Thanks to Brendan and Rebecca for the info about ‘Blue’ – a wonderful analysis of one of Joni’s finest. A special place here, for her dulcimer playing and being gutsy enough to play it solo on gigs.50 years on…so,49 years since I saw her play at a smallish theatre in Manchester.Jackson Browne played in support! An unforgettable night…
Tonight I’ve been absorbed by a wonderful album – Freedom Highway ‘ by Rhiannon Giddens. Released in 2017 to great acclaim, it passed me by until this week (not sure if there’s been any comment about it here) An evocative mix of roots/Americana/ blues and more in a blend of Civil Rights/anti slavery songs. There’s a touch of folk too – Richard Farina’s 1960s song ‘Birmingham Sunday’ marked the racist murder of women at a church in Alabama – genius Ms Giddens adds a gospel feel at times and that the tune is trad ‘ I loved a lass’. That made me do a double take… and is a great example of words having the ‘right ‘ tune…
Joni’s ‘Blue’ is out 50 years this week. NY Times has a scroll-down piece with comments from people who know what they’re talking about, although some is Greek to me. Good stuff. I’m unable to post link.
Big fan, I’m really looking forward to seeing you down in the INEC this coming weekend. Is there any chance you would consider playing The Good Ship Kangaroo, or Finnegan’s Wake at the gig?
Hello Christy,
Delighted to be part of your facebook profile. Have been a fan for most of my life. Great to see you are going strong, keep up the good work
I wanted to tell you of a unique installation which my nephew, Rory Leadbetter, Jerpoint Glass has in his own garden……it features a stone structured boat with five stone upright figures, signifying his family….names written in Ogham writing….embedded around the boat he has placed five glass
Pieces, engraved on each, the words of “the voyage” ‘and now all around me I have my own crew…it is truly beautiful. Maybe if you are in Kilkenny over the summer you can see it in person. Sincerely Joan
It did Gippmeister; fascinating reading. I wondered about those poor men, I wondered about the safety of the men sitting in the orchestra pit beneath the stage, Some cast member could have landed in on top of them. The West End and theatre reviews, I love that line about the set and the cast blocking the view. Where else were the cast supposed to be?
I think I’ve made enough requests. But this one hit my heart today and wouldn’t be ignored.
If there’s an opportunity to do The Contender by Jimmy McCarthy at a gig, please can we hear it. The whole of life is there.
I bet John Byrne did a great job on the stage design…I’ve had a ferret about for his website, but nowt doing…so far… http://www.artimage.co.uk shows a lot of JB’s pieces. A long shot that there’ll be anything from the show, but worth a look anyway – such interesting work.
Howdy Christy, just going back to The Fantastical Feats of Finn McCool I found this the other day but only getting ’round to posting now. Its an excerpt from the Scottish actor Alex Norton’s autobiography. He also says nice things about it and claims he got Planxty the gig. Hopefully the link works!
We’ll be needing that cake to be huge, 7 layers at least I’m thinking. Can I request a chocolate layer please.
Rory, I meant to ask. Did you ever get hold of the Paddy on the, Road album? There’s a few reissued copies on Discogs in mint condition for around 20 quid right now , so no second mortgage required.
Dear Christy the rattle worked !
Football is not coming “home’ with that ingerland team.
Today amidst sunshine and showers am enjoying my recently mail delivered package of Record Store Day purchases from Derry’s Cool Discs record shop, david keenan among many purchases but best of all Derry’s Declan McLaughlin….some rare old finds.
Keep rattling
Rory
Christy, great to hear the new album is almost ready for baking, can’t wait for a slice. Just hope its more ‘oven ready’ than Boris’s Brexit Deal, which was no ‘Happy Meal’.
Jeez, Christy – sometimes, I don’t rate this older/wiser lark…can’t believe I forgot about ‘Missing You’ and ‘Spike’…
‘The Deportees Club’ is alive and well on youtube – it sounded familiar when you mentioned it – then again, so does my address, but it doesn’t mean I always find my door key easily… D
I’ve come across Rebecca’s forgetful contact – he’s a ‘cereal offender’…
Playing some Elvis Costello recently and admiring his range of styles – as well as his contributions on some compilation albums. In particular, ‘Lost on the river’ by a range of artists on little known Dylan songs written around Basement Tapes era. EC is on top form, as is Rhiannon Giddens who has been a wonderful find for me.
Have you ever crossed paths with Mr Costello? I can imagine some interesting collaborations/ shared stage time…
Dave
Christy's reply
spent some happy hours with the man….played a bit of drum on his album Spike, he sang beautifully on “Missing You” on 1989 Voyage album..I thought I had recorded a song of Declan’s called “The Deportee’s Club” but cant seem to locate it ..maybe I dreamt it
Hello Christy and All,
There was a conversation on Facebook the other day about what people do when they forget the words. There were loads of sensible suggestions. Having the words written down — I like that myself. But one guy said that he once blanked an entire song and the only thing he could remember was the names of breakfast cereals. So he sang those!!! He didn’t mention whether anyone noticed, or if it became a new version of the song (great for kids parties…)
I’m guessing he wasn’t a folk singer…
A long time to wait, but it’s welcome news that maestro Seamie has added resonator overdubs… I’m sure it’s been an enjoyable/ productive week.
Enjoy playback and mulling over album title/ art work etc.
Dave
Christy's reply
The ingredients are all in place, all that remains is to get the mixture right before baking….I think I may have found a title for this collection (but I’ve abandoned 5 earlier titles)….
Hello Christy.
I keep watching your site for GIGS. Since we haven’t traveled since flying to Dublin in January 2020 for your concert at Vicar Street, we may just travel again just for one of your concerts. Hoping for safe reopening across the globe.
Kathleen
Christy's reply
Hi Kathleen…..there is a glimmer of light emanating from the Black Valley…..I’m hearing whispers of possible gigs coming on stream….the horses are fed and groomed, the wagons are ready to roll…….
ps Dirk Powell is a key player on ‘Freedom Highway’. Just checked him out and now admiring ‘I ain’t playing Pretty Polly’ on youtube.
That’s me done after some great music today… D
Hi Christy
Thanks to Brendan and Rebecca for the info about ‘Blue’ – a wonderful analysis of one of Joni’s finest. A special place here, for her dulcimer playing and being gutsy enough to play it solo on gigs.50 years on…so,49 years since I saw her play at a smallish theatre in Manchester.Jackson Browne played in support! An unforgettable night…
Tonight I’ve been absorbed by a wonderful album – Freedom Highway ‘ by Rhiannon Giddens. Released in 2017 to great acclaim, it passed me by until this week (not sure if there’s been any comment about it here) An evocative mix of roots/Americana/ blues and more in a blend of Civil Rights/anti slavery songs. There’s a touch of folk too – Richard Farina’s 1960s song ‘Birmingham Sunday’ marked the racist murder of women at a church in Alabama – genius Ms Giddens adds a gospel feel at times and that the tune is trad ‘ I loved a lass’. That made me do a double take… and is a great example of words having the ‘right ‘ tune…
Joni and Rhiannon – music for the ages.
Dave
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/20/arts/music/joni-mitchell-blue.html
Is this it
Joni’s ‘Blue’ is out 50 years this week. NY Times has a scroll-down piece with comments from people who know what they’re talking about, although some is Greek to me. Good stuff. I’m unable to post link.
Hi Christy,
Big fan, I’m really looking forward to seeing you down in the INEC this coming weekend. Is there any chance you would consider playing The Good Ship Kangaroo, or Finnegan’s Wake at the gig?
Take care, and thanks.
Gareth
Hello Christy,
Delighted to be part of your facebook profile. Have been a fan for most of my life. Great to see you are going strong, keep up the good work
I wanted to tell you of a unique installation which my nephew, Rory Leadbetter, Jerpoint Glass has in his own garden……it features a stone structured boat with five stone upright figures, signifying his family….names written in Ogham writing….embedded around the boat he has placed five glass
Pieces, engraved on each, the words of “the voyage” ‘and now all around me I have my own crew…it is truly beautiful. Maybe if you are in Kilkenny over the summer you can see it in person. Sincerely Joan
It did Gippmeister; fascinating reading. I wondered about those poor men, I wondered about the safety of the men sitting in the orchestra pit beneath the stage, Some cast member could have landed in on top of them. The West End and theatre reviews, I love that line about the set and the cast blocking the view. Where else were the cast supposed to be?
I think I’ve made enough requests. But this one hit my heart today and wouldn’t be ignored.
If there’s an opportunity to do The Contender by Jimmy McCarthy at a gig, please can we hear it. The whole of life is there.
Rebecca
http://www.artimage.org.uk for John Byrne art D
Hi Christy
Great Finn McCool detective work by Gip…
I bet John Byrne did a great job on the stage design…I’ve had a ferret about for his website, but nowt doing…so far… http://www.artimage.co.uk shows a lot of JB’s pieces. A long shot that there’ll be anything from the show, but worth a look anyway – such interesting work.
Dave
Howdy Christy, just going back to The Fantastical Feats of Finn McCool I found this the other day but only getting ’round to posting now. Its an excerpt from the Scottish actor Alex Norton’s autobiography. He also says nice things about it and claims he got Planxty the gig. Hopefully the link works!
https://books.google.ie/books?id=6H8vBgAAQBAJ&lpg=PT128&ots=F6rWUOSmOZ&dq=finn%20maccool%20planxty%20alex%20norton&pg=PT128#v=onepage&q=finn%20maccool%20planxty%20alex%20norton&f=false
Thanks Rebeccah yes another kind fellow ‘rollon’ cm video performer got me a copy, thanks though.
Rb
We’ll be needing that cake to be huge, 7 layers at least I’m thinking. Can I request a chocolate layer please.
Rory, I meant to ask. Did you ever get hold of the Paddy on the, Road album? There’s a few reissued copies on Discogs in mint condition for around 20 quid right now , so no second mortgage required.
Rebecca
Dear Christy the rattle worked !
Football is not coming “home’ with that ingerland team.
Today amidst sunshine and showers am enjoying my recently mail delivered package of Record Store Day purchases from Derry’s Cool Discs record shop, david keenan among many purchases but best of all Derry’s Declan McLaughlin….some rare old finds.
Keep rattling
Rory
Christy, great to hear the new album is almost ready for baking, can’t wait for a slice. Just hope its more ‘oven ready’ than Boris’s Brexit Deal, which was no ‘Happy Meal’.
Jeez, Christy – sometimes, I don’t rate this older/wiser lark…can’t believe I forgot about ‘Missing You’ and ‘Spike’…
‘The Deportees Club’ is alive and well on youtube – it sounded familiar when you mentioned it – then again, so does my address, but it doesn’t mean I always find my door key easily… D
Hi Christy /all
I’ve come across Rebecca’s forgetful contact – he’s a ‘cereal offender’…
Playing some Elvis Costello recently and admiring his range of styles – as well as his contributions on some compilation albums. In particular, ‘Lost on the river’ by a range of artists on little known Dylan songs written around Basement Tapes era. EC is on top form, as is Rhiannon Giddens who has been a wonderful find for me.
Have you ever crossed paths with Mr Costello? I can imagine some interesting collaborations/ shared stage time…
Dave
spent some happy hours with the man….played a bit of drum on his album Spike, he sang beautifully on “Missing You” on 1989 Voyage album..I thought I had recorded a song of Declan’s called “The Deportee’s Club” but cant seem to locate it ..maybe I dreamt it
Hello Christy and All,
There was a conversation on Facebook the other day about what people do when they forget the words. There were loads of sensible suggestions. Having the words written down — I like that myself. But one guy said that he once blanked an entire song and the only thing he could remember was the names of breakfast cereals. So he sang those!!! He didn’t mention whether anyone noticed, or if it became a new version of the song (great for kids parties…)
I’m guessing he wasn’t a folk singer…
Rebecca
LP anticipation levels rising, Christy…
A long time to wait, but it’s welcome news that maestro Seamie has added resonator overdubs… I’m sure it’s been an enjoyable/ productive week.
Enjoy playback and mulling over album title/ art work etc.
Dave
The ingredients are all in place, all that remains is to get the mixture right before baking….I think I may have found a title for this collection (but I’ve abandoned 5 earlier titles)….
Hello Christy.
I keep watching your site for GIGS. Since we haven’t traveled since flying to Dublin in January 2020 for your concert at Vicar Street, we may just travel again just for one of your concerts. Hoping for safe reopening across the globe.
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen…..there is a glimmer of light emanating from the Black Valley…..I’m hearing whispers of possible gigs coming on stream….the horses are fed and groomed, the wagons are ready to roll…….