Hello Christy,
I’ve been wanting to show you how I’ve been getting on with Listen. So I took a quick recording yesterday. https://youtu.be/X2CSa1wJHEM
Here it is before my courage fails me.
Right now it’s giggable, a long way to go before it stops touching the sides and I feel like I’m doing it justice.
I hope you like it so far.
Hi Christy,
safely back home from a beautiful short trip to Dublin. It began with your fabulous concert, continued with two really nice walks around Dublin (Howth, Two/Three Rock Mountain) at (nearly) perfect weather, went on with meeting and listening to my dear old friends of Gypsy Lacey on Saturday and ended with a very interesting guided tour at Glasnevin cemetery. Obviously my timing was perfect with the new restrictions – lucky me, so sad for you all. But great to read that despite of this you again make it possible for the gigs in January to take place. I guess this makes many people very happy.
To fill my CM cd collection I finally found “Prosperous”. Funny for me to see that this album is as old as I am. That’s why I unfortunately missed you playing in Essen in the 80’s ;-).
Keep well!
Birgit
Christy's reply
Happy to read that your visit was fulfilling….thank you for sharing…………….(and your gift of confections)
Dear Christy,
As Christmas approaches i wondered to myself about musical highlights, spurred on by Rebeccah’s chat, of the year nearly gone.
Hearing December 1942 for the first time,is high up there.
Two David Keenan gigs, one with only 48 of us to witness the brilliance.
Discovering Glen Hansard’s ‘leave a light’ and the Camino Voyage film was special.
Chatting to Lee in Cool Discs and getting hoardes of LPs from his shop in Derry ,especially the picture disc of Arab Strap’s As Days Get Dark.
And despite the occasional begrudging to have Pat’s magic and hard work create the rough but heartfelt ‘Roll On’ youtube video….are just some of the many highlights.
‘Er indoors likes to read to relax, it’s music for me, the listening as i have no talent to play or sing, it carries us through so much trauma and trouble.
Next year might ( though i doubt my ferry and plane bookings will come to owts) give me a very early trip to vicar street…. and there is more hope later to sing along in the tent by the Lee….i fervently hope so.
Stay safe
Rory
Christy's reply
I’m thinking of hearing our Mother sing from the choir loft of the Dominican Church, Newbridge in the early 50s….of our Father singing “Pride of Petravore” as we drove out to Barronstown in a green Hillman Huskey…..The Clancy Brothers in 1961….later on hearing The Watersons left an indelible memory, Fred Jordan in Keele, The McPeakes, LIam Óg in Sandymount, Mairtín Byrnes in Clontarf, Joe Burke in Galway, Brian Wilson at The Point, The Handsomes in Leap, so many stand out moments across 70 years of listening…..John Reilly the very first time I heard him in 1962, The wild beautiful sound of The Grehan Sisters, Pentangle in Kirkaldy, Ewan & Peggy in St Andrews,Cyril Tawney at The Grove in Leeds, The Marsden Rattlers, Dave Burland in Barnsley, ………on it goes, hearing sounds that reach in deep, that resound and reverberate life long…. Annie Briggs, Marie LIttle,Jeannie Robertson, Joan Baez,Maggie Barry, Sandy Denny, and,of course, my favourite singer of all
There must be a great buzz in playing to a large crowd when you come off do you find it hard to wind down
Christy's reply
The response to this question could run to a book…so many thoughts come tumbling out….you got me thinking of large crowds…Croke Park in the 80s with U2, Páirc Ui Caoímh when “Ride On” was Number 1, Finsbury Park London when it stopped raining and the Sun came out, Punchestown with Coldplay, Randall’s Island in New York stands out clearly because of what happened during my set, Pearse Stadium Galway, Semple Stadium Thurles, a Bodhrán Solo at Glastonbury, Planxty at Cambridge, Moving Hearts at Lisdoonvarna, Quinta Brigada at Glasgow Green,Tramore Festival between Ray Charles & Bob Dylan (no pressure !) all of these were “large crowds” that melded into a single entity…..hard to define a “great buzz” this morning but I clearly recall a gig in Theatre Royal Waterford when,during a particular song, I was consumed by a sensation that was pure and beautiful,almost disturbing……
the “winding down” process has changed utterly over 55 years gigging…nowadays I’m pretty spent after 90 mins of catterwailing, Johnny takes off my headset, Mick leads me to the dressing room, Paddy has a large mug of Tea on the go, I sit alone and ponder, I give thanks for the privilige just recieved, I get into my duds and head home…..twas a different story winding down in days of yore
A shame there was no sun, but what a brilliant broadcast… I wish Dr Frank Prendergast had taught science at my school!
I’m very lucky to have visited Bru na Boinne many times. For anyone doing similar, it’s well worth making time to also visit Knowth and Dowth as well as Newgrange. While at the latter, if still possible, it’s worth walking downhill to fully appreciate the location of the monument in a high site. Over and out…
Have a good day all
Dave
Christy's reply
sunless solstice matches the mood of the day…grey and listless..need to get out and walk the seashore…seek to regain enthusiastic demeanour that kick starts the Atkin
I watched Louise Mulcahy at the pipers stone yesterday. The set is in b, not b flat, I’m sorry. It’s huge though, the drones nearly reach the floor, and what a noise she makes. It jumps straight into you.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
thanks for that..sometimes my blather about Uilleann Pipes far outreaches the depth of my knowledge..any corrections that ensue are appreciated
Rebecca’s link is spot on re the Bru na Boinne Winter Solstice live stream…it starts at 8 45 am today – also, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Even without spectacular light changes in the chamber, there’s a magic to it. I hope there’s a similar experts’ commentary as 2020. They were informative, without being too intrusive.
Hello again Christy, if you refer back a few posts you’ll see I was talking about a song I had. I’ll send it to you privately on your Instagram page if that works? 🙏🏻
I hope you see the Lead Belly doc, it’s a most fulfilling 90 minutes…
Just back from an early dart to Altrincham market. Admired the cello playing busker (even more amazing skills in the freezing cold) and saw some of the best Manchester based art, I’ve found in awhile… http://www.thesculpts.com some great images.
Rebecca’s right about good things happening – and the Solstice… the latter will be covered online… breakfast time on 20/21/22 December ..check out website for Newgrange / Bru na Boinne . A wonderful place to visit
as well
Social contact is very limited at present….so, these pages are even more valued. than ever…music keeping spirits high , for sure.
Hello Christy and All,
The solstice must be near and the moon was very bright last night. It feels like time to reflect again.
Some good things have happened this year. I’ve spent a lot of time alone with my voice and harp and songs by lots of people. I built up enough stamina to sing for an hour straight through.
So much respect for Christy doing 2 hours.
I did my first solo gig with my name on it. It’s the beacon of the year.
Travelled to Ennis to see a lovely gig from Christy, but didn’t get to Bury to see some other bits of Planxty.
Loads of pipers and makers. I’ve examined lots of bits of wood on their slow way to becoming chanters and listened to lots of fully created ones.
Some good things have happened. I hope that’s the same for everyone here.
I do that and I think I use the original chorus I start singing it next month in zoom sessions that I participate in I was also wondering do you get nervous before going on stage and would you do any breathing exercises before going on thanks vincent
Christy's reply
yes,I get nervous…but its an essential part of my preparation…these days, before going on, I like to be alone with my thoughts, to warm up my voice box, to become utterly focused….
Hi C. Another stressful time for you and all the backroom people, your own crew and the myriad of others. It can be frustrating but we have to remember it’s a pandemic, the likes of which none of us have seen before so caution is needed and well made plans have to be revised to save lives. No doubt a way will be found around the current restrictions and within the guidelines. Thank you and crew for the creative ways you have responded since March 2020, streamed gigs from home and NCH, a stadium gig in Sept, small intimate gigs in Dun Laoghaire, Naas and Carlow and the grand finales of the magic and mayhem in HQ. Flying into Mystery is possibly the most apt title of any album, the imagery on the cover reminds me of the positive poem Lightnings vii by Seamus Heaney. I hope its OK to share the link of him reading it here https://vimeo.com/4831035 With every good wish for Christmas and 2022, onwards and upwards. Beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
Christy's reply
its been a time like no other for each and every one of us….still the story unfolds with every day bringing fresh challenges, new hope, false dawn…its always heartwarming to encounter compassion, willingness to reach out,crack& banter,
safe travels along your road…hopefully we’ll all meet again in 2022
I think Louise Mulcahy playing Liam Og O’Flynn’s pipes is on http://www.itma.ie it’s a brilliant piece. I’m looking forward to her TG4 programe.
I just did a catch up on an epic ‘Lead Belly’ doc from SKY Arts last night. One of the most thorough docs I’ve ever seen. Brilliantly made, with superb archive and contemporary interviews. As good a civil rights piece, as it is musical, I can’t recommend it highly enough…Pete Seeger speaks authoritatively throughout, Woody and Arlo feature, as well as Joan Baez and several academics and Lead Belly’s (Huddy Ledbetter) family members.
Also, some good personal memories of two songs featured…numerous duo gigs featured ‘Bourgeois Blues’ and on even more we played ‘Goodnight Irene’… both ace for mandolin/ harmony vocals. I had a smile as the doc focuses on ‘Irene’…many a folk club night featured a full room singing the chorus at the end of our second set. Both songs chanced by a pair of Mancs, but accepted by audiences, in the right musical spirit… happy days.
Hello Christy,
I love the sound of that b flat set. Louise Mulcahy makes a beautiful noise with them.
Over to Manchester this morning taking Steve’s pipes to visit their maker David Lim. That must make him a pipe god.
All better now and well behaved, the pipes I mean. Lucky enough to listen to David playing them in his kitchen.
Here’s a quick video of him https://youtu.be/AmFrycGWkxc
Watching “Newbridge or Nowhere” on tv Tus`night, would make you proud to be a Kildare man. Cian O`Neill played a stormer, standing up to Croke Park,and had the county and country behind him.The team also stood up to beat Mayo, in one of the best games in St.Conleths for ages. The big mural on Buckley`s wall was also a big statement. In 1939 the Kildare GAA with Tim Clarke leading the charge, went on “strike” after a Kildare v Meath game, it lasted eleven month`s…. Cill Dara abu agus Nollaig Shona go léir.
Christy's reply
I have a Tim Clarke story to share when we meet….I enjoyed re-living the “Newbridge or Nowhere” saga…great to see the Home Town in good light…Cian played a stormer against the GAA blazers…I love that Mural on Buckley’s Wall..I hope its still there..I wonder is there one on Dessie Maguire’s wall ? Do you remember Paddy Murrihy ?
That bodhran solo at Glastonbury? Traveller? I’ve wondered what to say about it for months. Still have nothing.
I’m guessing Dolores Keane.
Hello Christy,
I’ve been wanting to show you how I’ve been getting on with Listen. So I took a quick recording yesterday.
https://youtu.be/X2CSa1wJHEM
Here it is before my courage fails me.
Right now it’s giggable, a long way to go before it stops touching the sides and I feel like I’m doing it justice.
I hope you like it so far.
Rebecca
Hi Christy,
safely back home from a beautiful short trip to Dublin. It began with your fabulous concert, continued with two really nice walks around Dublin (Howth, Two/Three Rock Mountain) at (nearly) perfect weather, went on with meeting and listening to my dear old friends of Gypsy Lacey on Saturday and ended with a very interesting guided tour at Glasnevin cemetery. Obviously my timing was perfect with the new restrictions – lucky me, so sad for you all. But great to read that despite of this you again make it possible for the gigs in January to take place. I guess this makes many people very happy.
To fill my CM cd collection I finally found “Prosperous”. Funny for me to see that this album is as old as I am. That’s why I unfortunately missed you playing in Essen in the 80’s ;-).
Keep well!
Birgit
Happy to read that your visit was fulfilling….thank you for sharing…………….(and your gift of confections)
Dear Christy,
As Christmas approaches i wondered to myself about musical highlights, spurred on by Rebeccah’s chat, of the year nearly gone.
Hearing December 1942 for the first time,is high up there.
Two David Keenan gigs, one with only 48 of us to witness the brilliance.
Discovering Glen Hansard’s ‘leave a light’ and the Camino Voyage film was special.
Chatting to Lee in Cool Discs and getting hoardes of LPs from his shop in Derry ,especially the picture disc of Arab Strap’s As Days Get Dark.
And despite the occasional begrudging to have Pat’s magic and hard work create the rough but heartfelt ‘Roll On’ youtube video….are just some of the many highlights.
‘Er indoors likes to read to relax, it’s music for me, the listening as i have no talent to play or sing, it carries us through so much trauma and trouble.
Next year might ( though i doubt my ferry and plane bookings will come to owts) give me a very early trip to vicar street…. and there is more hope later to sing along in the tent by the Lee….i fervently hope so.
Stay safe
Rory
I’m thinking of hearing our Mother sing from the choir loft of the Dominican Church, Newbridge in the early 50s….of our Father singing “Pride of Petravore” as we drove out to Barronstown in a green Hillman Huskey…..The Clancy Brothers in 1961….later on hearing The Watersons left an indelible memory, Fred Jordan in Keele, The McPeakes, LIam Óg in Sandymount, Mairtín Byrnes in Clontarf, Joe Burke in Galway, Brian Wilson at The Point, The Handsomes in Leap, so many stand out moments across 70 years of listening…..John Reilly the very first time I heard him in 1962, The wild beautiful sound of The Grehan Sisters, Pentangle in Kirkaldy, Ewan & Peggy in St Andrews,Cyril Tawney at The Grove in Leeds, The Marsden Rattlers, Dave Burland in Barnsley, ………on it goes, hearing sounds that reach in deep, that resound and reverberate life long…. Annie Briggs, Marie LIttle,Jeannie Robertson, Joan Baez,Maggie Barry, Sandy Denny, and,of course, my favourite singer of all
There must be a great buzz in playing to a large crowd when you come off do you find it hard to wind down
The response to this question could run to a book…so many thoughts come tumbling out….you got me thinking of large crowds…Croke Park in the 80s with U2, Páirc Ui Caoímh when “Ride On” was Number 1, Finsbury Park London when it stopped raining and the Sun came out, Punchestown with Coldplay, Randall’s Island in New York stands out clearly because of what happened during my set, Pearse Stadium Galway, Semple Stadium Thurles, a Bodhrán Solo at Glastonbury, Planxty at Cambridge, Moving Hearts at Lisdoonvarna, Quinta Brigada at Glasgow Green,Tramore Festival between Ray Charles & Bob Dylan (no pressure !) all of these were “large crowds” that melded into a single entity…..hard to define a “great buzz” this morning but I clearly recall a gig in Theatre Royal Waterford when,during a particular song, I was consumed by a sensation that was pure and beautiful,almost disturbing……
the “winding down” process has changed utterly over 55 years gigging…nowadays I’m pretty spent after 90 mins of catterwailing, Johnny takes off my headset, Mick leads me to the dressing room, Paddy has a large mug of Tea on the go, I sit alone and ponder, I give thanks for the privilige just recieved, I get into my duds and head home…..twas a different story winding down in days of yore
Oh Jesus! Good to know…I’ll unfollow immediately
“Unfollow me up to Carlow”
Thankyou for changing the times of the gigs on 3rd and 9th Jan. Still there.
A shame there was no sun, but what a brilliant broadcast… I wish Dr Frank Prendergast had taught science at my school!
I’m very lucky to have visited Bru na Boinne many times. For anyone doing similar, it’s well worth making time to also visit Knowth and Dowth as well as Newgrange. While at the latter, if still possible, it’s worth walking downhill to fully appreciate the location of the monument in a high site. Over and out…
Have a good day all
Dave
sunless solstice matches the mood of the day…grey and listless..need to get out and walk the seashore…seek to regain enthusiastic demeanour that kick starts the Atkin
Hello Christy,
Music for the solstice
https://youtu.be/wq75kpDPj1k
I watched Louise Mulcahy at the pipers stone yesterday. The set is in b, not b flat, I’m sorry. It’s huge though, the drones nearly reach the floor, and what a noise she makes. It jumps straight into you.
Rebecca
thanks for that..sometimes my blather about Uilleann Pipes far outreaches the depth of my knowledge..any corrections that ensue are appreciated
‘Yellow Furze Woman’ works really well, in anticipation of the Boyne Valley light show… D
Mornin’ Christy/ all
Rebecca’s link is spot on re the Bru na Boinne Winter Solstice live stream…it starts at 8 45 am today – also, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Even without spectacular light changes in the chamber, there’s a magic to it. I hope there’s a similar experts’ commentary as 2020. They were informative, without being too intrusive.
Enjoy…
Dave
Hello again Christy, if you refer back a few posts you’ll see I was talking about a song I had. I’ll send it to you privately on your Instagram page if that works? 🙏🏻
dont have such a page
I hope this link will work
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/ce616-winter-solstice-at-newgrange-2021/
Rebecca
Mornin’ Christy/ all
I hope you see the Lead Belly doc, it’s a most fulfilling 90 minutes…
Just back from an early dart to Altrincham market. Admired the cello playing busker (even more amazing skills in the freezing cold) and saw some of the best Manchester based art, I’ve found in awhile… http://www.thesculpts.com some great images.
Rebecca’s right about good things happening – and the Solstice… the latter will be covered online… breakfast time on 20/21/22 December ..check out website for Newgrange / Bru na Boinne . A wonderful place to visit
as well
Social contact is very limited at present….so, these pages are even more valued. than ever…music keeping spirits high , for sure.
All good wishes and keep well. all Dave
.
hings’ – very many via these pages as s
Hello Christy and All,
The solstice must be near and the moon was very bright last night. It feels like time to reflect again.
Some good things have happened this year. I’ve spent a lot of time alone with my voice and harp and songs by lots of people. I built up enough stamina to sing for an hour straight through.
So much respect for Christy doing 2 hours.
I did my first solo gig with my name on it. It’s the beacon of the year.
Travelled to Ennis to see a lovely gig from Christy, but didn’t get to Bury to see some other bits of Planxty.
Loads of pipers and makers. I’ve examined lots of bits of wood on their slow way to becoming chanters and listened to lots of fully created ones.
Some good things have happened. I hope that’s the same for everyone here.
Rebecca
I do that and I think I use the original chorus I start singing it next month in zoom sessions that I participate in I was also wondering do you get nervous before going on stage and would you do any breathing exercises before going on thanks vincent
yes,I get nervous…but its an essential part of my preparation…these days, before going on, I like to be alone with my thoughts, to warm up my voice box, to become utterly focused….
Hi C. Another stressful time for you and all the backroom people, your own crew and the myriad of others. It can be frustrating but we have to remember it’s a pandemic, the likes of which none of us have seen before so caution is needed and well made plans have to be revised to save lives. No doubt a way will be found around the current restrictions and within the guidelines. Thank you and crew for the creative ways you have responded since March 2020, streamed gigs from home and NCH, a stadium gig in Sept, small intimate gigs in Dun Laoghaire, Naas and Carlow and the grand finales of the magic and mayhem in HQ. Flying into Mystery is possibly the most apt title of any album, the imagery on the cover reminds me of the positive poem Lightnings vii by Seamus Heaney. I hope its OK to share the link of him reading it here https://vimeo.com/4831035 With every good wish for Christmas and 2022, onwards and upwards. Beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
its been a time like no other for each and every one of us….still the story unfolds with every day bringing fresh challenges, new hope, false dawn…its always heartwarming to encounter compassion, willingness to reach out,crack& banter,
safe travels along your road…hopefully we’ll all meet again in 2022
Hi Christy
I think Louise Mulcahy playing Liam Og O’Flynn’s pipes is on http://www.itma.ie it’s a brilliant piece. I’m looking forward to her TG4 programe.
I just did a catch up on an epic ‘Lead Belly’ doc from SKY Arts last night. One of the most thorough docs I’ve ever seen. Brilliantly made, with superb archive and contemporary interviews. As good a civil rights piece, as it is musical, I can’t recommend it highly enough…Pete Seeger speaks authoritatively throughout, Woody and Arlo feature, as well as Joan Baez and several academics and Lead Belly’s (Huddy Ledbetter) family members.
Also, some good personal memories of two songs featured…numerous duo gigs featured ‘Bourgeois Blues’ and on even more we played ‘Goodnight Irene’… both ace for mandolin/ harmony vocals. I had a smile as the doc focuses on ‘Irene’…many a folk club night featured a full room singing the chorus at the end of our second set. Both songs chanced by a pair of Mancs, but accepted by audiences, in the right musical spirit… happy days.
Dave
I hope I have that “Leadbelly” saved
Hello Christy,
I love the sound of that b flat set. Louise Mulcahy makes a beautiful noise with them.
Over to Manchester this morning taking Steve’s pipes to visit their maker David Lim. That must make him a pipe god.
All better now and well behaved, the pipes I mean. Lucky enough to listen to David playing them in his kitchen.
Here’s a quick video of him
https://youtu.be/AmFrycGWkxc
Rebecca
beautiful playing
Watching “Newbridge or Nowhere” on tv Tus`night, would make you proud to be a Kildare man. Cian O`Neill played a stormer, standing up to Croke Park,and had the county and country behind him.The team also stood up to beat Mayo, in one of the best games in St.Conleths for ages. The big mural on Buckley`s wall was also a big statement. In 1939 the Kildare GAA with Tim Clarke leading the charge, went on “strike” after a Kildare v Meath game, it lasted eleven month`s…. Cill Dara abu agus Nollaig Shona go léir.
I have a Tim Clarke story to share when we meet….I enjoyed re-living the “Newbridge or Nowhere” saga…great to see the Home Town in good light…Cian played a stormer against the GAA blazers…I love that Mural on Buckley’s Wall..I hope its still there..I wonder is there one on Dessie Maguire’s wall ? Do you remember Paddy Murrihy ?