Lockdown in Kildare seems to be an Ian Dempsey skit, the skitter. ‘Cos he uses your name as if it is your song… https://t.co/fSFtRe5nJw
Are you on the Abbey stage tonight, surprise guest? 😎
Christy's reply
Ian and Mario still up to their tricks…fair play to them…I enjoy the skits and take-offs…Fran Dempsey got me best, Dermot Morgan did me rightly too…its always a bit of a shock at first but most of it is good fun…one current impersonator has a bit of a mean streak going thru its work, not just with myself but with its subjects in general….
Hi Christy
Seeing mention of Ewan MacColl recently made me wonder if you’d ever met a man called Martin Bobker in your time over here he was my sister’s neighbour in Whitefield and Ewan and Peggy visited him often, their friendship was due to their shared political views.
Martin was a Jewish man who was part of the anti-fascist movement in Manchester an old man when I met him but still held strong views. Pete Seeger also visited when over here I found out later. Just wondered if your paths had ever crossed. Pam
Christy's reply
Sounds to me like Bobker’s was a safe house..I never met the good man
Christy I have a comment below ‘awaiting moderation’. Prob too many links. Just delete it.
Ya boy ya! Up Leinster!
Thanks for the Rynne music tip, I am now enjoying the storyof Anne,
And Anne singing is something special. (Is that the guitar Luka loaned you for 50 years?)
I also love the photo of the ‘Moore Family Sofa Set’ , presenting the Humours of Ennistymon https://journalofmusic.com/radar/recording-rynne-moore-get-together
Anne says when you all get together, you have dinner, then sing, sing, sing. I think Andy III maybe you could arrange a bootleg of that for us?
Rebecca, when travel to Germany is possible and enjoyable again, please bring your harp and your 21 songs to Rheinbach. We have a lovely wee centre for intimate gigs(maybe a few more than Christy’s audience of 4, but you can still come home with us.
Keep our spirits high Christy.
Christy's reply
Morra Pat
that track from Davoc’s lovely album is perfect Sunday Morning listening..thanks for bringing it all back home
when our duo kicked off in the early 80s,one of the most affable,supportive folk club organisers was Arthur Wakefield in Bollington,Stockport (1/2 of one of the outfits you recall)Sadly,I read recently that he passed away in May,having handed over the club awhile ago. Via http://www.bollyfolk.com it looks like the club iss in good fettle and hopes to continue…I must revisit!
‘Green Island’ has been getting a lot of plays here,in the last few days…a wonderful song,made very special by the minimal arrangement…a bodhran accompaniment is perfect-did it come to you right away,or a longer process? Also,Davy Spillane’s part…superbly played -maybe,an improvisation?Again,so enigmatic for a very evocative song.
As you say,respect to all players of big instruments.Brian Brocklehurst was a bass maestro…his balance must have rivalled a high wire artist!
Enjoy the day
Dave
Christy's reply
the other Manchester duos were ;
Jack & Mavis ran a great Thu night gig between Middleton & Rochdale ..The Kingsway I think
Marie Little and Pete Smith were regulars on the circuit…
Tom & Smiley were a Banjo and Guitar duo..American Country and Bluegrass..I think Tom may have played with Billy Fury
yes,Green Island was improvised…I put it down…Davy came in and listened once or twice and just went for it ..one take
Dear Christy, My pal works in Goffs and lives in Halverstown near the beautiful tower of Old Kilcullen, and he just sent me your song ‘lockdown in Kildare’ from Today FM.
Great fun.
An acquaintance talked to me yesterday about Nurney, a friend sent me word of a horse proposition on Thursday from Mylerstown, i was nattering away on wednesday to my old mucker from eadestown about the riding skills of his daughter.
Goodness me, you are right, all roads do lead to Kildare….but my county of Roxburghshire is glorious too !
See you in Punchestown some day, meantime keep singing the songs, especially ‘Where i come from’ it is fabulous…and ‘lockdown in kildare’ it brought a smile.
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
Rory,
The song you mention is not mine…first I’ve heard of it,
I know Goff’s,Calverstown,Old Kilcullen,Nurney,Mylerstown,Eadestown,Punchestown
but not the song….
Kildare,Laois and Offaly getting it rough
Hi Christy, great to read that you could play again with audience. That gives some hope that there will be more concerts to come in the not too distant future. I still hope that there’s a chance to come to Dublin by the end of the year and see you at Vicar St 😉 Lucky Leinster players to get a kind of private gig… But thanks to your great online gigs we had our private concerts with you as well :-).
Thanks @Pat for sharing the links to the radio interviews. Both are very interesting and entertaining! Take good care and stay safe.
Christy's reply
A few “socially distanced” gigs are planned…each one depending entirely on emerging circumstances…
every day brings new challenges….whilst gigs are very important to us, in the overall scheme of today’s life in this new world order, there are much more vital issues….
Thank you for listening…we live in hope
Hiya Christy
I don’t think ill ever stop loving your music. I recently sent you an email with a poem I’d hope you’d turn into a song. It would be great if you get time to look at it. It recently got published on the Kilkenny People as ‘The Bloods’ and yes I gave you a second shout out to make it into a song. Our Irish Armys History is well worth it. Have a look. I’ve also emailed you a demo of the two verses and chorus with me singing. Hope to hear from you soon. Tracyconnollyspoetrys@gmail.com
Christy's reply
Tracy, I have a huge back log of material sent to me this year,…most of it unsolicited,…. I dont know if or when I will get around to hearing/reading it all…its simply not possible for me to respond to everything that comes my way…I will continue to do my best
Howaya keeping?
We’re trying to keep her lit and keep busy even though there is no gigs.
Would you have a look at our new video please? https://youtu.be/vUqymPzfEPo
I hope we get to talk soon over a coffee
Cheers
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing your song and video….
when I was a boy, back in the 1950’s, my Mother ran a small Grocery Shop in Newbridge…once a week I travelled up to the Fruit & Veg Market with Joe Redmond in a small Hillman Huskey Van….it was a highlight of my week….back then it was a long haul to the City as we drove thru every village and town pre-motorway….we’d load up the van, a rasher sandwich with strong sweet tea, and away we’d go….past the Red Cow,Clondalkin, thru Rathcoole,Johnstown, Naas, The Bundle-Of-Sticks and home with the goods…
Your lovely song brought it all back
Hello Christy,
You sound to be buzzing, back in the harness. Lucky Leinster.
I’ve been counting up. I had my first solo gig a year ago. Me and a harp singing in Westgate arcade in Halifax. I only had six songs, so I had to pad it out with (very easy) harp stuff.
I’ve got 21 songs now, at a pinch so that’s 15 I’ve learnt in a year. I’m thinking that’s not too bad. Also that I’ve spent a lot of work time playing about with songs… You only get one life, as far as I know, and I know what I want to do with it 😊
May your gigs keep rolling, and may our local lockdown be lifted.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I have the highest regard for musicians who play Harp, Double Bass,Cello….its a hard task moving those instruments about from place to place
I’m reminded of playing “Country meets Folk”on BBC Radio back in 1967. I saw Brian Brocklehurst arrive on his bicycle, pipe in mouth and Double Bass strapped to his Back.Wally Whyton played,Jim Lloyd presented.I very nervously sang and made my debut on Radio…
Heartwarming that you were able to play a gig,and more to come -excellent news for many – sounds like a superb gathering and you’re home with a shirt! Brilliant for you and crew to reunite-all a tight bunch of companeros-two top teams .in the same room!
You’ll be buzzing today…
fine choice of duos…Toni Arthur went on to be an excellent tv presenter/sometimes featuring ‘folk’ on kids tv…the Dransfields were ace.’Rout of the blues’ is a favourite.
Great gigs to come for you now… ‘rollin’ down the road’
Dave
Christy's reply
four of the duos I mentioned were Manchester based
Great to read about the Ewan tribute CD.I’ll be trying to track that one down…always enjoy the tributes/compilations.You’ve been on a fair few,I’d say…and Ms Polwart too -what a talent she’s become.(excellent trio,with brother Stephen and Inge Thomson)
I first heard ‘Terror Time’,sung by Dave and Toni Arthur at a festival gig in 1971 -stopped me in my tracks.They were a mighty duo at that time.
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
Dave & Toni..not heard of them for decades..met them once during my apprenticeship….just thinking of Duos from back in the day
Ewan & Peggy
Carthy & Swarb
Aly & Mike
Tim & Maddy
Toni&Arthur
Billy &Tam
Murf &Shaggis
Jack &Mavis
Derek &Dorothy
John Swift &Tommy Dempsey
The Dransfields
Pete & Marie
Tom & Smiley
Wizz & Pete
Jacqui & Bridie
Had my first (socially distanced) gig last night..played to the Leinster Rugby Squad in their Gymnasium…Many of them are gig regulars and their Coach Leo Cullen never misses a Vicar St gig…..It could’nt have come at a better time..after 5 months I needed a run out with a few (socially distanced) gigs coming up…Playing Bantry Festival next week and the a streamed gig from The National Concert Hall next month….was great to meet up with some crew last night, to fill the lungs and throw the head back..
Playing to 50 listeners was just fine….they were as keyed up as I was myself…some great requests.. Cian Healy asked for “Rocky Road to Dublin”..I took a chance and gave it a birl and every word came back to me..room for a wee Bodhrán Solo at the end
Johnny Sexton presented me with a Leinster jersey afterwards ( Dbl XL)..thats my cover blown now…thats me barred from Thomond Park and Galway Sportsground….I’m finally off the fence
I remembered that I played to 4 in Aberdeen in 1967..great gig and I went home with them
Hope you’re safe and well over there. We miss you down under and hope you come back soon. There’s a song by my late friend Alistair Hullet that I’ve always thought you would do beautifully. It’s called “He fades away” and it’s about an asbestos miner in Western Australia. Andy Irvine did a beautiful version of it a few years ago and so have several others but I reckon you’d smash it. Here’s a youtube link to Alistair signing it a few months before he sadly died. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9Ri77UBuO0
Cheers
Jonny
Christy's reply
Morra Jonny,
Thank you for sharing Alistair Hulett’s fine Song…..I’ve just visited his memorial site and hope to hear more of his legacy….our dear friend and Singer Christie Hennessy was taken by this cruel disease….
I’ve not been up to Sydney for 22 years …..Air Travel and me just dont agree…great memories from my trips there in the 80s & 90s….from Warnambul to Wooloomaloo, from Woolongong to Mudgee…
I thoroughly enjoyed your reflections on Des’s Island Discs. Also, your celebration of the life and times of the wonderful Ewan MacColl. As a student I worked in the Green Briar and Ray McAreavey/Wolfhound played regularly…nearly all songs mentioned where included in their repertoire. Back in the day I thought Dirty Old Town was about Belfast! My friend’s father was a trawler man from Hartlepool…Shores of Herring always sounded as if it was handed down through the generations… I hadn’t heard The Terror Time before…
When you need the warmth of your own human kind
You move near a town
But the sight of you is offending
For the police they soon are sending
And you’re on the road again
Reminded of the Irish proverb: Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine –In the shadow of each other, we live. No surprise to hear you say that Ewan woke the song writing in you. Christy, thank you for what you have given us especially through these lock down days. You and Ewan were cut from the same cloth. Go well. Mary
Christy's reply
Moving Hearts had a storming gig in the Green Briar circa 1981..I think it was filmed by CH4….anyone got any info on that..I was there but thats all I rememeber
Ewan sent me Green Island….It may have been the last song he wrote..
the family asked me to sing it on the Ewan’s Tribute album (Joy of Living- Tribute to Ewan MacColl..)
I elected to sing “The Good Ship Granma”instead (aka “Companeros” aka “Fidel & Che”)..I regret not singing “Green Island” on that album…
PS there is a stunning version of “Terror Time” from Karine Polwart on “Joy of Living”
I’m no songwriter,but might be tempted with amazing lines to build on from the family story.
‘The Old Man’s Song’ really hit home.Many years since I last heard it,but most verses are still in my head…classic Ian Campbell and very much of its time.I can remember coming home from school and being amazed that my parents had rented a ‘colour telly’…unlike its predecessor, it never needed a thump to sort the ‘vertical hold’!
Enjoy the sunny evening…’coupes in the park are holding hands and waiting for the dark…’
Listening to your recordings with Planxty, can’t get enough of them. I’m just curious, would Andy, Donal, and Liam Óg be the best musicians you’ve ever worked with?
Thanks, Christy.
Ken
Christy's reply
they would Ken
and indeed they would
to me right fol too rill laddy
well indeed they would
them three Companeros and Declan Sinnott,Keith Donald, Eoghan O’Neill, Jimmy Higgins, Nollaig Casey, Arty McGlynn, Neil Martin,Sheamie O’Dowd, Cathal Hayden, Mairtín O’Connor, Matt Molloy, Paddy Moloney, Enya, Noel Bridgeman, Tony Molloy, Micheal Ó Suilleabháin, Mary Black, Barney McKenna, Mary Green, Mandy Murphy,Johnny Moynihan,Neil MacColl, Calum MacColl, Roger Askew, Máire Breathnac, Jimmy Faulkner, Declan McNelis, Robbie Brennan, Philip Donnolley, Dominic Behan, Wally Page, Davy Spillane,Elvis Costello,Phil Chevron,John Sheehan, Luka Bloom,Gerry Divers,Sharon Shannon, Steve Cooney, The Edge, Bono,Bill Whelan, Ralph McTell,Conor Byrne,Mairtín Byrnes, Christie Hennessy,Martin Hayes,Denis Cahill,
not forgetting…..
Great to know that many of us still enjoy music via a variety of formats…There can be good links too – listening to ‘The Voyage’ on cassette always takes me back to the in car music on holidays…heading West from Slane ,for a few days rambling about…
I’m chasing the deadline for the piece I’m writing about my Grandad in the Great War,for http://www.passchendaele.be Coming together gradually,with great music in the background…Like Rory’s intrigue about ‘Bright Blue Rose’,I have a homing instinct for ‘All for the roses’…like many brilliant songs,there’s a mystery to it,but so much power and subtlety.
For much of the past few days,I’ve been reading about/interpreting facts from over a hundred years ago.In 1930,my Grandad wrote about WW1.Some of his thoughts could go into song (I’d struggle to do that…).Here’s a line –
‘the past was forgotten,the future undreamt of’…reflecting on the daily toil in the build up to the Battle of the Somme.He was 25 in 1916.
He survived the war,often through good luck1Fortune changed when his son was killed in Normandy,1944 . Grandad died of cancer,5 months later… Poignant,but uplifting to follow the story.
‘a soldier’s life to be…’
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
I love Wally Page’s songs….
“Finglas Boys” (aka “All for The Roses”) I consider to be a classic….
“he’s 25 he’s sick and tired
its time to try the other side
the B & I to Paradise
to Sergeants and their men
He’s never been to Dún na Rí
nor combed the beaches after three
its chips and beer and greenery
Sergeants and their men
he siged and took the Soldier’s crest
a decent man in battle dress
when bugles blow you do your best
for Sergeants and their men
……….All for the Roses, Over the Sea
I look forward to hearing more about your Grandfathers song
“the past was forgotten
the future undreamt of”
you Grandad’s life reminds me of Ian Cambell’s classic “Old Man’s Song”
Hi Christy,
Im loving the sessions with yourself and Andy they have been a great escape over the past few months!
Im guessing you are inundated with requests but if you got a chance it would be brilliant to hear “Paddy on the Road” again.
I recently heard a great rendition of this on Youtube by Aoife Scott thats worth a listen but I would also love to hear you sing it again.
Hope you and yours are all keeping well and please God we will see you touring on the road yourself soon!
Donal
I’ll have to dig it out and have a look…a great song but I’ve not gigged it for 50 years
Lockdown in Kildare seems to be an Ian Dempsey skit, the skitter. ‘Cos he uses your name as if it is your song…
https://t.co/fSFtRe5nJw
Are you on the Abbey stage tonight, surprise guest? 😎
Ian and Mario still up to their tricks…fair play to them…I enjoy the skits and take-offs…Fran Dempsey got me best, Dermot Morgan did me rightly too…its always a bit of a shock at first but most of it is good fun…one current impersonator has a bit of a mean streak going thru its work, not just with myself but with its subjects in general….
Hi Christy
Seeing mention of Ewan MacColl recently made me wonder if you’d ever met a man called Martin Bobker in your time over here he was my sister’s neighbour in Whitefield and Ewan and Peggy visited him often, their friendship was due to their shared political views.
Martin was a Jewish man who was part of the anti-fascist movement in Manchester an old man when I met him but still held strong views. Pete Seeger also visited when over here I found out later. Just wondered if your paths had ever crossed. Pam
Sounds to me like Bobker’s was a safe house..I never met the good man
Christy I have a comment below ‘awaiting moderation’. Prob too many links. Just delete it.
Ya boy ya! Up Leinster!
Thanks for the Rynne music tip, I am now enjoying the storyof Anne,
And Anne singing is something special. (Is that the guitar Luka loaned you for 50 years?)
I also love the photo of the ‘Moore Family Sofa Set’ , presenting the Humours of Ennistymon
https://journalofmusic.com/radar/recording-rynne-moore-get-together
Anne says when you all get together, you have dinner, then sing, sing, sing. I think Andy III maybe you could arrange a bootleg of that for us?
Rebecca, when travel to Germany is possible and enjoyable again, please bring your harp and your 21 songs to Rheinbach. We have a lovely wee centre for intimate gigs(maybe a few more than Christy’s audience of 4, but you can still come home with us.
Keep our spirits high Christy.
Morra Pat
that track from Davoc’s lovely album is perfect Sunday Morning listening..thanks for bringing it all back home
Mornin’ Christy
Great to recognise familiar,local duos…
when our duo kicked off in the early 80s,one of the most affable,supportive folk club organisers was Arthur Wakefield in Bollington,Stockport (1/2 of one of the outfits you recall)Sadly,I read recently that he passed away in May,having handed over the club awhile ago. Via http://www.bollyfolk.com it looks like the club iss in good fettle and hopes to continue…I must revisit!
‘Green Island’ has been getting a lot of plays here,in the last few days…a wonderful song,made very special by the minimal arrangement…a bodhran accompaniment is perfect-did it come to you right away,or a longer process? Also,Davy Spillane’s part…superbly played -maybe,an improvisation?Again,so enigmatic for a very evocative song.
As you say,respect to all players of big instruments.Brian Brocklehurst was a bass maestro…his balance must have rivalled a high wire artist!
Enjoy the day
Dave
the other Manchester duos were ;
Jack & Mavis ran a great Thu night gig between Middleton & Rochdale ..The Kingsway I think
Marie Little and Pete Smith were regulars on the circuit…
Tom & Smiley were a Banjo and Guitar duo..American Country and Bluegrass..I think Tom may have played with Billy Fury
yes,Green Island was improvised…I put it down…Davy came in and listened once or twice and just went for it ..one take
Gift grub….. Mario… is at it again !!
Dear Christy, My pal works in Goffs and lives in Halverstown near the beautiful tower of Old Kilcullen, and he just sent me your song ‘lockdown in Kildare’ from Today FM.
Great fun.
An acquaintance talked to me yesterday about Nurney, a friend sent me word of a horse proposition on Thursday from Mylerstown, i was nattering away on wednesday to my old mucker from eadestown about the riding skills of his daughter.
Goodness me, you are right, all roads do lead to Kildare….but my county of Roxburghshire is glorious too !
See you in Punchestown some day, meantime keep singing the songs, especially ‘Where i come from’ it is fabulous…and ‘lockdown in kildare’ it brought a smile.
Regards
Rory
Rory,
The song you mention is not mine…first I’ve heard of it,
I know Goff’s,Calverstown,Old Kilcullen,Nurney,Mylerstown,Eadestown,Punchestown
but not the song….
Kildare,Laois and Offaly getting it rough
Hi Christy, great to read that you could play again with audience. That gives some hope that there will be more concerts to come in the not too distant future. I still hope that there’s a chance to come to Dublin by the end of the year and see you at Vicar St 😉 Lucky Leinster players to get a kind of private gig… But thanks to your great online gigs we had our private concerts with you as well :-).
Thanks @Pat for sharing the links to the radio interviews. Both are very interesting and entertaining! Take good care and stay safe.
A few “socially distanced” gigs are planned…each one depending entirely on emerging circumstances…
every day brings new challenges….whilst gigs are very important to us, in the overall scheme of today’s life in this new world order, there are much more vital issues….
Thank you for listening…we live in hope
Hiya Christy
I don’t think ill ever stop loving your music. I recently sent you an email with a poem I’d hope you’d turn into a song. It would be great if you get time to look at it. It recently got published on the Kilkenny People as ‘The Bloods’ and yes I gave you a second shout out to make it into a song. Our Irish Armys History is well worth it. Have a look. I’ve also emailed you a demo of the two verses and chorus with me singing. Hope to hear from you soon. Tracyconnollyspoetrys@gmail.com
Tracy, I have a huge back log of material sent to me this year,…most of it unsolicited,…. I dont know if or when I will get around to hearing/reading it all…its simply not possible for me to respond to everything that comes my way…I will continue to do my best
Hi Christy
Howaya keeping?
We’re trying to keep her lit and keep busy even though there is no gigs.
Would you have a look at our new video please?
https://youtu.be/vUqymPzfEPo
I hope we get to talk soon over a coffee
Cheers
Thanks for sharing your song and video….
when I was a boy, back in the 1950’s, my Mother ran a small Grocery Shop in Newbridge…once a week I travelled up to the Fruit & Veg Market with Joe Redmond in a small Hillman Huskey Van….it was a highlight of my week….back then it was a long haul to the City as we drove thru every village and town pre-motorway….we’d load up the van, a rasher sandwich with strong sweet tea, and away we’d go….past the Red Cow,Clondalkin, thru Rathcoole,Johnstown, Naas, The Bundle-Of-Sticks and home with the goods…
Your lovely song brought it all back
Hello Christy,
You sound to be buzzing, back in the harness. Lucky Leinster.
I’ve been counting up. I had my first solo gig a year ago. Me and a harp singing in Westgate arcade in Halifax. I only had six songs, so I had to pad it out with (very easy) harp stuff.
I’ve got 21 songs now, at a pinch so that’s 15 I’ve learnt in a year. I’m thinking that’s not too bad. Also that I’ve spent a lot of work time playing about with songs… You only get one life, as far as I know, and I know what I want to do with it 😊
May your gigs keep rolling, and may our local lockdown be lifted.
Rebecca
I have the highest regard for musicians who play Harp, Double Bass,Cello….its a hard task moving those instruments about from place to place
I’m reminded of playing “Country meets Folk”on BBC Radio back in 1967. I saw Brian Brocklehurst arrive on his bicycle, pipe in mouth and Double Bass strapped to his Back.Wally Whyton played,Jim Lloyd presented.I very nervously sang and made my debut on Radio…
Brilliant,Christy
Heartwarming that you were able to play a gig,and more to come -excellent news for many – sounds like a superb gathering and you’re home with a shirt! Brilliant for you and crew to reunite-all a tight bunch of companeros-two top teams .in the same room!
You’ll be buzzing today…
fine choice of duos…Toni Arthur went on to be an excellent tv presenter/sometimes featuring ‘folk’ on kids tv…the Dransfields were ace.’Rout of the blues’ is a favourite.
Great gigs to come for you now… ‘rollin’ down the road’
Dave
four of the duos I mentioned were Manchester based
Hi Christy
Great to read about the Ewan tribute CD.I’ll be trying to track that one down…always enjoy the tributes/compilations.You’ve been on a fair few,I’d say…and Ms Polwart too -what a talent she’s become.(excellent trio,with brother Stephen and Inge Thomson)
I first heard ‘Terror Time’,sung by Dave and Toni Arthur at a festival gig in 1971 -stopped me in my tracks.They were a mighty duo at that time.
Have a good day
Dave
Dave & Toni..not heard of them for decades..met them once during my apprenticeship….just thinking of Duos from back in the day
Ewan & Peggy
Carthy & Swarb
Aly & Mike
Tim & Maddy
Toni&Arthur
Billy &Tam
Murf &Shaggis
Jack &Mavis
Derek &Dorothy
John Swift &Tommy Dempsey
The Dransfields
Pete & Marie
Tom & Smiley
Wizz & Pete
Jacqui & Bridie
Had my first (socially distanced) gig last night..played to the Leinster Rugby Squad in their Gymnasium…Many of them are gig regulars and their Coach Leo Cullen never misses a Vicar St gig…..It could’nt have come at a better time..after 5 months I needed a run out with a few (socially distanced) gigs coming up…Playing Bantry Festival next week and the a streamed gig from The National Concert Hall next month….was great to meet up with some crew last night, to fill the lungs and throw the head back..
Playing to 50 listeners was just fine….they were as keyed up as I was myself…some great requests.. Cian Healy asked for “Rocky Road to Dublin”..I took a chance and gave it a birl and every word came back to me..room for a wee Bodhrán Solo at the end
Johnny Sexton presented me with a Leinster jersey afterwards ( Dbl XL)..thats my cover blown now…thats me barred from Thomond Park and Galway Sportsground….I’m finally off the fence
I remembered that I played to 4 in Aberdeen in 1967..great gig and I went home with them
G’Day Christy,
Hope you’re safe and well over there. We miss you down under and hope you come back soon. There’s a song by my late friend Alistair Hullet that I’ve always thought you would do beautifully. It’s called “He fades away” and it’s about an asbestos miner in Western Australia. Andy Irvine did a beautiful version of it a few years ago and so have several others but I reckon you’d smash it. Here’s a youtube link to Alistair signing it a few months before he sadly died. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9Ri77UBuO0
Cheers
Jonny
Morra Jonny,
Thank you for sharing Alistair Hulett’s fine Song…..I’ve just visited his memorial site and hope to hear more of his legacy….our dear friend and Singer Christie Hennessy was taken by this cruel disease….
I’ve not been up to Sydney for 22 years …..Air Travel and me just dont agree…great memories from my trips there in the 80s & 90s….from Warnambul to Wooloomaloo, from Woolongong to Mudgee…
Looking to get through to Christy Moore in anyway possible for an event next July
Me Too
I thoroughly enjoyed your reflections on Des’s Island Discs. Also, your celebration of the life and times of the wonderful Ewan MacColl. As a student I worked in the Green Briar and Ray McAreavey/Wolfhound played regularly…nearly all songs mentioned where included in their repertoire. Back in the day I thought Dirty Old Town was about Belfast! My friend’s father was a trawler man from Hartlepool…Shores of Herring always sounded as if it was handed down through the generations… I hadn’t heard The Terror Time before…
When you need the warmth of your own human kind
You move near a town
But the sight of you is offending
For the police they soon are sending
And you’re on the road again
Reminded of the Irish proverb: Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine –In the shadow of each other, we live. No surprise to hear you say that Ewan woke the song writing in you. Christy, thank you for what you have given us especially through these lock down days. You and Ewan were cut from the same cloth. Go well. Mary
Moving Hearts had a storming gig in the Green Briar circa 1981..I think it was filmed by CH4….anyone got any info on that..I was there but thats all I rememeber
Ewan sent me Green Island….It may have been the last song he wrote..
the family asked me to sing it on the Ewan’s Tribute album (Joy of Living- Tribute to Ewan MacColl..)
I elected to sing “The Good Ship Granma”instead (aka “Companeros” aka “Fidel & Che”)..I regret not singing “Green Island” on that album…
PS there is a stunning version of “Terror Time” from Karine Polwart on “Joy of Living”
ps ‘the couples in the park
are holding hands and waiting for the dark’ D
Hi Christy
I’m no songwriter,but might be tempted with amazing lines to build on from the family story.
‘The Old Man’s Song’ really hit home.Many years since I last heard it,but most verses are still in my head…classic Ian Campbell and very much of its time.I can remember coming home from school and being amazed that my parents had rented a ‘colour telly’…unlike its predecessor, it never needed a thump to sort the ‘vertical hold’!
Enjoy the sunny evening…’coupes in the park are holding hands and waiting for the dark…’
Dave
Hi Christy,
Listening to your recordings with Planxty, can’t get enough of them. I’m just curious, would Andy, Donal, and Liam Óg be the best musicians you’ve ever worked with?
Thanks, Christy.
Ken
they would Ken
and indeed they would
to me right fol too rill laddy
well indeed they would
them three Companeros and Declan Sinnott,Keith Donald, Eoghan O’Neill, Jimmy Higgins, Nollaig Casey, Arty McGlynn, Neil Martin,Sheamie O’Dowd, Cathal Hayden, Mairtín O’Connor, Matt Molloy, Paddy Moloney, Enya, Noel Bridgeman, Tony Molloy, Micheal Ó Suilleabháin, Mary Black, Barney McKenna, Mary Green, Mandy Murphy,Johnny Moynihan,Neil MacColl, Calum MacColl, Roger Askew, Máire Breathnac, Jimmy Faulkner, Declan McNelis, Robbie Brennan, Philip Donnolley, Dominic Behan, Wally Page, Davy Spillane,Elvis Costello,Phil Chevron,John Sheehan, Luka Bloom,Gerry Divers,Sharon Shannon, Steve Cooney, The Edge, Bono,Bill Whelan, Ralph McTell,Conor Byrne,Mairtín Byrnes, Christie Hennessy,Martin Hayes,Denis Cahill,
not forgetting…..
Mornin’ Christy
Great to know that many of us still enjoy music via a variety of formats…There can be good links too – listening to ‘The Voyage’ on cassette always takes me back to the in car music on holidays…heading West from Slane ,for a few days rambling about…
I’m chasing the deadline for the piece I’m writing about my Grandad in the Great War,for http://www.passchendaele.be Coming together gradually,with great music in the background…Like Rory’s intrigue about ‘Bright Blue Rose’,I have a homing instinct for ‘All for the roses’…like many brilliant songs,there’s a mystery to it,but so much power and subtlety.
For much of the past few days,I’ve been reading about/interpreting facts from over a hundred years ago.In 1930,my Grandad wrote about WW1.Some of his thoughts could go into song (I’d struggle to do that…).Here’s a line –
‘the past was forgotten,the future undreamt of’…reflecting on the daily toil in the build up to the Battle of the Somme.He was 25 in 1916.
He survived the war,often through good luck1Fortune changed when his son was killed in Normandy,1944 . Grandad died of cancer,5 months later… Poignant,but uplifting to follow the story.
‘a soldier’s life to be…’
All the best
Dave
I love Wally Page’s songs….
“Finglas Boys” (aka “All for The Roses”) I consider to be a classic….
“he’s 25 he’s sick and tired
its time to try the other side
the B & I to Paradise
to Sergeants and their men
He’s never been to Dún na Rí
nor combed the beaches after three
its chips and beer and greenery
Sergeants and their men
he siged and took the Soldier’s crest
a decent man in battle dress
when bugles blow you do your best
for Sergeants and their men
……….All for the Roses, Over the Sea
I look forward to hearing more about your Grandfathers song
“the past was forgotten
the future undreamt of”
you Grandad’s life reminds me of Ian Cambell’s classic “Old Man’s Song”