Interesting news from Orkney’s finest-Kris Drever…www.krisdrever.com .He’s playing a ‘stream’ gig on Wednesday 20/5 as part of a festival set up by Coughlan’s in Cork…he’s also been a busy boy,as can be seen on his youtube channel…its very well worth a watch -and,for adventurous souls willing to try his brilliant playing style,as per his tutorials.(He’s also resplendent in an ‘Atkin’ T shirt!)
He’s long been on the bunker playlist ‘Harvest Gypsy’ (written by Boo Hewardine)being a particular favourite.
Christy, greetings once again from Down Under. If there’s one small positive to have come out of this Covid crisis, it’s the artists that are putting their music up on Spotify and other streaming platforms. One such band is Seanchai & The Unity Squad. From NYC and long since broken up… they are responsible for the original version of the INCREDIBLE Ballad of Mairead Farrell… Enjoy… https://open.spotify.com/track/5MBBqpCkKoZTjABNg0vNXU?si=NvThwhwGSWiVNYXcOOT12A
an early evening ramble on youtube and,once again,hit on ‘Raggle Taggle…’from the National Stadium,1973…magnificently shot and playing so tight…a joy to behold.Thanks to all concerned…D
Christy's reply
47 years ago Dave…..John Reilly’s songs are timeless
Morra Chrosto,
Dan alerted me to your kind words and good vibes re Copperplate and the family.
Re the gig in Cleethorpes, on the back to London and the Volvo threw a brake shoe and started to make a big noise which got louder. You sang me all the way back to London, to keep me awake I’m sure. I remember The Boy from Tamlaghduff is still with me. Stay safe till we meet again
I saw you once say ‘most of us have a gortatagort in our lives….’ ,and my son charlie and i feel it is very true, he may be in glasgow these days but he remembers fondly his townlands where his auld fither still resides.
John Spillane has written some glorious songs, perhaps none quite as personal and special as that one, but then again, Patrick Murphy, magic nights, cherry trees, prince’s street, passage west and on and on they go, to a simply mesmeric song of the ‘River Lee’ which i wish so many more people would listen to.
You can tell that today’s vibe is much more mellow than the tuam lads of yesterday, but equally fabulous.
I imagine you have long been a fan of John’s songwriting, and rightly so.
i seem to remember that you had him and some of patrick murphy’s family in the tent by the lee one year recently. I have yet to see him live, so in my home-bunker schooling i am away to write out fifty lines ‘i must make more of an effort to see john spillane live’.
Arra best Christy
rory
Christy's reply
Johnny and The Murphy’s (Patrick’s grandsons) hauled anchor in Passage West and sailed up the River Lee where they tied up alongside The Marquee and came into the gig.Afterwards we shot the breeze.It was a joy to meet them.They have attended the Marquee gig every year since.
Tried to paste a twitter link several times of Naas native, Kildare supporter and health worker Dan McCabe singing Song For Ireland in conjunction with GAA clubs throughout Ireland …a great song and a great Lilywhite rendition!
Christy, looking forward to listeing to you Matt Molloy and Damian Dempsey on Saturday’s online tribute to mark Martin’s 70th birthday.
Have a good day. Mary
Christy's reply
beidh mé ansin freisin…bhí mé an-sásta ar fad nuair a bfhuair mé invite cun ceol a dhéanaimh do mo cara Martin
You might know the music forum…www.talkawhile.co.uk I’m not a member of it,but occasionally dip into it,as its ok to read posts,only needing to sign in to to contribute to chats etc.If its new to you and companeros,here,its a good way to find further rabbit holes out of lockdown bunkers…
I was reading some pieces last night after remembering an ace day out in Summer 1971…Your old friends ,Tim Hart and Maddy Prior played a brilliant folk club gig in Manchester…chatting post gig,they mentioned that on the following day,their band (Steeleye Span) were playing on Ainsdale beach (near Southport)in a double bill with Fairport Convention-recording the ‘Out Front’ programme for Granada TV…useful info,if of interest! Too right ,it was of interest…
So,the next afternoon,an expedition was launched from Victoria Station-train to Ainsdale and a trek down the beach…a larger than expected crowd assembling in the sand dunes…soundcheck sets by both bands (very rare to see them both sharing a bill),then, evening recorded sets…had to leave before the end of Fairport,to schlep along the beach for the last train home,but it was a fab trip out…seeing two of my all time favourite bands-Steeleye in a golden era,with classic line up -around the time you/Planxty played with them.
Thankfully,there are references on talk awhile,but,even better-grainy footage of Steeleye (and maybe,Fairport) on youtube,via searches for ‘Granada TV ‘Out Front ‘1971 etc…worth a few minutes to search and watch…it’ll bring back memories for you,even if its only the Granada tv logo,from your time in this area…maybe,you recorded in the Quay Street (Coronation Street ) studios,before the move to Media City?
My wife and I met you in guilford backstage when you were chatting with the gentleman who help you get started in
The uk. Tks for taking the time to chat with my wife and I.
You’re renditions of sonnys dream ,bee swing,Spancil hill,and many others are the best, we would love to come see you again when This crazy mess is over! Stay safe !
One Moore fan
Derek
Michelle power
Hi Christy,
Wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this platform. It’s easy to look around the world as it is today and see the negative. It’s wonderful to come to a place where most everybody is positive and providing interesting content and a passion for music and life in general. I look forward to it everyday and can’t get enough of your remembrances and stories! I also love the many suggestions from yourself and others of other artists to listen to. I’m currently overloading on Moxie, Damien Dempsey, Paddy Nash and Declan McLaughlin (and yourself of course!). Thanks. Stay safe, stay well!
Buck
Copperplate/Alan O’Leary…the information and coincidences keep on coming…another reason why t’guestbook is a gem,Christy.
Bert Jansch is resident in the bunker today…ever play ‘Once I had a sweetheart’?An old Pentangle fave ,ditto Oysterband…lovely tune too.
Dave
Christy's reply
I met Bert 3 or 4 times…there never was much said but I felt we were comfortable in each others company..the first time was in the “artists” bar at Cambridge Festival ( early 70s methinks) where we sipped our way into quite a few Carlsberg Specials, (feckin looney soup)..last time was in Whelans Club in Dublin in the 90s where he did a beautiful, very laid back, gig….we shook hands afterwards, not much was said, but I felt a welcome from him …another Monday night in the 60s I went to hear Pentangle in The Elbow Room in Kircaldy (Fife)….played a strange,chaotic,drunken (me) gig one St Patrick’s Night in Frankfurt the 70s and I think Bert was there..I do rem talking to John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee…
Cocooned in Lockdown all sorts of faded reflections appear from the old memory box..
Bert would always talk about our mutual friend Hamish Imlach….stories from the early days of the revival in Glasgow…Hamish influenced, encouraged and helped many apprectice pickers (myself included….)
I liked Bert
rory bannerman
May 17, 2020 at 1:14 pm
Location: sunshine n showers hitting the hawick bunker top
Hi Christy,
Today i reckon that i awoke in a saw doctors mood. Having seen the band many times live they often hit the spot. Jimmy Higgins was with them for a while i think. Tuam beat ,on Lily, is i think written by Padraig Stevens (part if their band/set up ) .
What a fabulous selection of songs they have . Hay wrap ( i still have the t-shirt ‘get that wasp off my sandwich’), Green and Red of Mayo, N17 (a lovely road indeed), Joyce Country ceili Band, Clare Island, and the song for every racehorse ‘to win just once’….i could go on and on.
Anyway their first album is blaring out just now,released 30 years ago next year…how time flies.
A few years back i took a detour off the N17 and into Tuam one day, on my tod, to see some of the haunts they sing about , a town they are very loyal to.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings, probably a different vibe, but still a musical one no doubt.
regards
Rory
ps yesterday watched a film about Brian Wilson, his music and mental health, Love and Mercy, well worth a viewing.
Christy's reply
One Summers afternoon in the 80s I was strolling thru Galway when I happened upon Ollie Jennings, he invited me to the launch of a new band he was managing..went along and met The Saw Doctors for the first time…within weeks they were flying up the charts and bringing joy wherever they landed….a great live Band and a lovely bunch of Rapscallions… over the years Jimmy H. was in the traps and stills shares great yarns of his time with the Doctors..he introduced me to the songs of Padraig Stevens,The Bard of Tuam
ps
Just looked at ‘Copperplate’in more detail,following the previous post…what an amazing set up…got some good reading /listening to go with the breakfast cuppa…D
Christy's reply
Copperplate…
The man behind copperplate is none other then Alan O’Leary..
Alan and I go way back along the road…we worked together for manys the year..
A mighty man of music who also knows his way around a rogan josh…he features in the old song “Me and The Rose”
“myself and Raymond Roland
Roger Sherlock and Liam Farrell
Alan O’Leary and Tony Rohr
we were painting a door
we gave it 6 coats and 3 coats more
and that was just the undercoat”….
….for most of the 80s he was my Tour Manager and companero….he drove me to my first gig at Glastonbury, we played manys the haunt together, Brixton, Bristol, Brighton, Buxton,Birmingham, Battle and Bath..we played The Winter Gardens in Cleethorpes when the writer Peter Hames gifted me a Cassette of his song “Ordinary Man”, we travelled to Glasgow in the old green Volvo with Roland blaring form the panasonic…. he has been friend and guide to many a rambling troubadour, I count himself and his Family as cherished friends…
Over the years,I’ve gained a fair few arts/history related interests.Many of which now have websites/free newsletters…so,easy to pick out the most interesting -happy to share here,with you and like minded folk…
But,its always brilliant to discover someone/something new by chance…following the mention of Galway Uni’s programme/your visit/talk there,you mentioned the work of the late Mary McPartlan and her warmth/interesting career.Not having heard of her,I was intrigued and looked on the internet…she certainly was a great talent and thanks for mentioning her…Lots of info about her LP and reviews etc of ‘The Holland Handkerchief’ at http://www.copperplatemailorder.com and some excellent youtube posts.Also,familiar song titles and music companeros on the LP…now on my ‘to get’ list…thanks for the tip off!
Christy, It was Niamh from Corcai who came up with the accolade that you were the voice of Ireland…so I can’t take credit for the thought..but I can and do absolutely agree! Go well!
Hi All.. today 16th May is the feast day of St Brendan,,,for those of ye not fully familiar with this Kerry Saint he is well worth a google,but then again the story is fairly well told in this song,,,https://youtu.be/ZbWPMnWaA2U ,with great piping by Liam Óg. In the last few months I have heard new stories about that in/famous day in Murphys Pub on the Quay in Brandon,and even met someone who was there !
BTW when Eamonn Casey bacame Bishop of Kerry ( yes Casey ! ) in the early 70s he re- establised the practice of honouring the saint by organising pilgrimages to climb the mountain which at 3,123 feet ( 953M ) is the second highest mountain san Riocht and in top ten highest mountains on the Island, I climbed it first in 1973 ! beir bua agus beannacht, H
Christy's reply
what I rem most from Murphy’s pub on The Quay in Brandon village is being invited into the kitchen for the bit of dinner…it was around tea time…and very nice too….myself and McCarthy were well nourished
Mornin’ Christy
Interesting news from Orkney’s finest-Kris Drever…www.krisdrever.com .He’s playing a ‘stream’ gig on Wednesday 20/5 as part of a festival set up by Coughlan’s in Cork…he’s also been a busy boy,as can be seen on his youtube channel…its very well worth a watch -and,for adventurous souls willing to try his brilliant playing style,as per his tutorials.(He’s also resplendent in an ‘Atkin’ T shirt!)
He’s long been on the bunker playlist ‘Harvest Gypsy’ (written by Boo Hewardine)being a particular favourite.
All the best
Dave
Sound Man Dave
Correction, here is the correct link to the song:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5MBBqpCkKoZTjABNg0vNXU?si=TG-EeNfOSNSNS_cJh9FVEw
Thanks for sharing
Christy, greetings once again from Down Under. If there’s one small positive to have come out of this Covid crisis, it’s the artists that are putting their music up on Spotify and other streaming platforms. One such band is Seanchai & The Unity Squad. From NYC and long since broken up… they are responsible for the original version of the INCREDIBLE Ballad of Mairead Farrell… Enjoy…
https://open.spotify.com/track/5MBBqpCkKoZTjABNg0vNXU?si=NvThwhwGSWiVNYXcOOT12A
Hi Christy
an early evening ramble on youtube and,once again,hit on ‘Raggle Taggle…’from the National Stadium,1973…magnificently shot and playing so tight…a joy to behold.Thanks to all concerned…D
47 years ago Dave…..John Reilly’s songs are timeless
Morra Chrosto,
Dan alerted me to your kind words and good vibes re Copperplate and the family.
Re the gig in Cleethorpes, on the back to London and the Volvo threw a brake shoe and started to make a big noise which got louder. You sang me all the way back to London, to keep me awake I’m sure. I remember The Boy from Tamlaghduff is still with me. Stay safe till we meet again
We all threw up the flan……2 bumps Josie
I saw you once say ‘most of us have a gortatagort in our lives….’ ,and my son charlie and i feel it is very true, he may be in glasgow these days but he remembers fondly his townlands where his auld fither still resides.
John Spillane has written some glorious songs, perhaps none quite as personal and special as that one, but then again, Patrick Murphy, magic nights, cherry trees, prince’s street, passage west and on and on they go, to a simply mesmeric song of the ‘River Lee’ which i wish so many more people would listen to.
You can tell that today’s vibe is much more mellow than the tuam lads of yesterday, but equally fabulous.
I imagine you have long been a fan of John’s songwriting, and rightly so.
i seem to remember that you had him and some of patrick murphy’s family in the tent by the lee one year recently. I have yet to see him live, so in my home-bunker schooling i am away to write out fifty lines ‘i must make more of an effort to see john spillane live’.
Arra best Christy
rory
Johnny and The Murphy’s (Patrick’s grandsons) hauled anchor in Passage West and sailed up the River Lee where they tied up alongside The Marquee and came into the gig.Afterwards we shot the breeze.It was a joy to meet them.They have attended the Marquee gig every year since.
Ha,ha very funny John! Mind you I’ve used Tippex on the screen when I spotted a typo in a comment I once submitted…it worked!
Mary, did you try flour and water? Always does the trick for me.
Tried to paste a twitter link several times of Naas native, Kildare supporter and health worker Dan McCabe singing Song For Ireland in conjunction with GAA clubs throughout Ireland …a great song and a great Lilywhite rendition!
Good Man Dan…
Christy, looking forward to listeing to you Matt Molloy and Damian Dempsey on Saturday’s online tribute to mark Martin’s 70th birthday.
Have a good day. Mary
beidh mé ansin freisin…bhí mé an-sásta ar fad nuair a bfhuair mé invite cun ceol a dhéanaimh do mo cara Martin
Hi Christy
You might know the music forum…www.talkawhile.co.uk I’m not a member of it,but occasionally dip into it,as its ok to read posts,only needing to sign in to to contribute to chats etc.If its new to you and companeros,here,its a good way to find further rabbit holes out of lockdown bunkers…
I was reading some pieces last night after remembering an ace day out in Summer 1971…Your old friends ,Tim Hart and Maddy Prior played a brilliant folk club gig in Manchester…chatting post gig,they mentioned that on the following day,their band (Steeleye Span) were playing on Ainsdale beach (near Southport)in a double bill with Fairport Convention-recording the ‘Out Front’ programme for Granada TV…useful info,if of interest! Too right ,it was of interest…
So,the next afternoon,an expedition was launched from Victoria Station-train to Ainsdale and a trek down the beach…a larger than expected crowd assembling in the sand dunes…soundcheck sets by both bands (very rare to see them both sharing a bill),then, evening recorded sets…had to leave before the end of Fairport,to schlep along the beach for the last train home,but it was a fab trip out…seeing two of my all time favourite bands-Steeleye in a golden era,with classic line up -around the time you/Planxty played with them.
Thankfully,there are references on talk awhile,but,even better-grainy footage of Steeleye (and maybe,Fairport) on youtube,via searches for ‘Granada TV ‘Out Front ‘1971 etc…worth a few minutes to search and watch…it’ll bring back memories for you,even if its only the Granada tv logo,from your time in this area…maybe,you recorded in the Quay Street (Coronation Street ) studios,before the move to Media City?
Enjoy…
Dave
My wife and I met you in guilford backstage when you were chatting with the gentleman who help you get started in
The uk. Tks for taking the time to chat with my wife and I.
You’re renditions of sonnys dream ,bee swing,Spancil hill,and many others are the best, we would love to come see you again when This crazy mess is over! Stay safe !
One Moore fan
Derek
Michelle power
Hi christy hope you and your family are keeping well stay safe.
Hi Christy,
Wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this platform. It’s easy to look around the world as it is today and see the negative. It’s wonderful to come to a place where most everybody is positive and providing interesting content and a passion for music and life in general. I look forward to it everyday and can’t get enough of your remembrances and stories! I also love the many suggestions from yourself and others of other artists to listen to. I’m currently overloading on Moxie, Damien Dempsey, Paddy Nash and Declan McLaughlin (and yourself of course!). Thanks. Stay safe, stay well!
Buck
Copperplate/Alan O’Leary…the information and coincidences keep on coming…another reason why t’guestbook is a gem,Christy.
Bert Jansch is resident in the bunker today…ever play ‘Once I had a sweetheart’?An old Pentangle fave ,ditto Oysterband…lovely tune too.
Dave
I met Bert 3 or 4 times…there never was much said but I felt we were comfortable in each others company..the first time was in the “artists” bar at Cambridge Festival ( early 70s methinks) where we sipped our way into quite a few Carlsberg Specials, (feckin looney soup)..last time was in Whelans Club in Dublin in the 90s where he did a beautiful, very laid back, gig….we shook hands afterwards, not much was said, but I felt a welcome from him …another Monday night in the 60s I went to hear Pentangle in The Elbow Room in Kircaldy (Fife)….played a strange,chaotic,drunken (me) gig one St Patrick’s Night in Frankfurt the 70s and I think Bert was there..I do rem talking to John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee…
Cocooned in Lockdown all sorts of faded reflections appear from the old memory box..
Bert would always talk about our mutual friend Hamish Imlach….stories from the early days of the revival in Glasgow…Hamish influenced, encouraged and helped many apprectice pickers (myself included….)
I liked Bert
Hi Christy,
Today i reckon that i awoke in a saw doctors mood. Having seen the band many times live they often hit the spot. Jimmy Higgins was with them for a while i think. Tuam beat ,on Lily, is i think written by Padraig Stevens (part if their band/set up ) .
What a fabulous selection of songs they have . Hay wrap ( i still have the t-shirt ‘get that wasp off my sandwich’), Green and Red of Mayo, N17 (a lovely road indeed), Joyce Country ceili Band, Clare Island, and the song for every racehorse ‘to win just once’….i could go on and on.
Anyway their first album is blaring out just now,released 30 years ago next year…how time flies.
A few years back i took a detour off the N17 and into Tuam one day, on my tod, to see some of the haunts they sing about , a town they are very loyal to.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings, probably a different vibe, but still a musical one no doubt.
regards
Rory
ps yesterday watched a film about Brian Wilson, his music and mental health, Love and Mercy, well worth a viewing.
One Summers afternoon in the 80s I was strolling thru Galway when I happened upon Ollie Jennings, he invited me to the launch of a new band he was managing..went along and met The Saw Doctors for the first time…within weeks they were flying up the charts and bringing joy wherever they landed….a great live Band and a lovely bunch of Rapscallions… over the years Jimmy H. was in the traps and stills shares great yarns of his time with the Doctors..he introduced me to the songs of Padraig Stevens,The Bard of Tuam
ps
Just looked at ‘Copperplate’in more detail,following the previous post…what an amazing set up…got some good reading /listening to go with the breakfast cuppa…D
Copperplate…
The man behind copperplate is none other then Alan O’Leary..
Alan and I go way back along the road…we worked together for manys the year..
A mighty man of music who also knows his way around a rogan josh…he features in the old song “Me and The Rose”
“myself and Raymond Roland
Roger Sherlock and Liam Farrell
Alan O’Leary and Tony Rohr
we were painting a door
we gave it 6 coats and 3 coats more
and that was just the undercoat”….
….for most of the 80s he was my Tour Manager and companero….he drove me to my first gig at Glastonbury, we played manys the haunt together, Brixton, Bristol, Brighton, Buxton,Birmingham, Battle and Bath..we played The Winter Gardens in Cleethorpes when the writer Peter Hames gifted me a Cassette of his song “Ordinary Man”, we travelled to Glasgow in the old green Volvo with Roland blaring form the panasonic…. he has been friend and guide to many a rambling troubadour, I count himself and his Family as cherished friends…
Mornin’ Christy
Over the years,I’ve gained a fair few arts/history related interests.Many of which now have websites/free newsletters…so,easy to pick out the most interesting -happy to share here,with you and like minded folk…
But,its always brilliant to discover someone/something new by chance…following the mention of Galway Uni’s programme/your visit/talk there,you mentioned the work of the late Mary McPartlan and her warmth/interesting career.Not having heard of her,I was intrigued and looked on the internet…she certainly was a great talent and thanks for mentioning her…Lots of info about her LP and reviews etc of ‘The Holland Handkerchief’ at http://www.copperplatemailorder.com and some excellent youtube posts.Also,familiar song titles and music companeros on the LP…now on my ‘to get’ list…thanks for the tip off!
Enjoy the day
Dave
Christy, It was Niamh from Corcai who came up with the accolade that you were the voice of Ireland…so I can’t take credit for the thought..but I can and do absolutely agree! Go well!
but twas yourself that translated
Hi All.. today 16th May is the feast day of St Brendan,,,for those of ye not fully familiar with this Kerry Saint he is well worth a google,but then again the story is fairly well told in this song,,,https://youtu.be/ZbWPMnWaA2U ,with great piping by Liam Óg. In the last few months I have heard new stories about that in/famous day in Murphys Pub on the Quay in Brandon,and even met someone who was there !
BTW when Eamonn Casey bacame Bishop of Kerry ( yes Casey ! ) in the early 70s he re- establised the practice of honouring the saint by organising pilgrimages to climb the mountain which at 3,123 feet ( 953M ) is the second highest mountain san Riocht and in top ten highest mountains on the Island, I climbed it first in 1973 ! beir bua agus beannacht, H
what I rem most from Murphy’s pub on The Quay in Brandon village is being invited into the kitchen for the bit of dinner…it was around tea time…and very nice too….myself and McCarthy were well nourished