Ah Christy, so lovely to know you were recalling those memories of Dad & Mum! & you are spot on in your descriptions of them 🙂 They are surely doing the same again now up Above. The Beach Group was a lifeline for Dad at a very difficult point in life – helping others helps me he would always say. Going through his papers yesterday, I found some flyers and other paperwork for it actually!
We gave him a good send off in spite of the Covid limitations. As we said our final goodbye we could hear announcements from the racecourse – a funny and fitting coincidence that he’d love.
In time we plan a more expanded celebration of his life. Have emailed you my my contact info.
Cx
Christy's reply
I walked the Pier yesterday with another fellow from the ship….we reminisced at great length about dear Lal….his spirit lives on
Hi Christy. Can I thank Hilary for putting me straight re ‘Agnes Nealis’, I assumed it was posted by some lucky person from Connemara with a field full of donkeys – living the dream! But thanks have checked it out now and will again on Saturday.
My experience with YouTube pre-covid, was my 12-yr old grandson watching a lot of shouty men doing daft things.
Now it’s much appreciated, through it have watched your lockdown sessions, + enjoyed many videos including your documentary, lately found ‘don’t forget your shovel’ . Look forward to Saturday. Pam
Hi All another great programme on RTE radio 1 right now from 10pm,,, all about Moving Hearts, think it might be a repeat but what harm ? https://www.rte.ie/radio/utils/share/radio1 and btw there was an excellent TV programme on tg4 on Sun 18th Oct at 22.30 , availlable on the player. beir bua agus beannacht go deo,, H
Christy's reply
40 years ago we were finding that new sound…one of our very first gigs was in The Village Inn in Kilkenny….Richie Buckley on Sax and and Tommy Moore on Bass with Donal, Declan and myself….an early sound of what was to come….another night we played in Horans of Tralee..I was told afterwards that Tom Waits was in the audience..but he left after the third number !….Woodys in Castleisland was a favourite halting site for the Hearts and we often raved it up at The Hillgrove in Dingle…Tom McCarthy from Annascasul was an early patron
Dear Christy, 40 years ago today ,those brave, brave men and women began the 1980 hunger strike.
Tonight i shall be playing your Spirit of Freedom album, but first…there’s 30 people on the bridge and they’re standing in the rain.
Rory
The November man of song might be facing some rough weather ,but there’s some mighty music due…
You’re in fine company with ‘early years’ as on 30/10/20 Joni Mitchell releases a multi disc set from her early demos/gigs etc. A few years ago I found 2 bootlegs of some early Canadian gigs.Some songs in those live sets went on to be highly regarded LP tracks, but hearing them played so well, 2or 3 years before studio recording is quite something.
So you and Joni will soon be hogging the bunker’s sound system, As the saying goes, ‘class is permanent’.
Hello Christy,
Talking of wolf tones, did you know that there’s a thing on the Uilleann pipes called a barking E. Not sure how you pacify it, maybe feed it dog treats?
You’re bang on with the micro tones. I’m so glad your bold self is peeping out again. I can’t remember why I was talking about microtones but either side of the green light is definitely where they’re at.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
My tail is wagging at the thought…..I need to talk to a piper
Christy. Have been a fan for many years and have seen you live a few times. I belong to a ukulele group called HUG (Hanwell Ukulele Group), aka Axes of Evil. We set up in 2013. We do a mean job of your lovely song Ride On and we love playing it. I re-listened to your Desert Island Discs interview with Kirsty Young – brilliant. I love that you are all about the music – your voice is phenomenal – needs no instrumental accompaniment. Hope to catch you playing in London before too long.
Christy's reply
That grand song was written by Jimmy MacCarthy of Macroom in the County Cork….he shared it with me in the mid 80s and I’ve sung it a thousand times since….
may your Axes of Evil forever glint in the Winter Sun
Hi Christy,
The Unwanted ( seamie o’dowd) does a moving version of The Diamantina Drover on their album Atlantic Fringe.
Then Hilary mentions CS (16) and his playing on the Atlantic seaboard, and having seen last week’s gig (and fine bouzouki playing) i am looking forward to his CM songbook broadcast this week….that lad has determination and talent.
Atlantic , now i am sure an old Rod Stewart album featured that expanse of blue water.
Thank goodness that the Atlantic is there, for whilst it brings both Ireland and Scotland much rain, at least it keeps President Tramp at more than an arm’s length.
Shane’s mention by you, and the tv prog sounds a must visit show, but he and Philip Chevron combined with one of the Pogues’ best songs Thousands are Sailing…across the Western Ocean.
The moving song Along the Western Seaboard by Declan O’Rourke is where i will now turn in search of sleep….all this talk is making me feel seasick.
Regards Rory
Ps Oh what i’d give for Cathal’s live fiddle playing right now.
Christy's reply
The Wild Atlantic Way was coined by a local politician whose family are in the business of making road signs…I’ll say no more..remember where you heard it first….and Rory ,whatever you say, say nothin….
Hi All. Mention has been made of both CS and RS here aka Agnes Nealis from remote Connemara, two very talented young people indeed. Usually it is Colm who posts on the guestbook, sharing his insights and interesting take on life by the Atlantic. CS does a weekly gig online on Saturdays here is the link to the most recent one on his youtube channel https://youtu.be/ujB5QYkIr7I Next Sat he is dedicating the entire gig to songs sung by Christy, it may be of interest to some here ! beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
ps
following a hunch in pursuit of microtones (and no apology for playing one of our favourites) worth checking out youtube for Inge Thomson’s ‘Cycle’.Even if there’s not a microtone in the piece, it’s absorbing…D
Can’t send a specific link, but anyone with access to today’s BBC tv news (very likely online, hopefully) will get an emotional rush from one of the best events in recent times… Last Friday,an 80 yo ex music teacher with dementia, played a piano improvisation. His melody was then orchestrated and recorded at weekend by the BBC orchestra (all via distance tech)and played back to the composer…cue a wonderful reaction, then topped by an on screen greeting by Stephen Sondheim…wow…no wonder the BBC presenter was choked.I couldn’t have said the link…
I’m intrigued by Rebecca’s points – sounds like grace notes, but also wonder if the technique is used in Scandinavian singing, possibly via a ‘jump’ in the voice? Maybe, similar to Dolores O’Riordan (RIP) with The Cranberries…then again,probably not! Keep up the great work,R…
Dave
Christy's reply
I’m past linking tonight Dave….
I hear Dobro Fiddle Pedal Steel & Banjo,
angelic backing vocals harmonize
Hello Christy,
So then… Microtones.
I’m trying to work out how to explain what I mean but a video of someone doing it really well has got to be better than me getting tied in knots.
Microtones are when notes are played a bit higher or lower than you’d expect, on purpose. A note can turn up both higher and lower in the same tune. It’s kind of like looking at the sunlight and shade on a landscape when the clouds are scudding by.
Scandinavian fiddlers seem to really like microtones.
Thankyou for all the info on the Frank Harte festival. I’ll be there as soon as I can ☺️
It’s lovely to see you chatting away. I hope things are treating you well.
I’m spending time each day getting to know Yellow Furze Woman better. When I started the harp I decided that I wasn’t going to write any music notes down. I didn’t want to stifle the music. It’s very easy in classical music to get strangled by sheet music. I wanted to be free of that. So me and Yellow Furze Woman are getting to know each other and she changes every day. It’s a gorgeous song.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
them boys from up north sure knows how to rosin them bows
how they squeeze them ‘n please them ‘n tease them
I think I get your drift Rebecca….
hittin the note a tad north or south of the green light ( on my tuner)
I’m a bit spaced out tonight after watching “Calm with Horses” and “The Trial of The Chicago Seven”
Love your Music
i present a show on community radio in Dunbar Scotland about to play Back In Derry, keep up the good work Jim
Christy's reply
LYRICS BY BOBBY SANDS MP…MUSIC TRAD , ADAPTED ORIGINALLY BY GORDON LIGHTFOOT, …THEN BY BOBBY…. THEN YOURS TRULY
played a folk club in Dunbar in 1967…or was it Dunbarton…..or maybe twas Gourock or Pressthempants…was it The Humblebums or High Speed Grass played support..or was I the support…we had pints o heavy, wee drams, russian gold speedballs…there was Hamish Imlach, Owen Hand, Hamish Henderson, Jimmy Hutchinson,Paddie Bell, Dolina McLennan,Barbara Dickson,Watt Nicholl, John Martyn, Danny Kyle, Aly Bain,Jimmy McBeath,Davy Johnson, Mick Broderick,The Clutha, Whiskey Priests,…..Calum Kennedy could’nt get in the door….we ended up in The Scotia
That’s a great quote about Dylan. Is it from your song with Wally Page or from a Bob review?
I’m enjoying Rebecca’s music analysis. As a technical ignoramus,’by ear ‘player, it’s interesting to touch on another world. I’m also glad to have (belatedly)discovered the work of Frank Harte.He left a rich legacy, in many ways.Did you ever play gigs with him or maybe, musical exchanges were more sessions based?
Now,with thanks to Adam, ‘Spanish Lady’ is in my head- that’s me heading for Luke Kelly plus The Johnstons,after a cuppa…
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
Frank was a true comrade in song..his legacy is enormous..we hope and pray that it might make its way to the Irish Traditional Music Archive where it will recieve the loving care and maintenace it so richly deserves
hi Christy, hope you are keeping well, find myself listing to a lot of luke kelly lately, came across this version of Spanish Lady , its a nice version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_aPImi1E3o
Christy's reply
thats not Luke Adam…. its Jim McCann…..(I’m still practicing the version you asked about)….Luke is on the left (beside Barney) strumming a 5 string banjo..maybe not looking very happy….seems like a bit of a dodgy gig…John Sheahan the only remaining member of the Quartet
I don’t know how long this book has been out, have you got it?
193 songs. It says with music but I haven’t got the book yet so I don’t know what it looks like. It’s on its way.
I’ve also got a question. Its about microtones. Not sure if this is related. What do you think? I’m thinking it’s an area to explore for unaccompanied singing? Guitars and harps don’t really go there do they. Steve’s pipes seem to have more space around tones. Sorry, I have set off down a road, I realise most people won’t be interested in this. Maybe something for later.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I still miss Hank Fart….he was, and remains, a dear friend… we spent manys the hour sharing songs down telephone lines..my phone might ring at mid-night..
“Moore ye bollicks, give us that one about the Beeswing” or on a Monday Morning early ” wait til ye hear this one, come on over and I’ll give it to you”..Frank shared generously…..I have the book ..it became available three weeks ago and I was honoured to recieve a copy ..its a lovely book..I’m dipping in almost daily…Frank also relesed 6 or 7 or 8 albums…..The Frank Harte festival has been running (pre Covid) for about 10 years..we’ve never missed one…his grandaughter sings a song every year…song lovers gather from around the world (in small numbers)….its Nirvaaaaana for songsters..thats where I heard “Rosalita and Jack Cambell” from the author, Sean Mone “The Inchicore Wake” (Pete St John) from Anna Buckley and “Weekend in Amsterdam” ( real Gerry Reilly)..the festival is run by Góilín Singers Club
I know microbes, micro dots, micro waves and micho russell but you got me with microtones ? are we talking gracenotes here ? tell me more Doctor
Hi Christy
Coincidentally been listening to Ordinary Man all week too, it’s a really diverse album covers many emotions, with recent restrictions can’t see my family so on my own again ‘quiet desperation’. We all go to your music to sustain us, am sure you have somewhere to turn to with all the inspirational music you know of. Hope so.
Contributions to your guestbook help, thanks to Agnes for her donkey tales, my husband loved Connemara we spent a lot of time around there in fact the last time we saw you was in Clifden. Good memories. Thank you to Dave for the Sefton Samuels link and can I give a shout out to Andy Burnham too, before I retired I worked with him in his old constituency getting hostels up and running he helped a lot of people, I feel he is that rare breed, a sincere politician.
Up before the birds this morning, the clocks gone back so could have had an extra hours kip, but forgot to tell the dog, at least the clock in my car will be right for the next 6 months have never figured out how to change it.
Do hope everyone keeps well. Pam
Christy's reply
yes Pam, we are fortunate to have such loyal and interesting regular correspondants here…other more contemporary platforms lured many away but most of the quality stayed put….Agnes has thrown many off the scent with his nom-de-plume ..he writes such creative narrative….I love his writing..he also does facebook gigs..features in films…and his sister is a beautiful singer….Dagrab is our daily correspondant from Suffragette City..Rory protects the Borders…Rebecca harps and sings from The Fax….ye all brighten up my days..Keep Coming back..all of you…I will try and respond, if the Atkin allows
Once again, I agree with Rory – about the song and disgraceful ‘politicians’who benefit from tax payer subsidised food and drink .What a cabal – unelected grifters are on the list too… phew – rant over .Apologies…
I hope you fancy some photo nostalgia… I had the pleasure of meeting Sefton Samuels a few years ago, having come across a mix of his work.What an eye…piles of good stuff at http://www.seftonphoto.co.uk especially, ‘Northerners’ and his jazz photos, often taken at ‘Band on the wall’ near the old MSG site. A venue that deserves to survive lockdowns.
I’m trying to avoid news today .Best quote of the week is that mid press conference, Andy Burnham looked like Clark Kent! I was proud of ‘the lad’.Calling out the shysters as he stood on the site of Peterloo,a sash’s throw from Emmeline Pankhurst’s statue,Aaaaargghhh,I’m back on politics…time for a brew.
As ever, all the very best to you and yours
Dave
Christy's reply
Love these photos Dave…you are a constant source of pleasure upon this platform…. I’ve enjoyed manys the trip into treasure troves you have unlocked..I sometimes wonder, does this boy ever sleep…
Dear Christy,
I was listening to the Ordinary Man album and fell back in love, again, with The Diamantina Drover. It is a song i forget about and then rediscover , it has the feel of a song that should have been written in 1883 not 1983.
The album helped me calm down again , raging against sleep in fury at ‘my’ mp voting against free school meals during hidays until Easter 21. ‘Disgusted of Hawick’ should become my pen name ,at least when writing to mps.
The music doesnt just keep us high, it keeps us sane too.
Thanks for listening….and playing.
Cheers Christy
Rory
Christy's reply
on receipt of your note I went back to this song..spent a happy hour remembering the session with Arty& Donal….its a beauty of a song no doubt…I just cant do it justice …whatever magic was weaved in Aisling Studio 35 years ago cannot be replicated these days…
I got some new verses on the go here…enjoying the months and months and months of rehearsal time hitherto unavailable as we traversed the boreens in search of wages and adulation….
“The Faces in the photograph are fading
I cant believe he looks so much like me”
“faded pictures in the hallway
which of them broen ghosts is he”
Last FRi night Bruce sang praises high for Shane McGowan…gotta say I agree with him..( interview on last Friday’s LateLate Show on RTE 1 TV )
Ah Christy, so lovely to know you were recalling those memories of Dad & Mum! & you are spot on in your descriptions of them 🙂 They are surely doing the same again now up Above. The Beach Group was a lifeline for Dad at a very difficult point in life – helping others helps me he would always say. Going through his papers yesterday, I found some flyers and other paperwork for it actually!
We gave him a good send off in spite of the Covid limitations. As we said our final goodbye we could hear announcements from the racecourse – a funny and fitting coincidence that he’d love.
In time we plan a more expanded celebration of his life. Have emailed you my my contact info.
Cx
I walked the Pier yesterday with another fellow from the ship….we reminisced at great length about dear Lal….his spirit lives on
Hi Christy. Can I thank Hilary for putting me straight re ‘Agnes Nealis’, I assumed it was posted by some lucky person from Connemara with a field full of donkeys – living the dream! But thanks have checked it out now and will again on Saturday.
My experience with YouTube pre-covid, was my 12-yr old grandson watching a lot of shouty men doing daft things.
Now it’s much appreciated, through it have watched your lockdown sessions, + enjoyed many videos including your documentary, lately found ‘don’t forget your shovel’ . Look forward to Saturday. Pam
keep coming back Pam….we’re all in the same boat
Hi All another great programme on RTE radio 1 right now from 10pm,,, all about Moving Hearts, think it might be a repeat but what harm ? https://www.rte.ie/radio/utils/share/radio1 and btw there was an excellent TV programme on tg4 on Sun 18th Oct at 22.30 , availlable on the player. beir bua agus beannacht go deo,, H
40 years ago we were finding that new sound…one of our very first gigs was in The Village Inn in Kilkenny….Richie Buckley on Sax and and Tommy Moore on Bass with Donal, Declan and myself….an early sound of what was to come….another night we played in Horans of Tralee..I was told afterwards that Tom Waits was in the audience..but he left after the third number !….Woodys in Castleisland was a favourite halting site for the Hearts and we often raved it up at The Hillgrove in Dingle…Tom McCarthy from Annascasul was an early patron
Dear Christy, 40 years ago today ,those brave, brave men and women began the 1980 hunger strike.
Tonight i shall be playing your Spirit of Freedom album, but first…there’s 30 people on the bridge and they’re standing in the rain.
Rory
Here we go again Christy, see ye on the other side…
https://youtu.be/NzeX2QQEOFI
Hi Christy
The November man of song might be facing some rough weather ,but there’s some mighty music due…
You’re in fine company with ‘early years’ as on 30/10/20 Joni Mitchell releases a multi disc set from her early demos/gigs etc. A few years ago I found 2 bootlegs of some early Canadian gigs.Some songs in those live sets went on to be highly regarded LP tracks, but hearing them played so well, 2or 3 years before studio recording is quite something.
So you and Joni will soon be hogging the bunker’s sound system, As the saying goes, ‘class is permanent’.
I’m sure the Atkin is brightening the day…
Dave
Joni has been a bright star in this firmament
Hello Christy,
Talking of wolf tones, did you know that there’s a thing on the Uilleann pipes called a barking E. Not sure how you pacify it, maybe feed it dog treats?
You’re bang on with the micro tones. I’m so glad your bold self is peeping out again. I can’t remember why I was talking about microtones but either side of the green light is definitely where they’re at.
Rebecca
My tail is wagging at the thought…..I need to talk to a piper
Christy. Have been a fan for many years and have seen you live a few times. I belong to a ukulele group called HUG (Hanwell Ukulele Group), aka Axes of Evil. We set up in 2013. We do a mean job of your lovely song Ride On and we love playing it. I re-listened to your Desert Island Discs interview with Kirsty Young – brilliant. I love that you are all about the music – your voice is phenomenal – needs no instrumental accompaniment. Hope to catch you playing in London before too long.
That grand song was written by Jimmy MacCarthy of Macroom in the County Cork….he shared it with me in the mid 80s and I’ve sung it a thousand times since….
may your Axes of Evil forever glint in the Winter Sun
Hi Christy,
The Unwanted ( seamie o’dowd) does a moving version of The Diamantina Drover on their album Atlantic Fringe.
Then Hilary mentions CS (16) and his playing on the Atlantic seaboard, and having seen last week’s gig (and fine bouzouki playing) i am looking forward to his CM songbook broadcast this week….that lad has determination and talent.
Atlantic , now i am sure an old Rod Stewart album featured that expanse of blue water.
Thank goodness that the Atlantic is there, for whilst it brings both Ireland and Scotland much rain, at least it keeps President Tramp at more than an arm’s length.
Shane’s mention by you, and the tv prog sounds a must visit show, but he and Philip Chevron combined with one of the Pogues’ best songs Thousands are Sailing…across the Western Ocean.
The moving song Along the Western Seaboard by Declan O’Rourke is where i will now turn in search of sleep….all this talk is making me feel seasick.
Regards Rory
Ps Oh what i’d give for Cathal’s live fiddle playing right now.
The Wild Atlantic Way was coined by a local politician whose family are in the business of making road signs…I’ll say no more..remember where you heard it first….and Rory ,whatever you say, say nothin….
Hi All. Mention has been made of both CS and RS here aka Agnes Nealis from remote Connemara, two very talented young people indeed. Usually it is Colm who posts on the guestbook, sharing his insights and interesting take on life by the Atlantic. CS does a weekly gig online on Saturdays here is the link to the most recent one on his youtube channel https://youtu.be/ujB5QYkIr7I Next Sat he is dedicating the entire gig to songs sung by Christy, it may be of interest to some here ! beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
Lets all tune in to CS (16)
ps
following a hunch in pursuit of microtones (and no apology for playing one of our favourites) worth checking out youtube for Inge Thomson’s ‘Cycle’.Even if there’s not a microtone in the piece, it’s absorbing…D
Inge makes the sweetest sounds….
Hi Christy
Can’t send a specific link, but anyone with access to today’s BBC tv news (very likely online, hopefully) will get an emotional rush from one of the best events in recent times… Last Friday,an 80 yo ex music teacher with dementia, played a piano improvisation. His melody was then orchestrated and recorded at weekend by the BBC orchestra (all via distance tech)and played back to the composer…cue a wonderful reaction, then topped by an on screen greeting by Stephen Sondheim…wow…no wonder the BBC presenter was choked.I couldn’t have said the link…
I’m intrigued by Rebecca’s points – sounds like grace notes, but also wonder if the technique is used in Scandinavian singing, possibly via a ‘jump’ in the voice? Maybe, similar to Dolores O’Riordan (RIP) with The Cranberries…then again,probably not! Keep up the great work,R…
Dave
I’m past linking tonight Dave….
I hear Dobro Fiddle Pedal Steel & Banjo,
angelic backing vocals harmonize
Hello Christy,
So then… Microtones.
I’m trying to work out how to explain what I mean but a video of someone doing it really well has got to be better than me getting tied in knots.
https://youtu.be/onKd7gqroNg
Microtones are when notes are played a bit higher or lower than you’d expect, on purpose. A note can turn up both higher and lower in the same tune. It’s kind of like looking at the sunlight and shade on a landscape when the clouds are scudding by.
Scandinavian fiddlers seem to really like microtones.
Thankyou for all the info on the Frank Harte festival. I’ll be there as soon as I can ☺️
It’s lovely to see you chatting away. I hope things are treating you well.
I’m spending time each day getting to know Yellow Furze Woman better. When I started the harp I decided that I wasn’t going to write any music notes down. I didn’t want to stifle the music. It’s very easy in classical music to get strangled by sheet music. I wanted to be free of that. So me and Yellow Furze Woman are getting to know each other and she changes every day. It’s a gorgeous song.
Rebecca
them boys from up north sure knows how to rosin them bows
how they squeeze them ‘n please them ‘n tease them
I think I get your drift Rebecca….
hittin the note a tad north or south of the green light ( on my tuner)
I’m a bit spaced out tonight after watching “Calm with Horses” and “The Trial of The Chicago Seven”
Microtones ,Wolf Tones and Rolling Stones
Love your Music
i present a show on community radio in Dunbar Scotland about to play Back In Derry, keep up the good work Jim
LYRICS BY BOBBY SANDS MP…MUSIC TRAD , ADAPTED ORIGINALLY BY GORDON LIGHTFOOT, …THEN BY BOBBY…. THEN YOURS TRULY
played a folk club in Dunbar in 1967…or was it Dunbarton…..or maybe twas Gourock or Pressthempants…was it The Humblebums or High Speed Grass played support..or was I the support…we had pints o heavy, wee drams, russian gold speedballs…there was Hamish Imlach, Owen Hand, Hamish Henderson, Jimmy Hutchinson,Paddie Bell, Dolina McLennan,Barbara Dickson,Watt Nicholl, John Martyn, Danny Kyle, Aly Bain,Jimmy McBeath,Davy Johnson, Mick Broderick,The Clutha, Whiskey Priests,…..Calum Kennedy could’nt get in the door….we ended up in The Scotia
Mornin’ Christy
That’s a great quote about Dylan. Is it from your song with Wally Page or from a Bob review?
I’m enjoying Rebecca’s music analysis. As a technical ignoramus,’by ear ‘player, it’s interesting to touch on another world. I’m also glad to have (belatedly)discovered the work of Frank Harte.He left a rich legacy, in many ways.Did you ever play gigs with him or maybe, musical exchanges were more sessions based?
Now,with thanks to Adam, ‘Spanish Lady’ is in my head- that’s me heading for Luke Kelly plus The Johnstons,after a cuppa…
Have a good day
Dave
Frank was a true comrade in song..his legacy is enormous..we hope and pray that it might make its way to the Irish Traditional Music Archive where it will recieve the loving care and maintenace it so richly deserves
ps “havin hitch hiked all the way from Minnesota’
hi Christy, hope you are keeping well, find myself listing to a lot of luke kelly lately, came across this version of Spanish Lady , its a nice version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_aPImi1E3o
thats not Luke Adam…. its Jim McCann…..(I’m still practicing the version you asked about)….Luke is on the left (beside Barney) strumming a 5 string banjo..maybe not looking very happy….seems like a bit of a dodgy gig…John Sheahan the only remaining member of the Quartet
Hello Christy,
I’ve just happened upon this and am feeling pretty late to the party.
https://frankhartefestival.ie/a-living-voice-the-frank-harte-song-collection/
I don’t know how long this book has been out, have you got it?
193 songs. It says with music but I haven’t got the book yet so I don’t know what it looks like. It’s on its way.
I’ve also got a question. Its about microtones. Not sure if this is related. What do you think? I’m thinking it’s an area to explore for unaccompanied singing? Guitars and harps don’t really go there do they. Steve’s pipes seem to have more space around tones. Sorry, I have set off down a road, I realise most people won’t be interested in this. Maybe something for later.
Rebecca
I still miss Hank Fart….he was, and remains, a dear friend… we spent manys the hour sharing songs down telephone lines..my phone might ring at mid-night..
“Moore ye bollicks, give us that one about the Beeswing” or on a Monday Morning early ” wait til ye hear this one, come on over and I’ll give it to you”..Frank shared generously…..I have the book ..it became available three weeks ago and I was honoured to recieve a copy ..its a lovely book..I’m dipping in almost daily…Frank also relesed 6 or 7 or 8 albums…..The Frank Harte festival has been running (pre Covid) for about 10 years..we’ve never missed one…his grandaughter sings a song every year…song lovers gather from around the world (in small numbers)….its Nirvaaaaana for songsters..thats where I heard “Rosalita and Jack Cambell” from the author, Sean Mone “The Inchicore Wake” (Pete St John) from Anna Buckley and “Weekend in Amsterdam” ( real Gerry Reilly)..the festival is run by Góilín Singers Club
I know microbes, micro dots, micro waves and micho russell but you got me with microtones ? are we talking gracenotes here ? tell me more Doctor
Hi Christy
Coincidentally been listening to Ordinary Man all week too, it’s a really diverse album covers many emotions, with recent restrictions can’t see my family so on my own again ‘quiet desperation’. We all go to your music to sustain us, am sure you have somewhere to turn to with all the inspirational music you know of. Hope so.
Contributions to your guestbook help, thanks to Agnes for her donkey tales, my husband loved Connemara we spent a lot of time around there in fact the last time we saw you was in Clifden. Good memories. Thank you to Dave for the Sefton Samuels link and can I give a shout out to Andy Burnham too, before I retired I worked with him in his old constituency getting hostels up and running he helped a lot of people, I feel he is that rare breed, a sincere politician.
Up before the birds this morning, the clocks gone back so could have had an extra hours kip, but forgot to tell the dog, at least the clock in my car will be right for the next 6 months have never figured out how to change it.
Do hope everyone keeps well. Pam
yes Pam, we are fortunate to have such loyal and interesting regular correspondants here…other more contemporary platforms lured many away but most of the quality stayed put….Agnes has thrown many off the scent with his nom-de-plume ..he writes such creative narrative….I love his writing..he also does facebook gigs..features in films…and his sister is a beautiful singer….Dagrab is our daily correspondant from Suffragette City..Rory protects the Borders…Rebecca harps and sings from The Fax….ye all brighten up my days..Keep Coming back..all of you…I will try and respond, if the Atkin allows
Hi Christy
Once again, I agree with Rory – about the song and disgraceful ‘politicians’who benefit from tax payer subsidised food and drink .What a cabal – unelected grifters are on the list too… phew – rant over .Apologies…
I hope you fancy some photo nostalgia… I had the pleasure of meeting Sefton Samuels a few years ago, having come across a mix of his work.What an eye…piles of good stuff at http://www.seftonphoto.co.uk especially, ‘Northerners’ and his jazz photos, often taken at ‘Band on the wall’ near the old MSG site. A venue that deserves to survive lockdowns.
I’m trying to avoid news today .Best quote of the week is that mid press conference, Andy Burnham looked like Clark Kent! I was proud of ‘the lad’.Calling out the shysters as he stood on the site of Peterloo,a sash’s throw from Emmeline Pankhurst’s statue,Aaaaargghhh,I’m back on politics…time for a brew.
As ever, all the very best to you and yours
Dave
Love these photos Dave…you are a constant source of pleasure upon this platform…. I’ve enjoyed manys the trip into treasure troves you have unlocked..I sometimes wonder, does this boy ever sleep…
Dear Christy,
I was listening to the Ordinary Man album and fell back in love, again, with The Diamantina Drover. It is a song i forget about and then rediscover , it has the feel of a song that should have been written in 1883 not 1983.
The album helped me calm down again , raging against sleep in fury at ‘my’ mp voting against free school meals during hidays until Easter 21. ‘Disgusted of Hawick’ should become my pen name ,at least when writing to mps.
The music doesnt just keep us high, it keeps us sane too.
Thanks for listening….and playing.
Cheers Christy
Rory
on receipt of your note I went back to this song..spent a happy hour remembering the session with Arty& Donal….its a beauty of a song no doubt…I just cant do it justice …whatever magic was weaved in Aisling Studio 35 years ago cannot be replicated these days…
I got some new verses on the go here…enjoying the months and months and months of rehearsal time hitherto unavailable as we traversed the boreens in search of wages and adulation….
“The Faces in the photograph are fading
I cant believe he looks so much like me”
“faded pictures in the hallway
which of them broen ghosts is he”
Last FRi night Bruce sang praises high for Shane McGowan…gotta say I agree with him..( interview on last Friday’s LateLate Show on RTE 1 TV )