I missed the Ewan doc, but have it set to record tonight, having just spotted the repeat !
BBC 4 is worth a watch/ recording tonight…7pm has Travis + orchestra at Barrowland (finally, chance for me to peek into the hallowed hall) – and a good mix of Scottish music – Proclaimers. Biffy Clyro + .. finishing with a late night OGWT ‘classic’ with a Ralph McTell concert from 1976. Worrying stories that BBC 4 is to be ditched at some point – I really hope not. I’d write to my MP, but, as ever, he wouldn’t appreciate my views…
Christy, My wife and I were at HQ on Tuesday . We were sitting with a brother and sister from Clare. They were in their twenties and I was telling them that I have been coming to your concerts for over 40 years. My first a Planxty concert in Garristown late ’70s. Christy, it was a brilliant night and I would put Tuesday in the top three of all time. It is hard to describe how brilliant the night was but the pure enjoyment of the young couple summed it up for me. Christy, Thanks again for all the music, enjoyment and nights like Tuesday. Paschal
Christy's reply
December Greetings to The Yellow Furze,
its working well at the moment Paschal…great to read your feedback…lot of new listeners coming to the gigs…something has happened that I cannot explain…I’ll just keep singing while the going is good….thanks for listening..keep coming back
Hello Christy,
Just wanted to say that I’m really enjoying your new album. It’s clever and incisive and gentle and wise and funny and deep and honest and full of light. Thankyou.
I’m remembering Manchester tart. In my head it’s pastry, jam, sliced bananas, custard and coconut. Is that right? It’s making me wonder if all the school cooks round here had the same cookbook.
Quite often my dreams are horrific dystopia epics. Last night it was all about dressing up as a fairy godmother for a pantomime. It was a real change to spend the night picking out glittery wings, pink dresses and magic wands.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Love your review..thank you
your m/c tart sounds good to me
sorry to hear of your “horrific dystopian epics”….I’d be inclined to stay awake myself…I keep a few carrots under my pillow for any visiting nightmares
Great call from John – it might be a ‘trifle’ difficult, but many will rise to the dessert challenge. Thanks for a reminder of one of the few edible school dinners – Manchester tart was always welcome…
Song of the day, James Taylor’s ‘Frozen Man’ – Fairport’s excellent cover version.
Great reports from Tuesdays outing in HQ.. The ball is in and the game is on.. will be back next week God willing to leave ear on the songs once more.. enjoy the R&R in between..
Kev
Christy's reply
we’re back to one day at a time Kev…..fingers crossed
Thanks for the link Rebeccah,now theres a thought maybe we could have a 4711 get together at a Christy concert one time and all turn up dressed as our favourite dessert. Don’t know about anyone else but although I’m from Liverpool I’ve always had a liking for a Manchester Tart?
Christy's reply
I’ve issued instructions to my crowd control engineers to watch out for a Scouser dolled up as a Manchester Tart..under no circumstance is It to be allowed entrance without a vigorous body search (incl all cavities)….
In equally surreal news, Christy’s message mentioned by Hilary hit the national press in the Irish independent, where the video was the third most watched. Only beaten by videos of a man being bitten by a plastic crocodile, and a man being chased by a needy pheasant.
Sometimes life is so sweet.
Christy's reply
not the first time I’ve been usurped by plastic crocs and needy pheasants…keeps me on my toes which is a good thing as I’m 5-8 (and a half) with my hands in the air
Hi Christy, just wanted to send congratulations to our ‘friends in the north’, the Array collective on winning this years Turner Prize with the sibin inatallation. Now thats the sort of art installation I would enjoy visiting, especially if the sibin was playing Flying Into Mystery on the juke box.
I had a root round and I’m wondering if these are the lyrics Dave has been looking for.
THE KILSHANNIG WAGER
(Ron Kavana)
At Kilshannig House, Rathcormac, some two hundred years ago,
The Cork banker Abe Devonsher a grand hunt ball did throw.
He was a noted gambler. To his guests he made this dare:
He said, “I’m Ireland’s finest horseman. There’s no beatin’ my grey mare.”
The bet was set to ride the staircase to the gallery upstairs,
And twice around the balcony to gallop on the mare,
Then finally race down again the cantilever stairs,
The great Kilshannig wager to await the winner there.
“My house and lands I’ll wager,” bold Devonsher did cry.
“Not a man can ride the course in Tallow, Mallow or Fermoy.”
Mad Pad-Jo Roche, deep in his cups, on hearing this rash boast,
Said, “I’m the boy who will take up the challenge of the host.”
He jumped upon the noble steed and reared her up for speed,
Then ran her at the winding stairs, to caution paying no heed.
Men cried out and women fainted. Servants scattered for their lives
As the mare tore up the stairs rode by mad Roche from Castlelyons.
Up the stairs and ’round the gallery twice horse and rider went,
Then down the cantilever stairs pure hell-for-leather bent.
But when they got to the front door, the mare stopped at the steps
And threw mad Roche against the wall and broke the bugger’s neck.
Then with a mournful whinny, just like a banshee’s cry,
The grey mare she laid down and died there by her rider’s side.
So now you have the story, the sad and daunting tale
Of how the great Kilshannig wager sent poor Pad-Jo Roche to hell.
They’re on a thread on mudcat. I’ll post the link when I can find it again
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Thank you Rebecca….I’m in awe of your research skills ….great to read this song from Ron Kavana….I’ll be looking into it…what a scene it describes..glorious drunken lunacy…
Hi Christy, Karen and I would like to thank you for kindness in giving us your set list. Yesterday was an amazing gig where the crowd was with you. Not only did I see you when I was 19 at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 1978 but many more times since. The Forum in Kentish Town, the Fleadh at Finsbury Park, Warwick Art Centre, The Festival Hall on the South Bank in London and many more. Yesterday’s gig was the best since the 1978 Cambridge Folk Festival. The song about a December’s day in 1942 reminded me of the time I was in Auschwitz myself seeing the chambers, the death wall, the starvation cells and the piles of shoes. Music and lyrics has such a power to educate, inspire and inform. I was with Karen today in Kilmainham Gaol and it was Karen’s first visit. So much history is there in song. As we all get older and sense our own mortality, we become more rounded in our view (that’s applies to the both of us physically compared to our halcyon days). We can all learn from Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley? Our transformation should lead to a spiritual equanimity? It’s that time we can leave this world with peace of mind and joy….but don’t forget your shovel!
Christy's reply
The early Cambridge Festivals had a special atmosphere.Back then Ken Woollard was at the helm. It has grown over the years to become the leading Folk Festival in the UK. I think I’ve played it 5 or 6 times. I have outstanding memories from across the years, sitting around a campfire in the late a.m. as Diz Dizzley played till dawn to name but one…..the Festival has gained a level of sophistication that has smoothed everything out….BBC folkies faffing about like nobodys business,fashion wellies allover the gaff….I’d swap it all for a gig in Cherry Hinton with Ken & Joan Woolard…
Hi C. I was blown away last night at Vicar St last night, I have no words to describe it, you totally ” owned ” both the stage and the room. I think the message you delivered last week was received loud and clear, well done. Shine on you Solo Crazy Diamond. Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
Christy's reply
it was one of those nights for me….every thing seemed to flow freely thru…the songs picked themselves….the energy emanating from the room carried me along…the utter silence for Ricky Lynch’s “December 1942” …. the solidarity for “Quinte Brigada”…..the mayhem around Ray Houghton’s goal…..I was as high as a kite leaving that stage
I’ve drawn a blank on lyrics of Ron Kavana’s ‘Glenshannig Wager’… But, found more info about the song.
I have it on a Topic Records CD compilation/ sampler from 1995 Ferreting around for info, I found out that it’s not a trad song, being cleverly written by RK and on his ‘Home Fire’ album.
There’s a youtube band version which gives the air, but the solo version, with bodhran makes the song.Hopefully, it can be found as its witty and has a brilliant percussion drive.
Terrific to read such fab feedback after last night’s gig.
Thank you for the many years of absolute joy listening to your music. I have managed to see you twice only in London and Tullow. Unfortunately no longer able to travel. Am very proud that we share nationality.
Long may you continue in good health and bring joy to so many people
Patricia
Christy's reply
Thank you Patricia….London & Tullow!!…two of my favourite places !! One where Sweet Thames flows softly, the other by the banks of our Slaney River….keep coming back
What an absolute joy and privilege to be at the gig last night, it was amazing. The audience, your songs both old and new, how lucky we all were to experience it. There is indeed healing in music, you have rekindled the flame for me after the passing of my loved one earlier this year. Thanks “H” for the gently tug along that road, the first step is over. I look forward to the next gig . Thank you. Jean D
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing Jean….sorry to read of your loss ….it has to be very challenging to get back to such gatherings after bereavement….Hilary shows great compassion and understanding towards bereaved songsters…..
Lets hope that our gigs may continue … but its hard to ignore the dark clouds that gather
It’s the morning after and I’m still Buzzing…. You beat me to it with reference to it been like Barrowlands,,,we were just commenting on that after the Gig. I heard Ole Ole been sang a few weeks ago in the Aviva after a high class performance, sang again last night after an equally high class performance. I think 1942 could become one of your most iconic songs, it just hits that spot.
Thanks for a wonderful performance and for all you do for us the listeners.
Best regards
Ride on
Patsy
Christy's reply
I think I heard a quiet mention for “The Contender”..I did consider momentarily..then remembered I’d played two Jimmy Mack Classics already…what a great audience last night…
Hi Christy/all
I missed the Ewan doc, but have it set to record tonight, having just spotted the repeat !
BBC 4 is worth a watch/ recording tonight…7pm has Travis + orchestra at Barrowland (finally, chance for me to peek into the hallowed hall) – and a good mix of Scottish music – Proclaimers. Biffy Clyro + .. finishing with a late night OGWT ‘classic’ with a Ralph McTell concert from 1976. Worrying stories that BBC 4 is to be ditched at some point – I really hope not. I’d write to my MP, but, as ever, he wouldn’t appreciate my views…
Music certainly keeping spirits high.
Dave
Christy, My wife and I were at HQ on Tuesday . We were sitting with a brother and sister from Clare. They were in their twenties and I was telling them that I have been coming to your concerts for over 40 years. My first a Planxty concert in Garristown late ’70s. Christy, it was a brilliant night and I would put Tuesday in the top three of all time. It is hard to describe how brilliant the night was but the pure enjoyment of the young couple summed it up for me. Christy, Thanks again for all the music, enjoyment and nights like Tuesday. Paschal
December Greetings to The Yellow Furze,
its working well at the moment Paschal…great to read your feedback…lot of new listeners coming to the gigs…something has happened that I cannot explain…I’ll just keep singing while the going is good….thanks for listening..keep coming back
Hi Christy/ all
Rebecca’s spot on with the recipe…maybe all schools got deliveries from a giant tart kitchen in Ancoats?
Have a good day – ‘Flying into Mystery’ gets many a play here – so many nuances in the mix…fine work, maestro.
Dave
great MacColl doc last weekend…appreciated and enjoyed it..it could have been a series…
Oh, and it sounds beautiful. I love the way you’ve created landscapes for each song to inhabit.
thats the kinda talk we like to hear…fair play to you
Hello Christy,
Just wanted to say that I’m really enjoying your new album. It’s clever and incisive and gentle and wise and funny and deep and honest and full of light. Thankyou.
I’m remembering Manchester tart. In my head it’s pastry, jam, sliced bananas, custard and coconut. Is that right? It’s making me wonder if all the school cooks round here had the same cookbook.
Quite often my dreams are horrific dystopia epics. Last night it was all about dressing up as a fairy godmother for a pantomime. It was a real change to spend the night picking out glittery wings, pink dresses and magic wands.
Rebecca
Love your review..thank you
your m/c tart sounds good to me
sorry to hear of your “horrific dystopian epics”….I’d be inclined to stay awake myself…I keep a few carrots under my pillow for any visiting nightmares
Hi Christy
Great call from John – it might be a ‘trifle’ difficult, but many will rise to the dessert challenge. Thanks for a reminder of one of the few edible school dinners – Manchester tart was always welcome…
Song of the day, James Taylor’s ‘Frozen Man’ – Fairport’s excellent cover version.
Dave
I’d be more of a Bury Black Pudding…..
Great reports from Tuesdays outing in HQ.. The ball is in and the game is on.. will be back next week God willing to leave ear on the songs once more.. enjoy the R&R in between..
Kev
we’re back to one day at a time Kev…..fingers crossed
Thanks for the link Rebeccah,now theres a thought maybe we could have a 4711 get together at a Christy concert one time and all turn up dressed as our favourite dessert. Don’t know about anyone else but although I’m from Liverpool I’ve always had a liking for a Manchester Tart?
I’ve issued instructions to my crowd control engineers to watch out for a Scouser dolled up as a Manchester Tart..under no circumstance is It to be allowed entrance without a vigorous body search (incl all cavities)….
Looking good
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/01/arts/design/turner-prize-winner.amp.html
They turned up at a protest dressed as cakes 😊
In equally surreal news, Christy’s message mentioned by Hilary hit the national press in the Irish independent, where the video was the third most watched. Only beaten by videos of a man being bitten by a plastic crocodile, and a man being chased by a needy pheasant.
Sometimes life is so sweet.
not the first time I’ve been usurped by plastic crocs and needy pheasants…keeps me on my toes which is a good thing as I’m 5-8 (and a half) with my hands in the air
Hi Christy, just wanted to send congratulations to our ‘friends in the north’, the Array collective on winning this years Turner Prize with the sibin inatallation. Now thats the sort of art installation I would enjoy visiting, especially if the sibin was playing Flying Into Mystery on the juke box.
What is Art ? x
Thanks Dave, that’s one hell of a song. Lovely.
Mornin’ Christy
Well found, Rebecca – just what I was looking for…! A clever song with demon bodhran…
‘Flying into mystery’ sounding fab on this crisp morning – away to Greenland now.
Enjoy the day
Dave
I better get up and draw the drapes
The link doesn’t want to post, no idea why
all good
Hello Christy,
I had a root round and I’m wondering if these are the lyrics Dave has been looking for.
THE KILSHANNIG WAGER
(Ron Kavana)
At Kilshannig House, Rathcormac, some two hundred years ago,
The Cork banker Abe Devonsher a grand hunt ball did throw.
He was a noted gambler. To his guests he made this dare:
He said, “I’m Ireland’s finest horseman. There’s no beatin’ my grey mare.”
The bet was set to ride the staircase to the gallery upstairs,
And twice around the balcony to gallop on the mare,
Then finally race down again the cantilever stairs,
The great Kilshannig wager to await the winner there.
“My house and lands I’ll wager,” bold Devonsher did cry.
“Not a man can ride the course in Tallow, Mallow or Fermoy.”
Mad Pad-Jo Roche, deep in his cups, on hearing this rash boast,
Said, “I’m the boy who will take up the challenge of the host.”
He jumped upon the noble steed and reared her up for speed,
Then ran her at the winding stairs, to caution paying no heed.
Men cried out and women fainted. Servants scattered for their lives
As the mare tore up the stairs rode by mad Roche from Castlelyons.
Up the stairs and ’round the gallery twice horse and rider went,
Then down the cantilever stairs pure hell-for-leather bent.
But when they got to the front door, the mare stopped at the steps
And threw mad Roche against the wall and broke the bugger’s neck.
Then with a mournful whinny, just like a banshee’s cry,
The grey mare she laid down and died there by her rider’s side.
So now you have the story, the sad and daunting tale
Of how the great Kilshannig wager sent poor Pad-Jo Roche to hell.
They’re on a thread on mudcat. I’ll post the link when I can find it again
Rebecca
Thank you Rebecca….I’m in awe of your research skills ….great to read this song from Ron Kavana….I’ll be looking into it…what a scene it describes..glorious drunken lunacy…
Hi Christy, Karen and I would like to thank you for kindness in giving us your set list. Yesterday was an amazing gig where the crowd was with you. Not only did I see you when I was 19 at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 1978 but many more times since. The Forum in Kentish Town, the Fleadh at Finsbury Park, Warwick Art Centre, The Festival Hall on the South Bank in London and many more. Yesterday’s gig was the best since the 1978 Cambridge Folk Festival. The song about a December’s day in 1942 reminded me of the time I was in Auschwitz myself seeing the chambers, the death wall, the starvation cells and the piles of shoes. Music and lyrics has such a power to educate, inspire and inform. I was with Karen today in Kilmainham Gaol and it was Karen’s first visit. So much history is there in song. As we all get older and sense our own mortality, we become more rounded in our view (that’s applies to the both of us physically compared to our halcyon days). We can all learn from Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley? Our transformation should lead to a spiritual equanimity? It’s that time we can leave this world with peace of mind and joy….but don’t forget your shovel!
The early Cambridge Festivals had a special atmosphere.Back then Ken Woollard was at the helm. It has grown over the years to become the leading Folk Festival in the UK. I think I’ve played it 5 or 6 times. I have outstanding memories from across the years, sitting around a campfire in the late a.m. as Diz Dizzley played till dawn to name but one…..the Festival has gained a level of sophistication that has smoothed everything out….BBC folkies faffing about like nobodys business,fashion wellies allover the gaff….I’d swap it all for a gig in Cherry Hinton with Ken & Joan Woolard…
Great to see you both there the other night
Hi C. I was blown away last night at Vicar St last night, I have no words to describe it, you totally ” owned ” both the stage and the room. I think the message you delivered last week was received loud and clear, well done. Shine on you Solo Crazy Diamond. Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
it was one of those nights for me….every thing seemed to flow freely thru…the songs picked themselves….the energy emanating from the room carried me along…the utter silence for Ricky Lynch’s “December 1942” …. the solidarity for “Quinte Brigada”…..the mayhem around Ray Houghton’s goal…..I was as high as a kite leaving that stage
Hi Christy
I’ve drawn a blank on lyrics of Ron Kavana’s ‘Glenshannig Wager’… But, found more info about the song.
I have it on a Topic Records CD compilation/ sampler from 1995 Ferreting around for info, I found out that it’s not a trad song, being cleverly written by RK and on his ‘Home Fire’ album.
There’s a youtube band version which gives the air, but the solo version, with bodhran makes the song.Hopefully, it can be found as its witty and has a brilliant percussion drive.
Terrific to read such fab feedback after last night’s gig.
Dave
I think Rebecca’s sleuthing has brought a result
Thank you for the many years of absolute joy listening to your music. I have managed to see you twice only in London and Tullow. Unfortunately no longer able to travel. Am very proud that we share nationality.
Long may you continue in good health and bring joy to so many people
Patricia
Thank you Patricia….London & Tullow!!…two of my favourite places !! One where Sweet Thames flows softly, the other by the banks of our Slaney River….keep coming back
What an absolute joy and privilege to be at the gig last night, it was amazing. The audience, your songs both old and new, how lucky we all were to experience it. There is indeed healing in music, you have rekindled the flame for me after the passing of my loved one earlier this year. Thanks “H” for the gently tug along that road, the first step is over. I look forward to the next gig . Thank you. Jean D
Thanks for sharing Jean….sorry to read of your loss ….it has to be very challenging to get back to such gatherings after bereavement….Hilary shows great compassion and understanding towards bereaved songsters…..
Lets hope that our gigs may continue … but its hard to ignore the dark clouds that gather
It’s the morning after and I’m still Buzzing…. You beat me to it with reference to it been like Barrowlands,,,we were just commenting on that after the Gig. I heard Ole Ole been sang a few weeks ago in the Aviva after a high class performance, sang again last night after an equally high class performance. I think 1942 could become one of your most iconic songs, it just hits that spot.
Thanks for a wonderful performance and for all you do for us the listeners.
Best regards
Ride on
Patsy
I think I heard a quiet mention for “The Contender”..I did consider momentarily..then remembered I’d played two Jimmy Mack Classics already…what a great audience last night…