Many people are better placed than me,to pay eloquent tribute to Gay Byrne and mark the loss of a humanitarian,as well as a brilliant broadcaster…but,early days/roots are always interesting in eulogies,and here are some from the early 60s…
GB was part of ground breaking,early days of independent tv-Granada ,based in central Manchester-at the heart of cutting edge tv…Coronation Street,breaking down barriers in social comment drama,current affairs docs…and,along side Michael Parkinson,Mike Scott,Bill Grundy…young Gaybo…He came on to my radar when he interviewed The Beatles (with Ken Dodd)Their first tv interview (now preserved on youtube,thankfully…)on regional,North West tv,as the lads from Liverpool were gaining some success…so they got a break on local telly…
On my first visit to Ireland in the early 70s,I immediately recognised Gay Byrne and remembered his part in Beatlemania…I soon realised how iconic he’d become,(and would increasingly become)…but was always pleased that (similar to C Moore)he’d got ‘the start’ here…
sharp as a razor,with a kind core,RIP Gaybo,from a Manc fan.
Dave
Christy's reply
hey Dave,
our good friend, Adam (The Wicklow Boy) sent me this recording he made somewhere recently.. https://youtu.be/QKshiqwOOw8
it captures Albert Nilands song
CM (74)
I just came by to share a story about Gay Byrne cause of his passing today.I never met him but I have enjoyed a lot of him on YouTube.
When my dad brought the volunteer home in 2003. (before my time)
He had found her up on dry land in a boat yard in Howth.He was waiting for the lorry to come from connemara.. a shower of rain lashed from the heavens.So he took shelter under the Volunteer .Who of all the people in the whole world did he meet in there looking for shelter ? .but Gay Byrne.. they introduced themselves to each other ..dad said to him ..nice to meet you! Gay asked dad what are you doing with this boat.?
Dad told him I’m bringing her home to connemara ..Gay said well she’s going where she belongs..
Hope you are keeping warm ..there is poison on that East wind thank God it changed over the weekend ..
CS ( 15)
Christy's reply
I still have that great photo of “The Volunteer” above me here on the wall…thats a lovely story of Gaybo and Your Dad…
I loved hearing your Sister Róisín new song.. https://youtu.be/hZVCRZQlJms
great to hear that you are both working away at your music…..
Nice piece you did this evening with Sean Rockes on Radio One as we mourn the passing of the legend that was Gay Byrne. I see Nic Jones in Dagrab’s post, Nic played a gig in Athlone many years ago, great, I remember it.
Christy's reply
Can you tell us more about Nic Jones in Athlone..venue, organiser etc ???
He guested at The National Stadium,Dublin with Planxty back in 1972…
Hi Christy. I’m a volunteer at St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, Belfast. I’m trying to garner some support from artists who have a history of activism, particularly. support of the homeless. So far Frances Black has visited the Kitchen, her sister Mary gave us a shout out from the Ulster Hall, Damien Dempsey, sent a video message, as did Eddi Reader, and Glen Hansard also sent a message. Would it be possible to have a picture of your good self, with a St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen Shirt?file:///Users/imac/Desktop/62177011_2339057689696312_8013275751509917696_o-1.jpgfile:///Users/imac/Desktop/62177011_2339057689696312_8013275751509917696_o-1.jpg
Christy's reply
Hi Damian,
next time I’m up in Belfast I’ll pay you a visit…where are you located
Dear Christy,
A week ago today we left delightful Newcastle and your beautiful music still resounds in our ears.
We are back home a couple of days after a long, very pleasant journey and we’re happy that we could spend more than four lovely weeks on the Emerald Isle. On our way to and fro we passed France, Scotland, Northumberland and Holland without any frontier – unbelievable that some silly people put this at stake.
We enjoyed our time on the Island very much and it was a privilege to listen to you North and South (with no border). DANKESCHOEN Christy and also your companeros and all the crew for four stunning concerts!
In Armagh we were totally captivated by your performance and then the next day another high energy gig in Newcastle with such an enthusiastic audience – AWESOME! A huge THANK YOU for the extraordinary songs First Time Ever, On The Bridge, The Boy from Tamlaghduff – you sang them so beautifully – Morecombe Bay was very emotional with regard to the heart-rending events and Irish Ways and Irish Laws was simply incredible!!!
Also may thanks to Paddy and our one and only Hilary for their great help!
Keep well and have a colourful autumn,
Traudel + Horst
Christy's reply
My Good Friends..
thank you for all your good will and support over so many years ( 30 ?) it is the spirit and generosity of our listeners that keeps the show on the road…it is heartwarming to see our long haul listeners come back time after time from distant lands, counties, villages and towns…songs need singers, singers need listeners, there are different degrees of listening, many like to make a once off visit, it satisfies a curiosity, others come once a year as part of their ritual…but a smaller number delve deep, mine the lyrics, fuel the atmosphere, find hidden nuances, uncover new dimensions and then visit here and share their experience……..
I could not have hoped for a better result when setting up this Forum (10 ?) years ago
ps Recently in Liverpool we met Margaret & Irene…they have not missed a Liverpool gig (of mine) since 1967….
when will we see you in Canterbury or Folkestone again, its almost 4 years now. where has the time gone.even my wife loved it
got your new cd ordered and cant wait to play it in the car, counting down the days my good friend.
good can see you on youtube.
your friend in BW.
Ray
Christy's reply
Morra Ray,
I remember that canterbury gig..a beautiful theatre and a grsat audience..who knows Ray…have a lovely guitar here on my knee..it was made by Atkin of Canterbury..never played a nicer one
Guestbooking leads to some great diversions…Without seeing the programme,there’s an excellent online piece re the following…
‘Johnny Cash’s Lost Tour of Ireland-RTE Documentary on One’..2018…even if its not the tour you recall,its an epic tale…a superb back story and photos too…
As ever,your recall is entertaining-conjures up terrific visuals of young bucks ‘on the pull’ too! Dave
Christy's reply
I heard that radio programme..
it was back in that old black and white world..
I heard this story about Johnny Cash in Ireland…
passing thru Longford he needed a break.. if only to stretch his legs..
Leaving the Limo he sauntered around Longford……there was a commotion on the Streets as people began to realise who was in their midst…..
one man, a butcher, got very excited, so much so that he wrapped a large T-Bone steak and, following Johnny down the street, presented him with a parcel of meat thanking him for all the music….
I’ve just recorded on iPhone video your version of Kevin Littlewood’s On Morecambe Bay. I would like to send it to you. I’ll find a way.
So very relevant always and highlighted now since the horrific discovery at Purfleet. It took me back to June 2000 when 58 human beings were found dead in the back of a container lorry.
I don’t believe that any human being is illegal. I’m a migrant too. Pitching up as a 6 year old in London in September 1958 from Dublin with my older brother John, accompanied by our Aunty Anne, my mum’s sister and still going strong. She’s the last link, living at Luogh South just next to Ballycotton by the Cliffs of Moher. Since 1971.
With my late uncle Michael she started a B&B The Rambler’s Rest. Michael taught me, inspired me to start playing. Here’s my tribute, Michael Flanagan’s Set, accompanied by my late and lamented friend Chris Ayliffe a sublime guitarist.
Hello Christy! Missed being on here! Long year! Hope all is well! Love is Pleasing…listening to my grandmother Rita Kelly as we sit round the table! There’s a great sessíon at Hugh O’Neil’s in Malden, MA so cozy. Wonderful group of men from all over….listening to you now, Viva La Quinta! !! Ty! So fun. -KellyAnne
Christy's reply
from Mayo to Ma
and a Charlestown in both counties
round we go
any relation to Paddy Killoran ? https://en.wikipedia.org ›
Fantastic insights into the early days of your gigs in England…’ramblings’about your ramblings are always an ace read…
The latest Dylan ‘bootleg’ ,featuring Johnny Cash is now ‘in all good record stores’ and is on my ‘to get ‘ list… Recently,you mentioned that you (and Albert Reynolds) saw a Cash gig.I’m envious and keen to know more,please…if he was with June Carter/his own band or with a ‘pick up’ band,as many US artists hired for foreign tours.
Enjoy the day
Dave
Christy's reply
I’d be keen to know a bit more myself Dave !!…..all my feelings about seeing Johnny cash in Dreamland are 100% retro…I was 18, totally immersed in The Clancy Brothers …My Buddys and I went to Dreamland that night to Cavort, Drink (in Bapti Mahers) and to Dance…but our primary purpose was to meet Women, maybe even The Woman….Johnny was almost incidental…it was much later that JC gained imprtance and relevance in my way of thinking…I recall more about Brendan Bowyer, The Freshmen, Prince Vince and The Regal, The Paragon 7……I could tell you more about Ian Cambell, Tony Capstick, Fred Jordan, Bert Lloyd,Jeannie Richardson, Barbara Dickson,Maddy Prior,Peggy Seeger….
Thank you so much for your best wishes to my brother on his marriage last week. I passed it on and it was read out. He was delighted.
Much appreciated.
Sinéad
Hi All. On this day in 1920 Kevin Barry ( 18 ) was hanged in Mountjoy Jail.. amazing how the Barras Choir knew all the words in 2014.. https://youtu.be/9_-DpzN29O8… looking forward to hearing Luka tonight in Abbeyfeale,,, H
Christy's reply
first song I ever sang in public….The Palace Cinema Newbridge in 1958
Think Steeleye Span recorded galtee farmer..
Shilling a night.
As I strayed into Carlow one day last July
I was making my way to the town of athy.
My head it was weary
My pockets were light
All I had was a shilling for lodgings that night.
When I woke up in the morning I thought I’d go wild
The fire it was out , and no kettle boiled
Put her name on the paper
And make her do right
It’s an awful lie down for a shilling a night.
Now I remember a time when three pence was alright
But now they are charging a shilling a nite
With bugs and Highlanders
Twas bite after bite, twas an awful lie down for a shilling a night.
Now to conclude and to finish my song
Tis awful to think how a poor man gets on.
Go to bed hungry, and that isn’t right,
Then give the auld lady a shilling a night.
Always good to see Nic Jones mentioned in dispatches…only saw him once,in a folk club with no PA and a few punters who liked to chat in the back rows…Nic played superbly and deliberately quietly,so that hush was achieved and maintained throughout his sets.Every guitarist in the room was watching every move on the fretboard…
Huge credit to his family for their support and work during his long (miraculous ) recovery from his car accident…great that there superb docs and clips of him on youtube-pre and post accident…also,can’t miss out mentions of Nick Drake and Martin Simpson-he’s very active still and has an amazing back catalogue…
Enjoy the sounds in the work room….Dave
Christy's reply
Back in the 60s very few Folk Clubs had PA systems…..info would be shared amongst some of the roving players….eg…if you play that Thursday club in Hetton-Le -Hole dont use the mic…when you play The Red Lion in Catterick dont stay with the Organiser….you’ll have to listen to him sing half the night and his wife will want you out of the house before they go to work the following morning….if you play the Thursday night in Cockermouth make sure you check out the pasties….
There were so many brilliant clubs….The Fighting Cocks in Kingston, The Mucky Byre in St Andrews, The Elbow Room Kircaldy, The Marsden in Southshields, The Grove in Leeds, The Rugby in Hull, The Old Contemptible in Birmingham, The Cheshire Cat in Congleton, Ted & Ivy Poole’s in Swindon,The Bay Horse in Bentley,The Old House at Home in Blackley,
I tend to ramble on a bit but I do have great affection and fondness for memories of those halcyon days….everything I owned in the world travelled with me…in cars buses vans and trains….
I looked him up. Yeah I agree.very unusually tuning, even after all he went through still sings great..when I was a kid this old travelling man used to come around our house ,he always had old English folk songs , I REM a song called “a shilling a nite” another one ” the galtee farmer” I still love those old songs.
Christy's reply
“I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts
there they are standing in a row
big ones small ones some as big as your head
singin roll-a-bowl-a-bowl-a-penny-a-pitch”
I never heard “shilling a night” but I heard one called the “Galbally Farmer”
Hi Christy… Just tried out the new Taylor 317E Grand Pacific.. without doubt the best sounding guitar I have ever played. Simply amazing…it’s a 3/4 size body.14 fret, lovely slim neck.with a three pickup bridge set up. (Didn’t hear it plugged in ) . At $1800 with hardshell case it’s a steal..not sure what it would be there maybe a lot more.. if you get a chance try it out…I may just buy one.
Christy's reply
Thanks Marty..always good to get a bit of guitar banter…I’m not really lookin anymore…I have a set of road guitars that serve me very well..never let me down..make a grand auld racket when hammered and resound sweetly when gently picked…they are vintage to me, I have them serviced once a year ..at home I have a couple of Atkin guitars,copies of the old Gibson J43…I love them , play them both every day..one is “distressed” and feels lovely , the other gets less shiny with every passing day….I have a Taylor here but its been lying idle for a few years..I may trade it in at some time for I probably wont use it again….
have you heard Chris Woods ? he plays beautifully, heard Ralph McTell again last week, his pickin still as sweet as ever…. Nic Jones still rules..if I could sound like any one guitar player Nic would be my man….
Hi Christy,
Belated Thank you for dedicating “Back Home To Derry@ to my girlfriend Tara Malone at your recent gig at The Philharmonic on the 16th October..
She was absolutely astounded to hear her name called on stage and I can’t thank you enough..
You are a star and the gig was fantastic..
See you when you are in the area again.🇮🇪🎼🎤
Christy's reply
The Buzz from The Phil still lingers…..
“I Wish I was back in Liverpool”
Mornin’ Christy
Many people are better placed than me,to pay eloquent tribute to Gay Byrne and mark the loss of a humanitarian,as well as a brilliant broadcaster…but,early days/roots are always interesting in eulogies,and here are some from the early 60s…
GB was part of ground breaking,early days of independent tv-Granada ,based in central Manchester-at the heart of cutting edge tv…Coronation Street,breaking down barriers in social comment drama,current affairs docs…and,along side Michael Parkinson,Mike Scott,Bill Grundy…young Gaybo…He came on to my radar when he interviewed The Beatles (with Ken Dodd)Their first tv interview (now preserved on youtube,thankfully…)on regional,North West tv,as the lads from Liverpool were gaining some success…so they got a break on local telly…
On my first visit to Ireland in the early 70s,I immediately recognised Gay Byrne and remembered his part in Beatlemania…I soon realised how iconic he’d become,(and would increasingly become)…but was always pleased that (similar to C Moore)he’d got ‘the start’ here…
sharp as a razor,with a kind core,RIP Gaybo,from a Manc fan.
Dave
hey Dave,
our good friend, Adam (The Wicklow Boy) sent me this recording he made somewhere recently..
https://youtu.be/QKshiqwOOw8
it captures Albert Nilands song
CM (74)
I just came by to share a story about Gay Byrne cause of his passing today.I never met him but I have enjoyed a lot of him on YouTube.
When my dad brought the volunteer home in 2003. (before my time)
He had found her up on dry land in a boat yard in Howth.He was waiting for the lorry to come from connemara.. a shower of rain lashed from the heavens.So he took shelter under the Volunteer .Who of all the people in the whole world did he meet in there looking for shelter ? .but Gay Byrne.. they introduced themselves to each other ..dad said to him ..nice to meet you! Gay asked dad what are you doing with this boat.?
Dad told him I’m bringing her home to connemara ..Gay said well she’s going where she belongs..
Hope you are keeping warm ..there is poison on that East wind thank God it changed over the weekend ..
CS ( 15)
I still have that great photo of “The Volunteer” above me here on the wall…thats a lovely story of Gaybo and Your Dad…
I loved hearing your Sister Róisín new song..
https://youtu.be/hZVCRZQlJms
great to hear that you are both working away at your music…..
Nice piece you did this evening with Sean Rockes on Radio One as we mourn the passing of the legend that was Gay Byrne. I see Nic Jones in Dagrab’s post, Nic played a gig in Athlone many years ago, great, I remember it.
Can you tell us more about Nic Jones in Athlone..venue, organiser etc ???
He guested at The National Stadium,Dublin with Planxty back in 1972…
Hi Christy. I’m a volunteer at St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, Belfast. I’m trying to garner some support from artists who have a history of activism, particularly. support of the homeless. So far Frances Black has visited the Kitchen, her sister Mary gave us a shout out from the Ulster Hall, Damien Dempsey, sent a video message, as did Eddi Reader, and Glen Hansard also sent a message. Would it be possible to have a picture of your good self, with a St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen Shirt?file:///Users/imac/Desktop/62177011_2339057689696312_8013275751509917696_o-1.jpgfile:///Users/imac/Desktop/62177011_2339057689696312_8013275751509917696_o-1.jpg
Hi Damian,
next time I’m up in Belfast I’ll pay you a visit…where are you located
Dear Christy,
A week ago today we left delightful Newcastle and your beautiful music still resounds in our ears.
We are back home a couple of days after a long, very pleasant journey and we’re happy that we could spend more than four lovely weeks on the Emerald Isle. On our way to and fro we passed France, Scotland, Northumberland and Holland without any frontier – unbelievable that some silly people put this at stake.
We enjoyed our time on the Island very much and it was a privilege to listen to you North and South (with no border). DANKESCHOEN Christy and also your companeros and all the crew for four stunning concerts!
In Armagh we were totally captivated by your performance and then the next day another high energy gig in Newcastle with such an enthusiastic audience – AWESOME! A huge THANK YOU for the extraordinary songs First Time Ever, On The Bridge, The Boy from Tamlaghduff – you sang them so beautifully – Morecombe Bay was very emotional with regard to the heart-rending events and Irish Ways and Irish Laws was simply incredible!!!
Also may thanks to Paddy and our one and only Hilary for their great help!
Keep well and have a colourful autumn,
Traudel + Horst
My Good Friends..
thank you for all your good will and support over so many years ( 30 ?) it is the spirit and generosity of our listeners that keeps the show on the road…it is heartwarming to see our long haul listeners come back time after time from distant lands, counties, villages and towns…songs need singers, singers need listeners, there are different degrees of listening, many like to make a once off visit, it satisfies a curiosity, others come once a year as part of their ritual…but a smaller number delve deep, mine the lyrics, fuel the atmosphere, find hidden nuances, uncover new dimensions and then visit here and share their experience……..
I could not have hoped for a better result when setting up this Forum (10 ?) years ago
ps Recently in Liverpool we met Margaret & Irene…they have not missed a Liverpool gig (of mine) since 1967….
when will we see you in Canterbury or Folkestone again, its almost 4 years now. where has the time gone.even my wife loved it
got your new cd ordered and cant wait to play it in the car, counting down the days my good friend.
good can see you on youtube.
your friend in BW.
Ray
Morra Ray,
I remember that canterbury gig..a beautiful theatre and a grsat audience..who knows Ray…have a lovely guitar here on my knee..it was made by Atkin of Canterbury..never played a nicer one
ps
Just rad that the 2018 RTE doc on Mr Cash was for radio,not tv
Excellent online article in its own right…D
radio programmes can create better pictures
Hi Christy
Guestbooking leads to some great diversions…Without seeing the programme,there’s an excellent online piece re the following…
‘Johnny Cash’s Lost Tour of Ireland-RTE Documentary on One’..2018…even if its not the tour you recall,its an epic tale…a superb back story and photos too…
As ever,your recall is entertaining-conjures up terrific visuals of young bucks ‘on the pull’ too! Dave
I heard that radio programme..
it was back in that old black and white world..
I heard this story about Johnny Cash in Ireland…
passing thru Longford he needed a break.. if only to stretch his legs..
Leaving the Limo he sauntered around Longford……there was a commotion on the Streets as people began to realise who was in their midst…..
one man, a butcher, got very excited, so much so that he wrapped a large T-Bone steak and, following Johnny down the street, presented him with a parcel of meat thanking him for all the music….
I’ve just recorded on iPhone video your version of Kevin Littlewood’s On Morecambe Bay. I would like to send it to you. I’ll find a way.
So very relevant always and highlighted now since the horrific discovery at Purfleet. It took me back to June 2000 when 58 human beings were found dead in the back of a container lorry.
I don’t believe that any human being is illegal. I’m a migrant too. Pitching up as a 6 year old in London in September 1958 from Dublin with my older brother John, accompanied by our Aunty Anne, my mum’s sister and still going strong. She’s the last link, living at Luogh South just next to Ballycotton by the Cliffs of Moher. Since 1971.
With my late uncle Michael she started a B&B The Rambler’s Rest. Michael taught me, inspired me to start playing. Here’s my tribute, Michael Flanagan’s Set, accompanied by my late and lamented friend Chris Ayliffe a sublime guitarist.
https://soundcloud.com/thepipercallsproject/01-clinch-inis-r-lilting
Thanks Dave..
Thank You for sharing
Hello Christy! Missed being on here! Long year! Hope all is well! Love is Pleasing…listening to my grandmother Rita Kelly as we sit round the table! There’s a great sessíon at Hugh O’Neil’s in Malden, MA so cozy. Wonderful group of men from all over….listening to you now, Viva La Quinta! !! Ty! So fun. -KellyAnne
from Mayo to Ma
and a Charlestown in both counties
round we go
any relation to Paddy Killoran ?
https://en.wikipedia.org ›
Mornin’ Christy
Fantastic insights into the early days of your gigs in England…’ramblings’about your ramblings are always an ace read…
The latest Dylan ‘bootleg’ ,featuring Johnny Cash is now ‘in all good record stores’ and is on my ‘to get ‘ list… Recently,you mentioned that you (and Albert Reynolds) saw a Cash gig.I’m envious and keen to know more,please…if he was with June Carter/his own band or with a ‘pick up’ band,as many US artists hired for foreign tours.
Enjoy the day
Dave
I’d be keen to know a bit more myself Dave !!…..all my feelings about seeing Johnny cash in Dreamland are 100% retro…I was 18, totally immersed in The Clancy Brothers …My Buddys and I went to Dreamland that night to Cavort, Drink (in Bapti Mahers) and to Dance…but our primary purpose was to meet Women, maybe even The Woman….Johnny was almost incidental…it was much later that JC gained imprtance and relevance in my way of thinking…I recall more about Brendan Bowyer, The Freshmen, Prince Vince and The Regal, The Paragon 7……I could tell you more about Ian Cambell, Tony Capstick, Fred Jordan, Bert Lloyd,Jeannie Richardson, Barbara Dickson,Maddy Prior,Peggy Seeger….
Thank you so much for your best wishes to my brother on his marriage last week. I passed it on and it was read out. He was delighted.
Much appreciated.
Sinéad
Sound
Hi All. On this day in 1920 Kevin Barry ( 18 ) was hanged in Mountjoy Jail.. amazing how the Barras Choir knew all the words in 2014.. https://youtu.be/9_-DpzN29O8… looking forward to hearing Luka tonight in Abbeyfeale,,, H
first song I ever sang in public….The Palace Cinema Newbridge in 1958
https://youtu.be/lDtIaSDo-VQ
Galtee farmer..
a nice session
Think Steeleye Span recorded galtee farmer..
Shilling a night.
As I strayed into Carlow one day last July
I was making my way to the town of athy.
My head it was weary
My pockets were light
All I had was a shilling for lodgings that night.
When I woke up in the morning I thought I’d go wild
The fire it was out , and no kettle boiled
Put her name on the paper
And make her do right
It’s an awful lie down for a shilling a night.
Now I remember a time when three pence was alright
But now they are charging a shilling a nite
With bugs and Highlanders
Twas bite after bite, twas an awful lie down for a shilling a night.
Now to conclude and to finish my song
Tis awful to think how a poor man gets on.
Go to bed hungry, and that isn’t right,
Then give the auld lady a shilling a night.
a right one that
Hi Christy
Always good to see Nic Jones mentioned in dispatches…only saw him once,in a folk club with no PA and a few punters who liked to chat in the back rows…Nic played superbly and deliberately quietly,so that hush was achieved and maintained throughout his sets.Every guitarist in the room was watching every move on the fretboard…
Huge credit to his family for their support and work during his long (miraculous ) recovery from his car accident…great that there superb docs and clips of him on youtube-pre and post accident…also,can’t miss out mentions of Nick Drake and Martin Simpson-he’s very active still and has an amazing back catalogue…
Enjoy the sounds in the work room….Dave
Back in the 60s very few Folk Clubs had PA systems…..info would be shared amongst some of the roving players….eg…if you play that Thursday club in Hetton-Le -Hole dont use the mic…when you play The Red Lion in Catterick dont stay with the Organiser….you’ll have to listen to him sing half the night and his wife will want you out of the house before they go to work the following morning….if you play the Thursday night in Cockermouth make sure you check out the pasties….
There were so many brilliant clubs….The Fighting Cocks in Kingston, The Mucky Byre in St Andrews, The Elbow Room Kircaldy, The Marsden in Southshields, The Grove in Leeds, The Rugby in Hull, The Old Contemptible in Birmingham, The Cheshire Cat in Congleton, Ted & Ivy Poole’s in Swindon,The Bay Horse in Bentley,The Old House at Home in Blackley,
I tend to ramble on a bit but I do have great affection and fondness for memories of those halcyon days….everything I owned in the world travelled with me…in cars buses vans and trains….
Christy! I do want to get your recent release. Ah money, but, anyway, this.
https://www.minds.com/media/1036849916490395648
Good to hear you again….you got your finger on the pulse….
check this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLXzudMCyM4
I looked him up. Yeah I agree.very unusually tuning, even after all he went through still sings great..when I was a kid this old travelling man used to come around our house ,he always had old English folk songs , I REM a song called “a shilling a nite” another one ” the galtee farmer” I still love those old songs.
“I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts
there they are standing in a row
big ones small ones some as big as your head
singin roll-a-bowl-a-bowl-a-penny-a-pitch”
I never heard “shilling a night” but I heard one called the “Galbally Farmer”
Hi Christy… Just tried out the new Taylor 317E Grand Pacific.. without doubt the best sounding guitar I have ever played. Simply amazing…it’s a 3/4 size body.14 fret, lovely slim neck.with a three pickup bridge set up. (Didn’t hear it plugged in ) . At $1800 with hardshell case it’s a steal..not sure what it would be there maybe a lot more.. if you get a chance try it out…I may just buy one.
Thanks Marty..always good to get a bit of guitar banter…I’m not really lookin anymore…I have a set of road guitars that serve me very well..never let me down..make a grand auld racket when hammered and resound sweetly when gently picked…they are vintage to me, I have them serviced once a year ..at home I have a couple of Atkin guitars,copies of the old Gibson J43…I love them , play them both every day..one is “distressed” and feels lovely , the other gets less shiny with every passing day….I have a Taylor here but its been lying idle for a few years..I may trade it in at some time for I probably wont use it again….
have you heard Chris Woods ? he plays beautifully, heard Ralph McTell again last week, his pickin still as sweet as ever…. Nic Jones still rules..if I could sound like any one guitar player Nic would be my man….
Hi Christy,
Belated Thank you for dedicating “Back Home To Derry@ to my girlfriend Tara Malone at your recent gig at The Philharmonic on the 16th October..
She was absolutely astounded to hear her name called on stage and I can’t thank you enough..
You are a star and the gig was fantastic..
See you when you are in the area again.🇮🇪🎼🎤
The Buzz from The Phil still lingers…..
“I Wish I was back in Liverpool”