Ballads and Reels, Jigs and Jollies…it has changed with the times, gotten a bit less raggle taggle and a bit more smoothly organized..but so has the world and life in general….back in the day we hung a lot looser…sleeping bag ,guitar and the entrance fee was all we needed..now ye gotta have the sat nav, the ipad,ipod,iphone,fancy wellies, glam tent with fridge,wine celler, guest quarters,organic shirt, vip access,…good luck with your decision..
if you go to Croperdy tell the Fairports I was askin for them
Cheers for the update Christy.It’ll be worth the wait to see the trad outfit in these parts.I’m sure the fates and stars will come together with good karma in due course.
The Cross Keys at Uppermill and Sandbach Folk Club are two long standing venues that come to mind.I’m glad you know the book I mentioned.Happy days….
Dave
Uppermill…that brings me back
Hi Christy
Brilliant to read the latest Norse(man) saga and to find that all ended happily on the banks of the Lee.I was pretty sure it would.Heartwarming all round and fair play to all involved.I’m sure the Martin will sound even sweeter as a ‘Christy Moore signature model’!
To return to early days of your half century of gigs,I’ve just read about a book that was published in 2014.I realise you may have had some input,but thought it worth sharing with fellow Guestbookers.
‘Singing from the floor – A history of British folk clubs’ by JP Bean.
It seems to be a gem and ,no doubt,will ring many memory bells for you…Thanks to the toil of ( largely unpraised) organisers,I can still visit/play at several folk clubs in the hills surrounding Manchester and on the Cheshire plains.Several clubs still being run by their founders in the 60s.
Fantastic reports of the latest trad outfit gigs.I have a few digits crossed in the hope that there will be UK gigs,sooner rather than later…please!
Cheers,
Dave
I enjoyed JP Bean’s book enormously…brought back many memories of nights gone by…..happy to read too that there are still many Folk Clubs functioning…nothing like the number of clubs that flourished at the height of the Revival but gatherings still take place…..
There is talk of possible future UK dates for The Trad Outfit but its very early days yet..hopefully it will happen but its a slow process and many different factors need to align….
Christy
I finally made it home to America after a most amazing weekend. I cant thank you and Hilary enough, Words are to small a tool describe my adventure. Ireland, and Cork in particular were amazing. Absolutely everyone I meet was kind, friendly and helpful. You have such a following across the land that is quite awe inspiring. When I was entering at the Passport control in Cork. The officer asked the reason for my travel.. I answered, to see Christy Moore at the Opera House, and he starts singing “didelidedeididelidedeididelidedeididelidedeoh! from Caberet…stamps my passport and says “Welcome to Ireland enjoy the show!”. I knew it was going to be good trip.
I also had the pleasure to talk to your brother Andy after the show, He is a very nice man and speaks so highly of you, It was a pleasure to meet him. I am still trying to catch up from the whirlwind trip and all the events but of the many highlights, the best was of course getting to hear you sing in person. Andy said you had done a lot of singing earlier in the day but the craic was ninety by the banks on Saturday night. And last, I cant thank you enough for the handshake, the pic and the perfect sentiment with your autograph on the Martin, Well done.
I can tell you I am the envy of the boys in my band at the pub tonight.
Your a solid man Christy Moore, I am proud to have meet you, to be inspired by you, to play your music and proud to carry you with me on stage from now on when I play.
I will see you again soon and as always..Ride On!
Thor Torgersen
Thanks for sharing your journey with us Thor…happy to read that your long haul trip to Cork went well for you..I get asked to sign guitars along the way but very few of them are Martins !….nice box you got there Thor…(I could’nt resist having a wee play in the dressing room after the gig!)
Cork is always a welcoming place….but you would need a few weeks to discover some of its hidden gems…great Music City
Hey Christy,
Thanks for the mighty gig in the Opera house, for doing Farmer Michael Hayes and for the mention. It was a special night. The music and the songs were so full of light. Best wishes from the ‘fine good land between Tipperary and Knocklong!’ Dermot
PS (that fellow is still lying low TG)
sound Dermot…I like your comment about the songs being “full of light”…I am thoroughly enjoying my time with The Trad Outfit…that was our last gig until June/July when we will reconvene…sitting in the midst of Jimmy Sheamie Mairtín and Cathal is to be surrounded by sweet music and good vibrations..
This week I reunite with Declan and Jimmy which is an entirely different gig for me….the scope of repertoire is broader and the sound we achieve very different but just as sweet to my ears….getting to perform with two such different bands has the music evolving for me…subtle variations as the songs progress and age just like the old singer
Hi Christy, just a quick note to say thank you for the mention at your gig in the Opera House in Cork on Friday night and a serious thank you for a wonderful arrangement of Nancy Spain.
Brilliant combination of Martin’s band and Jimmys touch on percussion made it a night to remember. Memories of Planxty came floating back on more than one occasion during the show.
You might recall a while back that I mentioned the art work on your forthcoming album. I was just wondering if you gave it anymore thought?
Thanks again for Friday night.
Regards John
its with great pleasure that I sit amongst Jimmy,Sheamie,Mairtín and Cathal….they create a soundscape in which I love to sing….. each a life-long gigging musician dedicated to their music…. they have travelled the world in many different Bands, guises and projects but they always return to their Roots….back to The Trad where their hearts beat to the rhythm…
Art work for album sleeves can be a very difficult area of the process….I struggle with it but it has to be a personal thing…it must bear some relationship to the way I hear the songs that I have just recorded….the sleeves I remember best are ….the first Planxty, the first Moving Hearts, Prosperous, Ride On, Listen, This is The Day,The Box Set (1964-2004), Come All You Dreamers…
At the moment I am trying to achieve final mixes for the forthcoming album,to re-record one of the songs, wondering will there be 10 or 14 tracks,deciding upon a title and suitable art work, graphic design for sleeve and booklet ……sometimes its difficult to think about anything else
Hi Christy thanks for 2 wonderful gigs at the opera house they were real special … and see you in Charleville on Friday…. Tony and Fiona
ye two are in serious gig mode….see ye Ráth an Luirc
Great memories of Pentanglers,Christy.
I’m glad you have fond memories of times with Bert Jansch.
I’ve had the pleasure of a few chats with Danny Thompson over the years,but if he’d ever had a ‘quiet word’,I’d have been looking over my shoulder,especially if it involved ‘Victoria’,his treasured bass.
A favourite gig involved Danny and Richard Thompson.They played a storming version of ‘Don’t sit on my Jimmy Shands’,the song that praises the virtues of rare 78s that are taken to a ‘shindig’,with a warning for folks to be careful with them and the plea, ‘just don’t rest your cheeks against my man’…maybe you were an inspiration for this classic.
Have a good day,
Dave
all went well Leeside….great listeners on De Banks….met the big brother, nephews and nieces…had a session at Penny Dinners where I was serenaded by The High Hopes Choir…the weather was cold wet and stormy but the 2nd City remains forever warm and welcoming
We’re not able to communicate coherently due to flabbergastion. I am overwhelmed with how much last night meant to me. It was a showcase of superlative musicianship and big big hearts. And I am so pleased that there is this Kingdom of yours where you can be and where the blow in can be. Favourites of course Magic Nights, Road West, The Band, the hypnosis of Jimmy Higgins and the 30th year of being enraptured by your good self. I have to go home because the baby is 20 years old today but notwithstanding force majeure or the water charge EVERYONE should watch The Band and you. It is life affirming. Xx
Great to see you boppin away to The Trad Outfit last night….pity every borough dont have a Barrowland or Kentish Forum…..Happy 20th to your beautiful baby…hope her candles burn bright….good JuJu to you and The Farmer…Shine on Ye Good Ting
Hi christy your my idol ive grown up listening to your poetry and music . i got married on october 8th last year to the music of the legendary Christy and “The Voyage” a moment ill never forget. I`m coming to your gig on 5th march in The Woodlands in Waterford. I`d love if you could sing The Voyage for myself and my wife Krystle. keep up the amazing work.
A lifelong fan
Trevor Hunt
we’ll be there presently…gotta cover some road before we hit Decies…..see you next week
Damn, I love this music. Such Spirit, such Soul, it brings tears to my eyes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWzi9tGSkLA
thank you
Thank you, Christy! So the tune is a traditional Irish song … Dolly MacMahon’s singing is beautiful! I think I know now where I heard this song before, it’s the version of Marianne Faithfull on that album together with The Chieftains.
Hope you’ll enjoy your gigs together with MOC-Band!
Greetings to the Banks of the Lee, Traudel
“O Love is pleasing and Love is teasing
and Love is a pleasure when first its new”
I first heard these lines 55 years ago….I was mesemerised by the old songs I was hearing for the first time….it was a popular song back in the early days of the Folk Revival ( which was known as “The Ballad Scene” here in Ireland) Cant recall who was singing it , could have been Dolly McMahon or Maeve Mulvanny or Sharon Collen or Anne Byrne
Hi Christy,
Great to read the reference to ‘Dalesman’s Litany’.A wonderful song that was a real surprise when you played it at Buxton last year.Also,excellent to be sitting next to your Sheffield cousins and to witness their joyful reaction to the gig.
I just picked up a second hand CD of Bert Jansch’s ‘Moonshine’,containing a fabulous version of ‘January Man’.Symmetry to end the week with Bert’s music as I visited Highgate Cemetery on Monday and paid respects to Bert and Loren by their poignant floral tributes.Sad to lose John Renbourn last year,too.Unfortunately,I never saw either maestro solo,but have great memories of Pentangle at The Free Trade Hall in the early 70s.I wonder if your routes ever crossed with Bert or John.
Enjoy the ballad mongering in Cork.Sounds like the scene is set for a fine gathering.
All the best,
Dave
I first encountered Pentangle in The Elbow Room in Kircaldy,Fife in the late 60’s. I was hangin around “The Streets of Raith”at the time and got to do a floor set before the Band. Danny’s Double bass was on the stage and I, inadvertently, rested my substantial posterior ( albeit momentarily) upon his “Bull-Strad”..Danny was less then impressed, the quiet word he had in my ear convinced me never to repeat the error of my way…. 5 years later I had a ( good) few Carlberg Specials with Bert at an early Cambridge Festival. We got comfortably wedged at the corner of the (piss) Artistes Bar ..there was very little conversation which seemed appropriate at the time….I played with Jacqui and John at a mad gig in Franfurt on a Paddy’s Night in the 80s…highlight of the night was Norman King of The Wild Geese coming on stage dressed up as St Patrick himself…my last encounter with Bert was in Whelan’s of Dublin when himself and Jacqui delivered a beautful set ,, that was maybe 10 years ago…..it was lovely to sit quietly with him afterwards and talk of old friends
Hi Christy,
Thanks so much for your reply, You have such a wonderful memory and you certainly reminded of some good ones. Old songs and old friends….
See you soon
Trevor
We enjoy your music very much, any chance you can squeeze in a trip to New York this spring, or sometime later in the year? We would be happy to help organize/arrange a concert(s).
You have many fans here.
Ronnie
divil the bit of a chance of it RBG.Very busy here in Hibernia with ongoing commitments in Carlow Mallow Thurles and Tuam, Leinster Ulster Munster and Connacht,various trips across the water along with having to cope with Magpies,Foxes, Elections.
Such fond memories are stirred by your post, Symphony Space, Town Hall, Carnegie Hall ( snooty unfriendly staff ) BAM, Lansdowne Bronx…..Town Hall my favourite…
Greetings to all NY Songsters as we head to Rebel Cork today for two nights in the legendary Opera House….many digitaries will attend to escape the fever and furore of today’s General Election….we are flocking to the voting booths this morning in the gentle Spring Rain…I expect a very confusing outcome and,possibly, the end of Irish Civil War politics as endured for decades…..send us some news from New York…
Hi Christy,
So glad you are coming back to Sheffield again. The old place has seen many changes over the years, but there are still some heritage gems to be found if get the chance to have a wander.
I have been following you since way back “when it was dangerous” (a Barney McKenna 60’s quote) and back in 1991 you dedicated a song to me when you played the Hammersmith just before I faced a “life saving operation. It was a great night. And we’ve many a good night together.
I’ve had a few more ops since then but I am still here, but facing another Cancer battle, but I hope to see you in October,
Your music has always been an inspiration to me, especially during hard times and long may it continue,
God bless you and your family
Trevor
Hey Trevor, always good to hear from Steel City….my first visit to England was to Sheffield back in 1961 when I stayed with my Uncle,Aunt and Cousins in Nether Edge. Gigged there a lot when I went on the road in 1966 ( Barley Mow, Highcliffe,The Grapes, Donny, Bentley ) I’m remembering Malcom Fox, Win White and Tony Capstick. I wish you well in your forthcoming treatment and recovery…you’ve been wrestling with that demon for a long time…its years since The Hammy Odeon, its undergone numerous name changes since then….
“I’ve been through Sheffield lanes at night ‘twer jus like being in Hell
The furnaces thrust out tongues of flame that roared like t’wind o’er The Fell
I’ve sammed up coal in Barnsley Pit with muck up to my knee
from Hull and Halifax and Hell good lord deliver me”
(from an old Yorkshire Dialect Poem adapted to song “The Dalesman’s Litany ” learned from Denis Sabey and Alastair Cameron at Causeway Foot,Halifax in 1968)