The darkness starts young doesn’t it. I’m thinking of nursery rhymes.
Ring a ring a rosies
A pocket full of posies
Atishoo Atishoo
We all fall down
Black death
I listened to Brecht many years ago. Need to get back to Brecht and Weil. Thankyou.
Ages ago you said, Christy, that when you were 5 you had one song. What was it please?
Did your mother help you with diction? Steve does this for me and it drives me nuts. I am very grateful for it. I don’t always listen. It would be different if it was my mother. They are very hard to ignore.
Not even Bob managed to get censored by the BBC…hearing the ‘beep’ (and my Dad’s laughter)in ‘Seven Drunken Nights’ was a formative experience…probably, a major factor in me being a ‘folkie’…
I like your use of ‘pilfering’ in your job description…’influences/inspiration’ are often used, but pilfering is a great word – and nowt wrong with it! Long may it be one of your musical talents.It works well with the others…
Thank you so so much for your reply. Don’t think you were imagining it and so pleased at the time the Blue Star helped 😁. Blyths loss that you don’t come over here now. Good health to you and yours. Susanx
Christy's reply
In my youth I followed that Blue Star manys the winter night….the highways and byeways from Prudhoe to Hexham, Washington to Hebburn, forever seeking the warm welcome of those great folk clubs…each one with its own distinct ethos and audience…one run by The Rattlers,another by The Ranters,one by Mick Elliot another by Jim Sharp…..The Blyth Club run by the Landlady and her daughter…I first went there with Hamish Imlach circa 1967…..all memories floating around
Always interesting when a few music links show up…
Rory’s mention of ‘Weile Waile’ song reminded me of how much depth there is in your version, than eg The Dubliners’ take…such a dark song to have a jaunty delivery. But, the penny dropped after a bit of digging. Apparently, it was /is a popular song for kids’ playground games/skipping ( I hope that’s still done!),so perhaps,why the ‘folk’ version emerged in such an upbeat version. With roots in ‘The Cruel Mother’ ballad, the murderous tale leaves nothing to the imagination.
As so often, there’s a Dylan link too…I’ve always liked his take on ‘Barbara Allen’…a strange,word is in the song – ‘welladay’ – apparently, an old word for woe/loss – and believed to be linked to ‘Weile Waile’… who said folk music is boring? I love the geek stuff…
Dave
Christy's reply
Yeah Dave…if there is darkness to be found,Bob will root it out….
I have great respect for those who gather, interpret, disseminate, analyze, pholsophize and draw conclusions about songs….I always maintain respect and interest for their labours …but find myself busy seeking,writing,re-arranging, borrowing,adding,pilfering,singing songs….usually too occupied to join the worthy pathology …..
Ronnie Drew was the first singer I heard singing Weela Waile….Ronnie had an ear for the dark (Glendalough Saint)….presenting the Dark with humour takes doing… Brecht and Weill were dab hands….(I still revisit Pirate Jenny betimes)….The Beatles and Elvis Costello also mine the dark…as for Bob himself…aint he the very itself divil at it
Hello Christy,
There’s some normal things going on here. My mum and dad came for lunch yesterday. I hope similar things are going on for you and everyone here.
I sing for them when they visit. My, dad usually cries, but that’s normal for him. I got through Athenry without joining him. Distracted myself by thinking of consonents and vowels. Felt pretty proud, a singer that cries is doing the audience’s job. I’m always a work in progress.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Never had the experience of singing to our Father…he died when I was 11 …but I do remember the sound of his voice when he sang….our Mother delighted in Song both as a Singer and a Listener…she was my greatest influence ,my most important critic until she died in 1992….yet I still hear her words of wisdom….
Hi Christy,
On a recent excellent Derry’s Declan McLaughlin album he sings a different version of Weela Waile, worth a check out.
It is such an unusual but moving song, it is probably traditional, changed by singers and generations. I dont seem to recall it sung live much , but i may be wrong…and often am.
Goid night
Rory
Christy's reply
Hey Rory, I’ve never given it much thought previously but I suspect that you may be right,that this old song has ancient history,a long-ago beginning…lets see if we can find out more…..for decades it has been trotted out as a popular standard ditty but there lurks beneath,I suspect, a chilling tale….lets see where this leads us…..
many of us are “often wrong” Rory….an old work buddy of mine used to admit to being “brash,confident and wrong”! another bon-mot of his was “open mouth,change foot !”
…..(I never know whether the exclamation mark should dwell in or outside the inverted commas)….
Hello. I hope you don’t mind me getting in touch with you but I have been told you are in the guiness book of records for doing a 12hr stint in a club in Blyth Northumberland in 1967 or 68 . Can you remember the name of the club please. Unfortunately I didn’t live in Blyth then so wasn’t privileged to see you. Thank you so so much for your music and the pleasure you bring us. X
Christy's reply
I’ve gone back to the diaries..it was 1969…all I have in my book is Blyth Folk Club but not the name of the venue…I played it twice that year June 14th and September 6th…I think the Guinness Book of records event was on June 14th….It ran thru the day from 12 midday until shortly after mid night…it was wild, fuelled by the Blue Star ….I think the venue is named in the Guinness Book of records for that year
Just about to ramble and saw Ed’s post… thanks for that info – will be visiting the tube (again…)soon.
It’s been awhile since I last played the blue disc from the box set and I’d forgotten the powerful way you linked ‘Brown Eyes’ to the death of your Great Uncle in The Great War. I do a lot of research into that period, as well as always admiring your take on that song…so, to read the context in which you played it and hear the epic rendition adds another dimension to Shane’s amazing writing.
You more than do justice to an evocative song,whilst paying tribute to Joe Sheeran and so many of his comrades who never made it home.
Very belated compliments on a job superbly done.
Dave
Christy's reply
But a flower of love grows on his grave
forgotten soon the cowards and the brave
the coldest hate still lives today
for Sergeants and their men
all for The Roses
Over the sea
all for the roses
Finglas Boys to be………………………….(Wally Page)
Folk Britannia Parts 1 and 2, on You Tube, each an hour long. Well worth a look by those of us going on trips down the memory train. Stacks of artists we’ve been talking about here all feature, Greenwich Village right over to the still flourishing English folk music scene. Worth a look.
Christy's reply
maybe you could expand Ed…be curious to hear your thoughts on the early Folk scene…
great to see these films again… very well made… so many different attitudes towards MacColl….sure, he drove his political vision with music and song as he had every right to do…sure he was a leader that some viewed as a tyrant…for me, he was the most important voice in my lifetime…the seeds he sowed, the shoots he nourished still bloom….many of his detractors are happy to sing quietly in tweedom as is their right and more power to them too…Bert Lloyd was a fine man, a great singer and a generous dispenser of songs and encouragement….
I know little of Greenwich Village except I was briefly in touch with Pete Seeger and still, thankfully,in contact with Peggy……she still is a consumate accompanist of songs, her voice still strong, her spirit still burning bright
Following on from the Ben Edge stuff, I had to show you this https://youtu.be/qbwWnGr8G0E
The thieving magpies are (in their own words) a mixed border morris side who like dancing, waving big sticks about and yelling.
I love these guys. They’re based in Marsden, a Yorkshire town that is less than 2 inches from Lancashire (and if I’m not struck by lightening for that, I never will be).
Hello Christy,
Thanks for talking about John Reilly. It makes sense and I think he was very blessed. No wonder he couldn’t fit into the world.
You talked about wanting to follow his path with Lord Baker and it was difficult. Well, I think the difficulty is part of it because ir becomes yours. The variations are all part of it. I feel it too. I’m not sure what I said makes any sense.
Anyway, one of the best things for me about singing songs with stories, is that you get to play all the characters. Love it!
Thankyou to Dave for the link to the artist Ben Edge. The priest and clowns was hilarious and shocking for me. I’m surrounded by priests in my family.
I hope the stuff in Prosperous is going well
Rebecca
Great to know of Sean Hillen’s work, Christy – many thanks.
Had a very thought provoking trawl around Sean’s website, quite a contrast to Ben Edge, but ‘variety ‘ is the spice, in art and music, I think. Some powerful images on display.
‘Prosperous’ from 1972 is sounding as sweet as ever…I’m sure the C21st century Kildare overdubs will also have a timeless quality.
Dave
Christy's reply
Thanks for the sign post to Ben Edge…..its very good work….his painting, music and videos all made for a great start to my day here…great to see the old pagan rituals …great respect for the Morris tradition, the Berryman at Forth,
I like it at Hillen Edge
That’s brilliant about the Prosperous overdubs, Christy
Fantastic when the time rolls backwards as you’re on a new album. I’m set to play ‘Prosperous’ now as I check out the artist, you suggested.
John Peel’s radio show was such a huge influence on my listening (still is)I loved the eclectic nature of his shows…Carthy/ a rock band session/the Doonans/ a whole Dylan LP played- and why not? It shaped my lisitening as I’d play some Yes/Pink Floyd, followed by you/Planxty…mates often expressed bemusement,but it made/makes sense to me… as do all the influences you list, esp from your time here…
Enjoy the day…can’t wait to hear the new songs – and,if there’s any chance, see a few photos for sleevenotes/gallery here – maybe some from today?
Hello Christy,
Thankyou for pointing me towards the video of you singing with Dan O’Mahoney, and to Hilary for the link straight to it. That looks like it was the brillant fun. I think your singing for friends is a completely different thing. You’re much more careful of what you say to a paying audience, in the songs I mean.
Here’s a link to the recording on itma. I’m listening right now https://www.itma.ie/digital-library/sound/lord_baker_christy_moore
This one is easier to understand, the phrasing I mean. I’m going to keep listening to them all and I think I’ll learn it from this one. It’s very clear. They’re great listeners at the Goilin club, aren’t they. So quiet.
Thinking about what Dave said about old and new. I think it works the opposite for me. All songs are contemporary for me, because I’m listening now and people do not change. When I sing them I often have to spend ages peeling back layers and layers before I reach the ancient bones of a song. I love this bit. When the pureness of it is revealed. That’s what I love about the parting glass and Lord Baker. The pure white bones of them.
Such beautiful phrasing in the itma Lord Baker.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Thanks Rebecca…I’ve never heard this recording before..what a great song it is….such a unique version from Jacko…I’m always transfixed by the image of him learning this song from the singing of the “old folk”..him a young lad living upon “the long acre”, no formal education, in his life he travelled to Dublin twice (that I know of), he neither read nor wrote yet he possessed a very sophisticated repertoire of songs….I witnessed but one piece of his Tinsmith work and it was simply beautiful..perhaps the most beautiful piece I’ve ever seen…and to top it all he was a quiet and gentle man..
Yes you are right about the Góilín Singers Club….they are the best listeners a singer could have…and every one gets the same respect …we drop in every Fri to the Zoom gig..singers from all over the world…this week is the final session of the season but we’ll be back in September..
I spent a long long time learning this song…I did try to copy John’s version back in 1976/77 ..however in the interim I’ve unconsciously developed some variations and also a few extra words here and there but his spirit lives on in my heart every time I meet “Lord Baker”
ps anyone visiting http://www.benedge.co.uk – the ‘latest paintings’ are the ones I had in mind re rituals/ relevance here…if you click/double click on an image, there’s good context info. D
Very sorry to read about Vicar Street and hoping that all will be well for venue and all involved.
Great that Killarney went so well. In replies to posts and about your music and approach, there’s often an overlap of trad and contemporary song – and in approaches to song stories. I think that’s the essence of your success in making such consistently powerful music,for so long.Tap into Jacko/Frank Harte/The Clancys – mix in your own songs,some MacColl/Guthrie/ Dylan and the songs by hugely talented, often lesser known musicians…there’s such a powerful mix that you skilfully blend and that resonates for so many listeners.
I’ve been mulling over the above points as I revel in the delights of the box set and am reminded of the power of art as a combination of old and new -to convey interesting messages. For me, sight and sound have a high crossover, so if I’m looking at art, I often have a soundtrack going in my head (there may be a cure one day!)
This is very much in mind, looking at the art of http://www.benedge.co.uk Ben has a fascinating exhibition in London that I doubt I’ll see, but his website and online info,gives a good indication of his clever style -featuring portrayals of British rituals,often in contemporary settings – so, juxtapositions of druids/morris dancers etc in a modern style…in my head, there’s the Copper family, Shirley Collins, The Watersons etc… I hope you and fellow posters get chance to check out Ben Edge’s work and background info to the museum hosting his show.Other viewers’ soundtracks would be good too…
Viva the mix of old and new… enjoy the day.
Dave
Christy's reply
you are right there Dave…it has enhanced my life , living with all these songs….from John Reilly to Pink Floyd, Maggie Barry to Joni Mitchell, Zozimus to Zimmerman and a few auld Kildare verses thrown in for ballast…
Just now, and for no apparent reason,I’m thinking of Mike,Lal and Norma, of Fred Jordan and Bert Lloyd, of Jeannie Richardson and Packie Byrne, of Tony Rose and Tim Hart, of all those inspirational singers I encountered in my 6 years “over”
Can you believe this !!!this morning I’m heading back to Prosperous to do a wee bit of recording…50 years on and fate has me returning to that Kildare Village where Planxty formed in 1971..its to do a few overdubs..
gonna check out Ben Edge’s work later…I’ve not seen any yet but your description reminds me of our Sean Hillen..check him out
RE MICA AND PYRITE SUPPORT.
Hi
Christy
Thanks so much for your reply , yes it’s fantastic that the mica campaign has got momentum.
Your small gesture of support christy has meant the world to us here in Donegal ,Mayo, sligo and Clare.
Your song ORDINARY MAN resonated with so many of us on so many levels.
I thought of another song of yours along the journey of the campaign.
‘How long”
Especially the first line
When you look into a childs face you can see the whole human race.
I d like to know when your next album is coming out?
You’re an absolute superstar
Thanks once again
Sincerely
Seamus Noone.
Christy's reply
Morra Seamus,
“How Long” was written by Jackson Browne of California…He also wrote that great song “After The Deluge” which I recorded with Moving Hearts way back in 1981…
“Ordinary man” was written by Peter Hames …He gave me a cassette after a gig in Cleethorpes back in 1986….
Its been a great privilidge in my life to sing so many songs from so many different writers..
When I started this journey it was The Clancy Brothers repertoire that fuelled my drive…then I began to research the old Trad collections and hear some great old singers..then came the realisation that contemporary songs were being sung..hearing Luke Kelly sing Ewan MacColl songs sowed the seed that perhaps I could write a song myself….hearing Woody Guthrie was the final spark….now I’m an old singer myself but these songs keep me well sparked…
I’m currently putting the finishing touches to an album which I hope will escape come the Autumn….
Great to read the positive reports of the gig in the Kingdom. Hopefully we are on the way back to “normality” or a better kind of normal with lessons learned of how dependent we all are on each other. Stay safe Christy and i look forward to the day we see the gigs page filling up with those “Sold Out” signs again. Best wishes to you and all of the crew.
Christy's reply
would’nt that be lovely..
a nice string of dates covering the length and breadth
Hello Christy and All,
The darkness starts young doesn’t it. I’m thinking of nursery rhymes.
Ring a ring a rosies
A pocket full of posies
Atishoo Atishoo
We all fall down
Black death
I listened to Brecht many years ago. Need to get back to Brecht and Weil. Thankyou.
Ages ago you said, Christy, that when you were 5 you had one song. What was it please?
Did your mother help you with diction? Steve does this for me and it drives me nuts. I am very grateful for it. I don’t always listen. It would be different if it was my mother. They are very hard to ignore.
Here is a big slice of dark.. I wish I’d seen it live.
https://youtu.be/scixjBIHmHY
Rebecca
first song was “Kevin Barry”
I sang it in Barrowland a few years back
yes, Nancy was very keen on diction,
Mornin’ Christy
Ronnie Drew and Bob would have been a fair duo…
Not even Bob managed to get censored by the BBC…hearing the ‘beep’ (and my Dad’s laughter)in ‘Seven Drunken Nights’ was a formative experience…probably, a major factor in me being a ‘folkie’…
I like your use of ‘pilfering’ in your job description…’influences/inspiration’ are often used, but pilfering is a great word – and nowt wrong with it! Long may it be one of your musical talents.It works well with the others…
Have a good day – in workroom or studio.
Dave
Thank you so so much for your reply. Don’t think you were imagining it and so pleased at the time the Blue Star helped 😁. Blyths loss that you don’t come over here now. Good health to you and yours. Susanx
In my youth I followed that Blue Star manys the winter night….the highways and byeways from Prudhoe to Hexham, Washington to Hebburn, forever seeking the warm welcome of those great folk clubs…each one with its own distinct ethos and audience…one run by The Rattlers,another by The Ranters,one by Mick Elliot another by Jim Sharp…..The Blyth Club run by the Landlady and her daughter…I first went there with Hamish Imlach circa 1967…..all memories floating around
Mornin’ Christy
Always interesting when a few music links show up…
Rory’s mention of ‘Weile Waile’ song reminded me of how much depth there is in your version, than eg The Dubliners’ take…such a dark song to have a jaunty delivery. But, the penny dropped after a bit of digging. Apparently, it was /is a popular song for kids’ playground games/skipping ( I hope that’s still done!),so perhaps,why the ‘folk’ version emerged in such an upbeat version. With roots in ‘The Cruel Mother’ ballad, the murderous tale leaves nothing to the imagination.
As so often, there’s a Dylan link too…I’ve always liked his take on ‘Barbara Allen’…a strange,word is in the song – ‘welladay’ – apparently, an old word for woe/loss – and believed to be linked to ‘Weile Waile’… who said folk music is boring? I love the geek stuff…
Dave
Yeah Dave…if there is darkness to be found,Bob will root it out….
I have great respect for those who gather, interpret, disseminate, analyze, pholsophize and draw conclusions about songs….I always maintain respect and interest for their labours …but find myself busy seeking,writing,re-arranging, borrowing,adding,pilfering,singing songs….usually too occupied to join the worthy pathology …..
Ronnie Drew was the first singer I heard singing Weela Waile….Ronnie had an ear for the dark (Glendalough Saint)….presenting the Dark with humour takes doing… Brecht and Weill were dab hands….(I still revisit Pirate Jenny betimes)….The Beatles and Elvis Costello also mine the dark…as for Bob himself…aint he the very itself divil at it
Hello Christy,
There’s some normal things going on here. My mum and dad came for lunch yesterday. I hope similar things are going on for you and everyone here.
I sing for them when they visit. My, dad usually cries, but that’s normal for him. I got through Athenry without joining him. Distracted myself by thinking of consonents and vowels. Felt pretty proud, a singer that cries is doing the audience’s job. I’m always a work in progress.
Rebecca
Never had the experience of singing to our Father…he died when I was 11 …but I do remember the sound of his voice when he sang….our Mother delighted in Song both as a Singer and a Listener…she was my greatest influence ,my most important critic until she died in 1992….yet I still hear her words of wisdom….
Hi Christy,
On a recent excellent Derry’s Declan McLaughlin album he sings a different version of Weela Waile, worth a check out.
It is such an unusual but moving song, it is probably traditional, changed by singers and generations. I dont seem to recall it sung live much , but i may be wrong…and often am.
Goid night
Rory
Hey Rory, I’ve never given it much thought previously but I suspect that you may be right,that this old song has ancient history,a long-ago beginning…lets see if we can find out more…..for decades it has been trotted out as a popular standard ditty but there lurks beneath,I suspect, a chilling tale….lets see where this leads us…..
many of us are “often wrong” Rory….an old work buddy of mine used to admit to being “brash,confident and wrong”! another bon-mot of his was “open mouth,change foot !”
…..(I never know whether the exclamation mark should dwell in or outside the inverted commas)….
Hello. I hope you don’t mind me getting in touch with you but I have been told you are in the guiness book of records for doing a 12hr stint in a club in Blyth Northumberland in 1967 or 68 . Can you remember the name of the club please. Unfortunately I didn’t live in Blyth then so wasn’t privileged to see you. Thank you so so much for your music and the pleasure you bring us. X
I’ve gone back to the diaries..it was 1969…all I have in my book is Blyth Folk Club but not the name of the venue…I played it twice that year June 14th and September 6th…I think the Guinness Book of records event was on June 14th….It ran thru the day from 12 midday until shortly after mid night…it was wild, fuelled by the Blue Star ….I think the venue is named in the Guinness Book of records for that year
I hope I’m not imagining all this
Hi Christy
Just about to ramble and saw Ed’s post… thanks for that info – will be visiting the tube (again…)soon.
It’s been awhile since I last played the blue disc from the box set and I’d forgotten the powerful way you linked ‘Brown Eyes’ to the death of your Great Uncle in The Great War. I do a lot of research into that period, as well as always admiring your take on that song…so, to read the context in which you played it and hear the epic rendition adds another dimension to Shane’s amazing writing.
You more than do justice to an evocative song,whilst paying tribute to Joe Sheeran and so many of his comrades who never made it home.
Very belated compliments on a job superbly done.
Dave
But a flower of love grows on his grave
forgotten soon the cowards and the brave
the coldest hate still lives today
for Sergeants and their men
all for The Roses
Over the sea
all for the roses
Finglas Boys to be………………………….(Wally Page)
Folk Britannia Parts 1 and 2, on You Tube, each an hour long. Well worth a look by those of us going on trips down the memory train. Stacks of artists we’ve been talking about here all feature, Greenwich Village right over to the still flourishing English folk music scene. Worth a look.
maybe you could expand Ed…be curious to hear your thoughts on the early Folk scene…
great to see these films again… very well made… so many different attitudes towards MacColl….sure, he drove his political vision with music and song as he had every right to do…sure he was a leader that some viewed as a tyrant…for me, he was the most important voice in my lifetime…the seeds he sowed, the shoots he nourished still bloom….many of his detractors are happy to sing quietly in tweedom as is their right and more power to them too…Bert Lloyd was a fine man, a great singer and a generous dispenser of songs and encouragement….
I know little of Greenwich Village except I was briefly in touch with Pete Seeger and still, thankfully,in contact with Peggy……she still is a consumate accompanist of songs, her voice still strong, her spirit still burning bright
Following on from the Ben Edge stuff, I had to show you this
https://youtu.be/qbwWnGr8G0E
The thieving magpies are (in their own words) a mixed border morris side who like dancing, waving big sticks about and yelling.
I love these guys. They’re based in Marsden, a Yorkshire town that is less than 2 inches from Lancashire (and if I’m not struck by lightening for that, I never will be).
love that
Hello Christy,
Thanks for talking about John Reilly. It makes sense and I think he was very blessed. No wonder he couldn’t fit into the world.
You talked about wanting to follow his path with Lord Baker and it was difficult. Well, I think the difficulty is part of it because ir becomes yours. The variations are all part of it. I feel it too. I’m not sure what I said makes any sense.
Anyway, one of the best things for me about singing songs with stories, is that you get to play all the characters. Love it!
Thankyou to Dave for the link to the artist Ben Edge. The priest and clowns was hilarious and shocking for me. I’m surrounded by priests in my family.
I hope the stuff in Prosperous is going well
Rebecca
Great to know of Sean Hillen’s work, Christy – many thanks.
Had a very thought provoking trawl around Sean’s website, quite a contrast to Ben Edge, but ‘variety ‘ is the spice, in art and music, I think. Some powerful images on display.
‘Prosperous’ from 1972 is sounding as sweet as ever…I’m sure the C21st century Kildare overdubs will also have a timeless quality.
Dave
Thanks for the sign post to Ben Edge…..its very good work….his painting, music and videos all made for a great start to my day here…great to see the old pagan rituals …great respect for the Morris tradition, the Berryman at Forth,
I like it at Hillen Edge
That’s brilliant about the Prosperous overdubs, Christy
Fantastic when the time rolls backwards as you’re on a new album. I’m set to play ‘Prosperous’ now as I check out the artist, you suggested.
John Peel’s radio show was such a huge influence on my listening (still is)I loved the eclectic nature of his shows…Carthy/ a rock band session/the Doonans/ a whole Dylan LP played- and why not? It shaped my lisitening as I’d play some Yes/Pink Floyd, followed by you/Planxty…mates often expressed bemusement,but it made/makes sense to me… as do all the influences you list, esp from your time here…
Enjoy the day…can’t wait to hear the new songs – and,if there’s any chance, see a few photos for sleevenotes/gallery here – maybe some from today?
Dave
Hello Christy,
Thankyou for pointing me towards the video of you singing with Dan O’Mahoney, and to Hilary for the link straight to it. That looks like it was the brillant fun. I think your singing for friends is a completely different thing. You’re much more careful of what you say to a paying audience, in the songs I mean.
Here’s a link to the recording on itma. I’m listening right now
https://www.itma.ie/digital-library/sound/lord_baker_christy_moore
This one is easier to understand, the phrasing I mean. I’m going to keep listening to them all and I think I’ll learn it from this one. It’s very clear. They’re great listeners at the Goilin club, aren’t they. So quiet.
Thinking about what Dave said about old and new. I think it works the opposite for me. All songs are contemporary for me, because I’m listening now and people do not change. When I sing them I often have to spend ages peeling back layers and layers before I reach the ancient bones of a song. I love this bit. When the pureness of it is revealed. That’s what I love about the parting glass and Lord Baker. The pure white bones of them.
Such beautiful phrasing in the itma Lord Baker.
Rebecca
Thanks Rebecca…I’ve never heard this recording before..what a great song it is….such a unique version from Jacko…I’m always transfixed by the image of him learning this song from the singing of the “old folk”..him a young lad living upon “the long acre”, no formal education, in his life he travelled to Dublin twice (that I know of), he neither read nor wrote yet he possessed a very sophisticated repertoire of songs….I witnessed but one piece of his Tinsmith work and it was simply beautiful..perhaps the most beautiful piece I’ve ever seen…and to top it all he was a quiet and gentle man..
Yes you are right about the Góilín Singers Club….they are the best listeners a singer could have…and every one gets the same respect …we drop in every Fri to the Zoom gig..singers from all over the world…this week is the final session of the season but we’ll be back in September..
I spent a long long time learning this song…I did try to copy John’s version back in 1976/77 ..however in the interim I’ve unconsciously developed some variations and also a few extra words here and there but his spirit lives on in my heart every time I meet “Lord Baker”
ps anyone visiting http://www.benedge.co.uk – the ‘latest paintings’ are the ones I had in mind re rituals/ relevance here…if you click/double click on an image, there’s good context info. D
Mornin’ Christy
Very sorry to read about Vicar Street and hoping that all will be well for venue and all involved.
Great that Killarney went so well. In replies to posts and about your music and approach, there’s often an overlap of trad and contemporary song – and in approaches to song stories. I think that’s the essence of your success in making such consistently powerful music,for so long.Tap into Jacko/Frank Harte/The Clancys – mix in your own songs,some MacColl/Guthrie/ Dylan and the songs by hugely talented, often lesser known musicians…there’s such a powerful mix that you skilfully blend and that resonates for so many listeners.
I’ve been mulling over the above points as I revel in the delights of the box set and am reminded of the power of art as a combination of old and new -to convey interesting messages. For me, sight and sound have a high crossover, so if I’m looking at art, I often have a soundtrack going in my head (there may be a cure one day!)
This is very much in mind, looking at the art of http://www.benedge.co.uk Ben has a fascinating exhibition in London that I doubt I’ll see, but his website and online info,gives a good indication of his clever style -featuring portrayals of British rituals,often in contemporary settings – so, juxtapositions of druids/morris dancers etc in a modern style…in my head, there’s the Copper family, Shirley Collins, The Watersons etc… I hope you and fellow posters get chance to check out Ben Edge’s work and background info to the museum hosting his show.Other viewers’ soundtracks would be good too…
Viva the mix of old and new… enjoy the day.
Dave
you are right there Dave…it has enhanced my life , living with all these songs….from John Reilly to Pink Floyd, Maggie Barry to Joni Mitchell, Zozimus to Zimmerman and a few auld Kildare verses thrown in for ballast…
Just now, and for no apparent reason,I’m thinking of Mike,Lal and Norma, of Fred Jordan and Bert Lloyd, of Jeannie Richardson and Packie Byrne, of Tony Rose and Tim Hart, of all those inspirational singers I encountered in my 6 years “over”
Can you believe this !!!this morning I’m heading back to Prosperous to do a wee bit of recording…50 years on and fate has me returning to that Kildare Village where Planxty formed in 1971..its to do a few overdubs..
gonna check out Ben Edge’s work later…I’ve not seen any yet but your description reminds me of our Sean Hillen..check him out
RE MICA AND PYRITE SUPPORT.
Hi
Christy
Thanks so much for your reply , yes it’s fantastic that the mica campaign has got momentum.
Your small gesture of support christy has meant the world to us here in Donegal ,Mayo, sligo and Clare.
Your song ORDINARY MAN resonated with so many of us on so many levels.
I thought of another song of yours along the journey of the campaign.
‘How long”
Especially the first line
When you look into a childs face you can see the whole human race.
I d like to know when your next album is coming out?
You’re an absolute superstar
Thanks once again
Sincerely
Seamus Noone.
Morra Seamus,
“How Long” was written by Jackson Browne of California…He also wrote that great song “After The Deluge” which I recorded with Moving Hearts way back in 1981…
“Ordinary man” was written by Peter Hames …He gave me a cassette after a gig in Cleethorpes back in 1986….
Its been a great privilidge in my life to sing so many songs from so many different writers..
When I started this journey it was The Clancy Brothers repertoire that fuelled my drive…then I began to research the old Trad collections and hear some great old singers..then came the realisation that contemporary songs were being sung..hearing Luke Kelly sing Ewan MacColl songs sowed the seed that perhaps I could write a song myself….hearing Woody Guthrie was the final spark….now I’m an old singer myself but these songs keep me well sparked…
I’m currently putting the finishing touches to an album which I hope will escape come the Autumn….
Here’s the latest. Hopefully it’s not too bad. Only one building had to be evacuated.
https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0628/1231837-fire-extinguished-at-dublins-vicar-street/
Vicar St fire.! Here’s hoping the venue can be saved
I hope it was’nt Maguire and Patterson
Great to read the positive reports of the gig in the Kingdom. Hopefully we are on the way back to “normality” or a better kind of normal with lessons learned of how dependent we all are on each other. Stay safe Christy and i look forward to the day we see the gigs page filling up with those “Sold Out” signs again. Best wishes to you and all of the crew.
would’nt that be lovely..
a nice string of dates covering the length and breadth