Hi Christy, I was reading an article about your and the Grehan sisters in Boyle where you sang Woodie’s Ludlow Massacre. So, I wandered on to The Button Factory to listen to you and Declan performing this sad song. Then on to Bob’s The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll – Hattie Carol worked in kitchen, 51 with 10 children… I came across Liam Weldon’s Blue Tar Road which I never heard before ‘…no cherry blossoms bloom, we’re forgotten and unwanted’ and wondered if you ever covered it? And before I hit the trail… Have you ever covered Men of No Property – Jesus and Jesse…and what a cracking song it is. Go well. Mary
Christy's reply
“Our Lord was up on a Donkey
Jessie James was ridin a Mare
they rode past the burnt out motor cars
without a worry or a care”
the auld stigmata is infectious in this land
no one wrote them like our Cormac
Liam Weldon…another great songwriter and singer…I still hear his Wife Nellie singing occasionally…she always stills the night
Us Oz lot keep poking our noses out for fresh air & having to withdraw quickly – The Beast Lives!
Better signs now, what with “no new cases for x amount of days, etc” announcements & the Wellness Bee jab about to sting us.
Been off for a while, will now reacquaint meself with some craic (sound REAL Irish, eh?) Keep safe brothers & sisters.
Christy's reply
” O The Crack was 90 in The Isle of Man”….
Sang Barney Rush way back in 1967. In an early rush to political correctness The Irish Post in London to replace “Crack” with “Craic”. Fool that I am…it still rankles…I realise I may be the only fool on earth who gives two shites about this spelling..I still mourn the passing of the beloved séimhithe
I first entered O’Donoghues in 1964. Myself and Meg McGowan got outside a gallon of loose porter.Twas there that I first encountered Peter Mulready.
A beautiful, chain-smoking,gloriously foul-mouthed,alcoholic civil servant of a Cork man, Peter lived in exile in the Black Lagoon. A permanent fixture on his perch at O’Donoghue’s, he would greet “How’s The Crack Criostóir”
I hear that two 98 year olds were vaccinated last week….we’re slowly moving up the queue….Mick O’Leary has announced cheap flights to Brazil and Africa…he has more horses in training the Shake Mo Shammy and is runnin low on spondoolicks..
the next albund is coming along in fits and starts, leaps and bounds,should have it ready for the Christmas Rush…it promises to be a riot of uproarious laughter…almighty crack altogether…
I’ll be up in Oz before you can say” Woolamalloo,Woolongong and Warnambul”
Great when there are coincidences that lead to diversions…just had a trawl on the ‘lyrics’ section here and was caught by ‘The Yellow Bittern’ words and back story… I remembered that it’s also the title of Liam Clancy’s written and film autobiography – so, a quick zoom on to youtube and there we find some film clips – including Dylan’s wise words about Liam, spoken on the banks of the Boyne near Slane Castle,1984…
Ah well, that’s me set for the day – keep well all
Dave
Christy's reply
“Come soothe my soul, come fill my bowl
for we’ll get no more drink when life is past”
Good morning Christy
The anniversary has come round again, so Tyrone Boys is playing here.
“Our neighbours sent young squaddies on the water
hey Geordie, don’t be afraid to die
In camouflage he dreamt of his darlin’ bairns and hinny
On the watchtower overlooking Aughnacloy
Down Dublin Road, young Aidan McAnespie
Was making for the football field to play.
on Downtown radio a newsflash
little Julie Livingstone been blown away”
Hello Christy and 4711ers friends,
It’s heartwarming to read all the posts about the Lisdoon Gathering – great to share and refresh such precious memories from better days!!!
Many thanks to John B for the video clip, just wonderful to “return” to the Royal Spa’s beer garden listening to the “Honda 50”! We had so much fun with Tom Tuohy and still have a good laugh when we recall his singing of “Bobby the Dog” at the pub session.
Christy, your mention of Gerry Brady remebered us of your gig at the Hillgrove Hotel in Dingle (August 2012) where we met him again. After the show Gerry also played the bones and sang “The Little Beggarman” and you gave us an amusing story from your time in Manchester. You were travelling together with him in his van when you were checked by police and OMG instead of the tax disc there was a Guinness label at his windscreen …
Spring greetings,
Traudel & Horst
Patsy,
I think it was more a case of The Rose ‘accounting for her movememts’ I saw Elvis shortly after the encounter and he was all shook up and crying in the chapel.
Hello Christy and All,
Time to get back into percussion I think. I’ve neglected the bodhran too long, so I’m playing along to some Planxty stuff. Liam takes things at a real lick, doesn’t he.
I’m not using the tipper, trying to get the knuckles going. It’s a very different noise, seems to have more of a pitch to it. I hadn’t seen it played like this till I heard Christy. I could hear he was doing something different. It’s more felt this way?
Rebecca
Brilliant to read your memories of Pennine Folk at Hyde Utd social club… with the benefit of youtube, there are Pennine pieces available – and excellent that Lal Waterson’s torch is now carried by the wonderful music and art of her daughter, Marry. What a Watersons legacy we have…
Hi Christy,
I hope that the new album is coming on a treat.
The Pipers Path…what a lovely, gentle, song. I don’t think i have heard it live .
To be frank i had forgotten all about it until i stuck on the album about a week ago, a hidden gem.
There are one or two in every album, almost ‘unsung’ heroes and such a joy when i dig them up again.
Stay well
Rory
Christy's reply
Thank you Rory…once again you have referenced a song previously unnoticed.I’d almost forgotten about it myself.
I spent six years in the UK between 1966 and 1972. It was a time of learning for me. I heard a wide variety of music. I encountered numerous players within the many genres that existed within the UK Folk Scene. Many of those players left a lasting impression, some became friends, most were generous in their sharing.
I clearly recall the first time I heard The Watersons. A Thursday night Folk Club in Hyde, Chesire where the resident Band were called The Pennine Folk. I think The venue was in Hyde United F.C. clubroom.I think the year was 1967.
I’d never heard anything like this before. Their sound was and remains unique. I’ve heard various Accapella Bands since, wonderful practitioners, The Pressgang,The Young Tradition, The Copper Family,The Valley Folk, The Unthanks,The Voice Squad, to name a few .It was The Watersons that made an indelible mark upon my listening. I still return frequently to their early work.
Sometime later I got to play at their club in Hull. Thats when I first met Mike, Norma and Lal. Many years later I was given the opportunity to contribute to a tribute album of Lal Waterson’s songs.I think it was on the Topic Label. I chose “The Piper’s Path”. A while after I included it on the album you mention.
Lal was a very special woman. Along with Mike,Norma and Cousin John she created a sound that still reverberates.
Powerful singing of ‘Odetta’ serenading the bunker and I’m pleased to have found an excellent website of Great War Poetry/history.
Run by a US academic, there’s years worth of great reading, but am struck by the detailed entry for Francis Ledwidge – worth a few minutes for that alone, but any visitors will find a lot more of interest … http://www.behindtheirlines.blogspot.com
Also,youtube – worth the search for ‘The Gamekeeper’ by Show of Hands – and superb visuals linked to this fine song.
Oh what a joy to read about the Lisdoon weekend we 4711ers shared in 2010 and to indulge in precious memories … What else can we do in these dark unpredictable times?
In retrospective, we had the best weekend ever together – nothing, absolutely nothing, beats the anticipation and delight of these small intimate gigs, the laughing and feeling of belonging. How we miss the singing and sitting together with like-minded friends from all over the world, with full-time and part-time musicians and no musicians at all … Another highlight was to climb unimagined heights of the Burren with an intrepid bunch of 4711ers, singing Christy’s songs on top of the mountain and even to discover that iceberg salad was growing in this climate.
Will we ever have such good times again?
Christy's reply
Back then, back in the old days, I did not always appreciate those wonderful simple gifts of everyday life….thinking back to our 2010 gathering, what I remember most is the atmosphere of goodwill, friendship and togetherness in song….looking back at the set list that Adam posted I realise what a special night it was for me in my working life….I remember sitting in “The Hall” for Wally’s gig….I think of the Q.& A….Hilary should know that we were all nervous that morning..I certainly was…I think of Gerry Brady,my old mucker from Manchester days, always ready to rattle his bones and sing a song…
I remember sitting in my room in the Royal Spa wanting to join the troupe for the assault on Mullaghmore but I needed to sit still and prepare for the evening performance…
one of my fondest memories was sitting alone in my room after the midnight hour, I could clearly hear the session down below, I knew I could not be there, but I could hear the singing, the laughter, the cameraderie and I felt part of it….I still do
And its very true…absence surely makes the heart grow fond…..greetings to all you Songsters and 4711ers
Morning Christy! Hope the workroom progress is moving along and fulfilling. Was walking to work this morning listening to, “Before the Deluge” from the King Puck album..lovely sounds in the mix.. had me thinking of your work and the process of letting, “creation reveal it’s secrets”..
Hello Christy and All,
The weekend in Lisdoonvarna sounds like it was amazing. I wish I could have been there but my fandom started long after then.
Steve had booked tickets to a Christy gig in York. It was 2017 or 2018, I’m not sure which. It was in the same place that the UK snooker championships come from.
On the day Steve was ill, but we went anyway. I had no idea what to expect.
We were sitting next to a guy from Scotland who asked if Declan Sinnott was playing, I hadn’t got a clue.
It was a brilliant gig. I can’t remember all the songs but I know we got
reel in the flickering light, mesmerising
Quinta brigada, the whole place erupted in song,
Dalesman’s Litany, I was so grateful to hear it for the first time
Lisdoonvarna, Christy apologised to a young lad near the front for the horsebox bit. He gave him a plectrum at the end of the show.
Before the gig the tannoy said, there are no drinks allowed in the auditorium.
At Vicar Street the tannoy says, the bar will close at 8pn so make sure you have enough drinks.
Tickles me everytime I remember.
Rebecca
What a wonderful set list Adam has unearthed from Lisdoon. Alas I was not there, however I have heard so many fantastic stories from it that it almost seems like I was there…. of course there is an element “ what goes on tour stays on tour” as it should be😁. Interesting to note 3 songs with the word Rose in the titles,,,and even more amazing BBR wasn’t sang for our Kerry 🌹.
Wonder how many times since have the three of them been sung at the same Gig. When we get back to normal we will have to have another tour, only if you are up for it Christy.
Little Rooms is getting loads of airplay ….. beautiful song, and well done by all involved.
Had a wonderful warm feeling today seeing our over 85s going in for the Vaccine……. the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer.
Keep well Christy and STAY SAFE.
Hi Christy, I was reading an article about your and the Grehan sisters in Boyle where you sang Woodie’s Ludlow Massacre. So, I wandered on to The Button Factory to listen to you and Declan performing this sad song. Then on to Bob’s The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll – Hattie Carol worked in kitchen, 51 with 10 children… I came across Liam Weldon’s Blue Tar Road which I never heard before ‘…no cherry blossoms bloom, we’re forgotten and unwanted’ and wondered if you ever covered it? And before I hit the trail… Have you ever covered Men of No Property – Jesus and Jesse…and what a cracking song it is. Go well. Mary
“Our Lord was up on a Donkey
Jessie James was ridin a Mare
they rode past the burnt out motor cars
without a worry or a care”
the auld stigmata is infectious in this land
no one wrote them like our Cormac
Liam Weldon…another great songwriter and singer…I still hear his Wife Nellie singing occasionally…she always stills the night
Hi Christy,
Don’t forget the fada as well. Oh fadó, fadó. Don’t know how to type a fada.
Regards, Frankie……
G’day you lot:
Hope all’s well as can be well…
Us Oz lot keep poking our noses out for fresh air & having to withdraw quickly – The Beast Lives!
Better signs now, what with “no new cases for x amount of days, etc” announcements & the Wellness Bee jab about to sting us.
Been off for a while, will now reacquaint meself with some craic (sound REAL Irish, eh?) Keep safe brothers & sisters.
” O The Crack was 90 in The Isle of Man”….
Sang Barney Rush way back in 1967. In an early rush to political correctness The Irish Post in London to replace “Crack” with “Craic”. Fool that I am…it still rankles…I realise I may be the only fool on earth who gives two shites about this spelling..I still mourn the passing of the beloved séimhithe
I first entered O’Donoghues in 1964. Myself and Meg McGowan got outside a gallon of loose porter.Twas there that I first encountered Peter Mulready.
A beautiful, chain-smoking,gloriously foul-mouthed,alcoholic civil servant of a Cork man, Peter lived in exile in the Black Lagoon. A permanent fixture on his perch at O’Donoghue’s, he would greet “How’s The Crack Criostóir”
I hear that two 98 year olds were vaccinated last week….we’re slowly moving up the queue….Mick O’Leary has announced cheap flights to Brazil and Africa…he has more horses in training the Shake Mo Shammy and is runnin low on spondoolicks..
the next albund is coming along in fits and starts, leaps and bounds,should have it ready for the Christmas Rush…it promises to be a riot of uproarious laughter…almighty crack altogether…
I’ll be up in Oz before you can say” Woolamalloo,Woolongong and Warnambul”
“Were’nt we the rare auld stock”
Hello Christy and All,
A song for spring
Turn a green leaf
Watch a petal flow
Taste the green sap
Fresh and sharp
Feel the earth churn
Worm and root
Light twists green
And kisses dark
Rebecca
Good morning Christy,
Check John B’s post down below here from Feb 17th there’s the link.
Traudel
Nice One Traudel
Mornin’ Christy/ all
Great when there are coincidences that lead to diversions…just had a trawl on the ‘lyrics’ section here and was caught by ‘The Yellow Bittern’ words and back story… I remembered that it’s also the title of Liam Clancy’s written and film autobiography – so, a quick zoom on to youtube and there we find some film clips – including Dylan’s wise words about Liam, spoken on the banks of the Boyne near Slane Castle,1984…
Ah well, that’s me set for the day – keep well all
Dave
“Come soothe my soul, come fill my bowl
for we’ll get no more drink when life is past”
Good morning Christy
The anniversary has come round again, so Tyrone Boys is playing here.
“Our neighbours sent young squaddies on the water
hey Geordie, don’t be afraid to die
In camouflage he dreamt of his darlin’ bairns and hinny
On the watchtower overlooking Aughnacloy
Down Dublin Road, young Aidan McAnespie
Was making for the football field to play.
on Downtown radio a newsflash
little Julie Livingstone been blown away”
Stay safe
Rory
Thanks Rory
Hello Christy and 4711ers friends,
It’s heartwarming to read all the posts about the Lisdoon Gathering – great to share and refresh such precious memories from better days!!!
Many thanks to John B for the video clip, just wonderful to “return” to the Royal Spa’s beer garden listening to the “Honda 50”! We had so much fun with Tom Tuohy and still have a good laugh when we recall his singing of “Bobby the Dog” at the pub session.
Christy, your mention of Gerry Brady remebered us of your gig at the Hillgrove Hotel in Dingle (August 2012) where we met him again. After the show Gerry also played the bones and sang “The Little Beggarman” and you gave us an amusing story from your time in Manchester. You were travelling together with him in his van when you were checked by police and OMG instead of the tax disc there was a Guinness label at his windscreen …
Spring greetings,
Traudel & Horst
Video Clip ???
Patsy,
I think it was more a case of The Rose ‘accounting for her movememts’ I saw Elvis shortly after the encounter and he was all shook up and crying in the chapel.
Hello Christy and All,
Time to get back into percussion I think. I’ve neglected the bodhran too long, so I’m playing along to some Planxty stuff. Liam takes things at a real lick, doesn’t he.
I’m not using the tipper, trying to get the knuckles going. It’s a very different noise, seems to have more of a pitch to it. I hadn’t seen it played like this till I heard Christy. I could hear he was doing something different. It’s more felt this way?
Rebecca
Hi Christy
Brilliant to read your memories of Pennine Folk at Hyde Utd social club… with the benefit of youtube, there are Pennine pieces available – and excellent that Lal Waterson’s torch is now carried by the wonderful music and art of her daughter, Marry. What a Watersons legacy we have…
Keep well all
Dave
Just wondering Marty, can Elvis “account for his movements” ???
You should’ve come down the stairs in the Royal Spa…… you could have seen Elvis and the Rose of Tralee dancing….. not everyone can say that….
Hi Christy,
I hope that the new album is coming on a treat.
The Pipers Path…what a lovely, gentle, song. I don’t think i have heard it live .
To be frank i had forgotten all about it until i stuck on the album about a week ago, a hidden gem.
There are one or two in every album, almost ‘unsung’ heroes and such a joy when i dig them up again.
Stay well
Rory
Thank you Rory…once again you have referenced a song previously unnoticed.I’d almost forgotten about it myself.
I spent six years in the UK between 1966 and 1972. It was a time of learning for me. I heard a wide variety of music. I encountered numerous players within the many genres that existed within the UK Folk Scene. Many of those players left a lasting impression, some became friends, most were generous in their sharing.
I clearly recall the first time I heard The Watersons. A Thursday night Folk Club in Hyde, Chesire where the resident Band were called The Pennine Folk. I think The venue was in Hyde United F.C. clubroom.I think the year was 1967.
I’d never heard anything like this before. Their sound was and remains unique. I’ve heard various Accapella Bands since, wonderful practitioners, The Pressgang,The Young Tradition, The Copper Family,The Valley Folk, The Unthanks,The Voice Squad, to name a few .It was The Watersons that made an indelible mark upon my listening. I still return frequently to their early work.
Sometime later I got to play at their club in Hull. Thats when I first met Mike, Norma and Lal. Many years later I was given the opportunity to contribute to a tribute album of Lal Waterson’s songs.I think it was on the Topic Label. I chose “The Piper’s Path”. A while after I included it on the album you mention.
Lal was a very special woman. Along with Mike,Norma and Cousin John she created a sound that still reverberates.
Hi Christy/ all
Powerful singing of ‘Odetta’ serenading the bunker and I’m pleased to have found an excellent website of Great War Poetry/history.
Run by a US academic, there’s years worth of great reading, but am struck by the detailed entry for Francis Ledwidge – worth a few minutes for that alone, but any visitors will find a lot more of interest … http://www.behindtheirlines.blogspot.com
Also,youtube – worth the search for ‘The Gamekeeper’ by Show of Hands – and superb visuals linked to this fine song.
All the best
Dave
Oh what a joy to read about the Lisdoon weekend we 4711ers shared in 2010 and to indulge in precious memories … What else can we do in these dark unpredictable times?
In retrospective, we had the best weekend ever together – nothing, absolutely nothing, beats the anticipation and delight of these small intimate gigs, the laughing and feeling of belonging. How we miss the singing and sitting together with like-minded friends from all over the world, with full-time and part-time musicians and no musicians at all … Another highlight was to climb unimagined heights of the Burren with an intrepid bunch of 4711ers, singing Christy’s songs on top of the mountain and even to discover that iceberg salad was growing in this climate.
Will we ever have such good times again?
Back then, back in the old days, I did not always appreciate those wonderful simple gifts of everyday life….thinking back to our 2010 gathering, what I remember most is the atmosphere of goodwill, friendship and togetherness in song….looking back at the set list that Adam posted I realise what a special night it was for me in my working life….I remember sitting in “The Hall” for Wally’s gig….I think of the Q.& A….Hilary should know that we were all nervous that morning..I certainly was…I think of Gerry Brady,my old mucker from Manchester days, always ready to rattle his bones and sing a song…
I remember sitting in my room in the Royal Spa wanting to join the troupe for the assault on Mullaghmore but I needed to sit still and prepare for the evening performance…
one of my fondest memories was sitting alone in my room after the midnight hour, I could clearly hear the session down below, I knew I could not be there, but I could hear the singing, the laughter, the cameraderie and I felt part of it….I still do
And its very true…absence surely makes the heart grow fond…..greetings to all you Songsters and 4711ers
Morning Christy! Hope the workroom progress is moving along and fulfilling. Was walking to work this morning listening to, “Before the Deluge” from the King Puck album..lovely sounds in the mix.. had me thinking of your work and the process of letting, “creation reveal it’s secrets”..
Keep er lit
Kev
Hello Christy and All,
The weekend in Lisdoonvarna sounds like it was amazing. I wish I could have been there but my fandom started long after then.
Steve had booked tickets to a Christy gig in York. It was 2017 or 2018, I’m not sure which. It was in the same place that the UK snooker championships come from.
On the day Steve was ill, but we went anyway. I had no idea what to expect.
We were sitting next to a guy from Scotland who asked if Declan Sinnott was playing, I hadn’t got a clue.
It was a brilliant gig. I can’t remember all the songs but I know we got
reel in the flickering light, mesmerising
Quinta brigada, the whole place erupted in song,
Dalesman’s Litany, I was so grateful to hear it for the first time
Lisdoonvarna, Christy apologised to a young lad near the front for the horsebox bit. He gave him a plectrum at the end of the show.
Before the gig the tannoy said, there are no drinks allowed in the auditorium.
At Vicar Street the tannoy says, the bar will close at 8pn so make sure you have enough drinks.
Tickles me everytime I remember.
Rebecca
I think Reg might be asking about the version written by Gerry Carney from Mayo…… for the musical of the same name which featured Tommy Fleming.
What a wonderful set list Adam has unearthed from Lisdoon. Alas I was not there, however I have heard so many fantastic stories from it that it almost seems like I was there…. of course there is an element “ what goes on tour stays on tour” as it should be😁. Interesting to note 3 songs with the word Rose in the titles,,,and even more amazing BBR wasn’t sang for our Kerry 🌹.
Wonder how many times since have the three of them been sung at the same Gig. When we get back to normal we will have to have another tour, only if you are up for it Christy.
Little Rooms is getting loads of airplay ….. beautiful song, and well done by all involved.
Had a wonderful warm feeling today seeing our over 85s going in for the Vaccine……. the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer.
Keep well Christy and STAY SAFE.