Hi Christy, it’s been a good few years since we last met, a long time since ‘Smoke..’ and ‘King Puck’ It’s great that you connected with Rob Corcoran, I love his songs and really enjoyed making the album with him. It would be good to catch up sometime, hope you’re well. Roger.
Christy's reply
Hey Roger, good to hear from you….I well remember our work together on those albums…Lombard St and Ballyvourney….
Rob’s song “Ringing that Bell” is reverberating at the current gigs..played it three times in Scotland last week where it was very well recieved..hoping to record it in the near future…the whole world of recorded music has changed utterly since I worked with you and Walter Samuel…just realised its 27 years since we first worked together..
Thank you for your quick response, ill keep writing and singing, ,always admired your ballads, especially “They Never Came Home” which as a retired firefighter I have been known to attempt at sessions
Hi Christy, I am looking for your advice, I wrote the following song after a visit to Flanders, and have been told it is worth recording ,but I have no idea where to start, or even if its worth doing
in flanders green fields,
where the red poppies grow
countless white crosses
stand row upon row
each one for a soldier
someones brother or friend
was this any way for their young lives to end
men mowed down in their thousands
no mercy allowed by manslaughter drag nets
or mustard gas cloud
in no mans land they died all alone
to advance the front line by
THROW OF A STONE
chorus…
this was the war to end all wars
forever we”ed be free
just chase the hun out of the somme
or storm gallipolli
we had the right
the british might
could re write history
now in flanders clay you lie
for all eternity
by the side of a grave i kneel on the sod
and read an inscription
“known only to god”
known only to god,and god only will know
the horrors you witnessed
all those long years ago
as darkness desends ,and the sun sinks away
in the distance the crosses turn slowly to grey
a last ray of sunshine shines on your cross
as though somebody somewhere
mourns your loss
no name rank or number
just a little white cross
but somebody somewhere
mourned your loss
chorus
as i wander this place
how peacefull it seems
but the stones hold your memories
and the trees hold your dreams
and though the guns are long silent
i can still hear the screams
so now my young soldier
ill be on my way,and leave these peaceful fields
that were hell in your day
war still goes on
what have we to show
for all those who lie here
row upon row
for all those who lie here
row upon row
Christy's reply
very hard to know with songs ..when does a lyric become a song or a poem.?..I have no idea where you might go with it….I can only judge what I might sing myself…I often get that wrong…
perhaps the person who told you it was “worth recording” might have some suggestions..
over the years I have recorded a number of songs about the cruel murderous conflict that was WW1
I hope you can find what you are seeking
as regards Brian’s query, try the website Discogs as there is a wealth of talent in there, second hand (and sometimes new) vinyl and cds .currently ‘whatever tickles’ is up for grabs there ,along with many other CM gems.
Thanks Christy for the reminder of Wally’s song, especially on this of all days.
The sweedish lads sound great on youtube and their cause is just and true, ….neither washington nor moscow, but international socialism ….as the Redskins album stated.
Both the festival theatre and the barras were fantastic gigs, each transporting me into very different magical scottish vibes,thanks a million.
Rory
Christy's reply
Well done Rory,
On and On the story unfolds,
just heard,by chance, that the 2016 Planxty retro has been released on Vinyl, also learned that last year vinyl albums outsold CDs….I’m always tickled to that old albums are being sought on Vinyl again…another opportunity perhaps for bootlegs to blossom..
Still in the afterglow of Scottish gigs here…next up is Rathluirc next week…once we hit the stage in North Cork a fresh buzz will begin to outshine that afterglow…before we know it we shall be looking forward once more to Gallowgate…
on and on…Thanks Be
Me and my band perform socialist and antifascist songs from all over the world and one of the songs we play is ”Viva la quinta brigada”. But since our band is from Sweden we have changed the lyrics to swedish and with names etc of swedish volounteers. Alot of people have been asking us to put the song on Spotify but we feel that we want your blessing first. (Any potential revenue will of course go to you.)
In love and death neath the screaming sky i lay down on the ground,and the arms and legs of other men lay scattered all around,
I cursed and prayed, and prayed and cursed ,and then i prayed some more,
But the only thing that i could see was the pair of brown eyes that were looking at me, when we got back labelled parts 1 to 3 there was no pair of brown eyes waiting for me.
Christy's reply
” They landed with the sinking sun, an invasion by the media run
they covered up and kissed with tongues, Sergeants and their men”
“The phantom gunner danced the end,battered human bodies bled
they butchered us we butchered them, Sergeants and their men”
” Now a Flower of sleep grows on his grave, forgotten soon the cowards and brave
but the coldest hate still lives today for Sergeants and their men”
“All for The Roses
Over The Sea.
All for The roses
Finglas Boys to be”
( From Finglas Boys (aka All for The Roses) By Wally Page )
Hi all ,just registered….have a basic question, where can I get /buy (hard copy) of christys older stuff….. came across “home by bearna” off whatever tickles your fancy….would love a c.d of the album and all his older stuff …can anyone help ??? Ride on ….
Christy's reply
Just had a look….”Whatever Tickles” CD seems to be available on ebay…..if its vinyl you’re after ..good luck !
Hi Christy,
Reading all of the wonderful reviews of the Bonny Scotland tour makes me sad that I missed it………….. we were just back from a 2-week trip to Nashville & Memphis. Visited all the wonderful music places, Dolly, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Loretto Lynn, The Oprey etc. No country music left in Nashville; all of this Pop stuff now. Long live the Folk music. Called into to see Elvis, and stood on the spot that he made all of his recordings in Sun Studio…..he really had a fascinating , but short life. Thankfully the “Blues” is alive and well in Memphis; real soul music. Made some wonderful new friends including some Christy companeros………..aaah we are everywhere.
Roll on Vicar Street.
Best Regards.
Christy's reply
shure listen here Patsy, were’nt we only warming up for the Thomas St chronicles..while you were out there I got a great song sent me from Nashville so the karma was workin …I’ve heard similar reports about Nashville previously..one old hack compared it to the Kildare Shopping Village with juke boxes and cardboard country stars on the pavements…
see you along the way..
It was a lovely gig…good listening audience, a packed enough room, as Wal hadn’t played there in almost 4 months. He had a great night..sang the big ones, Smoke, Connellys, Country Boy, Lily and The Rose, Bodygunners, Biko, Finglas Boys, Marching Season, Hey Paddy, and the song for Dylan was there too…such a great, catchy song too, goes down well with the audience. Johnny sang a few too, Black Crow, Corner Boys…New sound system in, new backdrop, lights etc, and the rain stopped too so we could all hear better, and the CD is just about there…Waldo on good form.
Christy's reply
we’re all lying in this morn… the feckin lap top has a line wore across me chest…thought we might make it to 5 lampland last night but fell asleep after the coddle and woke up after LLS thinking I was in Glasgow and late for the soundcheck…delighted to read that Waldo and Johnny are back in town and have opened their Winter Season…will they be returning to Booterstown?
“Now a flower of sleep grows on his grave
forgotten soon the cowards and the brave,
the coldest hate still lives today,
for Sergeants and their men
All for The Roses, Over The Sea,
All for The Roses, Finglas Boys to be” ( from Finglas Boys by Wally Page)
such a poignant November song from our Laureate…long may his nib be inked
I’m keeping a watch on your Gig listings. Rick and I are heading back to IE in September for 3 weeks and I am hoping to surprise him with tickets to one of your concerts for his 74th (yikes) birthday!
Christy's reply
If all goes according to plan, come September I’ll be gigging here in Bognia…1945 was such a good year….I arrived 4 months before Rick….
this is the day the fishermen like……and So Do I ..the great Wally Page plays The Annesley House tonight, around 9.30ish , along with Johnny Mulhearn & band..a night for a brolly out there..
Christy's reply
How did it go Lar ?…did Wally enjoy himself ?…did he sing his new Dylan song ?
I’ve just discovered this nice Guestbook section, so I have encouraged myself to write a few lines. I’m from Barcelona and last November 1st, in Edinburgh, was my first time attending a Christy Moore concert. I went with a friend and I have to say it was totally amazing for us. I learnt about Christy not much time ago, in 2011, while I was spending a couple of months in Ireland. There, listening some songs that really liked me, I asked for their author and I was told that the author was Christy. Well, it was the beginning… till nowadays. I really enjoyed his music and, furthermore, I think he plays very well live, surrounded by worthy musicians. In Edinburgh, I had the feeling I was in front of a great musician and a great person. So I just can show my gratitude to him, especially to his “Viva la quinta brigada”, which let me deeply moved when I heard it live: MUCHAS GRACIAS CHRISTY! And, please, visit us soon… We are waiting for you. Many people will welcome you with open arms!
Back here safe and sound after a roller coaster ride to Glasgow, and on to Dublin and Meath for a couple of days visiting relatives (both alive and dead !) Christy, Barrowlands just keeps getting better, the combination of rousers like Back Home in Derry and gentle ballads (my favorite of course, The Bleacher Lassie) mixed with wondrous instrumentals and The Barras Choir is unreal. I was surprised too to see such youth in the crowd, so vibrant. So to you and Declan, Cathal and Jimmy, heart felt gratitude till next time, thank you thank you thank you.
Brian.
Christy's reply
“Its seven long years since I loved a Sailor.
Its seven long years since he sailed awa’
another seven I’ll wait upon him
and bleach my clothes down the Broomielaw”
Its such a beautiful song..it has stayed with me since 1964..I think I will record it…twas a noble call Brian….
Dear Hilary, dear Christy,
thank you for your kind and quick reply. I already own the Sean nos nua album and maybe my question was not precise enough. The Version I am searching for is from the documentary Video Clip which is probably on the DVD you mentioned and also available on YouTube where I ran into it. In this 6-minute Clip there is only a short snippet of this particular “Lord Baker” version BUT it has some Bagpipe or is it uillean pipe, I dont know the subtle differences AND some very laid back drums, both of which are missing on the Sean nos nua version. Maybe this version is deep in some Studio vault or maybe it doesn’t exist anymore, I am just a diehard collector of outtakes and alternate versions, so please forgive me my insisting on that particular subject. Fantastic Music anyway!!! I am also a great fan of your very special accent of your singing that we were not taught in school, it gives those songs a special vibe. With love from Bavaria, Chris
Christy's reply
The most important version on record is on John Reilly’s Album “The Bonny Green Tree” on the Topic label
Privileged to have been there , Ger was in the full back line so …. seeing the show from another perspective entirely and still just as enthralled. ..
. Thanks to everyone who makes it so special.
Think we’re probably going into hibernation for a while now ….
Enjoy the Vicar Street run , we’ll catch up again in 2019……
Christy's reply
enjoy your winter quarters…we will do our best to keep fit, to be ready for your return in 2019..Sail On Marty & Ger
Hi All. Such great Scottish gigs. I feel the tour almost started off with the two gigs in Donegal and then shifted up a gear in Glasgow, then Edinburgh and the grand finale in Barrowlands. There was some range of songs and how great to hear the new song, and maybe even brave of ye to try is out across the water ? The songs were all so well received,, and the exceptional choir in Barrowlands were with you all the way, the Lonesome Boatman appeared at least three times, which was really unusual. It was wonderful to bring Adam on stage and honour his work. Sail On Jimmy really is so catchy. I love to hear Scapegoats its such a strong ballad, it tells the story in very human way. There is an ever growing gaggle around the gigs now, although we missed some regulars who were absent this time. Thank you Christy and Declan, Jimmy and Cathal for the music and the tunes and the joy, thanks to the all crew who make us so welcome all the time and go that extra mile always. Beir bua agus beanncht. H
Christy's reply
where else does chanting break out 3 times during a gig…interestingly each time in the key of B flat minor….a key we never employ yet the choir drifted into it upon each welcome interjection…wonderful moments for us to catch breath, take stock, view the room..what a sea of faces..like a field of beautiful wild flowers all swaying in the breeze…
I still recall my first gig there…solo about 30 years ago…. maybe 3-4 hundred gathered round the stage…since then it has developed over the years into a right old Fleadh Ceol….may it continue
But I must say that Both Royal Concert Hall Glasgow and Festival Theatre Edinburgh were just as successful albeit with more settled and considered atmosphere…makes for a great wee Tour…2 splendid concert Halls and 1 historic dancehall…fair play also to Mark and Richealle and all the crew at Regular Music who prepare the way for us to play…our visit went off without a hitch..we were afforded a right royal Scottish welcome…it was home away from home for us all
Hi Christy.. what a fantastic gig at the Barrowlands.. loved the mix of songs and the instrumentals from all four of you… Thanks again from us Imlachs 🙂 xx
Christy's reply
152
62459
gotta a pair o sandshoes
the volvo
the craic
behind the sofa
H W V F J M
Glory hallelujah
x
Hi Christy,
Silvia and I went over to Glasgow October 31st to see you and your fantastic musicians in the Royal Concert Hall. A really beautiful concert with a brilliant sound.
But what an experience at the Barrowland!!! We where totaly flashed. This gig beets Vicarstreet an the other gig we attenmded befor. You all played out your souls (don’t know if I found the right english words), and the audience was completely taken off. Unfortunately sometimes they didn’t recognize that the own jubilee was a bit to much.
In any case, an unforgettabe concert. Thank you very much.
Peter & Silvia
–> hope we could meet the nice scotish couple at the Bardentreffen in Nürnberg, 26.-28.July 2019
Christy's reply
your English words are perfect Peter & Silvia….thank you for sharing the experience of your visit to Glasgow….its a great City to visit….hearing from you reminds me of my own good experiences in Germany….
Back down to earth after our great time in the Barras. From Chicago (city of…)to New York (fairytale of….) and every magical song and tune in between ,the energy ,the craic ,the choir and a couple of special moments when even this room went quiet. … for the magdalene laundries and Ringing the Bell, which makes me think of Paddy Hill and his interview on the Journey did ( I think) the anger,the frustration and the sadness that never leaves. Though I know the song is about other abuse .
Anyway between the jigs and the reels and the Edinburgh Set it was some night.
P.s. when you sang Sail on Jimmy ,I’m sure some fella behind me sang See You Jimmy …
Christy's reply
maybe my fave moment was “The Bleacher Lassie O Kelvinhaugh”
It felt to me like many were hearing it for the first time
I heard Mick Moloney sing it back in 1964…I was under a table in a sleeping back on a cold basement floor in Belgrave Square Rathmines…the song has always stayed with me..I heard later versions from Owen Hand, Dick Gaughan…maybe gigged it 3 or 4 times in 50 years….
good to see you there Marty, right at the heart of the full-forward line, so many familiar faces at the front, some whose names I know, some whose faces I recall from previous nights over the years,
How are ye Christy, long time no post for me? I missed you last time you were in Scotland for the first time in over 20 years but I was back in the saddle for the Barrowlands on Saturday and what a ride it was!
I’ve seen you there a couple of times before and, if I’m honest, the Concert Hall always suited me better as I like to hear the power of your voice, the clarity of the notes and the subtleties of Jimmy’s percussion and Deccie’s magic fingers.
However, on Saturday night, I finally got it. The gig was absolutely marvellous, the set list was superb and I could feel the love in the room flowing just as much from on stage to the audience as it clearly was in the opposite direction.
I don’t think I’ve seen you look so genuinely emotional, or so animated for many a year. It was a joy to behold. I’d say that for the duration of that gig, you looked like about 30 years had melted away and you were back in your 40s. The face mic gives you a lot more freedom.
At different times, the looks on all your faces on stage were of delighted bewilderment, pride and unadulterated joy. There must have been times when you could hardly hear yourselves play but it mattered not because the audience were in tremendous voice too.
It was a truly unforgettable gig and I now absolutely get it as to why you have so much affection for the venue. It’s a special place all right and you have become a living, breathing, singing part of its folklore.
Magical stuff my friend, just magical.
Until the next time……..
Dave.
Christy's reply
Hey Dave,
Greetings to Carfin… all good here so far this morning and me still in the bed. Good to see your name come on the guest book…
You describe the experience so well from your side of “the lamps”
We play Barrowlands every 18 months. It occupies a special place in our hearts.
I enjoy all our gigs.They came in all shapes and sizes. In recent months I’ve played Solo gigs, Duet gigs with Decky, Trios with Jimmy and Quartets with Cathal….we’ve played spaces as varied as The Marquee CORK, National Concert Hall DUBLIN, the Community Hall CAPPOQUIN, Town Hall Claremorris,Dreamland Ballroom Athy……
we play about 70 gigs a year …this means that once every 100 gigs we pull into the East End of Glasgow to visit the Sacred Shrine of Song…..
Whatever makes It so special is indefinable….from your post above its obvious that have have plugged into the power of Mags McIvor’s ….
I get it when I walk up the stairs and into that empty room….I get it again as we leave the (once again) empty space 6 hours later…..
Every gig is special, every room has its own unique acoustic,shape and atmosphere…. Barrowland is exceptional and I love it like no other…..if all goes well we will return in the Spring of 2020….May we all be spared ’til then
Hi Christy, it’s been a good few years since we last met, a long time since ‘Smoke..’ and ‘King Puck’ It’s great that you connected with Rob Corcoran, I love his songs and really enjoyed making the album with him. It would be good to catch up sometime, hope you’re well. Roger.
Hey Roger, good to hear from you….I well remember our work together on those albums…Lombard St and Ballyvourney….
Rob’s song “Ringing that Bell” is reverberating at the current gigs..played it three times in Scotland last week where it was very well recieved..hoping to record it in the near future…the whole world of recorded music has changed utterly since I worked with you and Walter Samuel…just realised its 27 years since we first worked together..
Thank you for your quick response, ill keep writing and singing, ,always admired your ballads, especially “They Never Came Home” which as a retired firefighter I have been known to attempt at sessions
Hi Christy, I am looking for your advice, I wrote the following song after a visit to Flanders, and have been told it is worth recording ,but I have no idea where to start, or even if its worth doing
in flanders green fields,
where the red poppies grow
countless white crosses
stand row upon row
each one for a soldier
someones brother or friend
was this any way for their young lives to end
men mowed down in their thousands
no mercy allowed by manslaughter drag nets
or mustard gas cloud
in no mans land they died all alone
to advance the front line by
THROW OF A STONE
chorus…
this was the war to end all wars
forever we”ed be free
just chase the hun out of the somme
or storm gallipolli
we had the right
the british might
could re write history
now in flanders clay you lie
for all eternity
by the side of a grave i kneel on the sod
and read an inscription
“known only to god”
known only to god,and god only will know
the horrors you witnessed
all those long years ago
as darkness desends ,and the sun sinks away
in the distance the crosses turn slowly to grey
a last ray of sunshine shines on your cross
as though somebody somewhere
mourns your loss
no name rank or number
just a little white cross
but somebody somewhere
mourned your loss
chorus
as i wander this place
how peacefull it seems
but the stones hold your memories
and the trees hold your dreams
and though the guns are long silent
i can still hear the screams
so now my young soldier
ill be on my way,and leave these peaceful fields
that were hell in your day
war still goes on
what have we to show
for all those who lie here
row upon row
for all those who lie here
row upon row
very hard to know with songs ..when does a lyric become a song or a poem.?..I have no idea where you might go with it….I can only judge what I might sing myself…I often get that wrong…
perhaps the person who told you it was “worth recording” might have some suggestions..
over the years I have recorded a number of songs about the cruel murderous conflict that was WW1
I hope you can find what you are seeking
as regards Brian’s query, try the website Discogs as there is a wealth of talent in there, second hand (and sometimes new) vinyl and cds .currently ‘whatever tickles’ is up for grabs there ,along with many other CM gems.
Thanks Christy for the reminder of Wally’s song, especially on this of all days.
The sweedish lads sound great on youtube and their cause is just and true, ….neither washington nor moscow, but international socialism ….as the Redskins album stated.
Both the festival theatre and the barras were fantastic gigs, each transporting me into very different magical scottish vibes,thanks a million.
Rory
Well done Rory,
On and On the story unfolds,
just heard,by chance, that the 2016 Planxty retro has been released on Vinyl, also learned that last year vinyl albums outsold CDs….I’m always tickled to that old albums are being sought on Vinyl again…another opportunity perhaps for bootlegs to blossom..
Still in the afterglow of Scottish gigs here…next up is Rathluirc next week…once we hit the stage in North Cork a fresh buzz will begin to outshine that afterglow…before we know it we shall be looking forward once more to Gallowgate…
on and on…Thanks Be
Hi Christy!
Me and my band perform socialist and antifascist songs from all over the world and one of the songs we play is ”Viva la quinta brigada”. But since our band is from Sweden we have changed the lyrics to swedish and with names etc of swedish volounteers. Alot of people have been asking us to put the song on Spotify but we feel that we want your blessing first. (Any potential revenue will of course go to you.)
Link to the song:
https://youtu.be/U_4AHc_jsxA
/Robert A – Bergbestigarna
well done..keep up the good work…let us join together and fight the rising tide of fascism
In love and death neath the screaming sky i lay down on the ground,and the arms and legs of other men lay scattered all around,
I cursed and prayed, and prayed and cursed ,and then i prayed some more,
But the only thing that i could see was the pair of brown eyes that were looking at me, when we got back labelled parts 1 to 3 there was no pair of brown eyes waiting for me.
” They landed with the sinking sun, an invasion by the media run
they covered up and kissed with tongues, Sergeants and their men”
“The phantom gunner danced the end,battered human bodies bled
they butchered us we butchered them, Sergeants and their men”
” Now a Flower of sleep grows on his grave, forgotten soon the cowards and brave
but the coldest hate still lives today for Sergeants and their men”
“All for The Roses
Over The Sea.
All for The roses
Finglas Boys to be”
( From Finglas Boys (aka All for The Roses) By Wally Page )
Hi all ,just registered….have a basic question, where can I get /buy (hard copy) of christys older stuff….. came across “home by bearna” off whatever tickles your fancy….would love a c.d of the album and all his older stuff …can anyone help ??? Ride on ….
Just had a look….”Whatever Tickles” CD seems to be available on ebay…..if its vinyl you’re after ..good luck !
Hi Christy,
Reading all of the wonderful reviews of the Bonny Scotland tour makes me sad that I missed it………….. we were just back from a 2-week trip to Nashville & Memphis. Visited all the wonderful music places, Dolly, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Loretto Lynn, The Oprey etc. No country music left in Nashville; all of this Pop stuff now. Long live the Folk music. Called into to see Elvis, and stood on the spot that he made all of his recordings in Sun Studio…..he really had a fascinating , but short life. Thankfully the “Blues” is alive and well in Memphis; real soul music. Made some wonderful new friends including some Christy companeros………..aaah we are everywhere.
Roll on Vicar Street.
Best Regards.
shure listen here Patsy, were’nt we only warming up for the Thomas St chronicles..while you were out there I got a great song sent me from Nashville so the karma was workin …I’ve heard similar reports about Nashville previously..one old hack compared it to the Kildare Shopping Village with juke boxes and cardboard country stars on the pavements…
see you along the way..
It was a lovely gig…good listening audience, a packed enough room, as Wal hadn’t played there in almost 4 months. He had a great night..sang the big ones, Smoke, Connellys, Country Boy, Lily and The Rose, Bodygunners, Biko, Finglas Boys, Marching Season, Hey Paddy, and the song for Dylan was there too…such a great, catchy song too, goes down well with the audience. Johnny sang a few too, Black Crow, Corner Boys…New sound system in, new backdrop, lights etc, and the rain stopped too so we could all hear better, and the CD is just about there…Waldo on good form.
we’re all lying in this morn… the feckin lap top has a line wore across me chest…thought we might make it to 5 lampland last night but fell asleep after the coddle and woke up after LLS thinking I was in Glasgow and late for the soundcheck…delighted to read that Waldo and Johnny are back in town and have opened their Winter Season…will they be returning to Booterstown?
“Now a flower of sleep grows on his grave
forgotten soon the cowards and the brave,
the coldest hate still lives today,
for Sergeants and their men
All for The Roses, Over The Sea,
All for The Roses, Finglas Boys to be” ( from Finglas Boys by Wally Page)
such a poignant November song from our Laureate…long may his nib be inked
I’m keeping a watch on your Gig listings. Rick and I are heading back to IE in September for 3 weeks and I am hoping to surprise him with tickets to one of your concerts for his 74th (yikes) birthday!
If all goes according to plan, come September I’ll be gigging here in Bognia…1945 was such a good year….I arrived 4 months before Rick….
this is the day the fishermen like……and So Do I ..the great Wally Page plays The Annesley House tonight, around 9.30ish , along with Johnny Mulhearn & band..a night for a brolly out there..
How did it go Lar ?…did Wally enjoy himself ?…did he sing his new Dylan song ?
Hi there,
I’ve just discovered this nice Guestbook section, so I have encouraged myself to write a few lines. I’m from Barcelona and last November 1st, in Edinburgh, was my first time attending a Christy Moore concert. I went with a friend and I have to say it was totally amazing for us. I learnt about Christy not much time ago, in 2011, while I was spending a couple of months in Ireland. There, listening some songs that really liked me, I asked for their author and I was told that the author was Christy. Well, it was the beginning… till nowadays. I really enjoyed his music and, furthermore, I think he plays very well live, surrounded by worthy musicians. In Edinburgh, I had the feeling I was in front of a great musician and a great person. So I just can show my gratitude to him, especially to his “Viva la quinta brigada”, which let me deeply moved when I heard it live: MUCHAS GRACIAS CHRISTY! And, please, visit us soon… We are waiting for you. Many people will welcome you with open arms!
Thank you….A gig in Barcelona…what a good idea
Back here safe and sound after a roller coaster ride to Glasgow, and on to Dublin and Meath for a couple of days visiting relatives (both alive and dead !) Christy, Barrowlands just keeps getting better, the combination of rousers like Back Home in Derry and gentle ballads (my favorite of course, The Bleacher Lassie) mixed with wondrous instrumentals and The Barras Choir is unreal. I was surprised too to see such youth in the crowd, so vibrant. So to you and Declan, Cathal and Jimmy, heart felt gratitude till next time, thank you thank you thank you.
Brian.
“Its seven long years since I loved a Sailor.
Its seven long years since he sailed awa’
another seven I’ll wait upon him
and bleach my clothes down the Broomielaw”
Its such a beautiful song..it has stayed with me since 1964..I think I will record it…twas a noble call Brian….
Dear Hilary, dear Christy,
thank you for your kind and quick reply. I already own the Sean nos nua album and maybe my question was not precise enough. The Version I am searching for is from the documentary Video Clip which is probably on the DVD you mentioned and also available on YouTube where I ran into it. In this 6-minute Clip there is only a short snippet of this particular “Lord Baker” version BUT it has some Bagpipe or is it uillean pipe, I dont know the subtle differences AND some very laid back drums, both of which are missing on the Sean nos nua version. Maybe this version is deep in some Studio vault or maybe it doesn’t exist anymore, I am just a diehard collector of outtakes and alternate versions, so please forgive me my insisting on that particular subject. Fantastic Music anyway!!! I am also a great fan of your very special accent of your singing that we were not taught in school, it gives those songs a special vibe. With love from Bavaria, Chris
The most important version on record is on John Reilly’s Album “The Bonny Green Tree” on the Topic label
Privileged to have been there , Ger was in the full back line so …. seeing the show from another perspective entirely and still just as enthralled. ..
. Thanks to everyone who makes it so special.
Think we’re probably going into hibernation for a while now ….
Enjoy the Vicar Street run , we’ll catch up again in 2019……
enjoy your winter quarters…we will do our best to keep fit, to be ready for your return in 2019..Sail On Marty & Ger
Hi All. Such great Scottish gigs. I feel the tour almost started off with the two gigs in Donegal and then shifted up a gear in Glasgow, then Edinburgh and the grand finale in Barrowlands. There was some range of songs and how great to hear the new song, and maybe even brave of ye to try is out across the water ? The songs were all so well received,, and the exceptional choir in Barrowlands were with you all the way, the Lonesome Boatman appeared at least three times, which was really unusual. It was wonderful to bring Adam on stage and honour his work. Sail On Jimmy really is so catchy. I love to hear Scapegoats its such a strong ballad, it tells the story in very human way. There is an ever growing gaggle around the gigs now, although we missed some regulars who were absent this time. Thank you Christy and Declan, Jimmy and Cathal for the music and the tunes and the joy, thanks to the all crew who make us so welcome all the time and go that extra mile always. Beir bua agus beanncht. H
where else does chanting break out 3 times during a gig…interestingly each time in the key of B flat minor….a key we never employ yet the choir drifted into it upon each welcome interjection…wonderful moments for us to catch breath, take stock, view the room..what a sea of faces..like a field of beautiful wild flowers all swaying in the breeze…
I still recall my first gig there…solo about 30 years ago…. maybe 3-4 hundred gathered round the stage…since then it has developed over the years into a right old Fleadh Ceol….may it continue
But I must say that Both Royal Concert Hall Glasgow and Festival Theatre Edinburgh were just as successful albeit with more settled and considered atmosphere…makes for a great wee Tour…2 splendid concert Halls and 1 historic dancehall…fair play also to Mark and Richealle and all the crew at Regular Music who prepare the way for us to play…our visit went off without a hitch..we were afforded a right royal Scottish welcome…it was home away from home for us all
Hi Christy.. what a fantastic gig at the Barrowlands.. loved the mix of songs and the instrumentals from all four of you… Thanks again from us Imlachs 🙂 xx
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gotta a pair o sandshoes
the volvo
the craic
behind the sofa
H W V F J M
Glory hallelujah
x
Hi Christy,
Silvia and I went over to Glasgow October 31st to see you and your fantastic musicians in the Royal Concert Hall. A really beautiful concert with a brilliant sound.
But what an experience at the Barrowland!!! We where totaly flashed. This gig beets Vicarstreet an the other gig we attenmded befor. You all played out your souls (don’t know if I found the right english words), and the audience was completely taken off. Unfortunately sometimes they didn’t recognize that the own jubilee was a bit to much.
In any case, an unforgettabe concert. Thank you very much.
Peter & Silvia
–> hope we could meet the nice scotish couple at the Bardentreffen in Nürnberg, 26.-28.July 2019
your English words are perfect Peter & Silvia….thank you for sharing the experience of your visit to Glasgow….its a great City to visit….hearing from you reminds me of my own good experiences in Germany….
Back down to earth after our great time in the Barras. From Chicago (city of…)to New York (fairytale of….) and every magical song and tune in between ,the energy ,the craic ,the choir and a couple of special moments when even this room went quiet. … for the magdalene laundries and Ringing the Bell, which makes me think of Paddy Hill and his interview on the Journey did ( I think) the anger,the frustration and the sadness that never leaves. Though I know the song is about other abuse .
Anyway between the jigs and the reels and the Edinburgh Set it was some night.
P.s. when you sang Sail on Jimmy ,I’m sure some fella behind me sang See You Jimmy …
maybe my fave moment was “The Bleacher Lassie O Kelvinhaugh”
It felt to me like many were hearing it for the first time
I heard Mick Moloney sing it back in 1964…I was under a table in a sleeping back on a cold basement floor in Belgrave Square Rathmines…the song has always stayed with me..I heard later versions from Owen Hand, Dick Gaughan…maybe gigged it 3 or 4 times in 50 years….
good to see you there Marty, right at the heart of the full-forward line, so many familiar faces at the front, some whose names I know, some whose faces I recall from previous nights over the years,
How are ye Christy, long time no post for me? I missed you last time you were in Scotland for the first time in over 20 years but I was back in the saddle for the Barrowlands on Saturday and what a ride it was!
I’ve seen you there a couple of times before and, if I’m honest, the Concert Hall always suited me better as I like to hear the power of your voice, the clarity of the notes and the subtleties of Jimmy’s percussion and Deccie’s magic fingers.
However, on Saturday night, I finally got it. The gig was absolutely marvellous, the set list was superb and I could feel the love in the room flowing just as much from on stage to the audience as it clearly was in the opposite direction.
I don’t think I’ve seen you look so genuinely emotional, or so animated for many a year. It was a joy to behold. I’d say that for the duration of that gig, you looked like about 30 years had melted away and you were back in your 40s. The face mic gives you a lot more freedom.
At different times, the looks on all your faces on stage were of delighted bewilderment, pride and unadulterated joy. There must have been times when you could hardly hear yourselves play but it mattered not because the audience were in tremendous voice too.
It was a truly unforgettable gig and I now absolutely get it as to why you have so much affection for the venue. It’s a special place all right and you have become a living, breathing, singing part of its folklore.
Magical stuff my friend, just magical.
Until the next time……..
Dave.
Hey Dave,
Greetings to Carfin… all good here so far this morning and me still in the bed. Good to see your name come on the guest book…
You describe the experience so well from your side of “the lamps”
We play Barrowlands every 18 months. It occupies a special place in our hearts.
I enjoy all our gigs.They came in all shapes and sizes. In recent months I’ve played Solo gigs, Duet gigs with Decky, Trios with Jimmy and Quartets with Cathal….we’ve played spaces as varied as The Marquee CORK, National Concert Hall DUBLIN, the Community Hall CAPPOQUIN, Town Hall Claremorris,Dreamland Ballroom Athy……
we play about 70 gigs a year …this means that once every 100 gigs we pull into the East End of Glasgow to visit the Sacred Shrine of Song…..
Whatever makes It so special is indefinable….from your post above its obvious that have have plugged into the power of Mags McIvor’s ….
I get it when I walk up the stairs and into that empty room….I get it again as we leave the (once again) empty space 6 hours later…..
Every gig is special, every room has its own unique acoustic,shape and atmosphere…. Barrowland is exceptional and I love it like no other…..if all goes well we will return in the Spring of 2020….May we all be spared ’til then