Forget all this music hoopla,I reckon there’s some good flonking to be had, if it’s ever legal to meet up again – bootleg version,if not. There’s even a wikipedia reference to an East Anglia version, but Rebecca’s take on it sounds spot on…good band name too!
aaaah a blue sky is welcome D
Christy's reply
I regret to inform you that neither headphones or earpods are permitted while flonking is in progress…all attention needs be focused upon the dwyle
dwall funking is right up there with octopus wrestling which, as we all know, is well known to uilleann piper’s everywhere
Christy's reply
I stand corrected ,
Dwyle Flonking
I only played twice…alongside Mike Waterson, Ian Manuel, Jill Pidd, Jules, Jim the Fish and others from Hull’s infamous Rugby Pub…we had some fun in those heady days
What’s ‘dwall flunking’, Christy? Hopefully,steeped in Waterson’s tradition…Lesser Free Trade Hall is where I saw them/experienced their power,more like…
Great Vicar Street news -and fair play to you and Andy- a mighty duo.
My Grandad visited the Palace after WW1 – no way I’d be allowed in !
Have a great walk – I can’t wait to revisit your’ neck of the woods’ D
Christy's reply
Anyone out there prepared to outline “dwall flunking” for Dave…. a magnificent sport which, as far as I know, began in Nottingham and then was taken up in Hull….
Hello Christy,
I watched the programme with Maire and her sister. I love the stuff she’s doing with Chris Newman. So free. Thankyou for pointing it out to me (and to Dave for the same).
I have emailed Maire. I’ve no idea if she ever teaches, but she lives quite close to me, according to her website, so I thought it was worth a try.
Conversing about versing.
I’m finding the early years album fascinating for seeing some of the places these songs have been with you. I think working on them is the best life to be had. I keep trying different approaches. With Yellow Furze Woman I went into the harp kind of like an improvisation and tried to let it do its own thing. This is the first time I’ve let the song go by itself.
The famine. The keening, the ululating. We have a food bank here run by Calderdale (who I work for). These days it runs out of food regularly. It’s not good. We get emails asking for stock.
Sorry, do you notice a difference with how you work on songs these days?
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I certainly do Rebecca….
back in 1966 I was living hand-to mouth in London…I had a tiny bed-sit in West London…my repertoire was brief, I had no gigs, a poor guitar, knew nothing of the Folk Scene…I was struggling to survive… getting to sing 2 or 3 songs at the White Hart on Fulham Broadway on Monday Night…
I went to hear The Grehan Sister play at The Railway Hotel in Willesden Junction..they invited me to visit them in Manchester…I travelled North a few weeks later and thats when my journey began….I went to a different Folk Club every night and did ” floor spots”….began to get a few small support gigs which culminated in my first proper gig at Mike & Pat Harding’s Club in Blakeley Manchester…. I still have my set list from that night…
I spent every waking hour practicing, learning, arranging,dreaming,….
ps
There is such a mountain of info on Bloody Sunday in the blog at http://www.militaryarchives.ie that I’d highly recommend it as a great source to any readers here who may be interested ,but certainly to mention it to teachers/pupils who may be studying the topic.The detail and links are incredible in their depth. D
Christy's reply
will delve in upon my return….the Ministry for Information is humming this morning…I feel an award looming..have you ever been to Buckingham Palace?
I’m sure RTE ‘Great Hunger’ programme will resonate – tragic times that need to be marked and never forgotten.
Following the recent centenary of ‘Bloody Sunday’, I came across a wonderful, detailed blog that is accessible at http://www.militaryarchives.ie I need to go back to it (along with other rabbit holes on the site!) but,it’s well worth the time – and credit to historians for the fantastic artefacts that are featured.
Looks like blue sky here – the first time in days.I thought the Tories were causing gloom to suppress the bolshie natives – that might be next week…
Dear Christy, as always Hilary is on the ball. I often marvel at the haunting of On A Single Day.
Declan O’Rourke’s Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine, will be back on the turntable today. I saw him perform the chronicle live and it was breathtaking.
As a race we never learn…greed, selfishness, thoughtlessness, prejudice, and that is just Trump.
We hope and strive for better, let us be thankful for the solace that music brings to a single day. support Foodbanks , end poverty, keep singing.
Stay well,
Rory
Christy's reply
Thanks for listening Rory….your feedback provides a constant source of energy…thanks to you and to all listeners out there who inspire me to keep versin and strummin…
News from Vicar St !!! I’ve been invited, along with others, to play an on line gig from that Venue…its being recorded this week…I’m gonna do 3 songs with my Son Andy…
More details to follow
Hi All. On RTE 1 TV at 9.35 pm tonight Liam Neeson narrates The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine, marking the 175th anniversary , here is the song that starts with women keening the loss https://youtu.be/BKH1vbl1b1g ,, global hunger persists in 2020, there is no excuse,,, beir bua agus beannacht go deo,,, H
Christy's reply
Thanks H….it was 25 years ago in a recording studio in Monasterevan in the County of Kildare….Paddy Glacken produced for RTE….Peader Ó Riada directed proceedings….it was all done on the hoof….all done on a shoestring…on a wind and a prayer…On A Single Day…..
that old studio was at the back of The Hazel Hotel which was HQ of the Irish Country Music scene…I saw Charlie Pride there one night…..Sullivans John swinging from The Crystal Chandelier
A gloomy day – brightened by trad songs rattling around the bunker.Wallowing in the harmonies of ‘The Watersons’ – just trawled youtube and found an ace clip of ’30 foot trailer’ – 1965 doc about the family…well worth a look.
Great song list you’re working on. – I’m currently enjoying revisiting ‘ Spencer the Rover’ – first heard via The Copper Family – ever tackled it?
Keep well
Dave
Christy's reply
I love that Watersons doc..it really describes the times we lived and worked in that old black and white world….I still remember the first time I heard The Watersons…twas in The Pennine Folk Club in Hyde…they were awesome…then to get to know them..to get a booking in their club in Hull….to go dwall flunking with the Hull mob…to hang out in that old Fish Town….t’wer like being in Heaven
Hi All. Noel Brazil passed away on this day in 2001 , (same day as George Harrison as you mentioned in a recording Christy ) he wrote some amazing songs, many recorded also by Mary Black, here is Metropolitan Ave https://youtu.be/HWUzyAW3Ez4 beir bua agus beannacht go deo… H
Christy's reply
if I’m not mistaken I think Nollaig ( God Be Good To Him) had some Kingdom Blood in his veins …a coincidence perhaps….
a great song writer who, sadly, never achieved his full potential
Doesn’t it happen to all teams. The greats retire in their time and the new stars are lit in their time.
Do you mind me asking about the versing?
Christy's reply
I’d never used the word before ..it hopped out as I wrote…singing a lot these days…shaping up some new songs….versing and strumming…
revisiting old ballads…..The Verdent Braes of Skryne, The Unquiet Grave, The Crack was 90, Master McGrath, The Ludlow Massacre,Trip to Jerusalem….
but also paying close attention to some new ones….whiling away days of covid incarceration, making best use of this enforced free time….
Dreaming of the blue tar road, pulling in to The Mayflower Ballroom in Manorhamiton, The Plaza in Bundoran, The Hillgrove in Dingle, The Woolshed in New South Wales, The Forum in Kentish Town, Mags McIvor’s in Glasgow,Kate Reillys in Tramore, in cars buses vans and trains, the punishing heat the snow and the rain…The Ragg in Thurles, The West End in Ballyraggett, Kytelers in Kilkenny, the Planxty wagon, the Moving Hearts bus, reels with The Trad Outfit, harmonies with The Companeros, Paradiso in Amsterdam with Decky, solo in Carnegie Hall, De Barras, De Baggott, De Brazen Head with Special Branch raiding the joint, serenading the Rt Hon Ted Heath in de Albert Hall ( Fanfare for Europe)
taking on fuel in Honolulu, meeting Ronnie Reagan in LAX, encore in Sausalito, turned back in Toronto, Sam Shepherd in Derry,Ted Walsh in Keadeen,
wonderful programme on TG4 last night with Máire Ní Cathasaigh on Harp and her Sister Nollaig Casey on Fiddle……Laoise Kelly is another Harpist of very high degree… Both Laoise and Máire have taken Harp Music in various directions, extended repertoire and gained many new listeners…
its time for the porridge
Hi Christy,
I was just wondering if the working of tin up to Ballinasloe,in Johnny Connors, was a tipping of the cap to John Reilly?
Just wondered.
Watched a youtube video of one of Gerry Conlon’s last speeches, powerful stuff ,and it took me to ‘Giuseppe’.
Cheers for now
Rory
Christy's reply
Rory….One day I happened upon the Horse Fair of Ballinasloe….such a sight I’d ne’er before seen…spent a few hours walking The Green taking it all in….such a collection of Tanglers dealing with every strata of the horsey set…there was excitement in the air, the memory stayed with me and emerged into Johnny’s song
HI CHRISTY MOORE we are coming up to st stephens day, penny for the wren chtisty?my granny used to sing oh i wore a tiulip and he wore a red red rose , he said i love you and she said she liked me,and we danced the whole night through .WE ARE not far from scarte glen a lovely song too i used to beg yo get into the cinema 3 pee in casleisland and chips and peas afterwards.Castleisland a market town and my home town .MY SECOUND NAME IS MARTIN AFTER ST MARTIN WHERE DID YOU GET THE NAME ANDREW?LIAM OMURCU
Christy's reply
after my Father, Andy Moore (1915-1956)
up with the poker and down with the tongs
give us sixpence to bury the wren
in the 80s had some great times in Castleisland, out the road in Woody’s,
Dear Christy,
Hope you are well. Yesterday the postman was very very welcome – after a long wait “The Early Years” has arrived at last! So happy to hold this treasure trove in my hands now!!!
We had a most enjoyable Saturday night (without the scent of perfume and aftershave) watching the superb DVD with all these musical gems! Every recording is wonderful but most I like “The Sun is Burning” and “The House Down in Carne”. Always had wished we once could hear you singing these two powerful songs live …
We both loved to see you accompanied by your late Companero Jimmy Faulkner – what a brilliant guitarist!
The CDs and booklet still keeping us occupied but we want to say CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to all involved in the making of this gorgeous Album!!!
Traudel & Horst
Christy's reply
Traudel & Horst….I send a “well-done” to your good postman…glad that the album arrived…
I cherish the times I spent with Jimmy Faulkner…we toured Germany twice in the 70s… long tours playing every night..very often there was no accomodation and we slept in the van..but there was always schnapps, appelkorn, beer and good hash…we felt no pain and we slept the deep sleep…always a great welcome from good listeners
Jimmy was a lovely Guitar player..every night he played different colours
If you can deal with them up front you should run rings round them.
We’re watching here.
Christy's reply
we have come out of a golden era of Rugby …we are “re-building”…
the game itself is loosing its lustre….
I could go off on a rant here but life is too short…
OK, that’s it. Bring on a the lockdown you like. I’m off to my haven…. The Early Years pack has arrived. So many songs! DVDs as well! I’m intrigued to read that 37 songs were not released before… If I read that correctly. Specsavers calling… Anyway, check back with you all after the deluge…
very good Thank You Rebecca,
The Winter Sun is low, there is frost upon the Dublin Mountains,I’ve been versing these past few hours…the dinner is roasting….Ireland are about to play Georgia at the Rugby (Union)…
For all lucky folks in TG4 land, there’s a great programme set for 9 30 tonight .As part of ‘Se Mo Laoch’ series – featuring West Cork and music of Maire Ni Chathasaigh, her sister,Nollaig Casey,Arty McGlynn and family links..,So,one to watch out for via the channel’s archive. (Rebecca – I think you’ll enjoy Maire’s playing ).
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
recent episodes are well worth a watch…Seamus Begley, Paddy Keenan, Arty McGlynn, Liam O’Flynn, Alec Finn,Mairtín O’Connor
This may be the original octopus wrestler
https://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/
Thought to be a distant cousin of the wild haggis
reminds me of the difference between a duck
Now we’re talking ,Christy
Forget all this music hoopla,I reckon there’s some good flonking to be had, if it’s ever legal to meet up again – bootleg version,if not. There’s even a wikipedia reference to an East Anglia version, but Rebecca’s take on it sounds spot on…good band name too!
aaaah a blue sky is welcome D
I regret to inform you that neither headphones or earpods are permitted while flonking is in progress…all attention needs be focused upon the dwyle
dwall funking is right up there with octopus wrestling which, as we all know, is well known to uilleann piper’s everywhere
I stand corrected ,
Dwyle Flonking
I only played twice…alongside Mike Waterson, Ian Manuel, Jill Pidd, Jules, Jim the Fish and others from Hull’s infamous Rugby Pub…we had some fun in those heady days
anyone else ever Flonk the Dwyle
What’s ‘dwall flunking’, Christy? Hopefully,steeped in Waterson’s tradition…Lesser Free Trade Hall is where I saw them/experienced their power,more like…
Great Vicar Street news -and fair play to you and Andy- a mighty duo.
My Grandad visited the Palace after WW1 – no way I’d be allowed in !
Have a great walk – I can’t wait to revisit your’ neck of the woods’ D
Anyone out there prepared to outline “dwall flunking” for Dave…. a magnificent sport which, as far as I know, began in Nottingham and then was taken up in Hull….
Hello Christy,
I watched the programme with Maire and her sister. I love the stuff she’s doing with Chris Newman. So free. Thankyou for pointing it out to me (and to Dave for the same).
I have emailed Maire. I’ve no idea if she ever teaches, but she lives quite close to me, according to her website, so I thought it was worth a try.
Conversing about versing.
I’m finding the early years album fascinating for seeing some of the places these songs have been with you. I think working on them is the best life to be had. I keep trying different approaches. With Yellow Furze Woman I went into the harp kind of like an improvisation and tried to let it do its own thing. This is the first time I’ve let the song go by itself.
The famine. The keening, the ululating. We have a food bank here run by Calderdale (who I work for). These days it runs out of food regularly. It’s not good. We get emails asking for stock.
Sorry, do you notice a difference with how you work on songs these days?
Rebecca
I certainly do Rebecca….
back in 1966 I was living hand-to mouth in London…I had a tiny bed-sit in West London…my repertoire was brief, I had no gigs, a poor guitar, knew nothing of the Folk Scene…I was struggling to survive… getting to sing 2 or 3 songs at the White Hart on Fulham Broadway on Monday Night…
I went to hear The Grehan Sister play at The Railway Hotel in Willesden Junction..they invited me to visit them in Manchester…I travelled North a few weeks later and thats when my journey began….I went to a different Folk Club every night and did ” floor spots”….began to get a few small support gigs which culminated in my first proper gig at Mike & Pat Harding’s Club in Blakeley Manchester…. I still have my set list from that night…
I spent every waking hour practicing, learning, arranging,dreaming,….
ps
There is such a mountain of info on Bloody Sunday in the blog at http://www.militaryarchives.ie that I’d highly recommend it as a great source to any readers here who may be interested ,but certainly to mention it to teachers/pupils who may be studying the topic.The detail and links are incredible in their depth. D
will delve in upon my return….the Ministry for Information is humming this morning…I feel an award looming..have you ever been to Buckingham Palace?
Mornin’ Christy
I’m sure RTE ‘Great Hunger’ programme will resonate – tragic times that need to be marked and never forgotten.
Following the recent centenary of ‘Bloody Sunday’, I came across a wonderful, detailed blog that is accessible at http://www.militaryarchives.ie I need to go back to it (along with other rabbit holes on the site!) but,it’s well worth the time – and credit to historians for the fantastic artefacts that are featured.
Looks like blue sky here – the first time in days.I thought the Tories were causing gloom to suppress the bolshie natives – that might be next week…
Have a good day
Dave
getting ready to walk the pier here…
Dear Christy, as always Hilary is on the ball. I often marvel at the haunting of On A Single Day.
Declan O’Rourke’s Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine, will be back on the turntable today. I saw him perform the chronicle live and it was breathtaking.
As a race we never learn…greed, selfishness, thoughtlessness, prejudice, and that is just Trump.
We hope and strive for better, let us be thankful for the solace that music brings to a single day. support Foodbanks , end poverty, keep singing.
Stay well,
Rory
Thanks for listening Rory….your feedback provides a constant source of energy…thanks to you and to all listeners out there who inspire me to keep versin and strummin…
News from Vicar St !!! I’ve been invited, along with others, to play an on line gig from that Venue…its being recorded this week…I’m gonna do 3 songs with my Son Andy…
More details to follow
Hi All. On RTE 1 TV at 9.35 pm tonight Liam Neeson narrates The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine, marking the 175th anniversary , here is the song that starts with women keening the loss https://youtu.be/BKH1vbl1b1g ,, global hunger persists in 2020, there is no excuse,,, beir bua agus beannacht go deo,,, H
Thanks H….it was 25 years ago in a recording studio in Monasterevan in the County of Kildare….Paddy Glacken produced for RTE….Peader Ó Riada directed proceedings….it was all done on the hoof….all done on a shoestring…on a wind and a prayer…On A Single Day…..
that old studio was at the back of The Hazel Hotel which was HQ of the Irish Country Music scene…I saw Charlie Pride there one night…..Sullivans John swinging from The Crystal Chandelier
Hi Christy
A gloomy day – brightened by trad songs rattling around the bunker.Wallowing in the harmonies of ‘The Watersons’ – just trawled youtube and found an ace clip of ’30 foot trailer’ – 1965 doc about the family…well worth a look.
Great song list you’re working on. – I’m currently enjoying revisiting ‘ Spencer the Rover’ – first heard via The Copper Family – ever tackled it?
Keep well
Dave
I love that Watersons doc..it really describes the times we lived and worked in that old black and white world….I still remember the first time I heard The Watersons…twas in The Pennine Folk Club in Hyde…they were awesome…then to get to know them..to get a booking in their club in Hull….to go dwall flunking with the Hull mob…to hang out in that old Fish Town….t’wer like being in Heaven
Hi All. Noel Brazil passed away on this day in 2001 , (same day as George Harrison as you mentioned in a recording Christy ) he wrote some amazing songs, many recorded also by Mary Black, here is Metropolitan Ave https://youtu.be/HWUzyAW3Ez4 beir bua agus beannacht go deo… H
if I’m not mistaken I think Nollaig ( God Be Good To Him) had some Kingdom Blood in his veins …a coincidence perhaps….
a great song writer who, sadly, never achieved his full potential
Doesn’t it happen to all teams. The greats retire in their time and the new stars are lit in their time.
Do you mind me asking about the versing?
I’d never used the word before ..it hopped out as I wrote…singing a lot these days…shaping up some new songs….versing and strumming…
revisiting old ballads…..The Verdent Braes of Skryne, The Unquiet Grave, The Crack was 90, Master McGrath, The Ludlow Massacre,Trip to Jerusalem….
but also paying close attention to some new ones….whiling away days of covid incarceration, making best use of this enforced free time….
Dreaming of the blue tar road, pulling in to The Mayflower Ballroom in Manorhamiton, The Plaza in Bundoran, The Hillgrove in Dingle, The Woolshed in New South Wales, The Forum in Kentish Town, Mags McIvor’s in Glasgow,Kate Reillys in Tramore, in cars buses vans and trains, the punishing heat the snow and the rain…The Ragg in Thurles, The West End in Ballyraggett, Kytelers in Kilkenny, the Planxty wagon, the Moving Hearts bus, reels with The Trad Outfit, harmonies with The Companeros, Paradiso in Amsterdam with Decky, solo in Carnegie Hall, De Barras, De Baggott, De Brazen Head with Special Branch raiding the joint, serenading the Rt Hon Ted Heath in de Albert Hall ( Fanfare for Europe)
taking on fuel in Honolulu, meeting Ronnie Reagan in LAX, encore in Sausalito, turned back in Toronto, Sam Shepherd in Derry,Ted Walsh in Keadeen,
wonderful programme on TG4 last night with Máire Ní Cathasaigh on Harp and her Sister Nollaig Casey on Fiddle……Laoise Kelly is another Harpist of very high degree… Both Laoise and Máire have taken Harp Music in various directions, extended repertoire and gained many new listeners…
its time for the porridge
Hi Christy,
I was just wondering if the working of tin up to Ballinasloe,in Johnny Connors, was a tipping of the cap to John Reilly?
Just wondered.
Watched a youtube video of one of Gerry Conlon’s last speeches, powerful stuff ,and it took me to ‘Giuseppe’.
Cheers for now
Rory
Rory….One day I happened upon the Horse Fair of Ballinasloe….such a sight I’d ne’er before seen…spent a few hours walking The Green taking it all in….such a collection of Tanglers dealing with every strata of the horsey set…there was excitement in the air, the memory stayed with me and emerged into Johnny’s song
HI CHRISTY MOORE we are coming up to st stephens day, penny for the wren chtisty?my granny used to sing oh i wore a tiulip and he wore a red red rose , he said i love you and she said she liked me,and we danced the whole night through .WE ARE not far from scarte glen a lovely song too i used to beg yo get into the cinema 3 pee in casleisland and chips and peas afterwards.Castleisland a market town and my home town .MY SECOUND NAME IS MARTIN AFTER ST MARTIN WHERE DID YOU GET THE NAME ANDREW?LIAM OMURCU
after my Father, Andy Moore (1915-1956)
up with the poker and down with the tongs
give us sixpence to bury the wren
in the 80s had some great times in Castleisland, out the road in Woody’s,
Dear Christy,
Hope you are well. Yesterday the postman was very very welcome – after a long wait “The Early Years” has arrived at last! So happy to hold this treasure trove in my hands now!!!
We had a most enjoyable Saturday night (without the scent of perfume and aftershave) watching the superb DVD with all these musical gems! Every recording is wonderful but most I like “The Sun is Burning” and “The House Down in Carne”. Always had wished we once could hear you singing these two powerful songs live …
We both loved to see you accompanied by your late Companero Jimmy Faulkner – what a brilliant guitarist!
The CDs and booklet still keeping us occupied but we want to say CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to all involved in the making of this gorgeous Album!!!
Traudel & Horst
Traudel & Horst….I send a “well-done” to your good postman…glad that the album arrived…
I cherish the times I spent with Jimmy Faulkner…we toured Germany twice in the 70s… long tours playing every night..very often there was no accomodation and we slept in the van..but there was always schnapps, appelkorn, beer and good hash…we felt no pain and we slept the deep sleep…always a great welcome from good listeners
Jimmy was a lovely Guitar player..every night he played different colours
If you can deal with them up front you should run rings round them.
We’re watching here.
we have come out of a golden era of Rugby …we are “re-building”…
the game itself is loosing its lustre….
I could go off on a rant here but life is too short…
I was about too see you in westport Christy. Then the f**kin Covid hit.
I look forward to returning to Westport….there are many dates to fulfil when the halls re-open…
OK, that’s it. Bring on a the lockdown you like. I’m off to my haven…. The Early Years pack has arrived. So many songs! DVDs as well! I’m intrigued to read that 37 songs were not released before… If I read that correctly. Specsavers calling… Anyway, check back with you all after the deluge…
I hope it fulfills expectations
Hello Christy,
How are you doing today?
Rebecca
very good Thank You Rebecca,
The Winter Sun is low, there is frost upon the Dublin Mountains,I’ve been versing these past few hours…the dinner is roasting….Ireland are about to play Georgia at the Rugby (Union)…
Hi Christy
For all lucky folks in TG4 land, there’s a great programme set for 9 30 tonight .As part of ‘Se Mo Laoch’ series – featuring West Cork and music of Maire Ni Chathasaigh, her sister,Nollaig Casey,Arty McGlynn and family links..,So,one to watch out for via the channel’s archive. (Rebecca – I think you’ll enjoy Maire’s playing ).
Have a good day
Dave
recent episodes are well worth a watch…Seamus Begley, Paddy Keenan, Arty McGlynn, Liam O’Flynn, Alec Finn,Mairtín O’Connor