Greetings from sunny Finland and hi to all! Listening to the youtube clip from Saturday James Connolly Festival I can´t help but request a album or collection of songs in a cappella format. Listening like this is very calm and soothing. Songs just translate so strongly and other ones appear in a different light. I really enjoyed “Brigada” this way.
Christy's reply
I have been thinking along those lines for a number of years..perhaps the time has come to make the leap…
“last night as I lay dreaming”
Hi C… well fair play to you…straight into this great singing session on the back of the very successful UK tour..powerful stuff… Let us remember…..https://youtu.be/QlFqql2VWZM Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
it was great to be part of this tribute to The XVth International Brigade….
thanks for posting..I’d not have seen it
Well, if you’re thinking that a dangler is the same as what everyone else thought, Christy, then I’m sure that’ll do! That’ll do for me, and I know naff all about Mullingar slang.
Maybe the next tune was An Phis Fhliuch, and the question remained … dangling. BTW I only remember the conundrum when Paddys Fahy’s Reel sneaks in after Little Musgrave.
Which reminds me: Lord Baker? Does no-one mention Lord Baker anymore? xx
Christy's reply
” and then Lord Baker ran to his Darlin
of twenty one steps he made but three
he threw his arms around Turkey’s daughter
qnd kissed his true love most tenderly”
I’ve only sung this song twice in Public since recording it with Planxty in 1981…it is forever my intention to get it into the set …..perhaps that time is near…the Stars will soon align
I still recall the first time “paddy fahy’s” was played after “Little Musgrave” Planxty were playing a festival in Nyon Switzerland circa 1978..afterwards we met members of Clannad and as the wine flowed voluminously we played some songs..at the end of “Musgrave” Matt Molly riffed into “Paddy Fahy’s” and there it stayed for the next few years….
My translation of “Black is the color of my true loves hair” into Icelandic. Next time I hopefully can send you a studio recording of the translation so you can hear how these words sound.
Með hrafnsvart hárið er ástin mín
Með hrafnsvart hárið er ástin mín
og varir eins og rósin fín
og brosið blítt og höndin hlý
ég dái hennar sporin ný
Ég elska hana og´hún veit af því
ég dái hennar sporin ný
og óska að renni upp dagurinn
er baug ég dreg á fingurinn
Ég geng niðrað á og ég syrgi og græt
því horfin er mér ástin sæt
og ég skrif´á blaðið nokkur orð
á sálu minni frem ég morð
Með hrafnsvart hárið er ástin mín
og varir eins og rósin fín
og brosið blítt og höndin hlý
ég dái hennar sporin ný
Just dropping by on here to say thank you for an unforgettable night in York, Barbican the other night. I bought my grandparents tickets as a gift upon hearing them play some of your songs as we drove across the Yorkshire dales one afternoon. They never thought they’d get to see you play live again and have not stopped smiling since. I’ve only started listening to your music recently but hearing the words of your songs live the other night felt like history lesson, storytelling session, and musical masterclass all rolled into one; a rarity nowadays. Thank you for the all the joy you and the lads gave us! All the best.
Christy's reply
AB.
You stir old memories. I knew 3 of my grandparents, one of whom sang….Jack Power loomed large and loving in my young life…I recall him singing “Down by The Glenside” and “The Foggy Dew”, I still remember both of these songs and sometimes sing them to myself in the quiet of the night….
I feel very fortunate to have such fine musicians alongside me at this point in my career….while Declan,Jimmy and Cathal are masters of their instruments, they are also diligent and enthusiastic in their accompaniments…..rehearsals are always interesting…gigs exciting and free flowing…..
the beauty that lies within the songs themselves will resound across future generations of singers,players and listeners..
Thank You
Hi Christy the fly fishing internationals are taking place tomorrow on Lough Mask,head quarters Ballinrobe,want to wish all the nations the best of luck,hope the fish are biting,shine on Christy.
Christy's reply
a grand part of the country….sometimes the trout go on strike
Thank you for your understanding reply to my concerns Christy.. I certainly understand your position and am grateful for your explanation.I will always keep coming and enjoying your music.
I was at the gig last night missed making contact with you after . If you would like to send me a quick email at adamswicklow@gmail.com I took some photos last night of the gig I’d like to pass on to you.
Regards Adam
Christy's reply
hope you got back to base safe and sound…thanks for the pics…we have picked out 2
I was at your gig last night in York. I reckon this would have been the 20th concert i have attended none of which have been in Ireland which tells a story in itself. However as a fellow Kildare man i did have the pleasure of hearing your singing and Liam Ogs piping coming up from a bar i once lived over as a child so i got the bug early.
Last night was, as always, a joy. Compliments to your fellow musicians and to your sound engineer who nailed it last night! Let the music keep your spirits high…your music over all these years has raised mine.
Christy's reply
David Meade has the music in him….he plays that sound desk beautifully….
You have stirred my curiosity….what Bar was that where you heard Liam Óg and I playing….all memories of Liam are precious
One of the tours I will get back to a UK gig…The Barras is on the way..glad it all went so well, great reports…there’s a newer song ?
Tomorrow night, Wally Page & Johnny Mulhearn play in The Annesley House on North Strand Road at 9pm…fancy new lights n all..belated birthday wishes. Larball.
Hi Christy,
It been a long time coming, but my wife June and I finally got to see you in concert last night in York. It was a brilliant night ! Thank you so much for a great time, you created an intimate atmosphere, though the Barbican was packed. I’ve been listening to you now for 46 years, ever since I first heard Planxty back in ’72. There were so many highlights for us last night. Thanks also to Declan, Jimmy and Cathal – superb musicians ! We loved your reference to living in Causeway Foot (not far from where we live) and the stories about some of the songs, especially Ordinary Man and On Morecambe Bay
Christy's reply
We supped some stuff in The Causeway Foot, The Upper George, The Bradshaw Tavern…..my buddy Derek worked on The Halifax Courier….we moved to Mixenden where we sampled High Rise living….from there I moved back here to form Planxty….
Thank you for York feedback….ye gave us a glorious send-off
Now that Spring is here, I am sure things in Ireland will be firing up with all of the great festivals going on. Susan Werner is doing a tour with fans this year through Ireland, She’s a great song writer and a wonderul talent, so I’d recommend catching her if she does any gigs there this summer. If not, maybe one might catch her sing bipping about in her musical tourism???
Now Christy, you have given me much patience over these brief years when I have sent a few posts. Sometimes I have been too embibed, too angry, perhaps – ok, agreed .Foaming at the mouth? well, I have always had an excess of saliva as a rule anyway. Ha. But I hear you. I do not hide my rage. Though, perhaps this is not the venue for it.
Awareness here, but no foaming rage,. just a river – how is the Shannon fairing by the way – and a little ditty. Ha,ha. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yITHHDc5q8
Christy's reply
Down By The Liffeyside
The Banks of The Lee
The Broad Majestic Shannon
Bann’s Waters
Clyde’s Bonny Banks
Sweet Thames Flow Softly
Ferry across The Mersey
She lived Beside The Anner
The Green Grassy slopes of The Boyne
The Foyle Waters
Where Flows the Mighty Tyne
………………………………………….
Making my way back to Scotland via Durham after another magical night in your company Christy. What a great evening and I love your ability to play to the mood. Looking forward to taking my two teenagers to their first gig in Edinburgh in November and then the pilgrimage to the Barras for the grown ups. These are the nights that live with you forever. Great to see Jimmy H still on the road with you, one of life’s true nice guys, he was one year ahead of me in St Marys in Galway and he hasn’t changed…Safe travels to Holyhead Christy and keep well until next time…come all you dreamers.
Christy's reply
Sound P_J…..see you in Auld Reekie and The East End
Dearest Christy – just got home from a fabulous evening at the Barbican. Thank you for playing my request – and then you made me cry again with The Voyage which was the track we played at my Daddy’s funeral (he was a fisherman). Amazing night with the most talented musicians – thank you so much. Have a safe journey home and maybe when we are in Ireland later in the year, you can join us for tea ! Diane xx
Christy's reply
those high notes on “First Time” were a challenge..
I spent the last 4 nights in a hotel room where the windows did not open…the hot weather meant I had to ‘leave on’ the a/c ….this plays havoc with throat and vocal chords….its a well known (modern) dilemna for singers all over the world…I may revert to sleeping in the van as in the good old days of yore
Hi Christy. Brilliant concert in Manchester as usual. However I think that perhaps it is time the Mike Waterson song Drunken Husband was removed from your playlist. It trivialises domestic violence and is really uncomfortable to listen to.
Thanks
Christy's reply
In recent months there have been suggestions to drop certain songs because they make for uncomfortable listening….Mike Waterson’s song is based on a court case as reported in a Yorkshire newspaper……I am very aware of the discomfort caused by certain lyrics…. Magdalen Laundry…Middle of The Island…Companeros…Quinte Brigada…Scapegoats…Giuseppe all spring to mind….I have always been attracted to songs and writers who take issue….your (most welcome) comment suggests two alternatives… One, that I sing no song whatsoever about Domestic Violence OR I seek to write a “comfortable” song about Domestic Violence…
Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate that your comments are sincere and heartfelt….When I began to sing Joni Mitchell’s song “Magdalen Launderies” there used to be occasional nervous titters of discomfort at the line:
“Bridget got her belly from the Parish Priest”
no titters these days…. soon I will sing Joni’s song at a gathering of Magdalen survivors…this invitation means more to me then any gold disc upon the wall
I’m happy to read that you enjoyed the Manchester gig Bradley30…… Keep Coming Back
Christy, just the biggest THANK YOU for your messages and dedication last night. The music was simply beautiful and had a wonderful depth.
Picked up the vinyl version of On the Road after the show, thought it made the perfect bookend to sit alongside Prosperous.
Again, from Cath, Philip and I, thank you so much. Suggested to Philip on the way home last night that Christy or Chrissey would be a good name for the baby!
John O’Dreams was my sandman last night as I floated off to sleep.
Can’t wait for the gig tonight in York. Probably far too late to ask but any chance of `The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ dedicated to my lovely husband Brendan Hayden. We have had a rough family time this year with the loss of a dear little sister far too young (52). Brendan (whose gorgeous family hail from Carlow) has been the rock. Your music has helped through the worst times. Many thanks Diane Hayden xx
Greetings from sunny Finland and hi to all! Listening to the youtube clip from Saturday James Connolly Festival I can´t help but request a album or collection of songs in a cappella format. Listening like this is very calm and soothing. Songs just translate so strongly and other ones appear in a different light. I really enjoyed “Brigada” this way.
I have been thinking along those lines for a number of years..perhaps the time has come to make the leap…
“last night as I lay dreaming”
Hi C… well fair play to you…straight into this great singing session on the back of the very successful UK tour..powerful stuff… Let us remember…..https://youtu.be/QlFqql2VWZM Beir bua agus beannacht. H
it was great to be part of this tribute to The XVth International Brigade….
thanks for posting..I’d not have seen it
Well, if you’re thinking that a dangler is the same as what everyone else thought, Christy, then I’m sure that’ll do! That’ll do for me, and I know naff all about Mullingar slang.
Maybe the next tune was An Phis Fhliuch, and the question remained … dangling. BTW I only remember the conundrum when Paddys Fahy’s Reel sneaks in after Little Musgrave.
Which reminds me: Lord Baker? Does no-one mention Lord Baker anymore? xx
” and then Lord Baker ran to his Darlin
of twenty one steps he made but three
he threw his arms around Turkey’s daughter
qnd kissed his true love most tenderly”
I’ve only sung this song twice in Public since recording it with Planxty in 1981…it is forever my intention to get it into the set …..perhaps that time is near…the Stars will soon align
I still recall the first time “paddy fahy’s” was played after “Little Musgrave” Planxty were playing a festival in Nyon Switzerland circa 1978..afterwards we met members of Clannad and as the wine flowed voluminously we played some songs..at the end of “Musgrave” Matt Molly riffed into “Paddy Fahy’s” and there it stayed for the next few years….
Thanks for reviving such memories
My translation of “Black is the color of my true loves hair” into Icelandic. Next time I hopefully can send you a studio recording of the translation so you can hear how these words sound.
Með hrafnsvart hárið er ástin mín
Með hrafnsvart hárið er ástin mín
og varir eins og rósin fín
og brosið blítt og höndin hlý
ég dái hennar sporin ný
Ég elska hana og´hún veit af því
ég dái hennar sporin ný
og óska að renni upp dagurinn
er baug ég dreg á fingurinn
Ég geng niðrað á og ég syrgi og græt
því horfin er mér ástin sæt
og ég skrif´á blaðið nokkur orð
á sálu minni frem ég morð
Með hrafnsvart hárið er ástin mín
og varir eins og rósin fín
og brosið blítt og höndin hlý
ég dái hennar sporin ný
Hi Christy results are in,Ireland gold medal wales silver England bronze and Scotland wooden spoon,the fish were biting today ?
Just like the Rugby !
Christy,
Just dropping by on here to say thank you for an unforgettable night in York, Barbican the other night. I bought my grandparents tickets as a gift upon hearing them play some of your songs as we drove across the Yorkshire dales one afternoon. They never thought they’d get to see you play live again and have not stopped smiling since. I’ve only started listening to your music recently but hearing the words of your songs live the other night felt like history lesson, storytelling session, and musical masterclass all rolled into one; a rarity nowadays. Thank you for the all the joy you and the lads gave us! All the best.
AB.
You stir old memories. I knew 3 of my grandparents, one of whom sang….Jack Power loomed large and loving in my young life…I recall him singing “Down by The Glenside” and “The Foggy Dew”, I still remember both of these songs and sometimes sing them to myself in the quiet of the night….
I feel very fortunate to have such fine musicians alongside me at this point in my career….while Declan,Jimmy and Cathal are masters of their instruments, they are also diligent and enthusiastic in their accompaniments…..rehearsals are always interesting…gigs exciting and free flowing…..
the beauty that lies within the songs themselves will resound across future generations of singers,players and listeners..
Thank You
Hi Christy the fly fishing internationals are taking place tomorrow on Lough Mask,head quarters Ballinrobe,want to wish all the nations the best of luck,hope the fish are biting,shine on Christy.
a grand part of the country….sometimes the trout go on strike
Thank you for your understanding reply to my concerns Christy.. I certainly understand your position and am grateful for your explanation.I will always keep coming and enjoying your music.
see you along the road
Re beamobhoy post below.
I was at the gig last night missed making contact with you after . If you would like to send me a quick email at adamswicklow@gmail.com I took some photos last night of the gig I’d like to pass on to you.
Regards Adam
hope you got back to base safe and sound…thanks for the pics…we have picked out 2
Thanks for the piccy with my son Cian, he was overwhelmed after that, really made his night! Hope the attack on your head was ok (!)
it was a great pleasure to meet your Son…to witness his unbridled joy…I wish ye all the very best
Hi Christy,
I was at your gig last night in York. I reckon this would have been the 20th concert i have attended none of which have been in Ireland which tells a story in itself. However as a fellow Kildare man i did have the pleasure of hearing your singing and Liam Ogs piping coming up from a bar i once lived over as a child so i got the bug early.
Last night was, as always, a joy. Compliments to your fellow musicians and to your sound engineer who nailed it last night! Let the music keep your spirits high…your music over all these years has raised mine.
David Meade has the music in him….he plays that sound desk beautifully….
You have stirred my curiosity….what Bar was that where you heard Liam Óg and I playing….all memories of Liam are precious
One of the tours I will get back to a UK gig…The Barras is on the way..glad it all went so well, great reports…there’s a newer song ?
Tomorrow night, Wally Page & Johnny Mulhearn play in The Annesley House on North Strand Road at 9pm…fancy new lights n all..belated birthday wishes. Larball.
Good Man Lar……
Hi Christy,
It been a long time coming, but my wife June and I finally got to see you in concert last night in York. It was a brilliant night ! Thank you so much for a great time, you created an intimate atmosphere, though the Barbican was packed. I’ve been listening to you now for 46 years, ever since I first heard Planxty back in ’72. There were so many highlights for us last night. Thanks also to Declan, Jimmy and Cathal – superb musicians ! We loved your reference to living in Causeway Foot (not far from where we live) and the stories about some of the songs, especially Ordinary Man and On Morecambe Bay
We supped some stuff in The Causeway Foot, The Upper George, The Bradshaw Tavern…..my buddy Derek worked on The Halifax Courier….we moved to Mixenden where we sampled High Rise living….from there I moved back here to form Planxty….
Thank you for York feedback….ye gave us a glorious send-off
Hello Christy,
Now that Spring is here, I am sure things in Ireland will be firing up with all of the great festivals going on. Susan Werner is doing a tour with fans this year through Ireland, She’s a great song writer and a wonderul talent, so I’d recommend catching her if she does any gigs there this summer. If not, maybe one might catch her sing bipping about in her musical tourism???
Now Christy, you have given me much patience over these brief years when I have sent a few posts. Sometimes I have been too embibed, too angry, perhaps – ok, agreed .Foaming at the mouth? well, I have always had an excess of saliva as a rule anyway. Ha. But I hear you. I do not hide my rage. Though, perhaps this is not the venue for it.
Awareness here, but no foaming rage,. just a river – how is the Shannon fairing by the way – and a little ditty. Ha,ha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yITHHDc5q8
Down By The Liffeyside
The Banks of The Lee
The Broad Majestic Shannon
Bann’s Waters
Clyde’s Bonny Banks
Sweet Thames Flow Softly
Ferry across The Mersey
She lived Beside The Anner
The Green Grassy slopes of The Boyne
The Foyle Waters
Where Flows the Mighty Tyne
………………………………………….
Making my way back to Scotland via Durham after another magical night in your company Christy. What a great evening and I love your ability to play to the mood. Looking forward to taking my two teenagers to their first gig in Edinburgh in November and then the pilgrimage to the Barras for the grown ups. These are the nights that live with you forever. Great to see Jimmy H still on the road with you, one of life’s true nice guys, he was one year ahead of me in St Marys in Galway and he hasn’t changed…Safe travels to Holyhead Christy and keep well until next time…come all you dreamers.
Sound P_J…..see you in Auld Reekie and The East End
Dearest Christy – just got home from a fabulous evening at the Barbican. Thank you for playing my request – and then you made me cry again with The Voyage which was the track we played at my Daddy’s funeral (he was a fisherman). Amazing night with the most talented musicians – thank you so much. Have a safe journey home and maybe when we are in Ireland later in the year, you can join us for tea ! Diane xx
those high notes on “First Time” were a challenge..
I spent the last 4 nights in a hotel room where the windows did not open…the hot weather meant I had to ‘leave on’ the a/c ….this plays havoc with throat and vocal chords….its a well known (modern) dilemna for singers all over the world…I may revert to sleeping in the van as in the good old days of yore
Hi Christy. Brilliant concert in Manchester as usual. However I think that perhaps it is time the Mike Waterson song Drunken Husband was removed from your playlist. It trivialises domestic violence and is really uncomfortable to listen to.
Thanks
In recent months there have been suggestions to drop certain songs because they make for uncomfortable listening….Mike Waterson’s song is based on a court case as reported in a Yorkshire newspaper……I am very aware of the discomfort caused by certain lyrics…. Magdalen Laundry…Middle of The Island…Companeros…Quinte Brigada…Scapegoats…Giuseppe all spring to mind….I have always been attracted to songs and writers who take issue….your (most welcome) comment suggests two alternatives… One, that I sing no song whatsoever about Domestic Violence OR I seek to write a “comfortable” song about Domestic Violence…
Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate that your comments are sincere and heartfelt….When I began to sing Joni Mitchell’s song “Magdalen Launderies” there used to be occasional nervous titters of discomfort at the line:
“Bridget got her belly from the Parish Priest”
no titters these days…. soon I will sing Joni’s song at a gathering of Magdalen survivors…this invitation means more to me then any gold disc upon the wall
I’m happy to read that you enjoyed the Manchester gig Bradley30…… Keep Coming Back
Christy, just the biggest THANK YOU for your messages and dedication last night. The music was simply beautiful and had a wonderful depth.
Picked up the vinyl version of On the Road after the show, thought it made the perfect bookend to sit alongside Prosperous.
Again, from Cath, Philip and I, thank you so much. Suggested to Philip on the way home last night that Christy or Chrissey would be a good name for the baby!
John O’Dreams was my sandman last night as I floated off to sleep.
Sound Charlie….Positive Positive
What a cracking night at Birmingham. Loved the sound you had! Compliments to your sound man it made a large venue very intimate. Thanks and blessings.
I passed your comments onto David Meade…our sound engineer is like a fifth member of the Band….
Can’t wait for the gig tonight in York. Probably far too late to ask but any chance of `The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ dedicated to my lovely husband Brendan Hayden. We have had a rough family time this year with the loss of a dear little sister far too young (52). Brendan (whose gorgeous family hail from Carlow) has been the rock. Your music has helped through the worst times. Many thanks Diane Hayden xx