Now Christy, i am not a betting man but i lve the geegeez, so here goes.
I have Hilary as 7/4 favourite
Dave is 9/2
Marty 6s
Paddy 17/2
If you did not have the answer already i would have you and declan both at 10/1.
I am lobbing in mine as a lucky one at 18/1 but think i will play each way.
under startrs orders and they’re off….
Ride On
Joxer
City of Chicago
Beeswing
Thanks for the idea.
regards
rory
by the way my kids loved their individual songs
As expected,I greatly enjoyed reading the list of your muckers and influences in late 60’s Manchester…when I first visited folk clubs a few years later,I also encountered many of the people…a friendly crowd,with lots of ideas and contacts being shared…several extremely helpful in giving tips to a young player,too…
I’d urge fellow fans to check out recordings etc,by all on the list,but a good starting point is http://www.mikehardingfolkshow.com …I know how closely you and Mike are linked and his knowledge of music/travel writing etc is exceptional…another name that resonates (and is a regular listen here)Bridget St John…a wonderful,hypnotic,singer/guitarist…very well represented on a youtube piece,from French tv,1970…lovely audience shots too and close ups of Bridget’s guitar playing…time for another cuppa and a few more of Bridget’s chansons…
As ever,thanks for the exchanges here.
Keep well
Dave
Christy's reply
I still remember those Yates Wine Taverns…the Sweet Australian..grape juice laced with Industrial…the train to Leeds stopping at every station….most pleasurable when the hash was strong….
Hi Christy,
In answer to your question my Mom’s father was from Inisheer and her mother from Galway city. They brought her over as a child to Boston. She’s only been back twice (by boat) as she hates to fly but every time I go over I bring her back a little something. Thanks for asking after her. She’ll be tickled. Best to you and stay safe!
Buck
Christy's reply
Inisheer is a beautiful Island…played there with Planxty in 1972…wrote the song “The Two Conneeleys” about two Islanders….the song “Lingo politico” was written by Pat Quinn…he went there for a week’s holiday 20 years ago…he’s been there ever since..he developed a fierce “Grá for the Teanga”
Good morning Christy,
John O’dreams is playing hide and seek with me tonight, it is probably because of a call today.
With apologies, if you don’t mind the self indulgent ramble here goes…
Being a dad ,as you will know, you just sometimes get a feeling ,and so i video-phoned my elder daughter ,only to find her in tears. She explained that although a beautiful,fine young high school teacher ,she has begun to struggle with the lockdown despite having her wonderful plumbing poet partner with her.
We take for granted our health most of the time, especially our mental strength and health . It has been playing on me since ,and then it struck me as i awoke in this bunker-like darkness….music will help.
My daughter, her partner, my elder son and his wife ( in truth i was going to try to smuggle in my 18 month granddaughter too) were coming with me to Glasgow’s concert hall last week, and so for her i am sending a youtube song tonight .
For her it needs to be upbeat, she likes an occasional cider, so JOHNNY JUMP UP. I think she will like it, i know it will bring a smile, and that is what she needs to be able to do.
And so, as you too as a dad will also know, you cannot really only send one a ‘present’ without doing the same for the others.
My eldest was ,as i say, coming to the Concert hall, the first born, a truly helpful young father himself, so the VOYAGE is winging her way to him, i sent him it on the day his baby was born, he cried, today he will smile.
My wee daughter works for a MH charity in London, but lives part time by the sea ( working remotely) down south currently . She messaged tonight that she had a tough day at work, but she has had a fish ‘supper’ so feeling better, and so for the girl who was coming up to the Barras for the first time with me, 16 FISHERMEN RAVING will be her audio gift.
Last but not least the infamous Charlie. The only one on his own, but contented in his lot ,working away, spurred on by his love of music. I know of not one single person with a greater social conscience, some boy. He was coming with me both to Edinburgh’s usher hall and to the Barras too. He recently converted his thrash metal band member friend to your box set, a musical missionary is my youngest.
For him there is such a choice, but VIVA LA QUINTE BRIGADA will stir him marvellously.
With my ‘troops’ all awakening in a few hours to their musical pressies, i will get some kip secure in the knowledge that your music is such a gift.
I appreciate , as do we all as 4711ers, the responses to all of our posts that you take the care to make. Reading through the various posts and replies is always fasinating. Whether any of us have ever met you or not , i know we all feel like we have a ‘virtual’ friend in Christy Moore, and that means a lot.
Tonight i seek my blanket and my feather bed…good night, and thank you for ‘virtual’ listening.
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
we are very fortunate Rory…..its a joyous experience when children grow up and become friends…
I recognise some of what you share from my own experience..
its lovely to read how you have shared different songs with your loved ones..indeed its heartwarming to play a small part in the drama of your lives …
I had to stop and think when you wrote that “The Voyage” was winging “HER” way to your Son…. ( Johnny Jump Up an “it” ! )
I love singing Wally’s “16 Fishermen” yet it seldom features in the live set…I sing it often here in the workplace……
I really need to get the finger out and stop going for the easy options…Dr Sinnott constanly urges me towards lesser known songs… I have this very strong “try to please the general body” gene that steers me towards the tried and tested…
when we get back in front of the lamps I’m gonna try and change my ways….
16
Aisling
Butterfly
Son Come tell it to me
Green Grows The laurel
Pripchat
Scapegoats
Musgrave
Magdalen
Fidel & Che
Hattie Carroll
Strange
Broken Heart
Crazy Diamond
at the last Vicar St residency we played 10 nights…over the run only 4 tracks were played every night
there were 17 songs that were played but once
I’m announcing a spot prize here for the first to name the 4 tracks played every night
betting has just opened……Paddy Power has declared a firm favourite….(7/2 on and 33/1 the field )
Hi Christy,
Sitting here passing some of the free time listening to “The Box Set” 1964-2004 6 Discs, 101 songs weighing in at 6hrs 18mins approx I believe, hoping to get through it all in one sitting.
I love it, think it is a great way of chronicling the years as a sort of an overview, in one hundred years I could see it being part of the history syllables in our schools. Might it be time for “Box Set 2” ?
You might find time if lockdown continues for 18 months.
Hope all is well and hope to see you play somewhere near The Boyne Valley if and when life ever returns to normal.
Christy's reply
well Terry, I hope you have a soft cushion, a comfortable chair,
we’ll meet again when the wind changes…..best wishes to all the Yellow Furze Clan
Anzac Day tomorrow…a time to reflect on the young men who fell,such along way from home…
Every year,there’s a dawn remembrance near Passchendaele,Belgium…very cleverly and thoughtfully,the event is being held ‘virtually’ this year…so people can mark the occasion at home…via the museum- http://www.passchendaele.be on facebook c 5 00-5 30am GMT,but any time for a thought,seems good…plus a play of ‘and the band played Waltzing Matilda’…probably The Pogues version!
Thanks to you and fellow Guestbookers for great crack here…birdsong,poetry,Anne Briggs and Northern folkies..not a bad day in the bunker…
Dave
Christy's reply
They butchered us we butcherer them….all for the roses
Thank you very much for the correspondence Christy.
You have made a lifelong fan very happy.
The project we are working on has raised over €500 in 24hrs to buy PPE equipment for Nurses on the Frontline,we are very happy with how it’s going and you can check it out here
Maybe with a little help from some of your fine followers we could save more lives
The two songs we recorded were all done from our own homes separately and sent to producer Roger McGuire in Wexford who put a lot of man hours in to bringing it to what it is now.
Christy, in these strange days the opportunity to catch up on outstanding chores can distracted by the mind wandering back to earlier times, in pursuit of some perspective. About 18 months ago I asked you about a club in Poynton, Cheshire and you replied you hadn’t played there. However you referred me to the town of Congleton and at the time I wondered why that was. Today you mentioned that that was your first gig when you ventured the the north of England. In reply to the subsequent question, I for one would be most interested your thoughts and reflections on the ‘Manchester folkies’ you encountered on your early travels. Your website and it’s guestbook are a wonderful source of information, education, humour, opinions and perspectives, not just yourself, but a worldwide body of correspondents. I am a regular visitor to these pages and I suspect that like a large number of other rare or non contributors, enjoy the warmth of dialogue from those that do, along with your responses. This even more so in recent weeks. Hope you and yours, the band and the whole crew are keeping well and safe and hope to see you ‘Further on up the road’.
Christy's reply
when this website journey commenced I hoped for dialogue and communication with listeners and songsters….over the years it has become part of my daily routine…..many have expressed surprise at my willingness to engage…( a few have suggested that someone responds on my behalf.)……for many years I spent endless hours in late night sheebeens rawmaishin with any one who’d listen….this has been a much better use of precious time…..
Thanks for your kind words. I wrote syllables rising a while back. It based it on poet Ciaran Carson’s translation of a verse written in the margins of a 9th century manuscript. Int én bec translates from old Irish as ‘the little bird’. Lon Dubh Loch Lao (the blackbird of Belfast Lough) was put to music by Duke Special and trad group Ulaid. It’s sung alternately, in Irish and English and worth checking out on YouTube. I cut and paste the poem on the guestbook, leaving line breaks etc out as I didn’t want to take up too much space! It is a nice one to read out. Pangur Bán – refers to a poem in English about a white cat called Pangur. It too was lifted from the margins of a manuscript.Thanks Dave I will certainly check out Shirley Collins! In the meantime, go well Christy.
Christy's reply
Thank you Mary….you’ve opened up a few new byeways
Thank you for your reply Christy.
I’m glad to have brought back some fine memories for you.
There has been many a good gig in Dreamland,and your gig there last year (even though it’s now called the Arch) was fantastic.
Did you know it is the last remaining venue in Ireland where Johnny cash played when he was here.
I have been lucky enough to become friends with and play support to johnny Cash’s eldest grandson who played there on the 50th anniversary of that fine gig back in 2018 and again last year.
Unfortunately his tour this year has had to wait
But all for the greater good one could say.
Once again,thank you for your reply and I hope you enjoy the two songs we recorded for the charity.
just back from the ‘allowed walk’…wandering around a local park-deserted by locals,but serenaded by enthusiastic blackbirds and melodious unseen residents…
another taker for the Northern folkie list,please,Christy…no doubt,I’ll recognise some names,but I guarantee there’ll be a few players I’ve forgotten/never seen…as a Withington resident for the first 20 years of my life,its always great to recall the ‘old times’…especially significant as next year will be 50 years since I first saw you play the ‘Golden Lion’ folk club floor spot,before you got ‘the start there,with a full gig a few weeks later! Half a century! ‘The old man’s song’ comes to mind…
enjoy the day
Dave
Christy's reply
“at the turning of the century I was a lad of five”
Hello Christy,
Yes please for the Mancunian folkies if you don’t mind. I lived in Rusholme for 3 years in the early 90s.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
OK Rebecca..seeing as you asked, a list of the singers and players I recall from the Manchester Folk Scene 1966-69..
The Grehan Sisters
Mike Harding
Frank Duffy
Gerry Brady
Eamon Clinch
The Beggarmen
Oldham Tinkers
Pennine Folk
Valley Folk
Toni & Arthur
Tom & Smiley
Jack & Mavis
Union Folk
Blackpool Taverners
Pete Ryder
Pete Smith
Marie Little
Rosie Hardman
Tony Downes
Harry Boardman
Harry Ogden
Mike Canavan
Drony
Jack Taylor
Des English……….in time, I will remember more, while there I heard Fairport Convention,The McPeakes,The Dubliners,Stefan Grossman,Carthy&Swarbrick, MacColl& Seeger,Alex Cambell, Noel Murphy, Johnny Silvo,Tim Harte & Maddy Prior, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Diz Disley, Wizz Jones, Ralph McTell, Mike Absalom,Fred Jordan, Tony Rose,Bert Lloyd,Cyril Tawney,Jo-Anne Kelly,
Bridget St John,Sara Gray,Aly Bain & Mike Whellans,………it was a golden era
….
I was thinking of Shirley Collins’ ‘Blackbirds and thrushes’,but Mary’s words are probably more poetic…great rhythm to the words too…
No need for ‘Twitter’ when the real bird song is so pleasurable…D
Christy's reply
I’m just a lonely boy
lonely and blue
I’m all alone
with nothin to do
I’ve got everything
you could think of
but all I want
is……………………………… a rogan josh,a side of spinach, 3 chapatis followed by a bowl of rasmulai and a mango milk shake
Maidin mhaith a Christy,
Enjoying reading the posts and chats about songs and checking out recommendations.
Rebeccah’s post prompted me to warble a few words! This morning whilst the dawn chorus was in full flight…a female blackbird was inspecting the lawn…hunting and gathering whilst her mate serenaded the neighbourhood from his favourite post. Keep safe and well Christy and all who chirp on your guestbook. Le grá Mary
Syllables Rising
Old Irish syllabic verse in the margin
of a ninth century manuscript rises as
the Scribe’s and Poet’s words merge.
Twelve centuries on the Belfast Blackbird’s
dulcet song rises from the verge.
Notes let go soar and swirl around Malachy’s
medieval wall and as the little bird takes
flight, the lough’s ink-black shallows
are washed with light from sunset’s
stained-glass palette.
Lon dubh loch lao perches for choral
evensong on an altar of sunlit whin:
his sweet tune carries on warm winds.
As dusk falls in the west, inky feathers
fly to nest as centuries old eye-rings scan
the margins for Pangur Bán.
Christy's reply
Mary, the beauty of your poem takes my breath away…I’ve had to read it time and time again…are these words of “Syllables Rising” your own?
I don’t understand the guide lines of poetry..perhaps you can share something…I note that its in 16 lines….to me it reads differently from the way its written…. its so beautiful to speak… “the Belfast Blackbird’s dulcet song” “ink black shallows washed with light” “the Sunset’s stained-glass palette” “evensong on an altar of Sunlit whin”
Patrician Brothers and Dominican Priest’s sought to beat the beauty of poetry into me ….twas Richie Havens singing Butler Yeats “Wandering Aonghus” that opened the door to me…today I cherish the beauty of “Syllables Rising”
Looks like Rory has us on long haul trips today…looking forward to checking out the Oz sounds…
Yesterday,I was playing and sorting some LPs…loving the artwork and feel of 12” vinyl.Realised that many would have been made /packaged at Hayes ,Middlesex…not sure when you were there,but you might find some familiar sights/rekindle (hopefully,good ) memories at http://www.thevinylfactory.com/plant …and,see what the set up is now…www.theoldvinylfactory.com/history.
I’m curious as to your reasons for being in the South,but figuring it gave access to London’s gigs etc as well as boosting the cash flow with a ‘day job’…
Terrific that your memory can produce a long list of your 60’s Northern musical influences…memories triggered by the Hayes links,might add a Southern equivalent…who needs ‘Mudcat’?!
Enjoy the day…and greetings to your ‘orchestra’ companeros (musicians and crew)there’ll be great reunions once we’re all released…
Dave
Christy's reply
My first 2 visits to London in 1962 and ’63 were to gain Summer work…I stayed in Southhall first year and then Chiswick….I returned in ’66 hoping to gain work as a singer..at this time I had never been in nor heard of a Folk Club…..then one night I accidentally happened upon a Pub where Annie Briggs was to sing….. it was a mesmerising experience….that same week I went to hear The Grehan Sisters play at The Railway Hotel in Willesden Junction…they told me of the vibrant Folk Club scene in Manchester and invited me to some of their gigs should I travel Northwards….within weeks I packed my guitar case..the very first Northern Folk Club I experienced was at The Chesire Cat Pub in Congleton where The Union Folk were resident Band…..what a great welcoming bunch they were…later I became a regular guest there and loved every visit…Frank Duffy used to run a regular Thu gig in Manchester…he gave me a few floor spots, twas there I met Mike Harding who gave me my first gig in Blakeley…also met Gerry Brady and Eamon Clinch who fronted The Beggarmen at their club in the Crown & Anchor bk of Piccadilly…they gave me a gig…used to go to Monday Night Singers Club at MSG and started to pick up further gigs…. Toni & Arthur’s Club, Pete Wilmot’s, The Pennine’s Club in Hyde, The Valley Folk in Bury, The Oldham Tinkers Club, Jack & Mavis out on Kingsway, St Clares Club, I was on my way…it was hard going ,tough living, money was very scarce but it was a brilliant time, I dossed in some very basic rooms but the tide was turning..managed to get my first car in early ’67…a 4th hand austin mini from a Plumber called Reg Nuttall out in Bury….after 6 months I met him to make the final £5 payment and he suggested that I take his name off the side of the van…
should I share my list of 60’s Mancunian Folkies ? anyone interested apart from myself
Hi christy.
Hope you are staying safe. I gave my 14 year old son mark tickets to see you live at the theatre royal in Waterford with his dad. When I showed mark the tickets a slow smile came across his face and his reply was this is just beautiful. Those words were the height of excitement from him as he is usually calm and not too excitable. Of course no show now understandably but he lives in hope that in the future he will see you perform live again. In the meantime he listens to your vast repertoire while working in the garden on his breaks from school work. Stay safe Christy.
Susan and mark Fitzpatrick
Christy's reply
Best wishes to you Mark…thanks for listening to the songs….hope the gardening and studies are keeping you well occupied…
I look forward to coming back to Waterford when the coast is clear
Hi Christy,long time fan,first time poster.
I hope you are keeping safe and well in these testing times.
I was brought up listening to your music and have been playing music myself for the last 14 years.
For the last two weeks myself and a number of other musicians got together and recorded two songs for charity to raise money for PPE for Nurses on the Frontline.
We have called ourselves The Antibodies and both songs are available from today in Bandcamp.
If we could get any help in sharing this the difference could be astronomical in the lives it saves .
If not,then at least I tried.
I really hope you are keeping well and thank you for your music and passion ❤️
Christy's reply
Fair play to you Niall and to your Companeros…
I will try and listen to your songs and to support your initiative…
You stir memories of early days, cycling from Newbridge to Dreamland, hearing Johnny Cash, The Paragon 7, Prince Vince & The Regent, Brendan Bowyer & The Royal, Dominic Behan,…. of nights in Bapti Mahers rejoicing in black porter, ……of seeing Kildare beat Dublin on that GAA ground near the station
( once went to a Dance in Athy Rugby Club with my old mate Johnny Flood, I was 16, for some reason I got chucked out and missed my lift back to Newbridge….I was a sorry sight by the time I got home)
Hi Christy
No organised sporting events,but you’ve set up a cracker here…so,taking a punt on the big 4 from a long list of favourites…
City of Chicago
Ride On
Lisdoonvarna
Black is the Colour
Great idea-thanks
Dave
way off
Now Christy, i am not a betting man but i lve the geegeez, so here goes.
I have Hilary as 7/4 favourite
Dave is 9/2
Marty 6s
Paddy 17/2
If you did not have the answer already i would have you and declan both at 10/1.
I am lobbing in mine as a lucky one at 18/1 but think i will play each way.
under startrs orders and they’re off….
Ride On
Joxer
City of Chicago
Beeswing
Thanks for the idea.
regards
rory
by the way my kids loved their individual songs
way off the mark
Mike Harding’s ‘Hall of Fame’ is wonderful – as per link on previous post…the power of Dick Gaughan’s ‘Handful of Earth’ has just kick started today…D
The Rochdale Cowboy… “ay up cock, we supped some stuff”
Hi Christy
As expected,I greatly enjoyed reading the list of your muckers and influences in late 60’s Manchester…when I first visited folk clubs a few years later,I also encountered many of the people…a friendly crowd,with lots of ideas and contacts being shared…several extremely helpful in giving tips to a young player,too…
I’d urge fellow fans to check out recordings etc,by all on the list,but a good starting point is http://www.mikehardingfolkshow.com …I know how closely you and Mike are linked and his knowledge of music/travel writing etc is exceptional…another name that resonates (and is a regular listen here)Bridget St John…a wonderful,hypnotic,singer/guitarist…very well represented on a youtube piece,from French tv,1970…lovely audience shots too and close ups of Bridget’s guitar playing…time for another cuppa and a few more of Bridget’s chansons…
As ever,thanks for the exchanges here.
Keep well
Dave
I still remember those Yates Wine Taverns…the Sweet Australian..grape juice laced with Industrial…the train to Leeds stopping at every station….most pleasurable when the hash was strong….
Hi Christy,
In answer to your question my Mom’s father was from Inisheer and her mother from Galway city. They brought her over as a child to Boston. She’s only been back twice (by boat) as she hates to fly but every time I go over I bring her back a little something. Thanks for asking after her. She’ll be tickled. Best to you and stay safe!
Buck
Inisheer is a beautiful Island…played there with Planxty in 1972…wrote the song “The Two Conneeleys” about two Islanders….the song “Lingo politico” was written by Pat Quinn…he went there for a week’s holiday 20 years ago…he’s been there ever since..he developed a fierce “Grá for the Teanga”
Good morning Christy,
John O’dreams is playing hide and seek with me tonight, it is probably because of a call today.
With apologies, if you don’t mind the self indulgent ramble here goes…
Being a dad ,as you will know, you just sometimes get a feeling ,and so i video-phoned my elder daughter ,only to find her in tears. She explained that although a beautiful,fine young high school teacher ,she has begun to struggle with the lockdown despite having her wonderful plumbing poet partner with her.
We take for granted our health most of the time, especially our mental strength and health . It has been playing on me since ,and then it struck me as i awoke in this bunker-like darkness….music will help.
My daughter, her partner, my elder son and his wife ( in truth i was going to try to smuggle in my 18 month granddaughter too) were coming with me to Glasgow’s concert hall last week, and so for her i am sending a youtube song tonight .
For her it needs to be upbeat, she likes an occasional cider, so JOHNNY JUMP UP. I think she will like it, i know it will bring a smile, and that is what she needs to be able to do.
And so, as you too as a dad will also know, you cannot really only send one a ‘present’ without doing the same for the others.
My eldest was ,as i say, coming to the Concert hall, the first born, a truly helpful young father himself, so the VOYAGE is winging her way to him, i sent him it on the day his baby was born, he cried, today he will smile.
My wee daughter works for a MH charity in London, but lives part time by the sea ( working remotely) down south currently . She messaged tonight that she had a tough day at work, but she has had a fish ‘supper’ so feeling better, and so for the girl who was coming up to the Barras for the first time with me, 16 FISHERMEN RAVING will be her audio gift.
Last but not least the infamous Charlie. The only one on his own, but contented in his lot ,working away, spurred on by his love of music. I know of not one single person with a greater social conscience, some boy. He was coming with me both to Edinburgh’s usher hall and to the Barras too. He recently converted his thrash metal band member friend to your box set, a musical missionary is my youngest.
For him there is such a choice, but VIVA LA QUINTE BRIGADA will stir him marvellously.
With my ‘troops’ all awakening in a few hours to their musical pressies, i will get some kip secure in the knowledge that your music is such a gift.
I appreciate , as do we all as 4711ers, the responses to all of our posts that you take the care to make. Reading through the various posts and replies is always fasinating. Whether any of us have ever met you or not , i know we all feel like we have a ‘virtual’ friend in Christy Moore, and that means a lot.
Tonight i seek my blanket and my feather bed…good night, and thank you for ‘virtual’ listening.
Regards
Rory
we are very fortunate Rory…..its a joyous experience when children grow up and become friends…
I recognise some of what you share from my own experience..
its lovely to read how you have shared different songs with your loved ones..indeed its heartwarming to play a small part in the drama of your lives …
I had to stop and think when you wrote that “The Voyage” was winging “HER” way to your Son…. ( Johnny Jump Up an “it” ! )
I love singing Wally’s “16 Fishermen” yet it seldom features in the live set…I sing it often here in the workplace……
I really need to get the finger out and stop going for the easy options…Dr Sinnott constanly urges me towards lesser known songs… I have this very strong “try to please the general body” gene that steers me towards the tried and tested…
when we get back in front of the lamps I’m gonna try and change my ways….
16
Aisling
Butterfly
Son Come tell it to me
Green Grows The laurel
Pripchat
Scapegoats
Musgrave
Magdalen
Fidel & Che
Hattie Carroll
Strange
Broken Heart
Crazy Diamond
at the last Vicar St residency we played 10 nights…over the run only 4 tracks were played every night
there were 17 songs that were played but once
I’m announcing a spot prize here for the first to name the 4 tracks played every night
betting has just opened……Paddy Power has declared a firm favourite….(7/2 on and 33/1 the field )
Hi Christy,
Sitting here passing some of the free time listening to “The Box Set” 1964-2004 6 Discs, 101 songs weighing in at 6hrs 18mins approx I believe, hoping to get through it all in one sitting.
I love it, think it is a great way of chronicling the years as a sort of an overview, in one hundred years I could see it being part of the history syllables in our schools. Might it be time for “Box Set 2” ?
You might find time if lockdown continues for 18 months.
Hope all is well and hope to see you play somewhere near The Boyne Valley if and when life ever returns to normal.
well Terry, I hope you have a soft cushion, a comfortable chair,
we’ll meet again when the wind changes…..best wishes to all the Yellow Furze Clan
Hi Christy
Anzac Day tomorrow…a time to reflect on the young men who fell,such along way from home…
Every year,there’s a dawn remembrance near Passchendaele,Belgium…very cleverly and thoughtfully,the event is being held ‘virtually’ this year…so people can mark the occasion at home…via the museum- http://www.passchendaele.be on facebook c 5 00-5 30am GMT,but any time for a thought,seems good…plus a play of ‘and the band played Waltzing Matilda’…probably The Pogues version!
Thanks to you and fellow Guestbookers for great crack here…birdsong,poetry,Anne Briggs and Northern folkies..not a bad day in the bunker…
Dave
They butchered us we butcherer them….all for the roses
Thank you very much for the correspondence Christy.
You have made a lifelong fan very happy.
The project we are working on has raised over €500 in 24hrs to buy PPE equipment for Nurses on the Frontline,we are very happy with how it’s going and you can check it out here
https://theantibodies2020.bandcamp.com/album/the-antibodies
Maybe with a little help from some of your fine followers we could save more lives
The two songs we recorded were all done from our own homes separately and sent to producer Roger McGuire in Wexford who put a lot of man hours in to bringing it to what it is now.
I really hope you like the songs
Thank you so much.
Forever indebted
Grá agus sonas mo Chara
Niall Moore
P.s Dylan Walshe says howiya
well done Niall
Christy, in these strange days the opportunity to catch up on outstanding chores can distracted by the mind wandering back to earlier times, in pursuit of some perspective. About 18 months ago I asked you about a club in Poynton, Cheshire and you replied you hadn’t played there. However you referred me to the town of Congleton and at the time I wondered why that was. Today you mentioned that that was your first gig when you ventured the the north of England. In reply to the subsequent question, I for one would be most interested your thoughts and reflections on the ‘Manchester folkies’ you encountered on your early travels. Your website and it’s guestbook are a wonderful source of information, education, humour, opinions and perspectives, not just yourself, but a worldwide body of correspondents. I am a regular visitor to these pages and I suspect that like a large number of other rare or non contributors, enjoy the warmth of dialogue from those that do, along with your responses. This even more so in recent weeks. Hope you and yours, the band and the whole crew are keeping well and safe and hope to see you ‘Further on up the road’.
when this website journey commenced I hoped for dialogue and communication with listeners and songsters….over the years it has become part of my daily routine…..many have expressed surprise at my willingness to engage…( a few have suggested that someone responds on my behalf.)……for many years I spent endless hours in late night sheebeens rawmaishin with any one who’d listen….this has been a much better use of precious time…..
Keep Coming Back
I’m really sorry if this is wrong to do,but I forgot to add a link to the charity project.
I hope it’s o.k
Thanks again.
Grá agus sonas mo Chara
Niall Moore
post your message again and put in the link this time
Thanks for your kind words. I wrote syllables rising a while back. It based it on poet Ciaran Carson’s translation of a verse written in the margins of a 9th century manuscript. Int én bec translates from old Irish as ‘the little bird’. Lon Dubh Loch Lao (the blackbird of Belfast Lough) was put to music by Duke Special and trad group Ulaid. It’s sung alternately, in Irish and English and worth checking out on YouTube. I cut and paste the poem on the guestbook, leaving line breaks etc out as I didn’t want to take up too much space! It is a nice one to read out. Pangur Bán – refers to a poem in English about a white cat called Pangur. It too was lifted from the margins of a manuscript.Thanks Dave I will certainly check out Shirley Collins! In the meantime, go well Christy.
Thank you Mary….you’ve opened up a few new byeways
Thank you for your reply Christy.
I’m glad to have brought back some fine memories for you.
There has been many a good gig in Dreamland,and your gig there last year (even though it’s now called the Arch) was fantastic.
Did you know it is the last remaining venue in Ireland where Johnny cash played when he was here.
I have been lucky enough to become friends with and play support to johnny Cash’s eldest grandson who played there on the 50th anniversary of that fine gig back in 2018 and again last year.
Unfortunately his tour this year has had to wait
But all for the greater good one could say.
Once again,thank you for your reply and I hope you enjoy the two songs we recorded for the charity.
Grá agus sonas mo Chara
Niall Moore
fire ahead Niall
just back from the ‘allowed walk’…wandering around a local park-deserted by locals,but serenaded by enthusiastic blackbirds and melodious unseen residents…
another taker for the Northern folkie list,please,Christy…no doubt,I’ll recognise some names,but I guarantee there’ll be a few players I’ve forgotten/never seen…as a Withington resident for the first 20 years of my life,its always great to recall the ‘old times’…especially significant as next year will be 50 years since I first saw you play the ‘Golden Lion’ folk club floor spot,before you got ‘the start there,with a full gig a few weeks later! Half a century! ‘The old man’s song’ comes to mind…
enjoy the day
Dave
“at the turning of the century I was a lad of five”
Hello Christy,
Yes please for the Mancunian folkies if you don’t mind. I lived in Rusholme for 3 years in the early 90s.
Rebecca
OK Rebecca..seeing as you asked, a list of the singers and players I recall from the Manchester Folk Scene 1966-69..
The Grehan Sisters
Mike Harding
Frank Duffy
Gerry Brady
Eamon Clinch
The Beggarmen
Oldham Tinkers
Pennine Folk
Valley Folk
Toni & Arthur
Tom & Smiley
Jack & Mavis
Union Folk
Blackpool Taverners
Pete Ryder
Pete Smith
Marie Little
Rosie Hardman
Tony Downes
Harry Boardman
Harry Ogden
Mike Canavan
Drony
Jack Taylor
Des English……….in time, I will remember more, while there I heard Fairport Convention,The McPeakes,The Dubliners,Stefan Grossman,Carthy&Swarbrick, MacColl& Seeger,Alex Cambell, Noel Murphy, Johnny Silvo,Tim Harte & Maddy Prior, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Diz Disley, Wizz Jones, Ralph McTell, Mike Absalom,Fred Jordan, Tony Rose,Bert Lloyd,Cyril Tawney,Jo-Anne Kelly,
Bridget St John,Sara Gray,Aly Bain & Mike Whellans,………it was a golden era
….
I was thinking of Shirley Collins’ ‘Blackbirds and thrushes’,but Mary’s words are probably more poetic…great rhythm to the words too…
No need for ‘Twitter’ when the real bird song is so pleasurable…D
I’m just a lonely boy
lonely and blue
I’m all alone
with nothin to do
I’ve got everything
you could think of
but all I want
is……………………………… a rogan josh,a side of spinach, 3 chapatis followed by a bowl of rasmulai and a mango milk shake
Maidin mhaith a Christy,
Enjoying reading the posts and chats about songs and checking out recommendations.
Rebeccah’s post prompted me to warble a few words! This morning whilst the dawn chorus was in full flight…a female blackbird was inspecting the lawn…hunting and gathering whilst her mate serenaded the neighbourhood from his favourite post. Keep safe and well Christy and all who chirp on your guestbook. Le grá Mary
Syllables Rising
Old Irish syllabic verse in the margin
of a ninth century manuscript rises as
the Scribe’s and Poet’s words merge.
Twelve centuries on the Belfast Blackbird’s
dulcet song rises from the verge.
Notes let go soar and swirl around Malachy’s
medieval wall and as the little bird takes
flight, the lough’s ink-black shallows
are washed with light from sunset’s
stained-glass palette.
Lon dubh loch lao perches for choral
evensong on an altar of sunlit whin:
his sweet tune carries on warm winds.
As dusk falls in the west, inky feathers
fly to nest as centuries old eye-rings scan
the margins for Pangur Bán.
Mary, the beauty of your poem takes my breath away…I’ve had to read it time and time again…are these words of “Syllables Rising” your own?
I don’t understand the guide lines of poetry..perhaps you can share something…I note that its in 16 lines….to me it reads differently from the way its written…. its so beautiful to speak… “the Belfast Blackbird’s dulcet song” “ink black shallows washed with light” “the Sunset’s stained-glass palette” “evensong on an altar of Sunlit whin”
Patrician Brothers and Dominican Priest’s sought to beat the beauty of poetry into me ….twas Richie Havens singing Butler Yeats “Wandering Aonghus” that opened the door to me…today I cherish the beauty of “Syllables Rising”
G’day Christy
Looks like Rory has us on long haul trips today…looking forward to checking out the Oz sounds…
Yesterday,I was playing and sorting some LPs…loving the artwork and feel of 12” vinyl.Realised that many would have been made /packaged at Hayes ,Middlesex…not sure when you were there,but you might find some familiar sights/rekindle (hopefully,good ) memories at http://www.thevinylfactory.com/plant …and,see what the set up is now…www.theoldvinylfactory.com/history.
I’m curious as to your reasons for being in the South,but figuring it gave access to London’s gigs etc as well as boosting the cash flow with a ‘day job’…
Terrific that your memory can produce a long list of your 60’s Northern musical influences…memories triggered by the Hayes links,might add a Southern equivalent…who needs ‘Mudcat’?!
Enjoy the day…and greetings to your ‘orchestra’ companeros (musicians and crew)there’ll be great reunions once we’re all released…
Dave
My first 2 visits to London in 1962 and ’63 were to gain Summer work…I stayed in Southhall first year and then Chiswick….I returned in ’66 hoping to gain work as a singer..at this time I had never been in nor heard of a Folk Club…..then one night I accidentally happened upon a Pub where Annie Briggs was to sing….. it was a mesmerising experience….that same week I went to hear The Grehan Sisters play at The Railway Hotel in Willesden Junction…they told me of the vibrant Folk Club scene in Manchester and invited me to some of their gigs should I travel Northwards….within weeks I packed my guitar case..the very first Northern Folk Club I experienced was at The Chesire Cat Pub in Congleton where The Union Folk were resident Band…..what a great welcoming bunch they were…later I became a regular guest there and loved every visit…Frank Duffy used to run a regular Thu gig in Manchester…he gave me a few floor spots, twas there I met Mike Harding who gave me my first gig in Blakeley…also met Gerry Brady and Eamon Clinch who fronted The Beggarmen at their club in the Crown & Anchor bk of Piccadilly…they gave me a gig…used to go to Monday Night Singers Club at MSG and started to pick up further gigs…. Toni & Arthur’s Club, Pete Wilmot’s, The Pennine’s Club in Hyde, The Valley Folk in Bury, The Oldham Tinkers Club, Jack & Mavis out on Kingsway, St Clares Club, I was on my way…it was hard going ,tough living, money was very scarce but it was a brilliant time, I dossed in some very basic rooms but the tide was turning..managed to get my first car in early ’67…a 4th hand austin mini from a Plumber called Reg Nuttall out in Bury….after 6 months I met him to make the final £5 payment and he suggested that I take his name off the side of the van…
should I share my list of 60’s Mancunian Folkies ? anyone interested apart from myself
Hi christy.
Hope you are staying safe. I gave my 14 year old son mark tickets to see you live at the theatre royal in Waterford with his dad. When I showed mark the tickets a slow smile came across his face and his reply was this is just beautiful. Those words were the height of excitement from him as he is usually calm and not too excitable. Of course no show now understandably but he lives in hope that in the future he will see you perform live again. In the meantime he listens to your vast repertoire while working in the garden on his breaks from school work. Stay safe Christy.
Susan and mark Fitzpatrick
Best wishes to you Mark…thanks for listening to the songs….hope the gardening and studies are keeping you well occupied…
I look forward to coming back to Waterford when the coast is clear
Hi Christy,long time fan,first time poster.
I hope you are keeping safe and well in these testing times.
I was brought up listening to your music and have been playing music myself for the last 14 years.
For the last two weeks myself and a number of other musicians got together and recorded two songs for charity to raise money for PPE for Nurses on the Frontline.
We have called ourselves The Antibodies and both songs are available from today in Bandcamp.
If we could get any help in sharing this the difference could be astronomical in the lives it saves .
If not,then at least I tried.
I really hope you are keeping well and thank you for your music and passion ❤️
Fair play to you Niall and to your Companeros…
I will try and listen to your songs and to support your initiative…
You stir memories of early days, cycling from Newbridge to Dreamland, hearing Johnny Cash, The Paragon 7, Prince Vince & The Regent, Brendan Bowyer & The Royal, Dominic Behan,…. of nights in Bapti Mahers rejoicing in black porter, ……of seeing Kildare beat Dublin on that GAA ground near the station
( once went to a Dance in Athy Rugby Club with my old mate Johnny Flood, I was 16, for some reason I got chucked out and missed my lift back to Newbridge….I was a sorry sight by the time I got home)