Hi Christy….I know u must have a few never heard before songs , stuff u have written but maybe no for the live gig. These mini concerts may be a good opportunity to let’s us hear them…the old songs are great but the new ones might be better.
Christy's reply
’tis true for you Marty…
lets see what emerges ….
its 90% down to the spur of the moment..
ep 3 tonight and I got an open mind
..but you got me thinkin
One of the great things about visiting here,is making semi random connections and music crossovers…the mention of Ian Dury is a case in point …I recently played ‘My Old Man’ a few times.One of the most poignant songs ever…great that you swopped songs.Priceless times…
Really sorry to see the list of pulled gigs…even if they’re off for awhile yet,hopefully,you an soon hang out with your companeros.More likely than here.It’ll be the 12th of never before its safe to do anything other than buy flowers on a golf course,no surprise the online bookies will have got their way though…
Very impressive that the lockdown sessions are beamed through via Andy’s i phone.I assumed you/he had a good home set up.I’m glad its a good outlet for you.Terrific listening and watching your chord shapes…keep ’em coming,thanks.
Dear Christy,
Spancilhill is gaining some momentum out there, indeed i believe they call it trending, or viral ,but in old fashioned money it is popular, and rightly so.
I had booked a trip to see Mick in Cork, and stay with Jayo in Cashel , and the gig in the tent by the Lee , around a first ever visit to see the Fair at Spancilhill….worth waiting until next year for though.
I was trying to think of some requests for the next indoor gig, installment 3, based on my recent listenings, so here goes…
The boy from Tamlaghtduff,
Green Island,
Folk Tale ( the birds just love it),
And a wee outsider in a cover of Ian Dury’s Reasons to be Cheerful part 3. ..it is ripe for a fresh set of words in this lockdown bunker setting, and i reckon you’re the very songsmith to provide us with plenty inspiring new lyrics…
Summer, bob dylan, cummings in prison, ice lolly, birds singing, SF vote ….etc.
Am away to slap on the factor 90.
Regards,
Rory
Christy's reply
You are after reminding me Rory,
the pain of unfulfilled expectation
myself and band and crew were all set for
Kilkenny
Killarney
Portlaois 2
Kilronan
Lough Rynn
Letterkenny 2
Westport 2
Glasgow 2
Edinboro
Cavan 2
Claremorris
Sligo
DSP
Limerick2
Waterford 2
Ennis 2
Dublin
Lee Fields
Wexford 2
Carlow
Galway
……………..and it all fell asunder…..shite and onions…feckin bateaters
Its good to have these weekly sessions with my Son and his phone..I’ve noted all requests and will try and do one each week… ( I’ve got 178 so far)
I met Ian Dury once..a Channel 4 chat/music show….I think Melvyn Bragg was chairing it …Anthony Hopkins was a guest and Ian D and myself sang songs….Ian was a darling man and we had a good old chat in the green room… I had to lash off as I was doing a gig in The Mean Fiddler for Vince Power
Just noticed some info that came through from http://www.folkradio.co.uk .Loads of good stuff -and a free ‘latest show’ playlist on easy access.Wonderful listening inc Pentangle,Jansch and Incredible String Band (+many more)…I still listen to a lot of ISB’s brilliant,quirky songs …esp’The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter’LP. You mentioned Clive Palmer recently,did you ever come across them,as a trio or duo,on the circuit?Dr Strangely Strange formed in Dublin in the same era…such amazing music-given a platform by John Peel-bless him.
Enjoy the day -and thanks for the welcome sightings of the Atkin and part of your ‘tower of song’…
Dave
Christy's reply
never heard them live, trio nor duet, met Clive once, and poss Robin in Edinburgh early on….played with Dr Strangely once (in Doncaster)..still meet some of them along the way..usually down around West Cork
Hey Adam,
as long as the voice holds up and as long as I got the strength to carry it there will, hopefully, be more to come…
“but when I came to where I found Her
and set her down from the halted coach
who was there with his arms folded
but the fearful swordsman Tiger Roche
blades were out twas thrust and cut
never a man gave me more fright
’til I laid him dead upon the floor
where she stood holding the candle light”
Hi Christy, long time no chat. Hope you are keeping well, loving the weekly sessions! Was going to ask for a request for one of your upcoming recordings – I got married a year ago at the end of June and came down the ailse to the tune of Cliffs of Doneen! Would love to hear it or if you could give myself and husband Éamann a wee shout. Or, ofcourse, the Tuam Beat – it will always have a very special place in my heart!
Have to mention as well how delighted I was to be on the same line up as yourself paying tribute to Martin McGuinness. There aren’t many musicians can say they have shared the stage with you twice (all be it if the second time was a virtual stage)
I absolutely loved your song choice. I sang the beautiful ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ . Biggest praise goes to my brother Michael as I only gave him 24hrs to learn a piano song on the guitar! Think he did an great job considering.
Looking forward to your next session already! Coinnigh Slán!
Christy's reply
and you made a lovely job of that beautiful song in celebration of the Chieftain…Michael’s accompaniment was spot on….see you soon when I arrive at The Cliffs
Dear Christy,
THANK YOU for lifting our spirits!!! We enjoyed your newest video gig so much – wonderful set of songs! Especially liked Quiet Desperation, it’s corresponding to the time we are in.
Great to see Micho Russell mentioned below. We clearly recall his appearance at the first Irish Folk Festival in Germany 1974, met him a few years later in O’Connor’s Pub Doolin and he was always enchanting listeners with his fantastic tin whistle playing. He was a gentle man.
Also lovely to read the comments about some songs I love so well: Metropolitan Avenue, Yellow Triangle, The Old Man’s Song, The Sun is Burning and most requested Spancil Hill … What will we get to hear in 3rd session???
Keep on with the good work!
Traudel
Christy's reply
its starting to take shape in my head Traudel…but that shape can change frequently.. as I collect the root, the stem. the leaf, the flowering top and seed of hundreds of verses …but Spancilhill is certainly resounding
Thank you so much for the beautiful and very uplifting second video. Both have felt so natural, like you’ve been sat in our living room, up close and personal! Great to see and hear you in such fine voice. A third session would be marvellous. I first heard Spancilhill in 1972 on ‘Prosperous’ and still find it moving and deeply haunting. If there’s a chance that it could make it onto the next playlist, that would be fantastic.
Brendan
Thats mad i was just listening to Ian campbell dismorning. I didnt know he wrote The Old Man Song theres no information on the web ,i knew he wrote Sun is Burning alright. As for Ub40, great band. Thanks for the Info Christy. Cheers Seán
Never far from the headphones,Christy…makes a good difference to the light weight computer sound,I find.
Enjoying the ‘Spancilhill ‘ thread…there’s a really good read about it on http://www.clarelibrary.ie .If you’re making the set list for Lockdown 3,I’d like to request this song,but whatever you fancy,is terrific-the gigs are a real boost,thanks.
Dave
Christy's reply
its becoming the most requested song for Lockdown 3…gotta do one request every week
Thanks Christy and I enjoyed your latest session. I knew Spancill Hill was written by Michael Considine. I didn’t know that the song is as old as it is. Born in 1850, he emigrated to Boston and west moved west to California to follow the gold rush where he wrote this wonderful song, aged twenty three…147 years ago! (Bringing it all back home springs to mind.) I knew about the annual fair in Spancill Hill but didn’t know its name came from the practice of spancilling…roping a horses fore and hind legs to stop it from wandering off! I watched an interview of Madonna and her then husband Guy Richie years back and he said it was his favourite song. He played in trad sessions in a pub he owned called the Punchbowl in Mayfair session. Scottish descent. Heading to paint the garden fence but before i go…a request to sing it at your next session Le grá Mary
Christy's reply
someone told me that they once heard Madonna sing a verse or two of Spancilhill one Sunday afternoon down by The Strawberry Beds on the Liffeybank nr Dublin..
I thought twas a tall yarn…but I’m having second thoughts
BB is at the heart of a favourite memory.My mate,Joe -one of Co Meath’s finest,came to many a gig with me.Joe never ‘got’ music and endured,rather than enjoyed the folk nights etc…then,he saw the ad c 1990…Brendan Bowyer and the Big8…Beechmount ballroom,Navan…and away we went…the joint was rocking,for sure-a cracking night and I never saw Joe happier…he died last year,and when the news reached me,I thought of the night in the ballroom-and a crowd,rocking on the buzz of rock n roll.Thanks,Brendan…
No worries about the volume as it hits this bunker.Christy.Especially through ‘the cans’…can’t beat a bit of ‘bottom end’-as I’m sure your techies tell you..
Thanks Christy for singing the few songs for all the people in lockdown. You are still sounding great. I watch the RTE news most days in NZ to keep in touch. We are doing quite well here and coming out of lockdown now. Still no live music though. Maybe soon.” Let the music keep your spirits high”. It works for me Slan Sean
Christy's reply
I have great memories from 5 tours in NZ….Aotea one Patricks Night was outstanding..
Powerful stuff as always in this week’s video Christy. It’s great to see you in good form still with this lockdown. Could you do Yellow Triangle for George Floyd next week? Keep safe.
Many thanks for Lockdown 2.I tried to watch it several times .Each time,there was an interruption…so only just got the headphones on now to really appreciate the songs…the delivery is fantastic and a wonderful selection.There’s a real warmth to the gig…very welcome after a week when so many resources have been used up in processing and protesting against leaders who consistently do so much harm in a time of crisis…my rants may yet reach high level (what an amazing band!)
Fair play to you for the connection you have with an audience.Good night and thanks from here,as we head into another day… Dave
Christy's reply
Thanks Dave,
we dont seem to be getting enough volume..hope we can turn it up for ep3..I’m very happy with the Atkin
I habe never seen new live, but I’m very very keen to see you in concert. Thank You for your beautiful Voice And your songs and your power to let ne all forget when I listen to you. Thank you for Your YouTube Videos. Stay healthy Roland
Christy's reply
hopefully see you along the way Roland..come join our 4711ers, you’ll feel at home for sure
Loving the weekly installment of songs. Was listening to some earlier stuff during the week and was wondering – do you ever sing Suffocate these days? A great song from, I think Noel Brazil? I think part of it was included on the Journey doc a few years ago. The other song I have been listening to lately – The Least We Can do. Kind of apt for the days that are in it at the moment, especially that middle verse “Show some love and compassion, when people are feeling low
Make it not just a fashion, that may come and go” Something to live by once this whole thing blows over. Anyway, keep well and look forward to next week!
Christy's reply
I agree. a great song from Noel Brazil…great opening line
“Paddy maintains we’re all yellow inside”
sing it to myself sometimes here in the workroom…it never clicked on stage..I may try it again sometime…. “Metropolitan Avenue” is another of Noel’s….a true songsmith, he had it hard, peace be with him
Just heard the sad news of the passing of a school friend and relation, Brendan Boyer. Yes, great memories of his first gigs here in Waterford, youth and excitement, pretty girls and young boys dreams, all made a wonderful picture. I still meet Charlie Matthews, hale and hearty, also Jerry Cullen. ‘Life is like a merry go round, when its your stop you must get off.’
Christy's reply
sad news indeed
a Gentleman of Ireland
a legend of the Irish Showband scene
I saw Brendan in action when I was 15 in a Ballroom in Tramore
he was scintillating
saw him again in Dreamland Athy, Lawlor’s Ballroom in Naas and The Town Hall in Newbridge…
he feckin rocked every joint he played
then half a century on we got talkin once or twice…I valued the connection…
I send my condolences to his beloved family
https://www.facebook.com/799539910084929/posts/3182111221827774/?vh=e
this is beautiful, awesome,heartbreaking, real, frontline,frightening,….the power of words and music in language of the heart,
thank you for sharing…I’ll forward it on out, I’ll use whatever reach I got
Hi Christy….I know u must have a few never heard before songs , stuff u have written but maybe no for the live gig. These mini concerts may be a good opportunity to let’s us hear them…the old songs are great but the new ones might be better.
’tis true for you Marty…
lets see what emerges ….
its 90% down to the spur of the moment..
ep 3 tonight and I got an open mind
..but you got me thinkin
Hi Christy
One of the great things about visiting here,is making semi random connections and music crossovers…the mention of Ian Dury is a case in point …I recently played ‘My Old Man’ a few times.One of the most poignant songs ever…great that you swopped songs.Priceless times…
Really sorry to see the list of pulled gigs…even if they’re off for awhile yet,hopefully,you an soon hang out with your companeros.More likely than here.It’ll be the 12th of never before its safe to do anything other than buy flowers on a golf course,no surprise the online bookies will have got their way though…
Very impressive that the lockdown sessions are beamed through via Andy’s i phone.I assumed you/he had a good home set up.I’m glad its a good outlet for you.Terrific listening and watching your chord shapes…keep ’em coming,thanks.
Dave
O for a date
at the Bridgewater gate
Dear Christy,
Spancilhill is gaining some momentum out there, indeed i believe they call it trending, or viral ,but in old fashioned money it is popular, and rightly so.
I had booked a trip to see Mick in Cork, and stay with Jayo in Cashel , and the gig in the tent by the Lee , around a first ever visit to see the Fair at Spancilhill….worth waiting until next year for though.
I was trying to think of some requests for the next indoor gig, installment 3, based on my recent listenings, so here goes…
The boy from Tamlaghtduff,
Green Island,
Folk Tale ( the birds just love it),
And a wee outsider in a cover of Ian Dury’s Reasons to be Cheerful part 3. ..it is ripe for a fresh set of words in this lockdown bunker setting, and i reckon you’re the very songsmith to provide us with plenty inspiring new lyrics…
Summer, bob dylan, cummings in prison, ice lolly, birds singing, SF vote ….etc.
Am away to slap on the factor 90.
Regards,
Rory
You are after reminding me Rory,
the pain of unfulfilled expectation
myself and band and crew were all set for
Kilkenny
Killarney
Portlaois 2
Kilronan
Lough Rynn
Letterkenny 2
Westport 2
Glasgow 2
Edinboro
Cavan 2
Claremorris
Sligo
DSP
Limerick2
Waterford 2
Ennis 2
Dublin
Lee Fields
Wexford 2
Carlow
Galway
……………..and it all fell asunder…..shite and onions…feckin bateaters
Its good to have these weekly sessions with my Son and his phone..I’ve noted all requests and will try and do one each week… ( I’ve got 178 so far)
I met Ian Dury once..a Channel 4 chat/music show….I think Melvyn Bragg was chairing it …Anthony Hopkins was a guest and Ian D and myself sang songs….Ian was a darling man and we had a good old chat in the green room… I had to lash off as I was doing a gig in The Mean Fiddler for Vince Power
Mornin’ Christy
Just noticed some info that came through from http://www.folkradio.co.uk .Loads of good stuff -and a free ‘latest show’ playlist on easy access.Wonderful listening inc Pentangle,Jansch and Incredible String Band (+many more)…I still listen to a lot of ISB’s brilliant,quirky songs …esp’The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter’LP. You mentioned Clive Palmer recently,did you ever come across them,as a trio or duo,on the circuit?Dr Strangely Strange formed in Dublin in the same era…such amazing music-given a platform by John Peel-bless him.
Enjoy the day -and thanks for the welcome sightings of the Atkin and part of your ‘tower of song’…
Dave
never heard them live, trio nor duet, met Clive once, and poss Robin in Edinburgh early on….played with Dr Strangely once (in Doncaster)..still meet some of them along the way..usually down around West Cork
Hi Christy
The latest set of songs was great hope their is more to come
This might of some interest to you .
Tom pacheco did a live stream for what was to be his anuel gig at the venue well worth a watch
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1400295963495519&id=461429217382203&d=null&vh=e
Hey Adam,
as long as the voice holds up and as long as I got the strength to carry it there will, hopefully, be more to come…
“but when I came to where I found Her
and set her down from the halted coach
who was there with his arms folded
but the fearful swordsman Tiger Roche
blades were out twas thrust and cut
never a man gave me more fright
’til I laid him dead upon the floor
where she stood holding the candle light”
Hi Christy, long time no chat. Hope you are keeping well, loving the weekly sessions! Was going to ask for a request for one of your upcoming recordings – I got married a year ago at the end of June and came down the ailse to the tune of Cliffs of Doneen! Would love to hear it or if you could give myself and husband Éamann a wee shout. Or, ofcourse, the Tuam Beat – it will always have a very special place in my heart!
Have to mention as well how delighted I was to be on the same line up as yourself paying tribute to Martin McGuinness. There aren’t many musicians can say they have shared the stage with you twice (all be it if the second time was a virtual stage)
I absolutely loved your song choice. I sang the beautiful ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ . Biggest praise goes to my brother Michael as I only gave him 24hrs to learn a piano song on the guitar! Think he did an great job considering.
Looking forward to your next session already! Coinnigh Slán!
and you made a lovely job of that beautiful song in celebration of the Chieftain…Michael’s accompaniment was spot on….see you soon when I arrive at The Cliffs
Dear Christy,
THANK YOU for lifting our spirits!!! We enjoyed your newest video gig so much – wonderful set of songs! Especially liked Quiet Desperation, it’s corresponding to the time we are in.
Great to see Micho Russell mentioned below. We clearly recall his appearance at the first Irish Folk Festival in Germany 1974, met him a few years later in O’Connor’s Pub Doolin and he was always enchanting listeners with his fantastic tin whistle playing. He was a gentle man.
Also lovely to read the comments about some songs I love so well: Metropolitan Avenue, Yellow Triangle, The Old Man’s Song, The Sun is Burning and most requested Spancil Hill … What will we get to hear in 3rd session???
Keep on with the good work!
Traudel
its starting to take shape in my head Traudel…but that shape can change frequently.. as I collect the root, the stem. the leaf, the flowering top and seed of hundreds of verses …but Spancilhill is certainly resounding
Thank you so much for the beautiful and very uplifting second video. Both have felt so natural, like you’ve been sat in our living room, up close and personal! Great to see and hear you in such fine voice. A third session would be marvellous. I first heard Spancilhill in 1972 on ‘Prosperous’ and still find it moving and deeply haunting. If there’s a chance that it could make it onto the next playlist, that would be fantastic.
Brendan
to amuse a passing fancy
curious combinations
my mind being bent on rambling
………………maybe I will Brendan
Thats mad i was just listening to Ian campbell dismorning. I didnt know he wrote The Old Man Song theres no information on the web ,i knew he wrote Sun is Burning alright. As for Ub40, great band. Thanks for the Info Christy. Cheers Seán
strands of clouds go slowly drifting by
Never far from the headphones,Christy…makes a good difference to the light weight computer sound,I find.
Enjoying the ‘Spancilhill ‘ thread…there’s a really good read about it on http://www.clarelibrary.ie .If you’re making the set list for Lockdown 3,I’d like to request this song,but whatever you fancy,is terrific-the gigs are a real boost,thanks.
Dave
its becoming the most requested song for Lockdown 3…gotta do one request every week
Thanks Christy and I enjoyed your latest session. I knew Spancill Hill was written by Michael Considine. I didn’t know that the song is as old as it is. Born in 1850, he emigrated to Boston and west moved west to California to follow the gold rush where he wrote this wonderful song, aged twenty three…147 years ago! (Bringing it all back home springs to mind.) I knew about the annual fair in Spancill Hill but didn’t know its name came from the practice of spancilling…roping a horses fore and hind legs to stop it from wandering off! I watched an interview of Madonna and her then husband Guy Richie years back and he said it was his favourite song. He played in trad sessions in a pub he owned called the Punchbowl in Mayfair session. Scottish descent. Heading to paint the garden fence but before i go…a request to sing it at your next session Le grá Mary
someone told me that they once heard Madonna sing a verse or two of Spancilhill one Sunday afternoon down by The Strawberry Beds on the Liffeybank nr Dublin..
I thought twas a tall yarn…but I’m having second thoughts
Hi Christy
RIP Brendan Bowyer-and well summed up,by you…
BB is at the heart of a favourite memory.My mate,Joe -one of Co Meath’s finest,came to many a gig with me.Joe never ‘got’ music and endured,rather than enjoyed the folk nights etc…then,he saw the ad c 1990…Brendan Bowyer and the Big8…Beechmount ballroom,Navan…and away we went…the joint was rocking,for sure-a cracking night and I never saw Joe happier…he died last year,and when the news reached me,I thought of the night in the ballroom-and a crowd,rocking on the buzz of rock n roll.Thanks,Brendan…
No worries about the volume as it hits this bunker.Christy.Especially through ‘the cans’…can’t beat a bit of ‘bottom end’-as I’m sure your techies tell you..
Dave
Do many people use headphones ???
Morning Christy
I’ve just followed a friend’s advice and looked on youtube at Paul Robeson singing ‘Joe Hill’ for Scottish miners in 1949…wow…
A cuppa and a rerun of Lockdown 2 now.Thanks again..
Enjoy the day
Dave
one of the great voices
Thanks Christy for singing the few songs for all the people in lockdown. You are still sounding great. I watch the RTE news most days in NZ to keep in touch. We are doing quite well here and coming out of lockdown now. Still no live music though. Maybe soon.” Let the music keep your spirits high”. It works for me Slan Sean
I have great memories from 5 tours in NZ….Aotea one Patricks Night was outstanding..
Powerful stuff as always in this week’s video Christy. It’s great to see you in good form still with this lockdown. Could you do Yellow Triangle for George Floyd next week? Keep safe.
preferably kneeling on Derek Chauvin’s neck
Hi Christy
Many thanks for Lockdown 2.I tried to watch it several times .Each time,there was an interruption…so only just got the headphones on now to really appreciate the songs…the delivery is fantastic and a wonderful selection.There’s a real warmth to the gig…very welcome after a week when so many resources have been used up in processing and protesting against leaders who consistently do so much harm in a time of crisis…my rants may yet reach high level (what an amazing band!)
Fair play to you for the connection you have with an audience.Good night and thanks from here,as we head into another day… Dave
Thanks Dave,
we dont seem to be getting enough volume..hope we can turn it up for ep3..I’m very happy with the Atkin
I habe never seen new live, but I’m very very keen to see you in concert. Thank You for your beautiful Voice And your songs and your power to let ne all forget when I listen to you. Thank you for Your YouTube Videos. Stay healthy Roland
hopefully see you along the way Roland..come join our 4711ers, you’ll feel at home for sure
Hi Christy,
Loving the weekly installment of songs. Was listening to some earlier stuff during the week and was wondering – do you ever sing Suffocate these days? A great song from, I think Noel Brazil? I think part of it was included on the Journey doc a few years ago. The other song I have been listening to lately – The Least We Can do. Kind of apt for the days that are in it at the moment, especially that middle verse “Show some love and compassion, when people are feeling low
Make it not just a fashion, that may come and go” Something to live by once this whole thing blows over. Anyway, keep well and look forward to next week!
I agree. a great song from Noel Brazil…great opening line
“Paddy maintains we’re all yellow inside”
sing it to myself sometimes here in the workroom…it never clicked on stage..I may try it again sometime…. “Metropolitan Avenue” is another of Noel’s….a true songsmith, he had it hard, peace be with him
Just heard the sad news of the passing of a school friend and relation, Brendan Boyer. Yes, great memories of his first gigs here in Waterford, youth and excitement, pretty girls and young boys dreams, all made a wonderful picture. I still meet Charlie Matthews, hale and hearty, also Jerry Cullen. ‘Life is like a merry go round, when its your stop you must get off.’
sad news indeed
a Gentleman of Ireland
a legend of the Irish Showband scene
I saw Brendan in action when I was 15 in a Ballroom in Tramore
he was scintillating
saw him again in Dreamland Athy, Lawlor’s Ballroom in Naas and The Town Hall in Newbridge…
he feckin rocked every joint he played
then half a century on we got talkin once or twice…I valued the connection…
I send my condolences to his beloved family