Christy, what an amazing set from the show last night at The Great Northern Hotel! Hillary & Jeff helped w/ the signed vinyl; thank you again. 5 of us are over from the states (Milwaukee) and will be at the show again tonight. We’ll try to sit up front. Thanks again for the amazing show, experience & look forward to tonight!
The Milwaukee Boys.
The real mystery is how you keep getting better and better all the time. Last night was so full of energy and power. That big room was rocking ….. always seems to be a great buzz there and a crowd that were ready to sing along …. yer wan had the vino on board but that’s still no excuse for bad manners. The young lad you sent the plectrum to was delighted. ….. when I saw them after the gig I realised I knew his dad from the football fields from way back ….. he and the lads mum said the boy will be going back to guitar lessons now.
See you tonight…… not sure bout the Nathan and Dangler fans …. the may head off jiving.
Christy's reply
you’ll have the tyres worn off the jammer……I think I’ll write to the Arts Minister and suggest a mileage allowance for 4711ers.. such diligent and appreciative followers of (the art of ) Balladeering surely deserve some recogition….
So I’ve been following the Duffy’s Cut events since they discovered the remains.It hits a nerve with me. I’m delighted you sing about it and how you’ve brought lots of attention to their lives.
Hi!
Any any any possible chance of two tickets for Bundoran tomorrow night for my Mammy and my sister (who flew from London in hope she might get a ticket?) They can pay at the Hotel, they are going up regardless just hoping to get in to see their favourite artist.
From a devoted Deirdre
Grand day for a trip to the Hills . . . . Any day is a good day to come to Donegal. The gigs are eagerly awaited.
Christy's reply
There they were, the Mystery Bus Tour from The Glenties, some were hopin for Nathan, some were dressed for Daniel, Marty and Ger had a hunch that it might be The Trad Outfit and came suitably attired for The Companeros…. the man from Pomeroy was otherwise engaged across The Pond so “the turn”was reduced to a 3 Piece….
the gig was lengthy as we went overboard into extra time.”The Boy from Tamlaghduff” appeared after a lengthy hiatus, “Only Our Rivers” meandered across from Florencecourt , “Pity the Poor Emigrant” came on the Donegal air from Minnesota..
that woman in the third row was determined to be heard and distracted those within her immediate vicinity ,
those young boys ( 6 and 8) could teach her a thing or two about gig etiquette as they took it all in….its pure magic for this 73 year old singer to see the youngsters listening to the song, spotted a few hipsters too, one sculpted beard trimmed to within an inch of utter perfection and what harm……
I got to sign an original “Paddy on the Road “after the gig…imagine that, Marty& Ger… a young lady clutching a 1968 Vinyl LP that was sold 50 years ago and there it was in front of me last night, pristine and still in the wrapper like the day it was bought ( for £1/12/6)….I still recall the first day I got that LP in my hand….it was early 1969 and I was in Shepherds Bush in London….
Hope the bus made it back to The Hills last night….just waking up here in Bundoran… we’re gonna try and do it all again tonight and them we have 10 days to prepare for the trip to Scotia…
I was away there for a while Christy.Distractions everywhere. But today while on the road I discovered “On The Road”. So now I’m back. Back in love with your music. It brought me home. You brought me home. Thank you Sir…
Christy's reply
we all need a bit of distraction to keep us focused
Hey Christy,
You know, many of us ‘mericans are very often envious of the vocabulary/ language finesse of our Irish, Scottish, and yes, English brothers and sisters; add on, all of your wonderful and superior wit. I believe it was Shakespeare – whoever that really was – who said, “Bevity is the Soul of wit.” Anyway, if I have bored any of you, I ask for your forgiveness. Some music sharing here. And, for the record, I do check in to this site often,, to hear traditional -or new – Irish, Scottish and English songs/music. Any you may link here and share with us is appreciated. Ok that being said, I think this is good Americana to share with you young John Hartford. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULvliB9LpLk
God bless.
Christy's reply
God-dang amigo, we be hearing you too,..we hear your toons loud and clear, from Beefheart to Zappa,The Dead to The Doors, Zimmy to Jimi, all that cacophony reverberating back across the Pond..Doc Watson, Leadbelly, Nina,Ella,Aretha,Patsy, so much music emanating from that huge Colony. ….and the originals, John Trudeau,Jessie Ed Davis,Floyd Westernman, it all comes out in the wash….from right back from where it started to where it bubbles and spins today…Blacks Whites Blues and Greens, all the colours mixed together…
I’m on my knees here this very minute praying that yonder GeeHead Misogynistic Prick dont find no Irish Ancestors…. where in God’s name did you dig him up
did you know that Dublin is the only City in the world where two positives make a negative…Yeah! Right!
Hope all is well. Just wanted to reach out, I think you knew my grandad John Joe Murray and uncle Lauri Murray, both avid Moorefoeld men, and both lived their lives for Newbridge! “The town they loved so well”
Christy's reply
Hey Eliza….I surely did know John Joe and Lauri of the famous Moorefield Murray Clan….My earliest memory of JohnJoe was way back in the 1950s when I was a young lad…after my own Father died John-Joe always kept an eye out for me…. I included him in a song called “Moorefield”. He is there in the second verse.. there used to be a framed copy of the song in the Moorefield Club last time I visited…its also included in a book I wrote 18 years ago called “One Voice”
I remember Lauri playing in a Skiffle Group back in the early 60s alongside Alan Ray, Leo McBride and Tony Sinnott..last time I met Lauri was at the launch of his lovely book in Ryston a few years back…
Altho I have long since lived in exile from Moorefield, it still occupies a very special place in my memory…my early boyhood and teenage years were full of long happy days…great neighbours and friends.. among them your Grandfather John-Joe and your Grand Uncle Lauri ..best wishes to all the family and to the McBrides and Dohertys and all the extended relations… Up Moorefield !
Thank you so much for those words, that really means a lot to us and my dad will be proud to know I have something of from you to say for him. Thanks again, wow what a gentleman and legend
Wanted to wish you good luck and safe travels to the North West for a bit of the Bundoran sea air. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it this time but I’m sure the Donegal crowd will give you a great welcome. I see that October 22nd marks the 84th anniversary of the death of Pretty Boy Floyd – maybe he’ll make an appearance in the Great Northern. Let the music keep our spirits high.
Christy's reply
Last time I sang “Pretty Boy Floyd” was on a “Live in Dublin ” album back in 1987
“Some will rob you with a six-gun
some with a fountain pen ” ( Woody Guthrie)
I want to reach out over the lough and feel your 27 hands across the water….perhaps she could dance to the tune whilst learning the understanding of your words ( i suspect that even the dancing bit is beyond the wheat field runner , nige and bore-is mind you)
Keep singing it though Christy. Scotland awaits .
Regards Rory
Christy's reply
you are after going all cryptic on us…Keep it Simple !!
There’s 4 verses , here’s another one , it’s to a Latino melody think bambaleo the gypsy kings for chorus.
I do miss Monterey warm nights and sunny days
but we’ve Westport Castlebar and Ballina
And believe it or not there’s an airport at Knock
You can fly in anytime it’s not that far
And just remember Jose and Miguel
Some local names not the easiest to spell
But don’t worry you’re not Timothy or Pat
No Brexit here were Irish there’ll be a welcome on the mat
Down in Mayo down in Mayo , my little home from home from Mehico
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing Ben…..lately I’ve returned to singing “Plane Crash at Los Gatos”
This is one verse as he sings about his new home from home
They love cuccina and sweet tortilla
And they love to mix their Guinness with tequila
And whatever i say they’ll chant ole oh all day
So I’m gonna stay o stay down in Mayo
Where they party hard and never misbehave
They could teach us Mexicanas how to wave
And their Samba drum’s a little thing they call the bodhran
As it booms from Achill sound through Sligo to Bundoran
Down in Mayo , Down in Mayo my little home from home from Mehico .
Chatting to a waiter in a Cuban themed restaurant , you’re a long way from home says I , not at all 100 or so miles , home is Mayo .
In these days of border walls and brexit , the song pays tributes to our spirit of cead mile failte . It’s good humoured with a deeper subtle message so I thought of yourself
And if someone can write a song about “an Englishman in New York. I thought i ‘d have a go about a Mexican in Mayo , hence
Down in Mayo .
Cheers
Brendan
How’s all..just a quick one..LUKA BLOOM plays in The Punchbowl Pub, Booterstown, Dublin.. Wed 17th Oct at 8pm and following night THE 4 OF US on 18th..
RTE knockin the sox off ‘Sail On Jimmy’…great recording, they’re playing it regularly and it’s lovely to hear on the radio..nice one..L
Christy's reply
Hope ye have a great night with the Brother….
Albert Niland is doing somersaults over in California…every play his song gets brings him a little bit closer to getting home
Hi Christy
Big fan , you are a one off , unparalleled . I write a few songs myself and my latest composition “ Down in Mayo “ might appeal to your style . Is there a link to send lyrics to you
Cheers
Brendan
Christy's reply
lash it up here Ben and we can all give it the once over…”Sing Out” sez Pete Seeger
Christy, As a 64 year old, I started learnin’ to play Guitar 4 years ago and was doin’ great , I thought, until YOU got inside my head.
You are driving me mad. I wake up every morning with songs goin’ round in my head. Latest is your version of “Before the Deluge” . I am addicted to your every song.
Is there any chance you could put up the chords/tabs along with the lyrics for all your fabulous music. It would save me a lot of grief 🙂
I promise not to compete with you – LOL
Frankie Becker
Christy's reply
Frankie…I’m a 73 year old…I’ve spent the last 12 months learning 6 songs from other writers, while considering many others…for hours most days,I struggle and wrestle with phrasing, with lyrics, with chords, with variants in melodies across different verses…at the end of it all I come out of the fog and confusion with a new song to sing….it takes all that to get there….. I’ve been twangin the box for 58 years now.. only have 11 chords and I still struggle to get them in the right order…but I need that struggle, that search, that time, to get my own shine on the diamonds that come my way…
I employ 4 chords to cover Jackson’s “Deluge” …C F G Am……thats all the chords I can offer…still not sure what “tab” means…when I played with John Doonan in Hebburn 50 years ago he always referred to his cigarettes as “tabs”…..up in Fife the same word was used to describe Hallucinogenics….back in the Kildare, keepin “tabs” was to keep an eye on some dodgy practice..
go for it Frankie…my sister Anne took up the guitar at 64…now she is giggin and has an album of new songs under her belt….
dont be saving yourself grief, thats what hews the seam
Christy, what an amazing set from the show last night at The Great Northern Hotel! Hillary & Jeff helped w/ the signed vinyl; thank you again. 5 of us are over from the states (Milwaukee) and will be at the show again tonight. We’ll try to sit up front. Thanks again for the amazing show, experience & look forward to tonight!
The Milwaukee Boys.
The real mystery is how you keep getting better and better all the time. Last night was so full of energy and power. That big room was rocking ….. always seems to be a great buzz there and a crowd that were ready to sing along …. yer wan had the vino on board but that’s still no excuse for bad manners. The young lad you sent the plectrum to was delighted. ….. when I saw them after the gig I realised I knew his dad from the football fields from way back ….. he and the lads mum said the boy will be going back to guitar lessons now.
See you tonight…… not sure bout the Nathan and Dangler fans …. the may head off jiving.
you’ll have the tyres worn off the jammer……I think I’ll write to the Arts Minister and suggest a mileage allowance for 4711ers.. such diligent and appreciative followers of (the art of ) Balladeering surely deserve some recogition….
So I’ve been following the Duffy’s Cut events since they discovered the remains.It hits a nerve with me. I’m delighted you sing about it and how you’ve brought lots of attention to their lives.
Were you at the gig last night ?
Hi!
Any any any possible chance of two tickets for Bundoran tomorrow night for my Mammy and my sister (who flew from London in hope she might get a ticket?) They can pay at the Hotel, they are going up regardless just hoping to get in to see their favourite artist.
From a devoted Deirdre
Hi
sent you an email
Grand day for a trip to the Hills . . . . Any day is a good day to come to Donegal. The gigs are eagerly awaited.
There they were, the Mystery Bus Tour from The Glenties, some were hopin for Nathan, some were dressed for Daniel, Marty and Ger had a hunch that it might be The Trad Outfit and came suitably attired for The Companeros…. the man from Pomeroy was otherwise engaged across The Pond so “the turn”was reduced to a 3 Piece….
the gig was lengthy as we went overboard into extra time.”The Boy from Tamlaghduff” appeared after a lengthy hiatus, “Only Our Rivers” meandered across from Florencecourt , “Pity the Poor Emigrant” came on the Donegal air from Minnesota..
that woman in the third row was determined to be heard and distracted those within her immediate vicinity ,
those young boys ( 6 and 8) could teach her a thing or two about gig etiquette as they took it all in….its pure magic for this 73 year old singer to see the youngsters listening to the song, spotted a few hipsters too, one sculpted beard trimmed to within an inch of utter perfection and what harm……
I got to sign an original “Paddy on the Road “after the gig…imagine that, Marty& Ger… a young lady clutching a 1968 Vinyl LP that was sold 50 years ago and there it was in front of me last night, pristine and still in the wrapper like the day it was bought ( for £1/12/6)….I still recall the first day I got that LP in my hand….it was early 1969 and I was in Shepherds Bush in London….
Hope the bus made it back to The Hills last night….just waking up here in Bundoran… we’re gonna try and do it all again tonight and them we have 10 days to prepare for the trip to Scotia…
och aye the noo
Oh boy,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAyMHkRaWFw
Oh girl
I was away there for a while Christy.Distractions everywhere. But today while on the road I discovered “On The Road”. So now I’m back. Back in love with your music. It brought me home. You brought me home. Thank you Sir…
we all need a bit of distraction to keep us focused
Hey Christy,
You know, many of us ‘mericans are very often envious of the vocabulary/ language finesse of our Irish, Scottish, and yes, English brothers and sisters; add on, all of your wonderful and superior wit. I believe it was Shakespeare – whoever that really was – who said, “Bevity is the Soul of wit.” Anyway, if I have bored any of you, I ask for your forgiveness. Some music sharing here. And, for the record, I do check in to this site often,, to hear traditional -or new – Irish, Scottish and English songs/music. Any you may link here and share with us is appreciated. Ok that being said, I think this is good Americana to share with you young John Hartford.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULvliB9LpLk
God bless.
God-dang amigo, we be hearing you too,..we hear your toons loud and clear, from Beefheart to Zappa,The Dead to The Doors, Zimmy to Jimi, all that cacophony reverberating back across the Pond..Doc Watson, Leadbelly, Nina,Ella,Aretha,Patsy, so much music emanating from that huge Colony. ….and the originals, John Trudeau,Jessie Ed Davis,Floyd Westernman, it all comes out in the wash….from right back from where it started to where it bubbles and spins today…Blacks Whites Blues and Greens, all the colours mixed together…
I’m on my knees here this very minute praying that yonder GeeHead Misogynistic Prick dont find no Irish Ancestors…. where in God’s name did you dig him up
did you know that Dublin is the only City in the world where two positives make a negative…Yeah! Right!
Hi Christy,
Hope all is well. Just wanted to reach out, I think you knew my grandad John Joe Murray and uncle Lauri Murray, both avid Moorefoeld men, and both lived their lives for Newbridge! “The town they loved so well”
Hey Eliza….I surely did know John Joe and Lauri of the famous Moorefield Murray Clan….My earliest memory of JohnJoe was way back in the 1950s when I was a young lad…after my own Father died John-Joe always kept an eye out for me…. I included him in a song called “Moorefield”. He is there in the second verse.. there used to be a framed copy of the song in the Moorefield Club last time I visited…its also included in a book I wrote 18 years ago called “One Voice”
I remember Lauri playing in a Skiffle Group back in the early 60s alongside Alan Ray, Leo McBride and Tony Sinnott..last time I met Lauri was at the launch of his lovely book in Ryston a few years back…
Altho I have long since lived in exile from Moorefield, it still occupies a very special place in my memory…my early boyhood and teenage years were full of long happy days…great neighbours and friends.. among them your Grandfather John-Joe and your Grand Uncle Lauri ..best wishes to all the family and to the McBrides and Dohertys and all the extended relations… Up Moorefield !
Thank you so much for those words, that really means a lot to us and my dad will be proud to know I have something of from you to say for him. Thanks again, wow what a gentleman and legend
you are very welcome
Wanted to wish you good luck and safe travels to the North West for a bit of the Bundoran sea air. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it this time but I’m sure the Donegal crowd will give you a great welcome. I see that October 22nd marks the 84th anniversary of the death of Pretty Boy Floyd – maybe he’ll make an appearance in the Great Northern. Let the music keep our spirits high.
Last time I sang “Pretty Boy Floyd” was on a “Live in Dublin ” album back in 1987
“Some will rob you with a six-gun
some with a fountain pen ” ( Woody Guthrie)
good to hear from you John…we’ll rise again..
Cheers Christy
I like Woody and Arlo but it wasn’t in Alice’s Restaurant that I met Juan ?? my Mexican friend
Brendan
I want to reach out over the lough and feel your 27 hands across the water….perhaps she could dance to the tune whilst learning the understanding of your words ( i suspect that even the dancing bit is beyond the wheat field runner , nige and bore-is mind you)
Keep singing it though Christy. Scotland awaits .
Regards Rory
you are after going all cryptic on us…Keep it Simple !!
There’s 4 verses , here’s another one , it’s to a Latino melody think bambaleo the gypsy kings for chorus.
I do miss Monterey warm nights and sunny days
but we’ve Westport Castlebar and Ballina
And believe it or not there’s an airport at Knock
You can fly in anytime it’s not that far
And just remember Jose and Miguel
Some local names not the easiest to spell
But don’t worry you’re not Timothy or Pat
No Brexit here were Irish there’ll be a welcome on the mat
Down in Mayo down in Mayo , my little home from home from Mehico
Thanks for sharing Ben…..lately I’ve returned to singing “Plane Crash at Los Gatos”
This is one verse as he sings about his new home from home
They love cuccina and sweet tortilla
And they love to mix their Guinness with tequila
And whatever i say they’ll chant ole oh all day
So I’m gonna stay o stay down in Mayo
Where they party hard and never misbehave
They could teach us Mexicanas how to wave
And their Samba drum’s a little thing they call the bodhran
As it booms from Achill sound through Sligo to Bundoran
Down in Mayo , Down in Mayo my little home from home from Mehico .
Inspirational reply Christy.
Sigh – Back to the box….
Gettin’ there – and you know what – at 2 am when there’s only me – I sound absolutely fabulous. 🙂
Thanks Christy
Chatting to a waiter in a Cuban themed restaurant , you’re a long way from home says I , not at all 100 or so miles , home is Mayo .
In these days of border walls and brexit , the song pays tributes to our spirit of cead mile failte . It’s good humoured with a deeper subtle message so I thought of yourself
And if someone can write a song about “an Englishman in New York. I thought i ‘d have a go about a Mexican in Mayo , hence
Down in Mayo .
Cheers
Brendan
How’s all..just a quick one..LUKA BLOOM plays in The Punchbowl Pub, Booterstown, Dublin.. Wed 17th Oct at 8pm and following night THE 4 OF US on 18th..
RTE knockin the sox off ‘Sail On Jimmy’…great recording, they’re playing it regularly and it’s lovely to hear on the radio..nice one..L
Hope ye have a great night with the Brother….
Albert Niland is doing somersaults over in California…every play his song gets brings him a little bit closer to getting home
Hi Christy
Big fan , you are a one off , unparalleled . I write a few songs myself and my latest composition “ Down in Mayo “ might appeal to your style . Is there a link to send lyrics to you
Cheers
Brendan
lash it up here Ben and we can all give it the once over…”Sing Out” sez Pete Seeger
Christy, As a 64 year old, I started learnin’ to play Guitar 4 years ago and was doin’ great , I thought, until YOU got inside my head.
You are driving me mad. I wake up every morning with songs goin’ round in my head. Latest is your version of “Before the Deluge” . I am addicted to your every song.
Is there any chance you could put up the chords/tabs along with the lyrics for all your fabulous music. It would save me a lot of grief 🙂
I promise not to compete with you – LOL
Frankie Becker
Frankie…I’m a 73 year old…I’ve spent the last 12 months learning 6 songs from other writers, while considering many others…for hours most days,I struggle and wrestle with phrasing, with lyrics, with chords, with variants in melodies across different verses…at the end of it all I come out of the fog and confusion with a new song to sing….it takes all that to get there….. I’ve been twangin the box for 58 years now.. only have 11 chords and I still struggle to get them in the right order…but I need that struggle, that search, that time, to get my own shine on the diamonds that come my way…
I employ 4 chords to cover Jackson’s “Deluge” …C F G Am……thats all the chords I can offer…still not sure what “tab” means…when I played with John Doonan in Hebburn 50 years ago he always referred to his cigarettes as “tabs”…..up in Fife the same word was used to describe Hallucinogenics….back in the Kildare, keepin “tabs” was to keep an eye on some dodgy practice..
go for it Frankie…my sister Anne took up the guitar at 64…now she is giggin and has an album of new songs under her belt….
dont be saving yourself grief, thats what hews the seam