First Dylan LP was Freewheelin, ‘Masters of War’ and ‘Oxford town’ awakened my social conscience when I was 16.
I had a Saturday job on the market scooping potatoes into 5lb bags and finally could afford proper records with middles! Pam
Christy's reply
My first Dylan song was “Tribute to Woody”
1966-67 I was an occasional visitor to Bury Market on Saturdays ….black pudding on the way to Gigg Lane….then back to Birtle….up the hill,past the mill
Hi C. Reading one of the Bards of Kerry today I came across the these lines by Brendan Kennelly and instantly thought of you, from Living Ghosts : ” I’ve seen men in their innocence
Untroubled by right and wrong.
I close my eyes and see them
Becoming song.
All the songs are living ghosts
and long for a living voice ” There are some great photos online by a lucky photographer who snapped ye both in Drury St Dublin in July 2012 in deep conversation and in suitable salubrious sartorial elegance, ( Leonard Cohen eat your heart out !! ) for fear of copyright infringement I resist sharing them here. Beir bua agus beannacht go Deo. H
Christy's reply
Can photos be posted here ? I’d love that…copyright be damned….I still recall the conversation with Brendan that very day….a chance meeting on a quiet street…Thank you for the memory
Dear Christy i am delighted to report that at yesterday’s champions flag unfurling ,at Parkhead, the absent crowd still sang a chorus or two of Pete St John’s finest Irish folk song.
The empty terraces watched the first thumping of the season , and still resounded to a taped recording of The fields of Athenry.
Celtic Park is sometimes a corner of Ireland, and when it is that is our favourite song.
Hail Hail Christy.
Rory
Christy's reply
Way back I went to Parkhead….circa1967….it was an eye opener for this young Bog man….standing on a thronged terrace as Jinky weaved magic (Messi reminds me)…then back to The Scotia before going to hear Hamish at The Folk Centre in Montrose Street….later on ,out to a session in East Kilbride before returning to Base in Motherwell…..Polish Vodka,Russian Speed,a Swedish Volvo….Paddy & Jock,Pure European
Thanks Christy, here’s the lyrics and my number and email is there if you’d like to hear the music…..
The Spinnaker
Verse 1
Like a sail on a boat on an open sea
I’m moved by the wind that’s surrounding me
And where I’ll end up is a mystery
A spinnaker, that’s me
Verse 2
If I take a look back to my childhood days
I still feel the ride of the ocean waves
We played together like the best of mates
The spinnaker and the sea
Bridge 1
My heart would sing
My spirit was king
I’d fly downwind faster than anything
It was a place where time stood still
Verse 3
Then I thought to myself there’s much more to me
I’m captain in charge of my destiny
I fought against all that was meant to be
The spinnaker lost at sea
Bridge 2
For years I fought
For all I’d forgot
I’m washed up and left for dead on the rocks
Nothing to blame but my own will
Music Interlude
Verse 4
Now I’m home finally I can hurt no more
I yield to all I resisted before
I’ll go with the flow sailing shore to shore
The spinnaker
The spinnaker
The spinnaker is free
Really interesting about Planxty’s residence in Edinburgh.I wonder if there’s a recording or film.I had a look online and youtube,but couldn’t strike lucky.But, came across a site,new to me,that is something of a treasure trove/discography.Featuring you/Planxty,amongst many more… http://www.theballadeers.com
Some good recent riffing on first records bought…certainly,a few 45s/singles,like Pam’s,without centres (ex jukebox)… My first exposure to a Dylan song was repeated playing of a cousin’s copy of The Byrd’s ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ -Mc Guinn’s intro grabbed me (and still does). What’s your first memory of Bob on vinyl – any bootlegs come your way?
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
No films but there were recordings of both the Finn McCool show and two Concerts we performed at The Haymarket….unfortunately we’ve never been able to gain access to these tapes which now linger somewhere in the deeply recessesd archive of our (then) Sound Engineer…I’d love to hear those tapes…almost 50 years on its unlikely we’ll get to hear them….Liam Óg will never hear them
Hello Christy,
Thankyou for pointing me to those two songs.
So now I am closing my eyes and listening. I can see better with eyes shut too. No glasses required. When you open your eyes for a verse is that what you see? Other people doing the same? Trying to understand.
I also have lots of songs to learn 😊
Rebecca
Christy's reply
always a relief to close our eyes and follow the lyric
Christy
I had the pleasure of listening to come all you dreamers this evening , after falling out of love with music for many years ( due to having kids and career ) it made the hair stand on the back of my neck. So many good memorys, and bad made better, with you playing in the background. It amazes me how music can have such an effect on you and the memories it can arise! People use it every day to live with and it is a part of the big story we call or lives. Here’s hoping we get through these very uncertain times and we get to see you in the slieve donard in the not So distant future. Keep her lit and keep her Christy !! All the best
Christy's reply
some days are better then others but we gotta plough on Matty….I’d love a walk down the seafront in Newcastle this morn…then a good rattle of ballads in that great gig room in the Slieve Donard
Senator Gerard Craughwell Here if you read this I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you. Contact me at the following email: Gerard.craughwell@oireachtas.ie
Thanks for the well wishes and the reminder to focus on the beautiful! there is so much to be grateful for and celebrate! Though there are certainly many Derek Chauvins in this world, there are equally as many, if not more, Daniel Berigans, Martin Luther Kings; so many Iggy Pops, George Clintons and of course Christy Moors making inspirational sounds to dance to. Today the skies are clear, we plan to walk the paths on the bluffs of Carpy and listen to the crows and the Tohees.
Take good care, Beau
Christy's reply
to see Iggy and Daniel together is a good start to the week
Back in lockdown central,having escaped over the border to Edinburgh ,just before the drawbridge was raised here…
First time I’ve ever wandered the city and found it so friendly,as we all juggle the masks and signing in to places…walked past ‘Sandy Bell’s’ folk pub and was thinking of the ‘old days” of sessions and folk clubs…Hopefully,all will return soon.I know that Glasgow features in your NET.Hopefully,Edinburgh too…some wonderful pipers busking on the streets..what an evocative sound carrying on the breeze,up and down the hilly streets…
Hope all well
Dave
Christy's reply
Auld Reekie has always beckoned since my first gig there in 1967
did a show there for 4 weeks in 1974…”The Fantastical Feats of Finn McCool” Planxty provided the music as an amazing array of emerging actors played the fantasy written by Sean McCarthy …..it played out on the Ice Rink (I think) in The Haymarket..many of the actors went on to high profile careers …I have great memories of the time
Christy, the button’s pressed for TG4 come all you dreamers your show with the guitar man himself Declan Sinnott. Go raibh mile maith agat as an ceoil. 💚 Le grá the Shannons.
Christy, I heard your brother’s new song about Seamus Heaney, ‘The Day the Great Oak Fell’ on the wireless last night – what a voice and what a song. I could see it making it’s way into your repertoire, very reminiscent of ‘So Do I’. Ever think of doing an album with him of his songs and yours?
Christy's reply
we does be singin all the time Tomas….me to the east,he to the west….our paths and wires cross all the time….we keep tight..keep singin….keep playing….we goes at it very different…thanks for listnin and keep comin back
Hi Christy, I’ve tried to write several times now but just haven’t been sure how to describe my feelings about what’s going on in America right now. I’m so happy people are waking up, rising up, black and white, to stand for justice and democracy. But saddened that obvious things like equity and kindness for all beings are not automatic. And definitely sad and angry that people of color keep getting killed by police officers in this country. I feel powerless in my tiny town by the ocean to affect change, but take refuge in the fact that I can make change in small kindnesses, like helping someone out with their grocery tab when their short, or writing and singing songs meant to encourage, or simply listening to others with genuine attention. Tiffany and I are finally getting married in our small backyard patio in Carp, a small ceremony with immediate family. As part of the ceremony we will be playing The Voyage together, she playing the keyboard I got for her as an engagement gift and I playing the bouzouki she got for me as an engagement gift. So again the music of Christy touches our lives and is woven in to our story.
I hope that not playing out hasn’t been too tough on you, it certinly has been for me. One part of the artistic equation of music is lost, and it leaves me feeling confused about the art form at best, despondent at worst. Recently I tracked down the H Block LP on vinyl. that is powerful stuff and inspiring for our own times. Be well, Beau
Christy's reply
Hi Beau,
Keyboard & Bouzouki sounds good,
greetings to Carp in Cal,
may you have a loving ceremony,
what better place to make your vow,to tie your knot..
there remains a lot of Love in this poor old world,
(hatred and mean ness still bubbling and fermenting)
but I’m focusing on the love as I send ye Best Wishes
Hi Christy ,
Hope your keeping well , not gigging is
bound to be rough after all these years courtin the road .
Had a powerful Christy binge tonight , headphones in – lights aaaafff .
Christy singing a wally Page song still is the vegan Matadors muleta in the wind , no bull just pink socks an a olé – cant be bait ! Please send my love to le wal next time ya talk (and Jonny ) legends!
As you are my friend- shine on –
We aren’t bait till the aliens show up
Baz x
Christy's reply
Good man Baz
I’ll give Waldo a bell later
we’re collaborating at the moment
yat-tie-a-rat-tie-a-rada
Well Christy, i moved back in to my parents’ home last night, my mother’s shielding 4 and a half month ends today.
First thing up this morning i gravitated to my much missed record player, such joy.
Straight on went my LP Jimmy McBeath ‘wild rover no more’ ,with his songs such as “come a’ ye tramps an’ hawkers” and
“I’m a stranger in this country’… and now to the pink disc.
I admire the pink disc songs and stories, like 1945 ,poitin, jack doyle, john o’ dreams and of course the original Joxer.
Tis great to be in the music.
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
You take me back to Blairgorie Festival in 1967….I travelled from Southshields with 3 of “The Marsden Rattlers” ….we were on our way to “The Berryfields Of Blair”..we collected “old” Davey Stewart in Glasgow,him and his big Piano Accordeon…there was a session on the Sunday where Davey and Jimmy McBeath were sitting close together and the rivalry was palpable…wee drams softened their hearts…I think they may have sung ”Tramps & Hawkers” together
and now you got me thinking of 1945…..and Paralanguage……Thanks Rory
First Dylan LP was Freewheelin, ‘Masters of War’ and ‘Oxford town’ awakened my social conscience when I was 16.
I had a Saturday job on the market scooping potatoes into 5lb bags and finally could afford proper records with middles! Pam
My first Dylan song was “Tribute to Woody”
1966-67 I was an occasional visitor to Bury Market on Saturdays ….black pudding on the way to Gigg Lane….then back to Birtle….up the hill,past the mill
Hi C. Reading one of the Bards of Kerry today I came across the these lines by Brendan Kennelly and instantly thought of you, from Living Ghosts : ” I’ve seen men in their innocence
Untroubled by right and wrong.
I close my eyes and see them
Becoming song.
All the songs are living ghosts
and long for a living voice ” There are some great photos online by a lucky photographer who snapped ye both in Drury St Dublin in July 2012 in deep conversation and in suitable salubrious sartorial elegance, ( Leonard Cohen eat your heart out !! ) for fear of copyright infringement I resist sharing them here. Beir bua agus beannacht go Deo. H
Can photos be posted here ? I’d love that…copyright be damned….I still recall the conversation with Brendan that very day….a chance meeting on a quiet street…Thank you for the memory
Dear Christy i am delighted to report that at yesterday’s champions flag unfurling ,at Parkhead, the absent crowd still sang a chorus or two of Pete St John’s finest Irish folk song.
The empty terraces watched the first thumping of the season , and still resounded to a taped recording of The fields of Athenry.
Celtic Park is sometimes a corner of Ireland, and when it is that is our favourite song.
Hail Hail Christy.
Rory
Way back I went to Parkhead….circa1967….it was an eye opener for this young Bog man….standing on a thronged terrace as Jinky weaved magic (Messi reminds me)…then back to The Scotia before going to hear Hamish at The Folk Centre in Montrose Street….later on ,out to a session in East Kilbride before returning to Base in Motherwell…..Polish Vodka,Russian Speed,a Swedish Volvo….Paddy & Jock,Pure European
Thanks Christy, here’s the lyrics and my number and email is there if you’d like to hear the music…..
The Spinnaker
Verse 1
Like a sail on a boat on an open sea
I’m moved by the wind that’s surrounding me
And where I’ll end up is a mystery
A spinnaker, that’s me
Verse 2
If I take a look back to my childhood days
I still feel the ride of the ocean waves
We played together like the best of mates
The spinnaker and the sea
Bridge 1
My heart would sing
My spirit was king
I’d fly downwind faster than anything
It was a place where time stood still
Verse 3
Then I thought to myself there’s much more to me
I’m captain in charge of my destiny
I fought against all that was meant to be
The spinnaker lost at sea
Bridge 2
For years I fought
For all I’d forgot
I’m washed up and left for dead on the rocks
Nothing to blame but my own will
Music Interlude
Verse 4
Now I’m home finally I can hurt no more
I yield to all I resisted before
I’ll go with the flow sailing shore to shore
The spinnaker
The spinnaker
The spinnaker is free
Lyrics & Music by Geraldine Mangan
087 957 0503
geraldinemanganmusic@gmail.com
Thank You for sharing “The Spinnaker” Geraldine.
Hi Christy
Really interesting about Planxty’s residence in Edinburgh.I wonder if there’s a recording or film.I had a look online and youtube,but couldn’t strike lucky.But, came across a site,new to me,that is something of a treasure trove/discography.Featuring you/Planxty,amongst many more… http://www.theballadeers.com
Some good recent riffing on first records bought…certainly,a few 45s/singles,like Pam’s,without centres (ex jukebox)… My first exposure to a Dylan song was repeated playing of a cousin’s copy of The Byrd’s ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ -Mc Guinn’s intro grabbed me (and still does). What’s your first memory of Bob on vinyl – any bootlegs come your way?
Have a good day
Dave
No films but there were recordings of both the Finn McCool show and two Concerts we performed at The Haymarket….unfortunately we’ve never been able to gain access to these tapes which now linger somewhere in the deeply recessesd archive of our (then) Sound Engineer…I’d love to hear those tapes…almost 50 years on its unlikely we’ll get to hear them….Liam Óg will never hear them
Hi Christy,
I’ve a song that I’d love to pitch to you. Think you would be magic with it. Is there an email address I can send it to?
why not land it in here GG
Hello Christy,
Thankyou for pointing me to those two songs.
So now I am closing my eyes and listening. I can see better with eyes shut too. No glasses required. When you open your eyes for a verse is that what you see? Other people doing the same? Trying to understand.
I also have lots of songs to learn 😊
Rebecca
always a relief to close our eyes and follow the lyric
Mornin’ Christy
Catching up on http://www.folkradio.co.uk and programme 81 is another excellent cocktail of sounds -old and new…
Planxty-‘Cunla’ (the years rolled back,there..),Carthy and Swarbrick/classic Tim Hart and Maddy Prior ,plus loads more and ace articles.
Enjoy.
Dave
” O who is that there now
knockin the window pane”
Christy
I had the pleasure of listening to come all you dreamers this evening , after falling out of love with music for many years ( due to having kids and career ) it made the hair stand on the back of my neck. So many good memorys, and bad made better, with you playing in the background. It amazes me how music can have such an effect on you and the memories it can arise! People use it every day to live with and it is a part of the big story we call or lives. Here’s hoping we get through these very uncertain times and we get to see you in the slieve donard in the not So distant future. Keep her lit and keep her Christy !! All the best
some days are better then others but we gotta plough on Matty….I’d love a walk down the seafront in Newcastle this morn…then a good rattle of ballads in that great gig room in the Slieve Donard
Dear Christy
Senator Gerard Craughwell Here if you read this I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you. Contact me at the following email:
Gerard.craughwell@oireachtas.ie
Regards
Gerard.
I’m here all the time Senator
Christy Moore – All You Dreamers. TG4. “Pure Magic”
Oh for another 2 hours in Gallowgate
Thanks for the well wishes and the reminder to focus on the beautiful! there is so much to be grateful for and celebrate! Though there are certainly many Derek Chauvins in this world, there are equally as many, if not more, Daniel Berigans, Martin Luther Kings; so many Iggy Pops, George Clintons and of course Christy Moors making inspirational sounds to dance to. Today the skies are clear, we plan to walk the paths on the bluffs of Carpy and listen to the crows and the Tohees.
Take good care, Beau
to see Iggy and Daniel together is a good start to the week
Hi Christy
Back in lockdown central,having escaped over the border to Edinburgh ,just before the drawbridge was raised here…
First time I’ve ever wandered the city and found it so friendly,as we all juggle the masks and signing in to places…walked past ‘Sandy Bell’s’ folk pub and was thinking of the ‘old days” of sessions and folk clubs…Hopefully,all will return soon.I know that Glasgow features in your NET.Hopefully,Edinburgh too…some wonderful pipers busking on the streets..what an evocative sound carrying on the breeze,up and down the hilly streets…
Hope all well
Dave
Auld Reekie has always beckoned since my first gig there in 1967
did a show there for 4 weeks in 1974…”The Fantastical Feats of Finn McCool” Planxty provided the music as an amazing array of emerging actors played the fantasy written by Sean McCarthy …..it played out on the Ice Rink (I think) in The Haymarket..many of the actors went on to high profile careers …I have great memories of the time
Love Come all you dreamers and the slide guitar…as the evening shadows fall…
Barrowland is Best
Christy, the button’s pressed for TG4 come all you dreamers your show with the guitar man himself Declan Sinnott. Go raibh mile maith agat as an ceoil. 💚 Le grá the Shannons.
ar aghaidh linn
https://youtu.be/rae56aT2OBc
Not sure I shared this one.
you know your way around the hohner
Christy, I heard your brother’s new song about Seamus Heaney, ‘The Day the Great Oak Fell’ on the wireless last night – what a voice and what a song. I could see it making it’s way into your repertoire, very reminiscent of ‘So Do I’. Ever think of doing an album with him of his songs and yours?
we does be singin all the time Tomas….me to the east,he to the west….our paths and wires cross all the time….we keep tight..keep singin….keep playing….we goes at it very different…thanks for listnin and keep comin back
Hi Christy, I’ve tried to write several times now but just haven’t been sure how to describe my feelings about what’s going on in America right now. I’m so happy people are waking up, rising up, black and white, to stand for justice and democracy. But saddened that obvious things like equity and kindness for all beings are not automatic. And definitely sad and angry that people of color keep getting killed by police officers in this country. I feel powerless in my tiny town by the ocean to affect change, but take refuge in the fact that I can make change in small kindnesses, like helping someone out with their grocery tab when their short, or writing and singing songs meant to encourage, or simply listening to others with genuine attention. Tiffany and I are finally getting married in our small backyard patio in Carp, a small ceremony with immediate family. As part of the ceremony we will be playing The Voyage together, she playing the keyboard I got for her as an engagement gift and I playing the bouzouki she got for me as an engagement gift. So again the music of Christy touches our lives and is woven in to our story.
I hope that not playing out hasn’t been too tough on you, it certinly has been for me. One part of the artistic equation of music is lost, and it leaves me feeling confused about the art form at best, despondent at worst. Recently I tracked down the H Block LP on vinyl. that is powerful stuff and inspiring for our own times. Be well, Beau
Hi Beau,
Keyboard & Bouzouki sounds good,
greetings to Carp in Cal,
may you have a loving ceremony,
what better place to make your vow,to tie your knot..
there remains a lot of Love in this poor old world,
(hatred and mean ness still bubbling and fermenting)
but I’m focusing on the love as I send ye Best Wishes
Hi Christy ,
Hope your keeping well , not gigging is
bound to be rough after all these years courtin the road .
Had a powerful Christy binge tonight , headphones in – lights aaaafff .
Christy singing a wally Page song still is the vegan Matadors muleta in the wind , no bull just pink socks an a olé – cant be bait ! Please send my love to le wal next time ya talk (and Jonny ) legends!
As you are my friend- shine on –
We aren’t bait till the aliens show up
Baz x
Good man Baz
I’ll give Waldo a bell later
we’re collaborating at the moment
yat-tie-a-rat-tie-a-rada
Well Christy, i moved back in to my parents’ home last night, my mother’s shielding 4 and a half month ends today.
First thing up this morning i gravitated to my much missed record player, such joy.
Straight on went my LP Jimmy McBeath ‘wild rover no more’ ,with his songs such as “come a’ ye tramps an’ hawkers” and
“I’m a stranger in this country’… and now to the pink disc.
I admire the pink disc songs and stories, like 1945 ,poitin, jack doyle, john o’ dreams and of course the original Joxer.
Tis great to be in the music.
Regards
Rory
You take me back to Blairgorie Festival in 1967….I travelled from Southshields with 3 of “The Marsden Rattlers” ….we were on our way to “The Berryfields Of Blair”..we collected “old” Davey Stewart in Glasgow,him and his big Piano Accordeon…there was a session on the Sunday where Davey and Jimmy McBeath were sitting close together and the rivalry was palpable…wee drams softened their hearts…I think they may have sung ”Tramps & Hawkers” together
and now you got me thinking of 1945…..and Paralanguage……Thanks Rory
Back with Mother & Record Player…..enjoy yoursel