She sounds amazing 😊. I’d love to hear more about them. Do any children read the Irish examiner?
My clearest film is reel in the flickering light but I’ve only been singing it 18 months so there’s lots of evolving to do.
Do you get actual people? I find that French piper in the piper’s call keeps making a claim on daddy long legs. Some others are more settled.
Christy's reply
certain images are deeply personal and should not to be shared on public platforms…we never know who might be visiting…no one wants their most private fantasies ending up in a Bob Dylan number
Hello Christy,
I love your list of 10 6am songs. There’s a hungry truth running through.
I read somewhere that Lord Baker could probably have been about Thomas A Beckett’s father. It’s the right time and place, it’s said he had a turkish wife. She must have been wonderfully exotic.
The octopus thing tickles me every time I watch Steve wrestling with the bellows and bag. He’s doing well and playing tunes. His kit now includes several sets of pliers and an elastic arm bandage.
I loved the way you took a strong image and then started embroidering round it. I’m trying to learn. I can see I need a strong picture. It makes me think of the Ray Houghton goal. Joxer’s match of the day tune done as a gig is gorgeous.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
well it ain’t about Tom Beck’s father when I’m singin it….my film is frozen in time..the same characters always appear… I have a particular fondness for the young foot porter when he kneels down gently on his right knee….I get weak at the knees at the vision of “she has more gold hung around her middle then id buy Northumber and fambilee”
Hi Christy, I hope this note manages to navigate itself through space and finds you well and healthy.
I see that you are streaming a live gig on Sept 19th and I wanted to present you with a song for the show, what I believe, to be a light hearted humorous song that captures the Covid era and in particular how it relates to a 50yr Irish Father (like myself) that lives in rural Ireland.
I hope it makes people laugh because we could all do with that right now.
The song is called “The Ball Alley near Nogra (a Covid story…) ”
NOTE: I am not a singer / musician by any stretch of the imagination but have attached a link (below) to a very bad rendition to give you an idea of the melody.
here are the words
(to the tune of the Hills of Conemara – G C G D, G C G D G)
–Chorus–
Fill up the duffel bag with the homemade Beer ,
the krips , the wellies and the camping gear
Social your distance and there’s nowt but cheer
At the Ball Alley near Nogra
Verse 1:
It’s Friday night and you’re ready to play ,
You havn’t left the house since Paddy’s day
You’re jeans don’t fit your ass no more
and you hair looks like a badgers’
–Chorus–
Verse 2:
You’ve got the young lads bike and the hi-vis on
Wondering were it all went wrong
The country lane is like Amsterdam
and the saddle could be wider
–Chorus–
Verse 3:
Jim OConnor is there and he’s a mighty host ,
he’s got the wind breaker strapped to the garden post
The pace starts slow and its pretty calm
and then in bowles in kilkelly
–Chorus–
Verse 4:
Three hours spent fighting over politics
The GAA, the weather and what’s on Netflix
Stay in by the ditches on the journey home
and don’t forget your face mask
Any chance you could include this in the Show ?
Regards Tom
Christy's reply
Thats a right one Tom…I like the video too…considering the position of the camera you were taking a chance wearing a pair of shorts…I was half expecting to get a glimpse of your short & curlies..
jasus Tom..that stream gig is only 3 weeks away…it would take me at least 3 months to learn, chord, arrange and deliver “The Ball Alley Near Nogra”….but I will certainly listen again…. are you finickey about your lyrics ? or open to variations ?
its a great auld song Tom…thanks for sharing
Can’t wait for the Hawickfest…fair play to Rory -and we know there’ll be ‘surprise’ guests announced nearer the date- Janey Godley and Frankie Boyle will nail the MC gigs,for sure (Rory will be on Hawick strength espressos,by now!)
‘Iron behind the velvet’,lined up here.Loved the LP,since its release-now looking back,its an interesting link between Planxty and current companeros…lovely title,too.
Music keeping the spirits high,as ever…
Dave
Christy's reply
Little did we know David that we have a real Harvey Goldsmith in our midst…..
Recorded that Iron Velvet way back in 1976….we rehearsed in Coolcullen,Co Carlow..did a tour that included The Hidden Inn in Kilmanahan and The Merriman Tavern in Scariff….I still can hear the band…Luka Bloom,Andy Irvine, Jimmy Faulkner, Noel Hill, Tony Linnane and Gabriel McKeon….
“Morrissey and The Russian Sailor” a fave track of mine
Well Christy you are a hard taskmaster, but after a night of 12 cups of increasingly strong black tea, my mother’s phone bill reaching a new stratosphere and the sort of bribery that a south american coke dealer would be proud of, we have it cracked.
The field behind my parents’ house is booked for 12th July next year, ‘No bonfire in my back yard’ is the festival name, hog roast, nut roast and peppermint tea tents all sorted.
You open up with
Westlife ‘ i wanna grow old with you’, the lads thought it fitting for a man of your years, grey chest hair wigs on order.
Lulu and ‘shout’ has to be next, she was so excited she said she would throw in a packet of Tunnoch tea cakes if you wear a miniskirt like her.
Boyzone were a tough nut to crack , they wanted 85% of gate receipts, but i threatened to use that story of the lads and the sheep dip so they are in for free with you on a duet of ’90 miles to dublin’.
Beyonce and Jay-Z are agreeing to be on next with you, doing a version of his classic now called ‘Bray Wanderers state of mind’, soccer shirts for you 3.
Foster and Allen were the easiest to deal with, their price was just 2 comfy seats. Agreed you would sing Maggie with them but using the words from Taking tea with Pinochet, military jackets plus medals worn.
Mrs Brown has always counted you as one of her boys so you are next up with ‘her’ singing Wild colonial boy, both in aprons.
Chris de Burgh has agreed to duet Lisdoonvarna, on the condition he can sing the Lady in red line, costumes are set off with red wide brimmed Philip Treacy hats.
Cathy Jordan is a Roscommon lass and so we agreed on a Jacko Reilly song Tippin it up to Nancy, her call, dressed both in Ros Comain GAA gear with boots of long studs.
Crystal Swing were looking to sing the rebs so we have agreed they will perform with you Back Home in Derry plus Dying Soldier, tricolour draped outfits on show.
Last but not least Donie Cassidy and you have 2 duet songs ( one for the encore) first up is Money Money Money by Abba bring your platform boots out of hiding, followed by a quick change into Forbes Tartan kilts for a version of Andy Stewart’s timeless song ‘Donald where’s yer troosers’.
Local council say show must end by 4am so with all the costume changes we need the gig to start at 5pm the previous evening…the rider is a bottle of hand sanitiser, a tin of midge repellant and a jar of Hawick balls.
Deal?
Rory
Christy's reply
I knew I was asking the right man to pull it all together…what an achievement at such short notice…I’m taken aback at the good will coming my direction from such an array of world wide stars..most surprising was your success in landing Senator “The Bulb” Cassidy..I’d say you had to dig deep there…my last meeting with “WaxWorks” was outside Leinster House at a Demonstration organised to demand more air play for Voerster & Outspan on Irish Radio….as I tried to clamber aboard the platform he uttered the never-to-be-forgotten words
“ah come on now lads, only stars up on the lorry”
That Jay-Z is a decent man …when I held the door for his missus back stage at Coldplay in Punchestown he pressed a $50 bill into my breast pocket and remarked favourably on my demeanour as doorman to the stars…I still have the bill beside my pics of JFK and Moss Keane..
I must warn you that quite a few disappointed artists have been in touch..we may have to extend it to a double albund
Hi C. My CD of choice today was Ordinary Man, did you gig Sweet Music Roll On much ? some great songs there Matty, Diamonatina Rover , Quiet Desperation of course St Brendan Voyage makes it very special !!..Liam Óg on both pipes and whistle and Enya on backing vocals.. Lovely to see Live in Dublin and The Iron Behind the Velvet out on Vinyl and with a free download in the shops today. You mentioned Jessie Owens earlier, Adam and I met him at your last live gig in City North on Sat 7th March, he and his wife and family were all over, I exchanged emails with his son Michael…beir bua and beannacht go deo. H
Christy's reply
I’ve never gigged “Sweet Music Roll On”…..outside the construct of the studio I found it impossible to get a stage version up and running….its happened with a number of other songs… “China Waltz” “The Piper’s Path” to name but two
I still recall Jessie Owens singing on RTE when I was about 18…”Come to The Bower” still reverberates
This was reissued a few years back for world record day I believe 500 were pressed. Comes up on eBay and sometimes the original press as well there also a re press on cd as well but don’t see that appear as offteb You can get the re issue vynal it here for 30 euro https://www.discogs.com/sell/item/1161282558
Christy's reply
good man Adam…keep spreading the word….
“when I came to where I found her
if it was’nt for me sword I’d have lost me life”
Hi Christy
I am hoping you and your Company will re issue the Vinyl or CD of your album “Paddy on the Road” . It is so annoying to see so many poor CD quality copies out there and being purchased.
Good wishes and I hope you will consider this request
jimmydeboy
Kilmeaden
Christy's reply
there’s me only after a mug of tea and a toasted Kilmeaden Cheese sandwich
Well Christy, hope you are still well. I love reading your responses to the posts, as someone said you are one of the few who actually does that. It is very special, and creates a grand bond. And some wonderful characters posting from all corners of the globe.
I see you are sending vibes to Chile from the NCH. Fair play. Maybe room for a vibe to Germany as well… All the way to Gooter Straße….
I was both pleased and sad to stumble across this article today on the Irish Times online about Mary Coughlan. https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/mary-coughlan-32-times-i-ended-up-in-hospital-with-alcohol-poisoning-1.4333272
Pleased because it gave me a heads up on her new album which I am now looking forward to receiving and seeing the 64 photos, one for each year of her life. But sad because of the raw sadness of her story, which I had no idea about. The lives some people hide behind the songs and the smile! Fair play to her and all the pleasure she brings with her music. May it continue to save her and enthrall us the listeners.
Fintan is based now up in cape cod,boston area, not sure if he’s still playing that continental, last I heard he had finger and back problems.. Wild man in his day, dermot is working a regular job in Manhattan,,before this cove thing he was only doing cruises and irish fairs. He wrote a funny song about christy moore, must call him to get the words. ,, you probably met him during the virginans days…love the auld banter about the past..like yourself I’ve met and played with great character’s,,,
Hey Christy,
The main album today was Matt McGinn’s superb Lessons of War.
The title track is a fantastic collaboration by Matt with musicians from Boznia, Golan, Sierra Leone etc. It currently has 1.200 viewings on youtube.
Eminem breathes and there are tens of millions views on the same medium….such nonsense.
The working with others in war torn nations is a brilliant concept, worthy of millions of views not least because of it’s valid musical excellence.
Bah humbug.
Have you ever tried an across the wire, across the seas, across the nations song?
Cheers
Rory
Ps As a result my request for the live gig in a couple of weeks is not a song but a socially distanced duet with Matt
Christy's reply
Jasus Rory but you are proving to be a fine A&R man…..I fancy an album of duets with:
Westlife
Lulu
Boyzone
Beyonce
Foster & Allen
Mrs Brown
Chris De Burgh
Cathy Jordan
Crystal Swing
Donie Cassidy..
can you get working on it asap…I’ll let you pick the tunes, the wardrobe and the styling…I’m due a make-over..I’ve never yet worn a Kilt..the Big Yin tried to get me into one night in Auchermuchty….Donie Cassidy might be the man to swing a deal..he has great connections in the music underworld….not so sure about Eminem..very bad for the teeth..I met Beyonce backstage at Coldplay in Punchestown, she appeaed keen but refused at the last fence..an open ditch…
I’d go along with whatever you think best…I could get measured for a corset …and maybe a few hairs transplanted from around me…..contd on Page 94
Christy's reply
Jasus Rory but you are proving to be a fine A&R man…..I fancy an album of duets with:
Westlife
Lulu
Boyzone
Beyonce
Foster & Allen
Mrs Brown
Chris De Burgh
Cathy Jordan
Crystal Swing
Donie Cassidy..
can you get working on it asap…I’ll let you pick the tunes, the wardrobe and the styling…I’m due a make-over..I’ve never yet worn a Kilt..the Big Yin tried to get me into one in Auchermuchty but Calum Kennedy was havin none of it, eventually Jimmy McGregor intervened…Donie Cassidy might be able to swing a deal..he has great connections in the music underworld….not so sure about Eminem..very bad for the teeth..I met Beyonce backstage at Coldplay in Punchestown, she appeared keen but refused at the last fence..an open ditch…
I’d go along with whatever you think best…I could get measured for a corset …and maybe a few hairs transplanted from around me…..contd on Page 94
A poignant afternoon… dug out some music not played in awhile. Enjoying Jonathan Kelly’s 70s folk rock.Looked at the sleeve notes and saw he was from Drogheda,Co Louth – so,another on the List list that was mentioned recently.
I saw him play a great support for The Strawbs at the Free Trade Hall in 1971-and had a god chat with him afterwards. A few minutes ago ,I went online and read that Jonathan (Jon Ledingham) died last May. Sad news, and a really good obit on the Hot Press site.I wondered if you’d crossed motorways with JK back in the day.
Dave
Christy's reply
Very sorry to read about John Ledingham….knew John for a few years late 60s early 70s…both as John and later as Jon…we shared some happy times …he took a different direction in his life and we lost contact…
Your mention of Michael Jessie Owens brings back good old memories of all the great heads around the scene in the 70s 80 s 90s in NYC ., jessie ,Dermot Henry,Noel kingston, Ann Byrne,,johnny Cronin,andy McCann,.all great characters, there was a great accordion player by the name of Richie Kelly from kildare who I played with backing up bridie Gallagher. The king of ceili. Nyc is going downhill fast thanks to the policies of the present mayor.I knew it when it was the center of the world,,,i worked there beside the twin towers when they were being built,and I was three blocks away when they collapsed…
Christy's reply
Did you ever hear Fintan Stanley in New York ?
I knew Dermot Henry way back in early Planxty days… we all worked with the late Des Kelly ..
That’s a great 6 00 am list. What a song book you’re creating.
Interesting news from Peggy Seeger at http://www.peggyseeger.com Bank Holiday here on Monday 31st and she’s playing a set with her sons. Another of the ‘folk on foot festivals’. Sounds like its now a mix of online and ‘live’,but not sure how it’s planned.
I’m going to try and dip in and out,but the lockdown is easing a bit,so the day is to see grandkids,mainly. There’s a rumour that they’ll be back in school soon. First time in 6 months for the youngest two. The eldest starts secondary school.I hope she enjoys it more than I did mine…but music and mates have been a legacy,so that time could have turned out worse!
Enjoy the day and new songs.Great roads to travel..
Hi Christy.
Was listening back to your Lockdown Number 7, and you said “ Gortatagort” was somewhere between 1and 6 of your all time top 10 Songs.
Would love to know what your top 10 is…….. no pressure.
Best regards.
Patsy
Christy's reply
Well Patsy…at 6am this morning and without too much reflection
(At the moment I’m totally immersed in new songs…I’m working towards recording in October and my head is full of fresh verses but I wont include them at this time..)
I’m gonna write a quick list before putting on the porridge…
10 songs I love to sing…
Gortatagort
Cry Like a Man
Magdalen Laundry
Ringin The Bell
Lord Baker
Green Laurel
Pity The Poor Immigrant
The Good Ship Granma( aka Companeros ..aka Fidel & Che)
Rosalita & Jack Cambell
Inchicore Wake
Probably a different list if you asked me tonight !!!
Hi Christie,
I’m excited to tune in on the 19th of September. I had a shop called Maggie Dailey’s in Canton, Connecticut in the early 2010s. Your tunes on the stereo kept us happy and tuned in. My Nana was Maggie Dailey. I’m three generations in the US, but the ties are strong. You are my paisan! Thanks for keeping the music flowing!
Christy's reply
Thanks for listening and offering feedback….I know that times are hard in Florida these days…I wish you safety,happiness and good health….only last week I had a call from Jessie Owens who now dwells in that Parish…. a great Irish Singer whom I used to hear when I was in my teens…he emigrated to New York in the 60s where he became a Fire Officer (but continued to sing). He retired to Florida some time ago
Hello Christy,
Just wanted to thank you for giving me a gentle nudge to get out playing. I could have stayed at home singing to the cat for ever – and she hates it, even the harp. The Uilleann pipes are straight from cat hades.
I’ll do some searching for songs from the names you mentioned.
Hope prep is gearing up for your live stream from NCH. Steve will no doubt wear his On the Road t-shirt. 😊
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Way back in the 1960s & 70s Uileann Pipes began making a come back…unlike today,back then most of us had neither witnessed nor heard this most beautiful and wonderful instrument…go back to the 50’s and there were but a handful of practitioners….Seamus Ennis, Willie Clancy, Felix Doran to name but three…but there was a revival on the horizon…Liam Óg O’Flynn, Finbar Furey, Paddy Keenan, Paddy Molonoey were to the fore as the rising sound of Uileann Pipes began to reverberate….Today the future of the Uilleann Pipes has been secured by the Masters…the sound has travelled the world over…there are hundreds ,maybe thousands,of exponents practicing their Art,recreating their Music …
I was inspired to write these few lines by your reference to “cat Hades”
In the late 60s I was in O’Donoghues pub one Sunny Summers Day….I was trying to slake my thirst and avoid sunstroke….there was a fair to middling Piper in the back lounge…two American Tourists were at the Bar…one of them went into the back lounge to have a listen….returning to the Bar he said to his fellow traveller….” theres a guy in the back room wrestling with an Octopus…seems to me like the Octopus is winning”
She sounds amazing 😊. I’d love to hear more about them. Do any children read the Irish examiner?
My clearest film is reel in the flickering light but I’ve only been singing it 18 months so there’s lots of evolving to do.
Do you get actual people? I find that French piper in the piper’s call keeps making a claim on daddy long legs. Some others are more settled.
certain images are deeply personal and should not to be shared on public platforms…we never know who might be visiting…no one wants their most private fantasies ending up in a Bob Dylan number
Hello Christy,
I love your list of 10 6am songs. There’s a hungry truth running through.
I read somewhere that Lord Baker could probably have been about Thomas A Beckett’s father. It’s the right time and place, it’s said he had a turkish wife. She must have been wonderfully exotic.
The octopus thing tickles me every time I watch Steve wrestling with the bellows and bag. He’s doing well and playing tunes. His kit now includes several sets of pliers and an elastic arm bandage.
I loved the way you took a strong image and then started embroidering round it. I’m trying to learn. I can see I need a strong picture. It makes me think of the Ray Houghton goal. Joxer’s match of the day tune done as a gig is gorgeous.
Rebecca
well it ain’t about Tom Beck’s father when I’m singin it….my film is frozen in time..the same characters always appear… I have a particular fondness for the young foot porter when he kneels down gently on his right knee….I get weak at the knees at the vision of “she has more gold hung around her middle then id buy Northumber and fambilee”
Hi Christy, I hope this note manages to navigate itself through space and finds you well and healthy.
I see that you are streaming a live gig on Sept 19th and I wanted to present you with a song for the show, what I believe, to be a light hearted humorous song that captures the Covid era and in particular how it relates to a 50yr Irish Father (like myself) that lives in rural Ireland.
I hope it makes people laugh because we could all do with that right now.
The song is called “The Ball Alley near Nogra (a Covid story…) ”
NOTE: I am not a singer / musician by any stretch of the imagination but have attached a link (below) to a very bad rendition to give you an idea of the melody.
here are the words
(to the tune of the Hills of Conemara – G C G D, G C G D G)
–Chorus–
Fill up the duffel bag with the homemade Beer ,
the krips , the wellies and the camping gear
Social your distance and there’s nowt but cheer
At the Ball Alley near Nogra
Verse 1:
It’s Friday night and you’re ready to play ,
You havn’t left the house since Paddy’s day
You’re jeans don’t fit your ass no more
and you hair looks like a badgers’
–Chorus–
Verse 2:
You’ve got the young lads bike and the hi-vis on
Wondering were it all went wrong
The country lane is like Amsterdam
and the saddle could be wider
–Chorus–
Verse 3:
Jim OConnor is there and he’s a mighty host ,
he’s got the wind breaker strapped to the garden post
The pace starts slow and its pretty calm
and then in bowles in kilkelly
–Chorus–
Verse 4:
Three hours spent fighting over politics
The GAA, the weather and what’s on Netflix
Stay in by the ditches on the journey home
and don’t forget your face mask
https://www.facebook.com/548856438/videos/10157539050231439/?extid=b1iy42jEzy95h6KK
Any chance you could include this in the Show ?
Regards Tom
Thats a right one Tom…I like the video too…considering the position of the camera you were taking a chance wearing a pair of shorts…I was half expecting to get a glimpse of your short & curlies..
jasus Tom..that stream gig is only 3 weeks away…it would take me at least 3 months to learn, chord, arrange and deliver “The Ball Alley Near Nogra”….but I will certainly listen again…. are you finickey about your lyrics ? or open to variations ?
its a great auld song Tom…thanks for sharing
Great to remember ‘Cursed Anna’,Christy…I had ‘Sligo Fair’ in my head after the news about Jonathan Kelly RIP.
There’s some online/youtube pieces – hopefully,a few fellow readers will check out his music.Bless him…D
Hi Christy
Can’t wait for the Hawickfest…fair play to Rory -and we know there’ll be ‘surprise’ guests announced nearer the date- Janey Godley and Frankie Boyle will nail the MC gigs,for sure (Rory will be on Hawick strength espressos,by now!)
‘Iron behind the velvet’,lined up here.Loved the LP,since its release-now looking back,its an interesting link between Planxty and current companeros…lovely title,too.
Music keeping the spirits high,as ever…
Dave
Little did we know David that we have a real Harvey Goldsmith in our midst…..
Recorded that Iron Velvet way back in 1976….we rehearsed in Coolcullen,Co Carlow..did a tour that included The Hidden Inn in Kilmanahan and The Merriman Tavern in Scariff….I still can hear the band…Luka Bloom,Andy Irvine, Jimmy Faulkner, Noel Hill, Tony Linnane and Gabriel McKeon….
“Morrissey and The Russian Sailor” a fave track of mine
Well Christy you are a hard taskmaster, but after a night of 12 cups of increasingly strong black tea, my mother’s phone bill reaching a new stratosphere and the sort of bribery that a south american coke dealer would be proud of, we have it cracked.
The field behind my parents’ house is booked for 12th July next year, ‘No bonfire in my back yard’ is the festival name, hog roast, nut roast and peppermint tea tents all sorted.
You open up with
Westlife ‘ i wanna grow old with you’, the lads thought it fitting for a man of your years, grey chest hair wigs on order.
Lulu and ‘shout’ has to be next, she was so excited she said she would throw in a packet of Tunnoch tea cakes if you wear a miniskirt like her.
Boyzone were a tough nut to crack , they wanted 85% of gate receipts, but i threatened to use that story of the lads and the sheep dip so they are in for free with you on a duet of ’90 miles to dublin’.
Beyonce and Jay-Z are agreeing to be on next with you, doing a version of his classic now called ‘Bray Wanderers state of mind’, soccer shirts for you 3.
Foster and Allen were the easiest to deal with, their price was just 2 comfy seats. Agreed you would sing Maggie with them but using the words from Taking tea with Pinochet, military jackets plus medals worn.
Mrs Brown has always counted you as one of her boys so you are next up with ‘her’ singing Wild colonial boy, both in aprons.
Chris de Burgh has agreed to duet Lisdoonvarna, on the condition he can sing the Lady in red line, costumes are set off with red wide brimmed Philip Treacy hats.
Cathy Jordan is a Roscommon lass and so we agreed on a Jacko Reilly song Tippin it up to Nancy, her call, dressed both in Ros Comain GAA gear with boots of long studs.
Crystal Swing were looking to sing the rebs so we have agreed they will perform with you Back Home in Derry plus Dying Soldier, tricolour draped outfits on show.
Last but not least Donie Cassidy and you have 2 duet songs ( one for the encore) first up is Money Money Money by Abba bring your platform boots out of hiding, followed by a quick change into Forbes Tartan kilts for a version of Andy Stewart’s timeless song ‘Donald where’s yer troosers’.
Local council say show must end by 4am so with all the costume changes we need the gig to start at 5pm the previous evening…the rider is a bottle of hand sanitiser, a tin of midge repellant and a jar of Hawick balls.
Deal?
Rory
I knew I was asking the right man to pull it all together…what an achievement at such short notice…I’m taken aback at the good will coming my direction from such an array of world wide stars..most surprising was your success in landing Senator “The Bulb” Cassidy..I’d say you had to dig deep there…my last meeting with “WaxWorks” was outside Leinster House at a Demonstration organised to demand more air play for Voerster & Outspan on Irish Radio….as I tried to clamber aboard the platform he uttered the never-to-be-forgotten words
“ah come on now lads, only stars up on the lorry”
That Jay-Z is a decent man …when I held the door for his missus back stage at Coldplay in Punchestown he pressed a $50 bill into my breast pocket and remarked favourably on my demeanour as doorman to the stars…I still have the bill beside my pics of JFK and Moss Keane..
I must warn you that quite a few disappointed artists have been in touch..we may have to extend it to a double albund
Hi C. My CD of choice today was Ordinary Man, did you gig Sweet Music Roll On much ? some great songs there Matty, Diamonatina Rover , Quiet Desperation of course St Brendan Voyage makes it very special !!..Liam Óg on both pipes and whistle and Enya on backing vocals.. Lovely to see Live in Dublin and The Iron Behind the Velvet out on Vinyl and with a free download in the shops today. You mentioned Jessie Owens earlier, Adam and I met him at your last live gig in City North on Sat 7th March, he and his wife and family were all over, I exchanged emails with his son Michael…beir bua and beannacht go deo. H
I’ve never gigged “Sweet Music Roll On”…..outside the construct of the studio I found it impossible to get a stage version up and running….its happened with a number of other songs… “China Waltz” “The Piper’s Path” to name but two
I still recall Jessie Owens singing on RTE when I was about 18…”Come to The Bower” still reverberates
Re jimmydeboy post
This was reissued a few years back for world record day I believe 500 were pressed. Comes up on eBay and sometimes the original press as well there also a re press on cd as well but don’t see that appear as offteb You can get the re issue vynal it here for 30 euro
https://www.discogs.com/sell/item/1161282558
good man Adam…keep spreading the word….
“when I came to where I found her
if it was’nt for me sword I’d have lost me life”
Hi Christy
I am hoping you and your Company will re issue the Vinyl or CD of your album “Paddy on the Road” . It is so annoying to see so many poor CD quality copies out there and being purchased.
Good wishes and I hope you will consider this request
jimmydeboy
Kilmeaden
there’s me only after a mug of tea and a toasted Kilmeaden Cheese sandwich
Well Christy, hope you are still well. I love reading your responses to the posts, as someone said you are one of the few who actually does that. It is very special, and creates a grand bond. And some wonderful characters posting from all corners of the globe.
I see you are sending vibes to Chile from the NCH. Fair play. Maybe room for a vibe to Germany as well… All the way to Gooter Straße….
I was both pleased and sad to stumble across this article today on the Irish Times online about Mary Coughlan.
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/mary-coughlan-32-times-i-ended-up-in-hospital-with-alcohol-poisoning-1.4333272
Pleased because it gave me a heads up on her new album which I am now looking forward to receiving and seeing the 64 photos, one for each year of her life. But sad because of the raw sadness of her story, which I had no idea about. The lives some people hide behind the songs and the smile! Fair play to her and all the pleasure she brings with her music. May it continue to save her and enthrall us the listeners.
Fintan is based now up in cape cod,boston area, not sure if he’s still playing that continental, last I heard he had finger and back problems.. Wild man in his day, dermot is working a regular job in Manhattan,,before this cove thing he was only doing cruises and irish fairs. He wrote a funny song about christy moore, must call him to get the words. ,, you probably met him during the virginans days…love the auld banter about the past..like yourself I’ve met and played with great character’s,,,
Hey Christy,
The main album today was Matt McGinn’s superb Lessons of War.
The title track is a fantastic collaboration by Matt with musicians from Boznia, Golan, Sierra Leone etc. It currently has 1.200 viewings on youtube.
Eminem breathes and there are tens of millions views on the same medium….such nonsense.
The working with others in war torn nations is a brilliant concept, worthy of millions of views not least because of it’s valid musical excellence.
Bah humbug.
Have you ever tried an across the wire, across the seas, across the nations song?
Cheers
Rory
Ps As a result my request for the live gig in a couple of weeks is not a song but a socially distanced duet with Matt
Jasus Rory but you are proving to be a fine A&R man…..I fancy an album of duets with:
Westlife
Lulu
Boyzone
Beyonce
Foster & Allen
Mrs Brown
Chris De Burgh
Cathy Jordan
Crystal Swing
Donie Cassidy..
can you get working on it asap…I’ll let you pick the tunes, the wardrobe and the styling…I’m due a make-over..I’ve never yet worn a Kilt..the Big Yin tried to get me into one night in Auchermuchty….Donie Cassidy might be the man to swing a deal..he has great connections in the music underworld….not so sure about Eminem..very bad for the teeth..I met Beyonce backstage at Coldplay in Punchestown, she appeaed keen but refused at the last fence..an open ditch…
I’d go along with whatever you think best…I could get measured for a corset …and maybe a few hairs transplanted from around me…..contd on Page 94
Jasus Rory but you are proving to be a fine A&R man…..I fancy an album of duets with:
Westlife
Lulu
Boyzone
Beyonce
Foster & Allen
Mrs Brown
Chris De Burgh
Cathy Jordan
Crystal Swing
Donie Cassidy..
can you get working on it asap…I’ll let you pick the tunes, the wardrobe and the styling…I’m due a make-over..I’ve never yet worn a Kilt..the Big Yin tried to get me into one in Auchermuchty but Calum Kennedy was havin none of it, eventually Jimmy McGregor intervened…Donie Cassidy might be able to swing a deal..he has great connections in the music underworld….not so sure about Eminem..very bad for the teeth..I met Beyonce backstage at Coldplay in Punchestown, she appeared keen but refused at the last fence..an open ditch…
I’d go along with whatever you think best…I could get measured for a corset …and maybe a few hairs transplanted from around me…..contd on Page 94
Christy…sorry to read that an old mate has passed D
Beware of the Cursed Anna’s Stare
Hi Christy
A poignant afternoon… dug out some music not played in awhile. Enjoying Jonathan Kelly’s 70s folk rock.Looked at the sleeve notes and saw he was from Drogheda,Co Louth – so,another on the List list that was mentioned recently.
I saw him play a great support for The Strawbs at the Free Trade Hall in 1971-and had a god chat with him afterwards. A few minutes ago ,I went online and read that Jonathan (Jon Ledingham) died last May. Sad news, and a really good obit on the Hot Press site.I wondered if you’d crossed motorways with JK back in the day.
Dave
Very sorry to read about John Ledingham….knew John for a few years late 60s early 70s…both as John and later as Jon…we shared some happy times …he took a different direction in his life and we lost contact…
Your mention of Michael Jessie Owens brings back good old memories of all the great heads around the scene in the 70s 80 s 90s in NYC ., jessie ,Dermot Henry,Noel kingston, Ann Byrne,,johnny Cronin,andy McCann,.all great characters, there was a great accordion player by the name of Richie Kelly from kildare who I played with backing up bridie Gallagher. The king of ceili. Nyc is going downhill fast thanks to the policies of the present mayor.I knew it when it was the center of the world,,,i worked there beside the twin towers when they were being built,and I was three blocks away when they collapsed…
Did you ever hear Fintan Stanley in New York ?
I knew Dermot Henry way back in early Planxty days… we all worked with the late Des Kelly ..
Mornin’ Christy
That’s a great 6 00 am list. What a song book you’re creating.
Interesting news from Peggy Seeger at http://www.peggyseeger.com Bank Holiday here on Monday 31st and she’s playing a set with her sons. Another of the ‘folk on foot festivals’. Sounds like its now a mix of online and ‘live’,but not sure how it’s planned.
I’m going to try and dip in and out,but the lockdown is easing a bit,so the day is to see grandkids,mainly. There’s a rumour that they’ll be back in school soon. First time in 6 months for the youngest two. The eldest starts secondary school.I hope she enjoys it more than I did mine…but music and mates have been a legacy,so that time could have turned out worse!
Enjoy the day and new songs.Great roads to travel..
Dave
Hi Christy.
Was listening back to your Lockdown Number 7, and you said “ Gortatagort” was somewhere between 1and 6 of your all time top 10 Songs.
Would love to know what your top 10 is…….. no pressure.
Best regards.
Patsy
Well Patsy…at 6am this morning and without too much reflection
(At the moment I’m totally immersed in new songs…I’m working towards recording in October and my head is full of fresh verses but I wont include them at this time..)
I’m gonna write a quick list before putting on the porridge…
10 songs I love to sing…
Gortatagort
Cry Like a Man
Magdalen Laundry
Ringin The Bell
Lord Baker
Green Laurel
Pity The Poor Immigrant
The Good Ship Granma( aka Companeros ..aka Fidel & Che)
Rosalita & Jack Cambell
Inchicore Wake
Probably a different list if you asked me tonight !!!
Hi Christie,
I’m excited to tune in on the 19th of September. I had a shop called Maggie Dailey’s in Canton, Connecticut in the early 2010s. Your tunes on the stereo kept us happy and tuned in. My Nana was Maggie Dailey. I’m three generations in the US, but the ties are strong. You are my paisan! Thanks for keeping the music flowing!
Thanks for listening and offering feedback….I know that times are hard in Florida these days…I wish you safety,happiness and good health….only last week I had a call from Jessie Owens who now dwells in that Parish…. a great Irish Singer whom I used to hear when I was in my teens…he emigrated to New York in the 60s where he became a Fire Officer (but continued to sing). He retired to Florida some time ago
Just remembered, I’ve been wondering how you will work with the set list without the crowd?
I’ll just have to listen out for the spiders
Hello Christy,
Just wanted to thank you for giving me a gentle nudge to get out playing. I could have stayed at home singing to the cat for ever – and she hates it, even the harp. The Uilleann pipes are straight from cat hades.
I’ll do some searching for songs from the names you mentioned.
Hope prep is gearing up for your live stream from NCH. Steve will no doubt wear his On the Road t-shirt. 😊
Rebecca
Way back in the 1960s & 70s Uileann Pipes began making a come back…unlike today,back then most of us had neither witnessed nor heard this most beautiful and wonderful instrument…go back to the 50’s and there were but a handful of practitioners….Seamus Ennis, Willie Clancy, Felix Doran to name but three…but there was a revival on the horizon…Liam Óg O’Flynn, Finbar Furey, Paddy Keenan, Paddy Molonoey were to the fore as the rising sound of Uileann Pipes began to reverberate….Today the future of the Uilleann Pipes has been secured by the Masters…the sound has travelled the world over…there are hundreds ,maybe thousands,of exponents practicing their Art,recreating their Music …
I was inspired to write these few lines by your reference to “cat Hades”
In the late 60s I was in O’Donoghues pub one Sunny Summers Day….I was trying to slake my thirst and avoid sunstroke….there was a fair to middling Piper in the back lounge…two American Tourists were at the Bar…one of them went into the back lounge to have a listen….returning to the Bar he said to his fellow traveller….” theres a guy in the back room wrestling with an Octopus…seems to me like the Octopus is winning”
I listen to the Pipes a lot….