CM
I always love to see a new album coming from you.You always say you put it on the shelf with the others and move onto what ever is next.I like to take the time to ponder the thought gone into the cover ,seleve notes and song choices and just the whole package.
on a different note
I know a lad who married a woman from uachtar ard.He lives in Bermuda and they got battered up and down and sideways by that hurricane.He finally sent a note this morning to say his sailboat called “shamrock” is safe and well. A bit battered onto shore but in one piece.Tá an áit sroista ach tá said fhéin agus an bád sabhailte.
keep yourself warm now these days CM
time of year to sit by the fireside and warm the cockles of your lovely heart.
Don’t forget any place in county Galway West of the Corrib is in Connemara .
I’ve heard people in Galway say “I’m going to connemara ” If only they knew they are already there.!
I will be seeing you very soon with the help of God CS (14 )
(15) 8 lá eile
Christy's reply
CS (15 beagnác)
Poor Bermuda looks flattened….the earth is takin an awful batterin…where is it all gonna end up…
I suppose yourself and RS are settlin in to the next stage of your journey….I wish ye both well in your new year of learning..
I’m adup here in County Monaghan….Big Tom Country…I met Big Tom 47 years ago in Flannery’s Hotel in Galway….we were all out on the road…Planxty with “The Cliffs of Dooneen” …..Big Tom with “Four Country Roads”… He was a gentle giant of a gentleman, we were a bunch of ragamuffins, I think we were probably a bit “full of it”…
Just signed off on the Mastering process for the next release…..David and Jimmy have been hard at the coalface batin it into shape…the Art work is complete, the sleeve notes corrected and edited, the various bits and pieces all tidied up and ready for the printer….
there have been so many sleeves across the years…some still feel good, one or two make me wince when glimpsed…I have a soft spot for the Box Set (1964-2004)…I the way the colour coding worked out…when someone says they were listening to the “Yellow” or the “Green” or the “Pink” that tickles my fancy….I like the “LiLY” sleeve too…I think the first Planxty sleeve was the best (but only in its original colours) the first Moving Hearts sleeve too and the Ride On sleeve really worked well…I wont mention the ones that make me wince !!!
How are your songs going? are you on guitar or bouzouki these days? are you writing?
Let The Music Keep Your Spirits High…(CM 74)
Well Christy, Therese Kelly here from The Brow Coolcullen. Myself my father John and brother John Joe are going to your concert next Thursday the 12th of september. Were bringing a crowd from Coon with us might play an oul tune for us and might see you on the night. Best of Luck we are looking forward to it!!
Christy's reply
Its 40 years since I last set foot on The Brow….God be good to your Grandparents Joe and Mrs Kelly they gave me such a welcome and I came away with a sweet Bodhrán that lasted for manys the year….I tapped manys the tune on it before it gave up the ghost one night in Germany…..your Uncle Mike put in a Stanley Number 9 for us on the Protestant Road and it kept us warm thru the big snow of 1977 ( altho she’d smoke like the divvil if the wind was blowing from The Ridge) Toby Butler was our Postman …..The Stedmonds great next door neighbours….Mick Walsh was the Mayor of Coolcullen and we were never short of spuds….Tom Kinsella was my Tour Manager back then and we played The Salmon Pool, Larkins, Sheerins, Moloneys,The Coalmine, Conways, The Arkle in Gowran all in the one week….
you say your bringin” a crowd from Coon” !!! Well they were always a great crowd when we lived there….we enjoyed our two years in Coolcullen,only for the house being so feckin damp we might still be there….I might see ye in Tullow but my eyesight has failed a bit since I last saw ye….I met Leo Varadkar last week and I thought he was Boris Johnson
Great to read of a new live album in the works…… now we know 3 of the songs we will wait in anticipation of the rest.
Enjoy Castleblaney, a fine venue there I believe. Maybe we can get there next time.
Be careful not to get caught in the crossfire between any Dubs and Kingdom fans… it’s a fierce rivalry altogether.
Christy's reply
I never thought of that Marty ! I dont like letting the cat out of the bag, never mind 3 cats !!!…..there will be 26 tracks on the upcoming release….
The Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney was very welcoming last night…a few great requests….I took a stab at “Natives” but did not get as far as Verse 2…someone else called for “Irish Ways,Irish Laws” and I took a chance…sailed through it and enjoyed singing it again…Mick Devine reckons I’ve only done it twice in the last 20 years…got a call for “Me & The Rose”…..I think it might be time to roll her out again….all 12 minutes..would ye be able for it ?
Hello Christy,
Thanks for writing about audiences and journeys. Interesting stuff.
I’m learning 10 new songs. It was 9 but I seem to have picked up another one since yesterday. Lots of learning. 🙂
Hello Rory,
I like your son in law`s poem.
These days it’s not really brexit, more breaks-everything.
Thanks
Rebecca
Christy's reply
working on 10 new songs sounds like a busy,fulfilling place to be…I wish you well in your practice…I’ve got one going full blast here at the moment (but there may be 9 on the back burner)
Hi Christy, i was painting away tonight before the rain, to the strains of the ‘where i come from’ album and it struck me, it never had before.
The word’awesome’ in ‘minds locked shut’, i actually listened properly , i even then went to check the dictionary definition of the word, it makes sense . I have no idea how it has taken me hundreds of listens to pick up the meaning of that word ,or to ‘hear’ it properly. fear.
Anyway ,my son-in-law sent me his poem, it too makes sense and i thought that you and some of the 4711ers might like it . It too is awesome, in it’s way. rory
Eton Mess
The biodegradation of an island exacerbates,
Hyphae envelopes the plant’s ovaries as the strawberry decays,
Insects swarm around a meringue, pulpy and insipid,
Cream curdles as a government forms.
The Corgis lap it up,
A Queen purrs, orgasmic at the destitution within her realm,
The crown wobbles upon her head as a blonde student of Eton tends to her bunions,
The proles revolted, turn to Channel 4,
Thirteen amateur bakers steal the nation, the bread kneads,
A revolution fails to rise.
Darren Murphy
Christy's reply
Darren has written a perfect “Eton Mess”
a well defined summary of what appears to be happening in that wonderful country….across all the years I cannot recall a more despicable bunch at the helm….and there have been some bad ‘uns in my lifetime….
My feelings for England are based upon personal experience, on the friends and hospitality experienced along the road, on the singers,writers, artists, listeners, on the cities,towns and villages traversed….When I think of England I think of good friends and great years….dark clouds lurk but never dominate my reflections
Morning Christy , the sun is shining what more could we ask for . I was just trying to book tickets for my friends tickets as a wedding present as he is a massive fan of yours and your song ,”So I do “was chosen as they walked down the aisle it brought tears to everyone eyes as it was a small intimate wedding this weekend there having a huge party In Westport again as a bless your song “So I do “ will be playing ,the most romantic song I have heard so perfect for this beautiful couple …. sure if your in the area pop in for a drink 🥃😜😂you might even sing 🎤 . Any way Im looking on line trying to find a good venue is it right that you have a gig coming up in Westport next March ? and the tickets will be out October ? Looking forward to hearing from you .Anne Marie .Thanks 🙏Christy
Haigh Christy, My wife and I loved your August 16th show at Leisureland and arrived early enough to be in the front row. Your band reached the level of magical during McIhattan. The concert was the highlight of our visit to Ireland with only one disappointment. You didn’t give us a shout out like you had about a dozen others who traveled to see your show. And I believe we traveled the farthest!
John & Sally McNally
Christy's reply
HeySallyJohn,
never a dozen..no way….some nights I get a big bunch of requests…I put them all in a bag and pick out 3 or 4 ..never more then 4….its always a distraction from the job at hand, gets in the way of the flow, some tell me I should not do it at all…some dont like it…but I keep doing it for I know it can mean so much…I try and suss out the sincere ones from the attention seekers…but I have to prioritise the songs, the music ,my fellow players,the arrangements, the audience as an entity but with an ear to the individual…I too loved that Galway show ..thanks for your feedback but I dont think you were farthest travelled….both Declan and I been travelling since 1967 to get there that night..Cathal and Jimmy since the 70’s and 80’s….but its the great collective that makes the nights special….the songs ,singers,music players, crew and The Listeners…each and every one of us special, unique, generous, attentive, loyal and understanding…we had a great night together in Galway..thanks for remembering
Having been treated like superstars by yourself and your staff last time at Carrick on Shannon, myself and the other three have booked up again to come over to Gorey, Wexford for gig on 9th Nov. My wee Mammy will be 73 on the 8th of November and she’s delighted to be making her way back over the water to see you all again. We couldn’t ask for better treatment from last time but all I’d ask as a wee favour would be for a possibility of a reserved seat for her. Anywhere will do. Less stress all-round if that could be achieved. The front row is NOT required. As magnificent as it was, we are happy to leave you in peace this time. Any help would be much appreciated.
Hey Christy booked up for Liverpool 16th October.
3rd visit to you this year.
Once over in Westport and down in London.
Just asking from a big fan if you could do a few tunes for me.
I absolutely love “Only her Rivers Run free” “Motherland” and also “Burning times” if you could do any of them I’d be so happy from your biggest fan.
Ryan 🙂
Christy's reply
Sure thing Ryan….just putting the finishing touches to an upcoming live album that will feature those three tracks..so they are all among the possibles for The Phil
Hi All
I’m visiting from England and have booked 2 tickets for Tullow show on 12th but can’t make it now
Absolutely gutted but is there anyone interested in the tickets for the great man?
Gerry
Christy's reply
hope it works out….if not,giz a shout again next week
Hi there Christy
Cropredy came and went. Another marvellous 4 days of peace, love, Guinness and sausage butties. Oh, and of course the sweet music. Waterboys were a great highlight for me but there is so much great new and young talent emerging and on display. Fairport as usual were outstanding and the buzz around the village for the 4 days is something to behold. Chips and curry sauce from the chip wagon near the bridge is a must. Met a fella who says his wife’s family are related to you in some way. Can’t remember the full tale coz the gargle was kicking in, but do you have relatives with the name McGowran. If not, then he was talking bollocks. The weather was a bit shite but it doesn’t spoil things.
Anyhows, flying off to Frigiliana on Friday for a weeks R & R (seriously) . No chance of it pissing down on me there.
Maybe catch you on the road in the coming weeks.
Best to you and yours
Frankie
Christy's reply
Morra Frankie,
No McGowran connections but my best friend growing up was the late Pat (aka Paul) McGowan…..he was a next door neighbour growing up on Moorefield Rd in Newbridge, County Kildare.He spent all his adult life in London.We knocked around and explored the world together…he would have many family connections in “Dear Old Blighty”
Cropredy sounds like it lived up to expectations..great to hear Fairport are still knockin out good vibrations..
Richard toured here recently, great reports…unfortunately I was on the road myself at the time..
I heard them in Free Trade Hall Manchester 50 years ago….they sparked an idea that still glows
“September comes around each year, we go there and they come here!” Couple of friends of mine have been off down to Frijiliana on their holidays this year. Sounds like a mighty spot. Did they ever get round to twinning it with Lisdoon? Anyway, c’mere till I ask ye. Just seen on th’internet that the lyrics from ‘They Never Came Home’ (no need for me to reproduce them here) “are still banned in Ireland as libelous”. Is still this true now in 2019?
Christy's reply
re thon internut…as Ellie Power from Yellow Furze once told me…paper never refuses ink…
in recent years “They Never Came Home” has aired on Radio,TV and many Concert Halls….Judge Murphy went to his just reward some years ago so no turn around from him…..
The Families of The Victims still seek justice, still struggle on in the face of State indifference to their plight…
Judge Pat McCartan (Retd from Bench & Worker’s Party) denied them their right of appeal or enquiry before heading for the hills
Hi Christy
In the early 90s you came to Christchurch to play a concert. I was so excited I wrote to you and asked you to play Lord Baker. I have loved this song since I was a little girl, listening to it as my Dad played it all the time. The song filled me, and still does, with wonder, calm, beauty and longing.
Near the end of the concert, you said you didn’t much care for heckling and people yelling out for songs they wanted you to play. But then you said that I had written to you asking for Lord Baker so you played it, just for me! It was so beautiful Christy and filled me with tears. I was 17 at the time and too embarrassed to thank you at the time in front of the whole audience.
I have thought about it all these years, wanting to acknowledge how much it meant to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for playing such a beautiful song. 30 odd years later, I listen to Lord Baker still and remember the joy you bought.
Christy's reply
Thank You Ruth,
Since learning “Lord Baker” 41 years ago I seldom sing it publicly..in the past 20 years maybe 5 times at most…yet it remains my favourite song….I become very involved with songs when learning/shaping/arranging/familiarising…maybe even temporarily obsessed but it passes on …with “Lord Baker” the feeling remains strong…on sleepless nights I sing it in my mind and never get to the end…I’m usually lulled to slumber before “Turkey’s”daughter reaches Northumberland or “North Humber”…I sometimes think I might record it again but then I recall the Planxty version and let it be..
I loved my visits to New Zealand….. I recall playing in Christchurch..I met a man there called John Geraghty from my home place in Kildare, I still remember something that he said to me..
thank you for making contact..for bringing Lord Baker into the conversation…
I learned this great song from John”Jacko” Reilly…he was a travelling Tinsmith who neither read nor wrote but the beauty of his singing lives on like a beacon throughout my repertoire…there is a beautiful album called “The Bonny Green Tree” on the Topic Label..before he died at a young age, John’s singing was recorded by the late Tom Munnelly….Tom was (and remains) Ireland’s foremost collector/archivist/folklorist…
I am attending your concert this yr in tullow. My friend suzanne holligan was a committed fan to you and we have seen you aroynd the country at various times over the years. We actually meet you once in carlow after a concert. My friend was 35 and lost her fight with breast cancer recently leaving a little 2 yr old boy behind as well as her parents and partner. I was wondering would you sing im must leave you now my love in memory of her at ur concerts this month coming. She had tickets got for the 20th september date which unfortunatly she wont make . I’m forever greatful. Nick
Hey Christy,
Yellow disc this morning so ‘Hey Ronnie’ came on just as i was climbing down from the ceiling over proroguing of parliament, and my scots fiver being refused in a shop in Altrincham ,both in the same week.
Protest songs on the streets today, rabbie Burns’ image declined in Manchester, Amazon burning, cromwell re-born???
I look forward to the return of ‘hey ronnie’ to the set list, you could sing a weekend of protest songs and not be done…..and the only thing i could think to say was ‘we all belong here’
I need my spirits lifted, thank goodness for rugby today…..are you sending the Irish squad off to Japan with a few songs?
All the best
Rory
Christy's reply
Good man Rory,
I love to hear that the Box-Set (1964-2004) is still getting a spin. It was a long time in the making.Would never have happened without the due diligence of my colleague and curator Michael Traynor…..He assembled 92CDs of material from which 6 CDs were chosen for the project…I then spent an interesting time mixing and mastering in the Town of Enniskillen with Robin Robbyns. I like that the colour coding worked..its interesting to hear the different colours being referenced as you have done here….
Happy to say that I have been invited to sing for the squad pre Japan
Busy mastering a new album just now…and working on a few new songs
In troubled times,I just remembered to raise a cuppa to John Peel on his 80th birthday (!)
Always grateful to him and BBC Radio-for distracting me from brain numbing homework c 1968 and opening my ears to sounds that have been with me since/often led to fascinating diversions…Martin Carthy studio session,then the MC5 …Irish trad sounds eg Doonan family and a newly released ‘Blood on the Tracks’played in full-twice! Plus,numerous ace studio sessions esp Fairport and Nick Drake…
Not sure if you/Planxty did Peel sessions,but I also have great memories of hearing you on Jim Lloyd radio shows c 45 years ago!
Back to Bridget St John’s first LP now…
Dave
Christy's reply
yes.. we did a John Peel session..but I dont have it..or maybe he just played a few tracks..not sure…spent a lovely hour with him on the Holyhead Boat once..a chance meeting
Wow – just found this site and saw the guestbook entry ahead of me mention Go, Move, Shift. That was my Boston born and bred son’s favorite song when he was under 10 (he’s now 21!) and I just listened to that song last night for the first time in years! Weird coincidence! Last saw Christy in 2015 in Cork – hoping he will come Stateside (Boston) sometime??
Christy's reply
Hi T
its a great song..written by Ewan MacColl…I sing many of his compositions..they age very well
Companeros ( aka The Good Ship Granma)
Tim Evans
Travelling People
The First Time(written for his partner Peggy Seeger)
Sweet Thames Flow Softly
Green Island
Moving On Song (aka Go Move Shift)
his legacy also includes
Dirty Old Town
The Joy of Living
My Old Man
Shoals of Herring
Terror Time
40 Foot Trailer
………….and hundreds of others…I have him in the top field with Woody & Zimmerman
its unlikely that I’ll make it back to Boston….I still have a lifetime of work to do here in Ireland…..and that time gets shorter by the day
greeting to all Boston songsters in these Burning Times
Just heard Go, Move, Shift as bumper music on a Democracy Now! program. Hoping to visit Ireland in spring. Hoping to get to hear Christy in person. Fantastic.
Christy's reply
when Spring time comes, anything can happen, roots everywhere, people rootin around, ploughin harrowin sowin, Spring crops ,early scallions, the promise of Summer days gets the breast heaving, long evenings, the extra hours, midgies stirring, Ladybirds thinking about comin out..ggggg
CM
I always love to see a new album coming from you.You always say you put it on the shelf with the others and move onto what ever is next.I like to take the time to ponder the thought gone into the cover ,seleve notes and song choices and just the whole package.
on a different note
I know a lad who married a woman from uachtar ard.He lives in Bermuda and they got battered up and down and sideways by that hurricane.He finally sent a note this morning to say his sailboat called “shamrock” is safe and well. A bit battered onto shore but in one piece.Tá an áit sroista ach tá said fhéin agus an bád sabhailte.
keep yourself warm now these days CM
time of year to sit by the fireside and warm the cockles of your lovely heart.
Don’t forget any place in county Galway West of the Corrib is in Connemara .
I’ve heard people in Galway say “I’m going to connemara ” If only they knew they are already there.!
I will be seeing you very soon with the help of God CS (14 )
(15) 8 lá eile
CS (15 beagnác)
Poor Bermuda looks flattened….the earth is takin an awful batterin…where is it all gonna end up…
I suppose yourself and RS are settlin in to the next stage of your journey….I wish ye both well in your new year of learning..
I’m adup here in County Monaghan….Big Tom Country…I met Big Tom 47 years ago in Flannery’s Hotel in Galway….we were all out on the road…Planxty with “The Cliffs of Dooneen” …..Big Tom with “Four Country Roads”… He was a gentle giant of a gentleman, we were a bunch of ragamuffins, I think we were probably a bit “full of it”…
Just signed off on the Mastering process for the next release…..David and Jimmy have been hard at the coalface batin it into shape…the Art work is complete, the sleeve notes corrected and edited, the various bits and pieces all tidied up and ready for the printer….
there have been so many sleeves across the years…some still feel good, one or two make me wince when glimpsed…I have a soft spot for the Box Set (1964-2004)…I the way the colour coding worked out…when someone says they were listening to the “Yellow” or the “Green” or the “Pink” that tickles my fancy….I like the “LiLY” sleeve too…I think the first Planxty sleeve was the best (but only in its original colours) the first Moving Hearts sleeve too and the Ride On sleeve really worked well…I wont mention the ones that make me wince !!!
How are your songs going? are you on guitar or bouzouki these days? are you writing?
Let The Music Keep Your Spirits High…(CM 74)
Well Christy, Therese Kelly here from The Brow Coolcullen. Myself my father John and brother John Joe are going to your concert next Thursday the 12th of september. Were bringing a crowd from Coon with us might play an oul tune for us and might see you on the night. Best of Luck we are looking forward to it!!
Its 40 years since I last set foot on The Brow….God be good to your Grandparents Joe and Mrs Kelly they gave me such a welcome and I came away with a sweet Bodhrán that lasted for manys the year….I tapped manys the tune on it before it gave up the ghost one night in Germany…..your Uncle Mike put in a Stanley Number 9 for us on the Protestant Road and it kept us warm thru the big snow of 1977 ( altho she’d smoke like the divvil if the wind was blowing from The Ridge) Toby Butler was our Postman …..The Stedmonds great next door neighbours….Mick Walsh was the Mayor of Coolcullen and we were never short of spuds….Tom Kinsella was my Tour Manager back then and we played The Salmon Pool, Larkins, Sheerins, Moloneys,The Coalmine, Conways, The Arkle in Gowran all in the one week….
you say your bringin” a crowd from Coon” !!! Well they were always a great crowd when we lived there….we enjoyed our two years in Coolcullen,only for the house being so feckin damp we might still be there….I might see ye in Tullow but my eyesight has failed a bit since I last saw ye….I met Leo Varadkar last week and I thought he was Boris Johnson
Great to read of a new live album in the works…… now we know 3 of the songs we will wait in anticipation of the rest.
Enjoy Castleblaney, a fine venue there I believe. Maybe we can get there next time.
Be careful not to get caught in the crossfire between any Dubs and Kingdom fans… it’s a fierce rivalry altogether.
I never thought of that Marty ! I dont like letting the cat out of the bag, never mind 3 cats !!!…..there will be 26 tracks on the upcoming release….
The Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney was very welcoming last night…a few great requests….I took a stab at “Natives” but did not get as far as Verse 2…someone else called for “Irish Ways,Irish Laws” and I took a chance…sailed through it and enjoyed singing it again…Mick Devine reckons I’ve only done it twice in the last 20 years…got a call for “Me & The Rose”…..I think it might be time to roll her out again….all 12 minutes..would ye be able for it ?
Hello Christy,
Thanks for writing about audiences and journeys. Interesting stuff.
I’m learning 10 new songs. It was 9 but I seem to have picked up another one since yesterday. Lots of learning. 🙂
Hello Rory,
I like your son in law`s poem.
These days it’s not really brexit, more breaks-everything.
Thanks
Rebecca
working on 10 new songs sounds like a busy,fulfilling place to be…I wish you well in your practice…I’ve got one going full blast here at the moment (but there may be 9 on the back burner)
Hi Christy, i was painting away tonight before the rain, to the strains of the ‘where i come from’ album and it struck me, it never had before.
The word’awesome’ in ‘minds locked shut’, i actually listened properly , i even then went to check the dictionary definition of the word, it makes sense . I have no idea how it has taken me hundreds of listens to pick up the meaning of that word ,or to ‘hear’ it properly. fear.
Anyway ,my son-in-law sent me his poem, it too makes sense and i thought that you and some of the 4711ers might like it . It too is awesome, in it’s way. rory
Eton Mess
The biodegradation of an island exacerbates,
Hyphae envelopes the plant’s ovaries as the strawberry decays,
Insects swarm around a meringue, pulpy and insipid,
Cream curdles as a government forms.
The Corgis lap it up,
A Queen purrs, orgasmic at the destitution within her realm,
The crown wobbles upon her head as a blonde student of Eton tends to her bunions,
The proles revolted, turn to Channel 4,
Thirteen amateur bakers steal the nation, the bread kneads,
A revolution fails to rise.
Darren Murphy
Darren has written a perfect “Eton Mess”
a well defined summary of what appears to be happening in that wonderful country….across all the years I cannot recall a more despicable bunch at the helm….and there have been some bad ‘uns in my lifetime….
My feelings for England are based upon personal experience, on the friends and hospitality experienced along the road, on the singers,writers, artists, listeners, on the cities,towns and villages traversed….When I think of England I think of good friends and great years….dark clouds lurk but never dominate my reflections
Morning Christy , the sun is shining what more could we ask for . I was just trying to book tickets for my friends tickets as a wedding present as he is a massive fan of yours and your song ,”So I do “was chosen as they walked down the aisle it brought tears to everyone eyes as it was a small intimate wedding this weekend there having a huge party In Westport again as a bless your song “So I do “ will be playing ,the most romantic song I have heard so perfect for this beautiful couple …. sure if your in the area pop in for a drink 🥃😜😂you might even sing 🎤 . Any way Im looking on line trying to find a good venue is it right that you have a gig coming up in Westport next March ? and the tickets will be out October ? Looking forward to hearing from you .Anne Marie .Thanks 🙏Christy
So Do I
Haigh Christy, My wife and I loved your August 16th show at Leisureland and arrived early enough to be in the front row. Your band reached the level of magical during McIhattan. The concert was the highlight of our visit to Ireland with only one disappointment. You didn’t give us a shout out like you had about a dozen others who traveled to see your show. And I believe we traveled the farthest!
John & Sally McNally
HeySallyJohn,
never a dozen..no way….some nights I get a big bunch of requests…I put them all in a bag and pick out 3 or 4 ..never more then 4….its always a distraction from the job at hand, gets in the way of the flow, some tell me I should not do it at all…some dont like it…but I keep doing it for I know it can mean so much…I try and suss out the sincere ones from the attention seekers…but I have to prioritise the songs, the music ,my fellow players,the arrangements, the audience as an entity but with an ear to the individual…I too loved that Galway show ..thanks for your feedback but I dont think you were farthest travelled….both Declan and I been travelling since 1967 to get there that night..Cathal and Jimmy since the 70’s and 80’s….but its the great collective that makes the nights special….the songs ,singers,music players, crew and The Listeners…each and every one of us special, unique, generous, attentive, loyal and understanding…we had a great night together in Galway..thanks for remembering
Alright Christy
Having been treated like superstars by yourself and your staff last time at Carrick on Shannon, myself and the other three have booked up again to come over to Gorey, Wexford for gig on 9th Nov. My wee Mammy will be 73 on the 8th of November and she’s delighted to be making her way back over the water to see you all again. We couldn’t ask for better treatment from last time but all I’d ask as a wee favour would be for a possibility of a reserved seat for her. Anywhere will do. Less stress all-round if that could be achieved. The front row is NOT required. As magnificent as it was, we are happy to leave you in peace this time. Any help would be much appreciated.
Cannot wait to see you again.
Frankie
Hey Christy booked up for Liverpool 16th October.
3rd visit to you this year.
Once over in Westport and down in London.
Just asking from a big fan if you could do a few tunes for me.
I absolutely love “Only her Rivers Run free” “Motherland” and also “Burning times” if you could do any of them I’d be so happy from your biggest fan.
Ryan 🙂
Sure thing Ryan….just putting the finishing touches to an upcoming live album that will feature those three tracks..so they are all among the possibles for The Phil
Hi All
I’m visiting from England and have booked 2 tickets for Tullow show on 12th but can’t make it now
Absolutely gutted but is there anyone interested in the tickets for the great man?
Gerry
hope it works out….if not,giz a shout again next week
Hi there Christy
Cropredy came and went. Another marvellous 4 days of peace, love, Guinness and sausage butties. Oh, and of course the sweet music. Waterboys were a great highlight for me but there is so much great new and young talent emerging and on display. Fairport as usual were outstanding and the buzz around the village for the 4 days is something to behold. Chips and curry sauce from the chip wagon near the bridge is a must. Met a fella who says his wife’s family are related to you in some way. Can’t remember the full tale coz the gargle was kicking in, but do you have relatives with the name McGowran. If not, then he was talking bollocks. The weather was a bit shite but it doesn’t spoil things.
Anyhows, flying off to Frigiliana on Friday for a weeks R & R (seriously) . No chance of it pissing down on me there.
Maybe catch you on the road in the coming weeks.
Best to you and yours
Frankie
Morra Frankie,
No McGowran connections but my best friend growing up was the late Pat (aka Paul) McGowan…..he was a next door neighbour growing up on Moorefield Rd in Newbridge, County Kildare.He spent all his adult life in London.We knocked around and explored the world together…he would have many family connections in “Dear Old Blighty”
Cropredy sounds like it lived up to expectations..great to hear Fairport are still knockin out good vibrations..
Richard toured here recently, great reports…unfortunately I was on the road myself at the time..
I heard them in Free Trade Hall Manchester 50 years ago….they sparked an idea that still glows
hi Christy just wandering if there is any shows coming up in limerick or the banner
Hi John…if all goes well John, Limerick next May, The Banner in June……I dont know precisely when or where….that will all be made clear in due course….
“September comes around each year, we go there and they come here!” Couple of friends of mine have been off down to Frijiliana on their holidays this year. Sounds like a mighty spot. Did they ever get round to twinning it with Lisdoon? Anyway, c’mere till I ask ye. Just seen on th’internet that the lyrics from ‘They Never Came Home’ (no need for me to reproduce them here) “are still banned in Ireland as libelous”. Is still this true now in 2019?
re thon internut…as Ellie Power from Yellow Furze once told me…paper never refuses ink…
in recent years “They Never Came Home” has aired on Radio,TV and many Concert Halls….Judge Murphy went to his just reward some years ago so no turn around from him…..
The Families of The Victims still seek justice, still struggle on in the face of State indifference to their plight…
Judge Pat McCartan (Retd from Bench & Worker’s Party) denied them their right of appeal or enquiry before heading for the hills
Hi christy
The time has come is the song title.
Thanks
Nicola
Thank You…
Hi Christy
In the early 90s you came to Christchurch to play a concert. I was so excited I wrote to you and asked you to play Lord Baker. I have loved this song since I was a little girl, listening to it as my Dad played it all the time. The song filled me, and still does, with wonder, calm, beauty and longing.
Near the end of the concert, you said you didn’t much care for heckling and people yelling out for songs they wanted you to play. But then you said that I had written to you asking for Lord Baker so you played it, just for me! It was so beautiful Christy and filled me with tears. I was 17 at the time and too embarrassed to thank you at the time in front of the whole audience.
I have thought about it all these years, wanting to acknowledge how much it meant to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for playing such a beautiful song. 30 odd years later, I listen to Lord Baker still and remember the joy you bought.
Thank You Ruth,
Since learning “Lord Baker” 41 years ago I seldom sing it publicly..in the past 20 years maybe 5 times at most…yet it remains my favourite song….I become very involved with songs when learning/shaping/arranging/familiarising…maybe even temporarily obsessed but it passes on …with “Lord Baker” the feeling remains strong…on sleepless nights I sing it in my mind and never get to the end…I’m usually lulled to slumber before “Turkey’s”daughter reaches Northumberland or “North Humber”…I sometimes think I might record it again but then I recall the Planxty version and let it be..
I loved my visits to New Zealand….. I recall playing in Christchurch..I met a man there called John Geraghty from my home place in Kildare, I still remember something that he said to me..
thank you for making contact..for bringing Lord Baker into the conversation…
I learned this great song from John”Jacko” Reilly…he was a travelling Tinsmith who neither read nor wrote but the beauty of his singing lives on like a beacon throughout my repertoire…there is a beautiful album called “The Bonny Green Tree” on the Topic Label..before he died at a young age, John’s singing was recorded by the late Tom Munnelly….Tom was (and remains) Ireland’s foremost collector/archivist/folklorist…
Hi Christy
I am attending your concert this yr in tullow. My friend suzanne holligan was a committed fan to you and we have seen you aroynd the country at various times over the years. We actually meet you once in carlow after a concert. My friend was 35 and lost her fight with breast cancer recently leaving a little 2 yr old boy behind as well as her parents and partner. I was wondering would you sing im must leave you now my love in memory of her at ur concerts this month coming. She had tickets got for the 20th september date which unfortunatly she wont make . I’m forever greatful. Nick
Hi Nick,
I dont recognise the song title…
Hey Christy,
Yellow disc this morning so ‘Hey Ronnie’ came on just as i was climbing down from the ceiling over proroguing of parliament, and my scots fiver being refused in a shop in Altrincham ,both in the same week.
Protest songs on the streets today, rabbie Burns’ image declined in Manchester, Amazon burning, cromwell re-born???
I look forward to the return of ‘hey ronnie’ to the set list, you could sing a weekend of protest songs and not be done…..and the only thing i could think to say was ‘we all belong here’
I need my spirits lifted, thank goodness for rugby today…..are you sending the Irish squad off to Japan with a few songs?
All the best
Rory
Good man Rory,
I love to hear that the Box-Set (1964-2004) is still getting a spin. It was a long time in the making.Would never have happened without the due diligence of my colleague and curator Michael Traynor…..He assembled 92CDs of material from which 6 CDs were chosen for the project…I then spent an interesting time mixing and mastering in the Town of Enniskillen with Robin Robbyns. I like that the colour coding worked..its interesting to hear the different colours being referenced as you have done here….
Happy to say that I have been invited to sing for the squad pre Japan
Busy mastering a new album just now…and working on a few new songs
Hi Christy
In troubled times,I just remembered to raise a cuppa to John Peel on his 80th birthday (!)
Always grateful to him and BBC Radio-for distracting me from brain numbing homework c 1968 and opening my ears to sounds that have been with me since/often led to fascinating diversions…Martin Carthy studio session,then the MC5 …Irish trad sounds eg Doonan family and a newly released ‘Blood on the Tracks’played in full-twice! Plus,numerous ace studio sessions esp Fairport and Nick Drake…
Not sure if you/Planxty did Peel sessions,but I also have great memories of hearing you on Jim Lloyd radio shows c 45 years ago!
Back to Bridget St John’s first LP now…
Dave
yes.. we did a John Peel session..but I dont have it..or maybe he just played a few tracks..not sure…spent a lovely hour with him on the Holyhead Boat once..a chance meeting
Wow – just found this site and saw the guestbook entry ahead of me mention Go, Move, Shift. That was my Boston born and bred son’s favorite song when he was under 10 (he’s now 21!) and I just listened to that song last night for the first time in years! Weird coincidence! Last saw Christy in 2015 in Cork – hoping he will come Stateside (Boston) sometime??
Hi T
its a great song..written by Ewan MacColl…I sing many of his compositions..they age very well
Companeros ( aka The Good Ship Granma)
Tim Evans
Travelling People
The First Time(written for his partner Peggy Seeger)
Sweet Thames Flow Softly
Green Island
Moving On Song (aka Go Move Shift)
his legacy also includes
Dirty Old Town
The Joy of Living
My Old Man
Shoals of Herring
Terror Time
40 Foot Trailer
………….and hundreds of others…I have him in the top field with Woody & Zimmerman
its unlikely that I’ll make it back to Boston….I still have a lifetime of work to do here in Ireland…..and that time gets shorter by the day
greeting to all Boston songsters in these Burning Times
Just heard Go, Move, Shift as bumper music on a Democracy Now! program. Hoping to visit Ireland in spring. Hoping to get to hear Christy in person. Fantastic.
when Spring time comes, anything can happen, roots everywhere, people rootin around, ploughin harrowin sowin, Spring crops ,early scallions, the promise of Summer days gets the breast heaving, long evenings, the extra hours, midgies stirring, Ladybirds thinking about comin out..ggggg