Thanks for the tip off about the Frank Harte festival,Christy. Really interesting info on the website too. We owe a lot to the likes of Harte,Collins,MacColl et al. Enjoy the sessions… Dave
Christy's reply
really missed not being there this year..I was invited to sing “Dunlavin Green” in that sweet liitle Wicklow Town but could not make it….the Góilín Club is a wonderful institution as is the Irish Trad Music Archive
Hahaha no worries Christy I’m the same. I’ve been trying to get Spotify and all the other ones up and running and my head is melted by it all … thanks for even trying.. this wee link to the YouTube video might work for ya and if not sure you’ll hear me on the late show some night hahahaa
Thanks a million for your lovely reply. I’ll be sure to check out the song you mentioned. ‘Tis nothing but a bitch, but one just has to power on. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been through it yourself, it ain’t easy. I play guitar and I sing, but my guitars and voice become foreign objects when I think this way. It’s cruel. Anyway, forgive my ramblings, and thanks again for your response.
Ken
Christy's reply
Ken,
we all ramble a bit here Ken….is a sort of a rambling house..hope you have a good day…
Not as early as Rory,but a mellow start here,via the new Shirley Collins LP, ‘Heart’s Ease’…the epitome of English folk music,for c 60 years-and not losing her touch now…what an interpreter of song.
Great sleeve notes too- always a treat when info and context are added to a long time favourite song.’Whitsun Dance’ (to the tune of ‘A week before Easter’)one if the finest war songs, reflecting on The Great War and how rural life changed with the loss of so many young men.I’ve riffed on the song here,before,(youtube – Tim Hart and Maddy Prior-‘Dancing at Whitsun).It’s one that will enter the tradition,for sure.(Maybe of interest to Rebecca,too…I have a hunch it might be a good harp tune,if not a song)
Great guest links here,as ever…Pam’s cafe-Arlo Guthrie in a few short strides…I’d love to have seen the Guthrie family gig. One for you,Christy…Oxford Road,Manchester,late 60s/early 70s – near Central Library, ‘Nick’s cafe’….run by a Greek guy,open 24/7 and a late night/early morn hang out for many…coffee and teacakes or toast, whilst the all night bus was thought about… just wondered if it was on your hit list- it came to mind,after reading Pam’s Whitefield memories….happy days! Kettle going on now…
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
Shirley Collins is surely a keeper of the flame….and she protects it like no other…Bert Lloyd comes to mind, and Frank Harte here in Dublin…his Festival is on this weekend..all on line..its run every year by the Goilin Singers club…we always attend..this year its all on line….
cant recall Nicks Cafe….to my detriment,I was more inclined towards Yates Wine Lodges….a drop of fortified Australian White was my espresso…but sometimes that led to too many drops
Morning Christy,
I couldn’t find john o’dreams so slapped on the box set.
An old favourite corner of the box i headed to, of
your self reflection ‘The way Pierce Turner sings’ melting into an entransing group of tunes named ‘The Hamburg Medley’.
It is fascinating to listen to such a corner of your life, told so honestly, the bat, the impending hearttattack, the opera, it just spoke of open honesty.
The medley is hard to beat for sheer open, honest music, i really enjoy it and often listen on repeat, it may be a slightly raw live piece but it is magical,especially when there are no distractions to divert my ears.
Thank you, as always
Rory
Christy's reply
I can still see Pierce dancing on the tables in Whelans..stepping between full pints and ash trays…. still recall that Hamburg Medley in Markethalle ( still have a 35 year old dried red rose handed me that night)
its heartwarming to hear of those discs getting a spin..twice this morning …in Hawick and in Lenox,MA, USA
Gutted to have missed out on your gigs at Glasgow Barrowlands and the GRCH this year, wishing you well and looking forward to extending a Glasgow welcome at the earliest of opportunities.
I’ve been searching for a couple of DVD copies of your gig at Barrowlands just a few years ago, can you inform/direct me towards purchasing please.
Many thanks
Clare Menary
Christy's reply
seems to be available on ebay and amazon..we used to have a wee shop here but no customers to keep it open….it was a lot cheaper in our shop ….it is due another showing on TG4 TV…you could tape it…watched it recently ..some great audience shots…fierce sweat…I musta shed half a stone but still a fair bit of me left
Congradulations on last Saturday’s gig.
I’m staying a town over from Guthrie Center, but no hootenanny last night. I know a retired cop who worked under the fascist one in Arlo’s song. Now local police direct traffic at nearby marijuana shops. I put their special cream in a generic bottle and it soothed arthritis for my dear late mother, but she knew there was no magic lotion. I hope those in need there can obtain. The pushtoffice this side wouldn’t worry about someone sending hand cream.
I should trip on up a Berkshire mountain, which are turning color now against the light blue sky. The poor auld Earth. I rode a bicycle partly up one of the Connemara Pins 10 years ago. (where as a boy I watched rams battle for supremacy.) I left it at a chapel honoring Padraig. Tidied chapel a bit and hiked to summit. On decent tegs caught their first taste of Beckett – via Moore by way of this Brendan. Your first box set travels well.
Christy's reply
good on ye Brendan..safe travels
I took a rocky up Croagh Patrick
and a gentle pathway up Slieve Gullion Brae
I plunged the deep at Brandon Creek
and slept in a glade way up beyond Dún Maeve
all alone along the Wicklow Way
Peace and Solitude I found
when I reached the slopes of Mullaghmore
I coulda swore that that was The Holy Ground
Well Christy, how’s it going. Based on the things both you and some of the other guests wrote about my last song, I thought I would share the one that was released today. Its called “Summer Rain”. Hope it hits the spot. Thanks again for listening.
Kevin
Hi C. It was 2012 that Arlo did that Irish Tour, I saw him in Dolans in Limerick along with his family and a great band, they played a recording of Woody Guthrie at intervals, it was surreal. I wonder could Woody ever have imagined the influence he has had on the world ? probably not. The news of albums and possible future livestreams and perhaps sharing the NCH gig is most welcome. Beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
Christy's reply
we gotta try and keep busy H…..have you heard of the Tralee born writer Alice Curtayne ?
I still recall the first time I heard Woody… in a squat in Finsbury Park in 1968…the late Tony Small singin Woody songs..
later heard Owen Hand,Josh McCrae, Ralph McTell…then when I got home in ’71 Andy Irvine shared that he used to write to Woody
Tuna fish..!?! 😀😁😄
If Christy doesn’t call the album Plancton, and if I ever have a band, that’s what I’m going to call them. I might even spell it right.
Rebecca
Rebeccah,
to paraphase the old REO Speedwagon ablum title ,’You can tune a harp but you cant Tuna fish’. Talking of album titles Christy, any ideas yet?
Christy's reply
maybe ” Harps,Dogs& Babies” but who knows…gotta record it first
” The Ganger cried jump clear me lads, the roof she’s tumblin down …
and I’ll tell ye Whack, we swam right back, to dear old Liverpool Town”
The black dog of depression is knocking at my door once again. There’s very little I can do other than wait it out, but I’m doing so by listening to you as much as possible. Lock Hospital is standing out for me, along with Matty and Ringing That Bell. You have some great songs in your armoury. Thanks for the support and help via your music.
Ken
Christy's reply
Morra Ken,
Sorry to hear you got that old black dog knockin at your door……its good to recognise that he’s around…that he’s on the way…different people got their own way of dealin with him..he comes in so many different coats…in such varied degree …mild, severe and every stage between ….over 30 years ago my Doc prescribed me…that still helps…. good excercise also seems to help me..the dog tries to to keep me in the bed but if I force myself to get up/out and excercise I sometimes feel a bit better….and of course if I can get singin..losin myself in a few quiet songs, he dont like that either……
anyway, thats my small experience…every dog got his way of doin it..
back in Moving Hearts days I used to sing a song called “Black Dog” by Jessie Winchester
The harp is a very forgiving instrument.
The first time you play something wrong, it’s a mistake.
The second time you play it wrong, it’s a variation.
The third time you play it wrong, it’s an arrangement.
I speak from experience..
Rebecca
Christy's reply
have you ever listened to Laoise Kelly ?
There has been a great revival of Harp Music here in Ireland…. back in my youth there was but a handfulof Harpists/ Harpers…but,like the Uileann Pipes, the Harp has re established its position in Music….there are a number of exciting innovative players who have dedicated their lives to new Harp Music….Laoise Kelly plays beautifully…
Thank you for the welcome back, have been reading guestbook regularly, just been preoccupied with babies and dogs.
I love Rebeccah’s postings how amazing to play something as beautiful as the harp. Pam
Christy's reply
Harps,Babies and Dogs….a good opening salvo this Autumn day
I loved Arlo Guthrie, many years ago there used to be a Cafe in Whitefield called ‘Alice’s Restaurant’, and you could get anything you want as long as it was served with chips. Pam
Hello Christy,
How long does it take to tune a harp?
Nobody knows…
Actually, it’s about 5 minutes once you get the hang of it.
This is such a supportive place, and I am thankful for it.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Oh list to the lay of a poor Irish harper
And scorn not the strains of his old, withered hands
But remember his fingers, they once could move sharper
To raise up the memory of his dear native land
“My Peace,My Peace”
Thanks Dave.
Arlo has such a beautiful voice..
Many years back I heard him sing in Whelans,Dublin..
He played with his Son and Grandson …..
Woody songs performed by 3 generations of his descendents.
I cherish that memory
Great that you regularly credit the essential workers ,call out the shysters and encourage companeros in these difficult times.
As so often,over the years,I regularly listen to Woody Guthrie and,these days,keep an eye on http://www.woodyguthrie,org .The site is now revving up for the US election,via Woody’s art,as well as his words. Well worth a look- and it’s a rare gift when hard hitting issues have some humour to drive home the points.
Also,sad that Woody’s battles are similar to today’s problems,but ,literary gems like folks being robbed by a ‘fountain pen’,as easily as by a ‘six gun’ bring some comfort and a feeling of solidarity, which is so important.
Thanks for the tip off about the Frank Harte festival,Christy. Really interesting info on the website too. We owe a lot to the likes of Harte,Collins,MacColl et al. Enjoy the sessions… Dave
really missed not being there this year..I was invited to sing “Dunlavin Green” in that sweet liitle Wicklow Town but could not make it….the Góilín Club is a wonderful institution as is the Irish Trad Music Archive
Hahaha no worries Christy I’m the same. I’ve been trying to get Spotify and all the other ones up and running and my head is melted by it all … thanks for even trying.. this wee link to the YouTube video might work for ya and if not sure you’ll hear me on the late show some night hahahaa
https://youtu.be/L4MZBsl-bPU
got it this time kevin…..enjoyed it too..soaked to the skin by the rend of it !!!..hard to bate a good sup of rain to settle the dust
Christy,
Thanks a million for your lovely reply. I’ll be sure to check out the song you mentioned. ‘Tis nothing but a bitch, but one just has to power on. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been through it yourself, it ain’t easy. I play guitar and I sing, but my guitars and voice become foreign objects when I think this way. It’s cruel. Anyway, forgive my ramblings, and thanks again for your response.
Ken
Ken,
we all ramble a bit here Ken….is a sort of a rambling house..hope you have a good day…
Mornin’ Christy
Not as early as Rory,but a mellow start here,via the new Shirley Collins LP, ‘Heart’s Ease’…the epitome of English folk music,for c 60 years-and not losing her touch now…what an interpreter of song.
Great sleeve notes too- always a treat when info and context are added to a long time favourite song.’Whitsun Dance’ (to the tune of ‘A week before Easter’)one if the finest war songs, reflecting on The Great War and how rural life changed with the loss of so many young men.I’ve riffed on the song here,before,(youtube – Tim Hart and Maddy Prior-‘Dancing at Whitsun).It’s one that will enter the tradition,for sure.(Maybe of interest to Rebecca,too…I have a hunch it might be a good harp tune,if not a song)
Great guest links here,as ever…Pam’s cafe-Arlo Guthrie in a few short strides…I’d love to have seen the Guthrie family gig. One for you,Christy…Oxford Road,Manchester,late 60s/early 70s – near Central Library, ‘Nick’s cafe’….run by a Greek guy,open 24/7 and a late night/early morn hang out for many…coffee and teacakes or toast, whilst the all night bus was thought about… just wondered if it was on your hit list- it came to mind,after reading Pam’s Whitefield memories….happy days! Kettle going on now…
Have a good day
Dave
Shirley Collins is surely a keeper of the flame….and she protects it like no other…Bert Lloyd comes to mind, and Frank Harte here in Dublin…his Festival is on this weekend..all on line..its run every year by the Goilin Singers club…we always attend..this year its all on line….
cant recall Nicks Cafe….to my detriment,I was more inclined towards Yates Wine Lodges….a drop of fortified Australian White was my espresso…but sometimes that led to too many drops
Morning Christy,
I couldn’t find john o’dreams so slapped on the box set.
An old favourite corner of the box i headed to, of
your self reflection ‘The way Pierce Turner sings’ melting into an entransing group of tunes named ‘The Hamburg Medley’.
It is fascinating to listen to such a corner of your life, told so honestly, the bat, the impending hearttattack, the opera, it just spoke of open honesty.
The medley is hard to beat for sheer open, honest music, i really enjoy it and often listen on repeat, it may be a slightly raw live piece but it is magical,especially when there are no distractions to divert my ears.
Thank you, as always
Rory
I can still see Pierce dancing on the tables in Whelans..stepping between full pints and ash trays…. still recall that Hamburg Medley in Markethalle ( still have a 35 year old dried red rose handed me that night)
its heartwarming to hear of those discs getting a spin..twice this morning …in Hawick and in Lenox,MA, USA
Hiya Christy
Gutted to have missed out on your gigs at Glasgow Barrowlands and the GRCH this year, wishing you well and looking forward to extending a Glasgow welcome at the earliest of opportunities.
I’ve been searching for a couple of DVD copies of your gig at Barrowlands just a few years ago, can you inform/direct me towards purchasing please.
Many thanks
Clare Menary
seems to be available on ebay and amazon..we used to have a wee shop here but no customers to keep it open….it was a lot cheaper in our shop ….it is due another showing on TG4 TV…you could tape it…watched it recently ..some great audience shots…fierce sweat…I musta shed half a stone but still a fair bit of me left
Congradulations on last Saturday’s gig.
I’m staying a town over from Guthrie Center, but no hootenanny last night. I know a retired cop who worked under the fascist one in Arlo’s song. Now local police direct traffic at nearby marijuana shops. I put their special cream in a generic bottle and it soothed arthritis for my dear late mother, but she knew there was no magic lotion. I hope those in need there can obtain. The pushtoffice this side wouldn’t worry about someone sending hand cream.
I should trip on up a Berkshire mountain, which are turning color now against the light blue sky. The poor auld Earth. I rode a bicycle partly up one of the Connemara Pins 10 years ago. (where as a boy I watched rams battle for supremacy.) I left it at a chapel honoring Padraig. Tidied chapel a bit and hiked to summit. On decent tegs caught their first taste of Beckett – via Moore by way of this Brendan. Your first box set travels well.
good on ye Brendan..safe travels
I took a rocky up Croagh Patrick
and a gentle pathway up Slieve Gullion Brae
I plunged the deep at Brandon Creek
and slept in a glade way up beyond Dún Maeve
all alone along the Wicklow Way
Peace and Solitude I found
when I reached the slopes of Mullaghmore
I coulda swore that that was The Holy Ground
Well Christy, how’s it going. Based on the things both you and some of the other guests wrote about my last song, I thought I would share the one that was released today. Its called “Summer Rain”. Hope it hits the spot. Thanks again for listening.
Kevin
Here’s the link
https://www.dropbox.com/s/scae6jzlysg9a2o/SUMMER%20RAIN%20Master.wav?dl=0
sorry Kev..they are askin me to sign up/ sign in…I’m a bit paro with all that…maybe that narrows my world ….but its wide enough as it stands
Hi C. It was 2012 that Arlo did that Irish Tour, I saw him in Dolans in Limerick along with his family and a great band, they played a recording of Woody Guthrie at intervals, it was surreal. I wonder could Woody ever have imagined the influence he has had on the world ? probably not. The news of albums and possible future livestreams and perhaps sharing the NCH gig is most welcome. Beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
we gotta try and keep busy H…..have you heard of the Tralee born writer Alice Curtayne ?
I still recall the first time I heard Woody… in a squat in Finsbury Park in 1968…the late Tony Small singin Woody songs..
later heard Owen Hand,Josh McCrae, Ralph McTell…then when I got home in ’71 Andy Irvine shared that he used to write to Woody
Tuna fish..!?! 😀😁😄
If Christy doesn’t call the album Plancton, and if I ever have a band, that’s what I’m going to call them. I might even spell it right.
Rebecca
go for it
Rebeccah,
to paraphase the old REO Speedwagon ablum title ,’You can tune a harp but you cant Tuna fish’. Talking of album titles Christy, any ideas yet?
maybe ” Harps,Dogs& Babies” but who knows…gotta record it first
” The Ganger cried jump clear me lads, the roof she’s tumblin down …
and I’ll tell ye Whack, we swam right back, to dear old Liverpool Town”
Hi Christy,
The black dog of depression is knocking at my door once again. There’s very little I can do other than wait it out, but I’m doing so by listening to you as much as possible. Lock Hospital is standing out for me, along with Matty and Ringing That Bell. You have some great songs in your armoury. Thanks for the support and help via your music.
Ken
Morra Ken,
Sorry to hear you got that old black dog knockin at your door……its good to recognise that he’s around…that he’s on the way…different people got their own way of dealin with him..he comes in so many different coats…in such varied degree …mild, severe and every stage between ….over 30 years ago my Doc prescribed me…that still helps…. good excercise also seems to help me..the dog tries to to keep me in the bed but if I force myself to get up/out and excercise I sometimes feel a bit better….and of course if I can get singin..losin myself in a few quiet songs, he dont like that either……
anyway, thats my small experience…every dog got his way of doin it..
back in Moving Hearts days I used to sing a song called “Black Dog” by Jessie Winchester
The harp is a very forgiving instrument.
The first time you play something wrong, it’s a mistake.
The second time you play it wrong, it’s a variation.
The third time you play it wrong, it’s an arrangement.
I speak from experience..
Rebecca
have you ever listened to Laoise Kelly ?
There has been a great revival of Harp Music here in Ireland…. back in my youth there was but a handfulof Harpists/ Harpers…but,like the Uileann Pipes, the Harp has re established its position in Music….there are a number of exciting innovative players who have dedicated their lives to new Harp Music….Laoise Kelly plays beautifully…
Thank you for the welcome back, have been reading guestbook regularly, just been preoccupied with babies and dogs.
I love Rebeccah’s postings how amazing to play something as beautiful as the harp. Pam
Harps,Babies and Dogs….a good opening salvo this Autumn day
I’m glad you’ve posted again Pam. A northern female voice feels like home.
Lancs and Yorks conversing via Dublin….lovely
I loved Arlo Guthrie, many years ago there used to be a Cafe in Whitefield called ‘Alice’s Restaurant’, and you could get anything you want as long as it was served with chips. Pam
Pam is back
Hello Christy,
How long does it take to tune a harp?
Nobody knows…
Actually, it’s about 5 minutes once you get the hang of it.
This is such a supportive place, and I am thankful for it.
Rebecca
Oh list to the lay of a poor Irish harper
And scorn not the strains of his old, withered hands
But remember his fingers, they once could move sharper
To raise up the memory of his dear native land
http://www.woodyguthrie.org for the wise words and pictures D
“My Peace,My Peace”
Thanks Dave.
Arlo has such a beautiful voice..
Many years back I heard him sing in Whelans,Dublin..
He played with his Son and Grandson …..
Woody songs performed by 3 generations of his descendents.
I cherish that memory
Hi Christy
Great that you regularly credit the essential workers ,call out the shysters and encourage companeros in these difficult times.
As so often,over the years,I regularly listen to Woody Guthrie and,these days,keep an eye on http://www.woodyguthrie,org .The site is now revving up for the US election,via Woody’s art,as well as his words. Well worth a look- and it’s a rare gift when hard hitting issues have some humour to drive home the points.
Also,sad that Woody’s battles are similar to today’s problems,but ,literary gems like folks being robbed by a ‘fountain pen’,as easily as by a ‘six gun’ bring some comfort and a feeling of solidarity, which is so important.
Have a good day
Dave
Say what?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i1kN-XZ6AA
mums the word