Hope everything is well?
I’m listening to your gig in Newbridge at the moment .
So glad Hillary her recording material is fixed again.
You can’t imagine how I felt cut of for a few weeks when she couldn’t record anything. I really mis Ireland when I’m at home and listening to your gigs makes the distances a bit smaller.
Very lovely solo gig playing the Bodhrán and lots of singers!
The last time we have seen you solo was in 2010 in Lisdoonvarna.
I would love to come to Vicarstreet in december but I don’t have any vacation days left. So I will settle for your little brother who’s coming to the Roma also in december.
Dear Christy keep up the good spirit in these crazy times and see you again sooner or later
Chris
Kennedy Airport tonight and Newtownmountkennedy tomorrow night. I’m really looking forward to the gig, we plan to arrive early to do a bit of scavenging ! Seroiusly though, thanks for all you do and all that you give…
Brian.
Hi christy just a quick word of thanks again really enjoyed both nights and sure to get to meet up with u again it topped it all off fair play to paul mac to he gave me the shout . The Ride on hat is flat out i,m even wearing it to bed these cold nights its going down a treat. All the very best christy i,ll see yeah soon take care.paul
Christy's reply
The Winter Sun shines bright upon this cold,cold morning.We can but live in hope……………..
It was grand to meet you both after the Riverbank…to catch up on a bit of Town news…………….
a good gathering in Whelan’s last night for the launch of Peter Byrne/Conor O’Mahoney album…a bus load from Newbridge swelled the crowd…the two players were joined by Conor Byrne and Frankie Lane…..the album was launched by Theo Dorgan…..Luke Cheevers and myself sang a few “warmer-uppers” and the night kicked off with a song from Eilish Byrne ( formerly of Moorefield !)…….
See you along the way Paul
Hey there Christy, hope all is well with you. Just want to leave a note to say I used lyrics from ‘Smoke & Strong Whiskey’ in a recent MA English essay – you were in good company as I also referenced Shane McGowan and Bono. I also scored a First for the essay, so cheers! Saw you in Mansfield back in May of ’95 and remember the be-flipflopped feet well as I was on the front row. Take care!
Christy's reply
I started singing Wally Page’s song about 25 years ago..its never too far from the set list..”Smoke & Strong Whiskey” is a great song to sing…powerful imagery, each verse a story in itself, good melody, soaring chorus…our Wally sure can write them…
I played in Lincoln once..it was 1967..a concert that featured Hamish Imlach, Nigel Denver, The Grehan Sisters and yours truly…I probably got in in Hamish’s coat tails, he was carrying me back then
Wally Page is around again for his monthly gig in The Annesley House pub, this Friday 11th November at 9pm, along with Johnny Mulhearn and their great band knockin out the songs and hits..hup
Christy's reply
“O St Teresa of The Roses”….Annesley House will be rockin come Friday Night…the Five lamps will be blazing
Dreams came thru in Chicago Christy, it was special, lined up in the figure 8 for Anto, and gave it all they got.it was emotional and lovely to watch, There are songs about all kinds of sport, I’ve heard non on the subject of Rugby . I watched the videos of the writer of politicians, and his songs a brilliant, he has a Guthrie feel about him in the story, Pat Quinn I love it all and the Bodhran in bed lol, it’s the day before the vote, I’m going with Jill Stein, and 2 deckets of the rosary, all my best to clan Fin
Christy's reply
Good stuff Fin….winter has arrived..the long-johns aired and occupied…soup and stew for the next few months…The Ireland XV honoured their colleague in the manner he would have most loved…
I love Pat Quinn’s “Angelina” song
How ya christy!!
Loved it tonight down beside the river liffey. It was a very relaxed gig on your behave even though the Newbridge people might be afraid to sing it out load sometimes!!! I really enjoyed the stories, the history, of the songs as you got into it. I learned things tonight that I never knew before.
I was saying it was like we are all sitting around in a sitting room and listen to you and getting the feel of the songs. Never came across a christy gig like it. Fair play to you!!
Thank you for Fairy tale of new York it came from high up in the sarsfields nest!!!!! and I think it was the song of the night! Ya cracked it in one.
Also loved the well below the valley; bright blue rose; beeswing; wind river man; bogman; and Matty before the lights ran out!!
It must be tough going doing it on your own again but the spark is still there. I hoped you enjoyed as much as the rest of did.
Keep her going and keep her lit. We are already planning the next gig. I hear Barrow lands is making a return in the new year?? I’ll be looking forward to it again all going well.
On a different note I see Peter Byrne is releasing his first album in Tuesday next. I heard Peter sing in cons a few times and what a great singer!! I’m in the capital to that day so I’m gonna make my way to whelans to gives support and listen to good music..
Let the music keep the spirits high!!!!
Christy's reply
Im lyin here in the leaba still marvelling at the wonder of it all….its 7 am ,9 hours since we all bade farewell…had a pot of tea after with Paul McCormack and Paul Murphy,two loyal townies who never took the soup….met up with one of “The Butcher Farrels ” ( daughter of Paddy the accordeon player, niece of Brendan with whom I shared a bench in Brother Brendan’s class in 1956 )
two great nights down the bottom of the town ..I struggled a wee bit on Sat with frogs in me throat but last night bate all…the audience raised me up and I was cathching high balls to bate the band…ye sang, ye listened, ye clapped and ye requested…sure all I had to do was sit there and the auld ballads just flowed out of me so welcoming were you listeners….I felt so at home last night ( albeit in enemy territory with John Johnson’s Sash Banner ever reminding me) good to see Coffey’s Clock back up…is it my eyesight or is it after shrinking ?
Had a ramble round the town at mid night….met up with the ghosts of Billy Pakinson, Mickser Read, Fido White, Mrs Daly of Cumann na mBan, Bob Duggan, John (Slicy) Monahan,, Christy Whitely, Eddie O’Connor, Rasher Conlan,
I could ramble on all mornin but I hear the grate rattlin below and soon there might be a rasher on the pan…the auld dog is scratchin the back door ..I’d better get up…..drop a line again soon and keep me posted…..
Hi Christy,
Very enjoyable last night in the “old Tech.”. Great to hear my old fav.– Reel in the flickering light – again. Also appreciated that you remembered the late Mick Curran. I was born down the end of the Chapel Lane beside the river and have kept the river in sight ever since. Best wishes for the future..
Christy's reply
Thanks Frankie…Mick was a special man..we had some fun on our travels in that Bedford Van…glad last night went well for you… I could not see the audience at all as ye were in total darkness…the voice was actin up a bit so I’m on the lemon and honey today plus a host of other “cures”..I was down Chapel Lane a while back..its a town in itself down there now with a grand view back over towards Ryston and “The Pitch”…
Well Christy just found out I have 2 tickets for tommrrow night (Sunday)so I had to sign up to the site.i have seen a good few time but my wife has a busy life and not able to see you . She always said that you wrote a song about her dad and I never believed her,until one day she bought me your box set and there it was 1945 where dick and con Collins were dealing out cards . Her dad was con Collins one of the best looking forward to seeing you tommrrow I am a newbridge man o Connor old Connell stud Naas road . See you tommrrow Philip and sheena
Christy's reply
we used to go to Frank Kellys “of The Lock” in the 60s..there was always a “serious ” card school in the Front Bar….Con and Dick, The Red Lad, Pat McGinn, Long Paddy P, and various other card-sharks bangin cards down for (what we considered to be ) big money..we played darts in the lower bar until the ballads broke out…Mrs Kelly (snr) would be watching out for the Guards once closin time had passed…Frank would be trying to clear the house and fill pints at the same time..great times
Hi christy hope ur keepin well i,m sure the gig tonight was unreal in the riverbank if i,m not mistaken its 13yrs since u played in there i still have a bit of footage saved from the night .i got lucky with a ticket for tomorrow night there like hens teeth especially back in the home town will u stick a drop of diesel in to the honda 50 and bring her with u tomorrow evening yeah can park her up in the grandfathers old shop across the road just mention mick o brien and yeah get a free curry after the gig all the best christy see u tomorrow .RideOn
Christy's reply
I recall getting a 2nd hand bike from your Grandfather circa 1957. A big solid black Rudge it carried me for 2 years til I traded it back into him for a trendier (but still 2nd hand) blue sporty bike with straight handlebars,a Sturmey Archer 3 speed and a Dynamo to light my way. I rode that bike far afield..to my grandparents who lived in Backweston (nr Lucan) to Croke Park, to Athy and once to Portlaois. (once I carried “Miss Kildare”on the cross bar)….your Uncle Donie was the service manager and always had my machine well serviced and oiled up for action.We always called that location “Coffey’s Lane” ( left between Duke Kavanagh’s shop and Coffey’s clock. I recall Roly Ives Barber shop, Kearns Outfitters, Kearns Ice-Cream Parlour, Eddy O’Connors shop (open 365),then Coffey’s , Barber Noones, Cummin’s pub and Mr Moran’s bicycle shop and then Cox’s Lane.)
See you later tonight Paul…have you still got your “Ride On” woolen cap ?
And as a caveat – I had to look the spelling of caveat up, Ha – I suck as a typist , to be sure. I apologize for the lack of proof reading, as well, on the last post. I need to get a hard copy dictionary also before I start typing, And a BS degree in College, yeah right. Anyway Christy, I haven’t watched the CD part yet. I just wanted to thank you all and share my first impression under the influence of the the ol barley.
Christy's reply
dont worrie abuot it Proffessor…Sam Bekcett was no great spellir and Joice was ulysses two
I just now heard the new Planxty CD ” BETWEEN THE JIGS AND THE REELS: A RETROSPECTIVE”.
Ha, I thought with your comment that the Planxty crew had the say over the list that Planxty was all over the whole thing , including royaltiys. But after your comment and then seeing the Universal label, well, so much for the funds gong to the Planxty Lads. But, as you said, it was all about the music anyway.
And frankly, that is what my thoughts drifted as I listened. By the way, I really like the whole Album. I scewed up at first though. I transfered the CD to my laptop then to my IPOD. I sarted listening to it on my IPOD, but it was set to shuffle songs. Ha, so I was not hearing the correct set order of the songs. I sensed, this ain’t right!. After three songs I realized my mistake. I fixed it to play the songs in the correct order, which humorously, really changed my opinon on the album, more to the positive. Ha, It’s like a painting, there is an asthetic(sp?) order that works.
Anyway Christy, it was great to hear these old tunes which, sorrily, I had missed at the time. I was listening to Fairport Convention in 1970 – to a lot of weed smoking I might add – and I was completely unaware of Planxty or the Chieftains at the time.
When in College the first time in 1974, I was turned on to International traditional dancing and really dug it. So like Andy, I really got into those 3/ 6 times or what ever exciting timing sequence they chose that was different. And I have heard Andy telling of when he first heard these – I forgot how to spell rythums ha, ha.
Anyway, then I started to muse about artists and about how you young bucks perfomed and then matured your craft. And about how some artist flare out; meaning, they perform their offering and that is it. They don’t produce matured, later stuff. Then there are others that mature and get better – or grow into another form – as they age. Then, I moved on to how artists – of every age – are antigravity machines; meaning,
artist lift the common man above the gravity of drugery, hardship, horror, and injustice, into the ethers, where we as normal beautiful, loving, intelligent, beings, Souls exist.
Here’s to the Artists!
Christy's reply
keep up the dancing Doctor..was a fair auld hoofer mysel back in the day…quick stepped it around Mrs Lawlor’s Ballroom, jived in Dreamland to Brendan Bowyer, smooched in the Town Hall to Jimmy Dunny’s Orchestra, tried a few sets too but by that time ” the call to the bar “was takin a hoult
Hello dear Christy,
Hope this finds you well. Time flies … It’s one week today as we wandered through the beautiful Colclough Walled Garden on Hook Peninsula and the gardener offered us some apples – the golden apples of the sun … That night we had to say farewell to the Island …
What a great time we had in your wonderful motherland this splendid autumn! We enjoyed thoroughly the company of dear friends, hiking at the terrific sea-shore and lofty hills on Beara and Sheep’s Head and also the cliff walk at Bundoran that glorious morning after your gig, the visit to our friends’ farm in Co. Sligo and at the end the lovely town of Wexford, even with a magnificent firework. To crown it all there were your Gigs …
Go Raibh Maith Agat for your awesome Songs and Music! Though I loved to hear all the songs They Never Came Home, Pity the Poor Immigrant, The Well, Billy Gray and also Declan’s Let Somebody Know were very special. Gortatagort was a comfort to the parting from the Red Fuchsias. Your new Lingo Politico seems to be popular with the audience. Many thanks as well to Declan, Jimmy, Paddy, Mick and all the crew for three fantastic nights we’ll always remember. Also lovely to meet again the kind 4711ers from the Kingdom and Ulster.
Now we are back home and winter draws near.
Good Luck for your weekend with the Lilies in your hometown!
Traudel
Christy's reply
My Brother Luka Bloom is currently touring your country and sending back glowing reports of his German Audiences….that Bundoran Gig was outstanding for us….its a few weeks ago now but I still recall the buzz from The Great Northern….Ballina too went well and the Spiegeltent in Wexford was gloriously different as venues go….Declan and I had a lovely experience when we visited his Mother who,in her 99th year, still sparkles amongst her beautiful friends in a lovely Care Home….we heard great versions of “McNamara’s Band” and “The Town I Love So Well”.
Getting ready now for a Solo Gig in the old Home Town….your last confection was well recieved by one and all…Míle Maith Agat agus Danke
All plans cancelled tonight when I got in from work to find the new DVDs on the mat. Wonderful stuff and some real treasures. Love the On the Road bonus DVD – a bonus in every sense of the word. Full of great friends and warm people and beautiful insights and words from Dec and the crew. Well done to all. Captures so much of the joy and friendship you bring – thank you for that.
Christy's reply
gotta buckle down here now John…time for some new songs, I’ve a crick in my neck from lookin over my shoulder…great that various strands of the work have been so well marked..should later generations ever wonder what us auld fellas were up to they can have a look at these films….40 years on I still marvel at Liam O’Flynn’s piping, at Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine interplay…I was indeed fortunate to play with such musicians…my favourite moment was the “Sally Brown” interlude..indicitive of good times once enjoyed
Hi Christy.
Been busy watching the DVS’s…I recall being in the “Stadium” for the 1973 Planxty concert, and been there for you performing a solo Gig, or Gigs in the Stadium. Can’t remember the year, maybe you can Jog the memory…. Remember sitting up at the back very close to the Ceiling and the savage heat in the room….. You could fry an Egg on it!!!!!. Sat beside a man in a Wheelchair, who was also Blind; often thought of him since.
Your “ life on the road” is a wonderful piece of work, which we will be viewing over and over in the coming years. The producers really got a feel for the journey and what it means to you, and indeed us the listeners. Having met some of Filmmakers along the way it’s no surprise that yourself and all the crew are so relaxed in their company. That feeling really shows through in the many interviews and their treatment of the recordings.
In one of Declan’s interviews he stated that you have “ made us proud of who we are”…. now there’s a powerful statement which we all agree with. Many lights have been shone in dark corners because of the songs which you which you gave air to….Ann Lovett, Veronica, Magdalene etc……..of course the happy ones too; The Rose, Joxer, Amsterdam, all of which are part of who we are, and where we come from, “ I’m a Bog man deep down”.
Best wishes with the “Solos” this weekend; I’m sure the locals, and indeed the not so local will ensure that you do not feel alone for even a moment.
Best Regards,
Patsy
Christy's reply
It bates all Patsy….I’m nearly afraid of the Postman comin..every day brings another CD or DVD..is there no end to it…I cant even get 5 minutes to watch Judge Judy….auld ballads comin at me from all sides..big hairy heads, Drunken maidens, Jolly Beggars and Gold Rings..
in fairness though its a great buzz to see Planxty being remembered..it was a glorious time1972-74 and we tearing around the country..then 1978 and 1982 and finally in 2004…
Gonna sit down and re-visit Mark McLoughlin’s “Journey” soon. He went to great lengths to capture the songs and their background….special days spent at various locations around the country…its done now ..thats it…could not have been done by a better Director
Hi Christy
Just back from a poignant few days in The Somme region.My head’s still there,really….
Great to catch up on news and read about the Planxty retrospective…one of my great music good fortunes was seeing you guys play ‘live’ in a variety of venues.The tight ensemble playing was special,with interweaved subtleties….Andy and Donal’s strings bouncing round melody and harmony lines …Liam’s piping,never over dominant……your good self with rhythm and fine voice….
‘True Love Knows No Season’ is a gem and always a treat to hear it played nowadays.Declan’s parts are perfect….another reason why its fascinating and satisfying to be still an audient on your NET and have the good fortune to have been one since your early solo days…..Planxty CD now top of my ‘wants’ list….
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
nice One Dave..greetings to you and your lad…Im back home tonight, on the Banks of The Liffey as she sweeps through The Plains of Kildare ( I have checked, She is a Female River )….on in 30 mins..gotta get my corset on
Thanks Christie.
I’ll pass on you condolences to Gill and the family.
I enjoyed your gig at the Great Northern last year.
The voyage is still my favourite.
All the best for the gigs this year.
Christy's reply
just thinking about the Old Crown and Anchor…..every Thursday there was alike a Saturday…..what a funky joint for the duration of The Beggarmen era
Hi Christy. Mick and I went to see Daniel Blake. Ken Loach is a great director. I personally would have liked to have seen the film go towards naming and shaming the systems and the succession of governments and politicians who created this nightmare. Not the man in the job centre or the poor woman in the call centre earning minimum wage. But it was good to see communities trying to help each other on a personal level. The bad guy is the big faceless grey guy. Anyhoo Mick and i had a heated discussion which really only ever ends one way! 🙂
Is there anyway to access the guestbook pre 2012. Do you know the webmaster? He or she would def know if it’s archived.
I look forward to a solo gig of yours. It’s been 10 years since I’ve seen you solo. I look forward to watching your dvd. I also point you to a new book by Gérard Hanberry called On Raglan Road which is the history of certain Irish love songs including The Voyage and Nancy Spain. Keep well. Xx
Christy's reply
“only ever ends one way” ! What can that possibly mean ? ….
Thanks a lot for the reply Christy. I will keep an eye out for the Killashee gig. I got an email from you that I tried to reply too but it may have been spam!! If it was genuine, please let me know ?
In the meantime, if anyone on this is selling any tickets for the Newbridge gigs this weekend I am desperate for tickets!!!
Thank you for your reply. My future son in law (what can you do about the inevitable Christy?) did what the techies call a ‘webscrape’ and printed off all my comments and your responses from the guestbook since it started. It was over 40000 words! Thats the start of a novel i reckon. 🙂 I woke up and wanted to ask if the challenges of solo performances were emotional, physical, logistical, or all of the above. Does it seem quieter up there or do you hear every note louder? Do you miss everyone? Or can you rock out and do what you like? I hope this isn’t question overload. Anyhoo have a good day. Xx
Christy's reply
the upcoming solo gigs are challenging..I hope ,in the coming year, to recommence solo gigging.Not on a full time basis but regularly. Initially it feels very bare…I miss the music of my companeros…however, as I settle into solo mode other aspects come into play and I begin to settle into the lone groove. The repertoire expands to embrace songs that have never suited ensemble..that said there are also a number of songs that are impossible for me to perform solo………the limitations of my own guitar become more apparent (initially)
re your webscrape…did you gain access to the guest page prior to the website being updated in 2012 ?…I wonder can those pages be retrieved…
Busy here as always…Ken Loach’s new film very good..also an Irish Indie Movie “Young Offenders”…best to you ,Mick and Clan
Hello Christy,
Hope everything is well?
I’m listening to your gig in Newbridge at the moment .
So glad Hillary her recording material is fixed again.
You can’t imagine how I felt cut of for a few weeks when she couldn’t record anything. I really mis Ireland when I’m at home and listening to your gigs makes the distances a bit smaller.
Very lovely solo gig playing the Bodhrán and lots of singers!
The last time we have seen you solo was in 2010 in Lisdoonvarna.
I would love to come to Vicarstreet in december but I don’t have any vacation days left. So I will settle for your little brother who’s coming to the Roma also in december.
Dear Christy keep up the good spirit in these crazy times and see you again sooner or later
Chris
Kennedy Airport tonight and Newtownmountkennedy tomorrow night. I’m really looking forward to the gig, we plan to arrive early to do a bit of scavenging ! Seroiusly though, thanks for all you do and all that you give…
Brian.
Hi christy just a quick word of thanks again really enjoyed both nights and sure to get to meet up with u again it topped it all off fair play to paul mac to he gave me the shout . The Ride on hat is flat out i,m even wearing it to bed these cold nights its going down a treat. All the very best christy i,ll see yeah soon take care.paul
The Winter Sun shines bright upon this cold,cold morning.We can but live in hope……………..
It was grand to meet you both after the Riverbank…to catch up on a bit of Town news…………….
a good gathering in Whelan’s last night for the launch of Peter Byrne/Conor O’Mahoney album…a bus load from Newbridge swelled the crowd…the two players were joined by Conor Byrne and Frankie Lane…..the album was launched by Theo Dorgan…..Luke Cheevers and myself sang a few “warmer-uppers” and the night kicked off with a song from Eilish Byrne ( formerly of Moorefield !)…….
See you along the way Paul
Hey there Christy, hope all is well with you. Just want to leave a note to say I used lyrics from ‘Smoke & Strong Whiskey’ in a recent MA English essay – you were in good company as I also referenced Shane McGowan and Bono. I also scored a First for the essay, so cheers! Saw you in Mansfield back in May of ’95 and remember the be-flipflopped feet well as I was on the front row. Take care!
I started singing Wally Page’s song about 25 years ago..its never too far from the set list..”Smoke & Strong Whiskey” is a great song to sing…powerful imagery, each verse a story in itself, good melody, soaring chorus…our Wally sure can write them…
I played in Lincoln once..it was 1967..a concert that featured Hamish Imlach, Nigel Denver, The Grehan Sisters and yours truly…I probably got in in Hamish’s coat tails, he was carrying me back then
Wally Page is around again for his monthly gig in The Annesley House pub, this Friday 11th November at 9pm, along with Johnny Mulhearn and their great band knockin out the songs and hits..hup
“O St Teresa of The Roses”….Annesley House will be rockin come Friday Night…the Five lamps will be blazing
Dreams came thru in Chicago Christy, it was special, lined up in the figure 8 for Anto, and gave it all they got.it was emotional and lovely to watch, There are songs about all kinds of sport, I’ve heard non on the subject of Rugby . I watched the videos of the writer of politicians, and his songs a brilliant, he has a Guthrie feel about him in the story, Pat Quinn I love it all and the Bodhran in bed lol, it’s the day before the vote, I’m going with Jill Stein, and 2 deckets of the rosary, all my best to clan Fin
Good stuff Fin….winter has arrived..the long-johns aired and occupied…soup and stew for the next few months…The Ireland XV honoured their colleague in the manner he would have most loved…
I love Pat Quinn’s “Angelina” song
How ya christy!!
Loved it tonight down beside the river liffey. It was a very relaxed gig on your behave even though the Newbridge people might be afraid to sing it out load sometimes!!! I really enjoyed the stories, the history, of the songs as you got into it. I learned things tonight that I never knew before.
I was saying it was like we are all sitting around in a sitting room and listen to you and getting the feel of the songs. Never came across a christy gig like it. Fair play to you!!
Thank you for Fairy tale of new York it came from high up in the sarsfields nest!!!!! and I think it was the song of the night! Ya cracked it in one.
Also loved the well below the valley; bright blue rose; beeswing; wind river man; bogman; and Matty before the lights ran out!!
It must be tough going doing it on your own again but the spark is still there. I hoped you enjoyed as much as the rest of did.
Keep her going and keep her lit. We are already planning the next gig. I hear Barrow lands is making a return in the new year?? I’ll be looking forward to it again all going well.
On a different note I see Peter Byrne is releasing his first album in Tuesday next. I heard Peter sing in cons a few times and what a great singer!! I’m in the capital to that day so I’m gonna make my way to whelans to gives support and listen to good music..
Let the music keep the spirits high!!!!
Im lyin here in the leaba still marvelling at the wonder of it all….its 7 am ,9 hours since we all bade farewell…had a pot of tea after with Paul McCormack and Paul Murphy,two loyal townies who never took the soup….met up with one of “The Butcher Farrels ” ( daughter of Paddy the accordeon player, niece of Brendan with whom I shared a bench in Brother Brendan’s class in 1956 )
two great nights down the bottom of the town ..I struggled a wee bit on Sat with frogs in me throat but last night bate all…the audience raised me up and I was cathching high balls to bate the band…ye sang, ye listened, ye clapped and ye requested…sure all I had to do was sit there and the auld ballads just flowed out of me so welcoming were you listeners….I felt so at home last night ( albeit in enemy territory with John Johnson’s Sash Banner ever reminding me) good to see Coffey’s Clock back up…is it my eyesight or is it after shrinking ?
Had a ramble round the town at mid night….met up with the ghosts of Billy Pakinson, Mickser Read, Fido White, Mrs Daly of Cumann na mBan, Bob Duggan, John (Slicy) Monahan,, Christy Whitely, Eddie O’Connor, Rasher Conlan,
I could ramble on all mornin but I hear the grate rattlin below and soon there might be a rasher on the pan…the auld dog is scratchin the back door ..I’d better get up…..drop a line again soon and keep me posted…..
Hi Christy,
Very enjoyable last night in the “old Tech.”. Great to hear my old fav.– Reel in the flickering light – again. Also appreciated that you remembered the late Mick Curran. I was born down the end of the Chapel Lane beside the river and have kept the river in sight ever since. Best wishes for the future..
Thanks Frankie…Mick was a special man..we had some fun on our travels in that Bedford Van…glad last night went well for you… I could not see the audience at all as ye were in total darkness…the voice was actin up a bit so I’m on the lemon and honey today plus a host of other “cures”..I was down Chapel Lane a while back..its a town in itself down there now with a grand view back over towards Ryston and “The Pitch”…
Well Christy just found out I have 2 tickets for tommrrow night (Sunday)so I had to sign up to the site.i have seen a good few time but my wife has a busy life and not able to see you . She always said that you wrote a song about her dad and I never believed her,until one day she bought me your box set and there it was 1945 where dick and con Collins were dealing out cards . Her dad was con Collins one of the best looking forward to seeing you tommrrow I am a newbridge man o Connor old Connell stud Naas road . See you tommrrow Philip and sheena
we used to go to Frank Kellys “of The Lock” in the 60s..there was always a “serious ” card school in the Front Bar….Con and Dick, The Red Lad, Pat McGinn, Long Paddy P, and various other card-sharks bangin cards down for (what we considered to be ) big money..we played darts in the lower bar until the ballads broke out…Mrs Kelly (snr) would be watching out for the Guards once closin time had passed…Frank would be trying to clear the house and fill pints at the same time..great times
Hi christy hope ur keepin well i,m sure the gig tonight was unreal in the riverbank if i,m not mistaken its 13yrs since u played in there i still have a bit of footage saved from the night .i got lucky with a ticket for tomorrow night there like hens teeth especially back in the home town will u stick a drop of diesel in to the honda 50 and bring her with u tomorrow evening yeah can park her up in the grandfathers old shop across the road just mention mick o brien and yeah get a free curry after the gig all the best christy see u tomorrow .RideOn
I recall getting a 2nd hand bike from your Grandfather circa 1957. A big solid black Rudge it carried me for 2 years til I traded it back into him for a trendier (but still 2nd hand) blue sporty bike with straight handlebars,a Sturmey Archer 3 speed and a Dynamo to light my way. I rode that bike far afield..to my grandparents who lived in Backweston (nr Lucan) to Croke Park, to Athy and once to Portlaois. (once I carried “Miss Kildare”on the cross bar)….your Uncle Donie was the service manager and always had my machine well serviced and oiled up for action.We always called that location “Coffey’s Lane” ( left between Duke Kavanagh’s shop and Coffey’s clock. I recall Roly Ives Barber shop, Kearns Outfitters, Kearns Ice-Cream Parlour, Eddy O’Connors shop (open 365),then Coffey’s , Barber Noones, Cummin’s pub and Mr Moran’s bicycle shop and then Cox’s Lane.)
See you later tonight Paul…have you still got your “Ride On” woolen cap ?
And as a caveat – I had to look the spelling of caveat up, Ha – I suck as a typist , to be sure. I apologize for the lack of proof reading, as well, on the last post. I need to get a hard copy dictionary also before I start typing, And a BS degree in College, yeah right. Anyway Christy, I haven’t watched the CD part yet. I just wanted to thank you all and share my first impression under the influence of the the ol barley.
dont worrie abuot it Proffessor…Sam Bekcett was no great spellir and Joice was ulysses two
Hey Christy,
I just now heard the new Planxty CD ” BETWEEN THE JIGS AND THE REELS: A RETROSPECTIVE”.
Ha, I thought with your comment that the Planxty crew had the say over the list that Planxty was all over the whole thing , including royaltiys. But after your comment and then seeing the Universal label, well, so much for the funds gong to the Planxty Lads. But, as you said, it was all about the music anyway.
And frankly, that is what my thoughts drifted as I listened. By the way, I really like the whole Album. I scewed up at first though. I transfered the CD to my laptop then to my IPOD. I sarted listening to it on my IPOD, but it was set to shuffle songs. Ha, so I was not hearing the correct set order of the songs. I sensed, this ain’t right!. After three songs I realized my mistake. I fixed it to play the songs in the correct order, which humorously, really changed my opinon on the album, more to the positive. Ha, It’s like a painting, there is an asthetic(sp?) order that works.
Anyway Christy, it was great to hear these old tunes which, sorrily, I had missed at the time. I was listening to Fairport Convention in 1970 – to a lot of weed smoking I might add – and I was completely unaware of Planxty or the Chieftains at the time.
When in College the first time in 1974, I was turned on to International traditional dancing and really dug it. So like Andy, I really got into those 3/ 6 times or what ever exciting timing sequence they chose that was different. And I have heard Andy telling of when he first heard these – I forgot how to spell rythums ha, ha.
Anyway, then I started to muse about artists and about how you young bucks perfomed and then matured your craft. And about how some artist flare out; meaning, they perform their offering and that is it. They don’t produce matured, later stuff. Then there are others that mature and get better – or grow into another form – as they age. Then, I moved on to how artists – of every age – are antigravity machines; meaning,
artist lift the common man above the gravity of drugery, hardship, horror, and injustice, into the ethers, where we as normal beautiful, loving, intelligent, beings, Souls exist.
Here’s to the Artists!
keep up the dancing Doctor..was a fair auld hoofer mysel back in the day…quick stepped it around Mrs Lawlor’s Ballroom, jived in Dreamland to Brendan Bowyer, smooched in the Town Hall to Jimmy Dunny’s Orchestra, tried a few sets too but by that time ” the call to the bar “was takin a hoult
Hello dear Christy,
Hope this finds you well. Time flies … It’s one week today as we wandered through the beautiful Colclough Walled Garden on Hook Peninsula and the gardener offered us some apples – the golden apples of the sun … That night we had to say farewell to the Island …
What a great time we had in your wonderful motherland this splendid autumn! We enjoyed thoroughly the company of dear friends, hiking at the terrific sea-shore and lofty hills on Beara and Sheep’s Head and also the cliff walk at Bundoran that glorious morning after your gig, the visit to our friends’ farm in Co. Sligo and at the end the lovely town of Wexford, even with a magnificent firework. To crown it all there were your Gigs …
Go Raibh Maith Agat for your awesome Songs and Music! Though I loved to hear all the songs They Never Came Home, Pity the Poor Immigrant, The Well, Billy Gray and also Declan’s Let Somebody Know were very special. Gortatagort was a comfort to the parting from the Red Fuchsias. Your new Lingo Politico seems to be popular with the audience. Many thanks as well to Declan, Jimmy, Paddy, Mick and all the crew for three fantastic nights we’ll always remember. Also lovely to meet again the kind 4711ers from the Kingdom and Ulster.
Now we are back home and winter draws near.
Good Luck for your weekend with the Lilies in your hometown!
Traudel
My Brother Luka Bloom is currently touring your country and sending back glowing reports of his German Audiences….that Bundoran Gig was outstanding for us….its a few weeks ago now but I still recall the buzz from The Great Northern….Ballina too went well and the Spiegeltent in Wexford was gloriously different as venues go….Declan and I had a lovely experience when we visited his Mother who,in her 99th year, still sparkles amongst her beautiful friends in a lovely Care Home….we heard great versions of “McNamara’s Band” and “The Town I Love So Well”.
Getting ready now for a Solo Gig in the old Home Town….your last confection was well recieved by one and all…Míle Maith Agat agus Danke
All plans cancelled tonight when I got in from work to find the new DVDs on the mat. Wonderful stuff and some real treasures. Love the On the Road bonus DVD – a bonus in every sense of the word. Full of great friends and warm people and beautiful insights and words from Dec and the crew. Well done to all. Captures so much of the joy and friendship you bring – thank you for that.
gotta buckle down here now John…time for some new songs, I’ve a crick in my neck from lookin over my shoulder…great that various strands of the work have been so well marked..should later generations ever wonder what us auld fellas were up to they can have a look at these films….40 years on I still marvel at Liam O’Flynn’s piping, at Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine interplay…I was indeed fortunate to play with such musicians…my favourite moment was the “Sally Brown” interlude..indicitive of good times once enjoyed
Hi Christy.
Been busy watching the DVS’s…I recall being in the “Stadium” for the 1973 Planxty concert, and been there for you performing a solo Gig, or Gigs in the Stadium. Can’t remember the year, maybe you can Jog the memory…. Remember sitting up at the back very close to the Ceiling and the savage heat in the room….. You could fry an Egg on it!!!!!. Sat beside a man in a Wheelchair, who was also Blind; often thought of him since.
Your “ life on the road” is a wonderful piece of work, which we will be viewing over and over in the coming years. The producers really got a feel for the journey and what it means to you, and indeed us the listeners. Having met some of Filmmakers along the way it’s no surprise that yourself and all the crew are so relaxed in their company. That feeling really shows through in the many interviews and their treatment of the recordings.
In one of Declan’s interviews he stated that you have “ made us proud of who we are”…. now there’s a powerful statement which we all agree with. Many lights have been shone in dark corners because of the songs which you which you gave air to….Ann Lovett, Veronica, Magdalene etc……..of course the happy ones too; The Rose, Joxer, Amsterdam, all of which are part of who we are, and where we come from, “ I’m a Bog man deep down”.
Best wishes with the “Solos” this weekend; I’m sure the locals, and indeed the not so local will ensure that you do not feel alone for even a moment.
Best Regards,
Patsy
It bates all Patsy….I’m nearly afraid of the Postman comin..every day brings another CD or DVD..is there no end to it…I cant even get 5 minutes to watch Judge Judy….auld ballads comin at me from all sides..big hairy heads, Drunken maidens, Jolly Beggars and Gold Rings..
in fairness though its a great buzz to see Planxty being remembered..it was a glorious time1972-74 and we tearing around the country..then 1978 and 1982 and finally in 2004…
Gonna sit down and re-visit Mark McLoughlin’s “Journey” soon. He went to great lengths to capture the songs and their background….special days spent at various locations around the country…its done now ..thats it…could not have been done by a better Director
Hi Christy
Just back from a poignant few days in The Somme region.My head’s still there,really….
Great to catch up on news and read about the Planxty retrospective…one of my great music good fortunes was seeing you guys play ‘live’ in a variety of venues.The tight ensemble playing was special,with interweaved subtleties….Andy and Donal’s strings bouncing round melody and harmony lines …Liam’s piping,never over dominant……your good self with rhythm and fine voice….
‘True Love Knows No Season’ is a gem and always a treat to hear it played nowadays.Declan’s parts are perfect….another reason why its fascinating and satisfying to be still an audient on your NET and have the good fortune to have been one since your early solo days…..Planxty CD now top of my ‘wants’ list….
All the best
Dave
nice One Dave..greetings to you and your lad…Im back home tonight, on the Banks of The Liffey as she sweeps through The Plains of Kildare ( I have checked, She is a Female River )….on in 30 mins..gotta get my corset on
Thanks Christie.
I’ll pass on you condolences to Gill and the family.
I enjoyed your gig at the Great Northern last year.
The voyage is still my favourite.
All the best for the gigs this year.
just thinking about the Old Crown and Anchor…..every Thursday there was alike a Saturday…..what a funky joint for the duration of The Beggarmen era
Hi Christy. Mick and I went to see Daniel Blake. Ken Loach is a great director. I personally would have liked to have seen the film go towards naming and shaming the systems and the succession of governments and politicians who created this nightmare. Not the man in the job centre or the poor woman in the call centre earning minimum wage. But it was good to see communities trying to help each other on a personal level. The bad guy is the big faceless grey guy. Anyhoo Mick and i had a heated discussion which really only ever ends one way! 🙂
Is there anyway to access the guestbook pre 2012. Do you know the webmaster? He or she would def know if it’s archived.
I look forward to a solo gig of yours. It’s been 10 years since I’ve seen you solo. I look forward to watching your dvd. I also point you to a new book by Gérard Hanberry called On Raglan Road which is the history of certain Irish love songs including The Voyage and Nancy Spain. Keep well. Xx
“only ever ends one way” ! What can that possibly mean ? ….
Thanks a lot for the reply Christy. I will keep an eye out for the Killashee gig. I got an email from you that I tried to reply too but it may have been spam!! If it was genuine, please let me know ?
In the meantime, if anyone on this is selling any tickets for the Newbridge gigs this weekend I am desperate for tickets!!!
Thank you for your reply. My future son in law (what can you do about the inevitable Christy?) did what the techies call a ‘webscrape’ and printed off all my comments and your responses from the guestbook since it started. It was over 40000 words! Thats the start of a novel i reckon. 🙂 I woke up and wanted to ask if the challenges of solo performances were emotional, physical, logistical, or all of the above. Does it seem quieter up there or do you hear every note louder? Do you miss everyone? Or can you rock out and do what you like? I hope this isn’t question overload. Anyhoo have a good day. Xx
the upcoming solo gigs are challenging..I hope ,in the coming year, to recommence solo gigging.Not on a full time basis but regularly. Initially it feels very bare…I miss the music of my companeros…however, as I settle into solo mode other aspects come into play and I begin to settle into the lone groove. The repertoire expands to embrace songs that have never suited ensemble..that said there are also a number of songs that are impossible for me to perform solo………the limitations of my own guitar become more apparent (initially)
re your webscrape…did you gain access to the guest page prior to the website being updated in 2012 ?…I wonder can those pages be retrieved…
Busy here as always…Ken Loach’s new film very good..also an Irish Indie Movie “Young Offenders”…best to you ,Mick and Clan