So you don’t think about the lyrics too much you just enjoy the song now that I know I won’t ask you about the meaning of lyrics again you’re comment about Dylan was brilliant gave me a great laugh I keep on singing for sure just after finishing a zoom session ran from Belfast tomorrow night Spancilhill and Sunday night Cork how’s that for going without leaving the house oh the wonders of zoom it’s one small good thing that has come because of the virus before we were all singing in our little corners of the country and knew very little about sessions around the country that’s all changed now buck the fegrudgers for sure thanks vincent
Christy's reply
I think a lot about lyrics ..my primary occupation….sometimes I dont have a clear understanding of the writers intent….
Hi Christy. Reading all the reviews of your latest shows is making me very envious. We were due to come and see you and Declan at the Wexford Opera House to celebrate out Golden Wedding anniversary in July 2020 but, of course, the flights, hotel and the concert were all cancelled due to the horrible Covid 19. Is there any chance you will be coming to England (or even Wales) again any time soon so that we can catch you there? Failing that we shall have to rebook and come to beautiful Ireland once you release some more gig dates over there – preferably in spring or summer then we can stay and have a holiday too. Take care and look after yourself.
Christy's reply
Hi Jane..the current Dublin gigs are going very well, 3 more to do…we do have further dates pencilled in around the country…we wont confirm them until the coast is clear..the current gigs are at 50% capacity and starting at 6 pm….however the enthusiasm of the audience has not been quelled by current restrictions..I have no plans to return to the UK at this time..much as I would like to jump on the ferry and head over…best wishes to all songsters across the water
Hello Christy, we really enjoyed the gig on Monday evening in vicar street…you were in great form … 6pm start worked out very well for us …it also was great to meet up Hilary, dave, iggy, and to meet the two German lads for the first time … so happy new year to you and yours and all the crew hopeful we might see you down in the real capital when things improve …Tony and Fiona ….
Hello Christy,
I’m starting to think the Dublin trip might be a goer. The lateral flow tests, came back with a big fat negative.
Thankyou for contacting Eithne, it all looks be going well.. I just have 2 spare tickets for Sunday 9th still available. If anyone is looking for them my email address is moonsongstress@aol.com
In the last few weeks I’ve had 2 separate days when I couldn’t sing. From teatime onwards I felt kind of weird, ungrounded? I didn’t know it has such a thing going with wellbeing. Just got to keep at it.
Its a beautiful album cover. I can hear to songs coming from the next room.
Hi Christy.
Can you play a song for my dad at your next concert. He passed away today at the age of 92 . He was born on the curragh in Kildare and often mentioned that he knew your family . He was an amazing dad and leaves a huge hole in our hearts and in our lives . He loved the song ‘ the curragh of Kildare ‘ I’m sure you get lots of requests like this but if you can remember him I’m sure he would be delighted.
Christy's reply
Sorry to read that you have lost your dear Father…….I will sing that great old song and dedicate it to the to memory of your Dad…..leave it with me
Good evening Christy,
Still smarting a bit from not being able to get over for the gig on the 3rd but glad that the tickets could be used. It looks like it must have been a fine gig, top man.
I am listening tonight to my pal who has a 2 hour, weekly, radio show on Castlesound radio from Stirling. Its a punk and reggae show mainly ( though he once played one of yours).
Tonight he led off with Stiff Little Fingers and it took me into thinking about irish punk type bands like them and the Undertones, That Petrol Emotion, Radiators from Hell, Pogues etc what an array of talent leading to the modern heroes Fontaines DC.
A bit different from what we often chat about here but a change is as good as a rest.
There that has got me over missing the gig.
He is currently playing The Specials…and i must say that their latest album ‘Protest Songs’ is braw.
Take care, stay safe and much musical love.
Rory
Christy's reply
you rattled off 6 top bands there Rory.. and I think The Specials played in Lisdoonvarna…them Fontaines lads make a lovely racket ….
That’s very interesting how north and south came about in the lyrics does the Lough refer to any Lough in particular does the holy town refer to any actual town and what do the words worked me over mean thanks
Christy's reply
like any good song ….it means what the listener thinks it means…we gotta rely on our own interpretations….
I have songs that I love to sing and I dont have a clue what they mean…
if a song makes me feel good for 3 or 4 minutes..thats enough to keep me going
when I was a chisseler singing in the choir I loved the auld Tantum Ergo and the Kyrie Eleison…still dont know what they meant but had some great crack singin ’em up in the organ loft
that Dylan is an awful man altogether..he sings the first thing that comes into his head and has us all eatin out of his song book
take your man James Joyce..any one who finishes Finnegans Wake knows exactly what it means…to them
keep singin Vince and buck the fegrudgers
Hello Christy,
Thanks to hilary for posting that great clip of David Rooney. I love the care and precision of it. I need to have a closer look at the album cover to try and work out the order he does things in. Is it colour first, then black, then scrape back, or is it black, then scrape back, then colour wah. The originals must have a wonderful texture to them.
I saw some Van Goghs in Paris. The texture on them was brilliant.
Like the difference between a gig and a recording. It’s the texture.
I have some spare tickets for 9th and 11th January. Another of my failed excapades with ticket master. I’ve been in touch with Eithne by text but not heard anything back. So please get in touch with me Eithne, if you’d like them. Otherwise, I’ve still got them if anyone is looking for tickets. 2 spare on 9th Jan and 4 spare on 11th.
Good to see you back Dave.
Im knee deep in passenger locator forms, covid certificates and lateral flow tests. You have to be very determined to travel these days. Hope we get there.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I think that David applies the colour last…He ( brilliantly) illustrated the book “1916 Portraits And Lives” published by the Royal Irish Academy( http://www.ria.ie)
I’ve notified Eithne about your post..hope it works out…
the dedications can be difficult..I’ve gotta be careful… I think I slipped four in last night but there were many other requests for call-outs/dedications….I try to pick the ones that might have an added dimension..
David Rooney’s process is amazing…I spent a few hours in his studio…
How did north and south of the river come about whose idea was it and what do you remember about the writing of it
Christy's reply
It began many years ago in Bellaghy County Derry….. I had a few original verses written when I met Bono in Toronto….we met up again in Dublin about a year later… using some lines from the original outline we developed this song..then The Edge came up with the melody…. it was a pleasure to collaborate with two such creative spirits….must give it a birl..it has slipped off the set list
Great to read the post gig buzz…a heartening start to the year.
Thanks for the tip off about the Runrig doc, I’ll check it out. These days, it’s interesting to watch the tenacity of an ex member… Pete Wishart MP (SNP) – a long way from the gig bright lights…
Keep warm
Dave
Christy's reply
2022 kicked off…heres hoping we can get a bit of work done this year….good to have you back on line
It was so worth the trip from Letterkenny to see you last night. Loved ‘Rosalita and Jack Campbell’. Beginning with Chicago seems to lead to magic! Maith thú👏👏
Christy's reply
Rosalita & Jack is a very good song…written by Sean Mone from Keady in County Armagh I heard him sing it at Frank Harte Festival in the Góilín Singers Club a few years back…..
Chicago has always been a great song for me..written by my brother, Luka Bloom, its a great settler. Gets people singing from the get-go…
Hope we can get back out on the road at some stage this year..thanks for feedback
Hello Christy.Just a few words to thank you for a memorable night of music and song last night in Vicar Street.A perfect start to 2022.You were on fire as they say.It was an honour to be seated with two Geerman gentlemen and a lady from Tralee.Looking forward to sunday night.Long may you continue playing and singing for us.Go raibh maith agat a Cristoir.
Christy's reply
Ye were an uplifting gaggle last night…I hit the spotlight at 6.07.pm, a 76 year old balladeer..by 6.15 Ye had me feeling like a young fellow as ye coaxed the songs out of me. ( not that I need a lot of coaxing)..I get glimpses of the room occasionally… when I look into the audience it usually appears as a single entity but sometimes my eye will land upon familiar faces, ..at the finale I spotted you alongside H and the lads from Germany in matching lumberjack shirts…I enjoyed the Amsterdam josh with that premature ejaculator over to my left…he was a determined terrier, despite my appeals, he finished every line about 3 seconds before I got there myself ..
I hope the day is good in Timoleague, greetings to all West Cork songsters….
I’m reminded of Traudel…I miss her posts here and send best wishes to Horst…I hope 2022 will help ease the loss of his loved one….such a beautiful lady
Hi Chirsty, my partner and I are huge fans and although we had tickets for your gig on the 17th, we unfortunately missed out on rebooking tickets when it was cancelled. If any ticket holders are in touch with last minute cancellations for any of your upcoming gigs (9th, 11th, 17th of Jan) and tickets become available please contact me on 0831048167 (wassap or text). It’d make the new year to hear ‘The Voyage’ and ‘Viva la Quinte Brigada’. Many thanks and best wishes, Eithne
I think Turlough has pressed a few buttons to get me back a rambling…
January Man greetings to you and family – good wishes to all here.
Dave
Christy's reply
Fáilte thar nais a Daithí…
I thought perhaps you were up Scafell
or on silent retreat in the Moss Side Monastery
did you see the doc on Runrig ?
“The Flourishing” was a good doc on RTE 1 TV
Hello Christy,
I love Woody’s resolutions too – plenty for me in that list.
Thank-you for the feedback on Little Musgrave. I don’t think it’s possible to be satisfied with what we produce, do you? But I feel like some of the stuff I’m doing now is worthwhile. Never stop struggling, that’s me.
I’ve no idea how Woody wrote a song a day. I’m more likely to be able to “wash teeth if any”.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I just try to write a song a day…seldom works out but thats ok….found 2 last year
Sure a sound audience, a few songly hours and home for the supper.. where would ya get it!?.. was thinking of the January Man yesterday, wondering would he come around.. fair play.. dabbled on the acoustic with “This is the day/So Do I” over the break. What a gem. Back on the work clock today..a nice return to routine..
Keep er lit
Kev
Christy's reply
one of Wally’s finest…
when I read your post I picked up the guitar and sang it here in the workshop
Thank you, Christy, for the evening at Vicar St tonight! We are still hooked, reflecting tonight’s atmosphere here in our hotel room…. Great diversity of songs, your voice becoming ever more expressive… Also much enjoyed your interaction with the audience.
Thanks also to the whole crew – atmosphere & acoustics were perfect!
This trip to Vicar St gives us a powerful start into the new year, letting the music keep our spirits high (special thanks for St. Brendan’s voyage 🎶, Clock Winds Down/After the Deluge, Ride On and the other gems)… We‘ll take home precious gifts with us, from your music and from meeting with other listeners – and will of course behave 😉 until we return to Germany.
Go raibh maith agat, Peter & Dietmar
Christy's reply
Thank you for your feedback Peter & Dietmar
…the journeys made by long distance listeners brings on wonder and awe….last night I had listeners from Melbourne, Germany, Gweedore, Roscommon,Tralee, Timoleague, Dave came all the way from Dalkey
…I got lost briefly last night somewhere between Dingle & Gibraltar but the fog lifted, the road became clear and we soon arrive back in Ventry Harbour….
So you don’t think about the lyrics too much you just enjoy the song now that I know I won’t ask you about the meaning of lyrics again you’re comment about Dylan was brilliant gave me a great laugh I keep on singing for sure just after finishing a zoom session ran from Belfast tomorrow night Spancilhill and Sunday night Cork how’s that for going without leaving the house oh the wonders of zoom it’s one small good thing that has come because of the virus before we were all singing in our little corners of the country and knew very little about sessions around the country that’s all changed now buck the fegrudgers for sure thanks vincent
I think a lot about lyrics ..my primary occupation….sometimes I dont have a clear understanding of the writers intent….
Hi Christy. Reading all the reviews of your latest shows is making me very envious. We were due to come and see you and Declan at the Wexford Opera House to celebrate out Golden Wedding anniversary in July 2020 but, of course, the flights, hotel and the concert were all cancelled due to the horrible Covid 19. Is there any chance you will be coming to England (or even Wales) again any time soon so that we can catch you there? Failing that we shall have to rebook and come to beautiful Ireland once you release some more gig dates over there – preferably in spring or summer then we can stay and have a holiday too. Take care and look after yourself.
Hi Jane..the current Dublin gigs are going very well, 3 more to do…we do have further dates pencilled in around the country…we wont confirm them until the coast is clear..the current gigs are at 50% capacity and starting at 6 pm….however the enthusiasm of the audience has not been quelled by current restrictions..I have no plans to return to the UK at this time..much as I would like to jump on the ferry and head over…best wishes to all songsters across the water
Hello Christy, we really enjoyed the gig on Monday evening in vicar street…you were in great form … 6pm start worked out very well for us …it also was great to meet up Hilary, dave, iggy, and to meet the two German lads for the first time … so happy new year to you and yours and all the crew hopeful we might see you down in the real capital when things improve …Tony and Fiona ….
Up De Banks
Hello Christy,
I’m starting to think the Dublin trip might be a goer. The lateral flow tests, came back with a big fat negative.
Thankyou for contacting Eithne, it all looks be going well.. I just have 2 spare tickets for Sunday 9th still available. If anyone is looking for them my email address is moonsongstress@aol.com
In the last few weeks I’ve had 2 separate days when I couldn’t sing. From teatime onwards I felt kind of weird, ungrounded? I didn’t know it has such a thing going with wellbeing. Just got to keep at it.
Its a beautiful album cover. I can hear to songs coming from the next room.
Rebecca
hope you make the right decision
Hi Christy.
Can you play a song for my dad at your next concert. He passed away today at the age of 92 . He was born on the curragh in Kildare and often mentioned that he knew your family . He was an amazing dad and leaves a huge hole in our hearts and in our lives . He loved the song ‘ the curragh of Kildare ‘ I’m sure you get lots of requests like this but if you can remember him I’m sure he would be delighted.
Sorry to read that you have lost your dear Father…….I will sing that great old song and dedicate it to the to memory of your Dad…..leave it with me
Good evening Christy,
Still smarting a bit from not being able to get over for the gig on the 3rd but glad that the tickets could be used. It looks like it must have been a fine gig, top man.
I am listening tonight to my pal who has a 2 hour, weekly, radio show on Castlesound radio from Stirling. Its a punk and reggae show mainly ( though he once played one of yours).
Tonight he led off with Stiff Little Fingers and it took me into thinking about irish punk type bands like them and the Undertones, That Petrol Emotion, Radiators from Hell, Pogues etc what an array of talent leading to the modern heroes Fontaines DC.
A bit different from what we often chat about here but a change is as good as a rest.
There that has got me over missing the gig.
He is currently playing The Specials…and i must say that their latest album ‘Protest Songs’ is braw.
Take care, stay safe and much musical love.
Rory
you rattled off 6 top bands there Rory.. and I think The Specials played in Lisdoonvarna…them Fontaines lads make a lovely racket ….
That’s very interesting how north and south came about in the lyrics does the Lough refer to any Lough in particular does the holy town refer to any actual town and what do the words worked me over mean thanks
like any good song ….it means what the listener thinks it means…we gotta rely on our own interpretations….
I have songs that I love to sing and I dont have a clue what they mean…
if a song makes me feel good for 3 or 4 minutes..thats enough to keep me going
when I was a chisseler singing in the choir I loved the auld Tantum Ergo and the Kyrie Eleison…still dont know what they meant but had some great crack singin ’em up in the organ loft
that Dylan is an awful man altogether..he sings the first thing that comes into his head and has us all eatin out of his song book
take your man James Joyce..any one who finishes Finnegans Wake knows exactly what it means…to them
keep singin Vince and buck the fegrudgers
Sorry, forgot to put my email address for the tickets
Moonsongstress@aol.com
Hello Christy,
Thanks to hilary for posting that great clip of David Rooney. I love the care and precision of it. I need to have a closer look at the album cover to try and work out the order he does things in. Is it colour first, then black, then scrape back, or is it black, then scrape back, then colour wah. The originals must have a wonderful texture to them.
I saw some Van Goghs in Paris. The texture on them was brilliant.
Like the difference between a gig and a recording. It’s the texture.
I have some spare tickets for 9th and 11th January. Another of my failed excapades with ticket master. I’ve been in touch with Eithne by text but not heard anything back. So please get in touch with me Eithne, if you’d like them. Otherwise, I’ve still got them if anyone is looking for tickets. 2 spare on 9th Jan and 4 spare on 11th.
Good to see you back Dave.
Im knee deep in passenger locator forms, covid certificates and lateral flow tests. You have to be very determined to travel these days. Hope we get there.
Rebecca
I think that David applies the colour last…He ( brilliantly) illustrated the book “1916 Portraits And Lives” published by the Royal Irish Academy( http://www.ria.ie)
I’ve notified Eithne about your post..hope it works out…
Hi C. What a great start to 2022… a great setlist from the sublime to the superb !! I loved the mix, you have come into your own as a Seanchaí with your telling of ” Amsterdam ” . I am sure your dedications made so many people happy. I was not familiar with the work of David Rooney until your album cover but his skill, dedication and patience are fascinating to observe in this short clip of the making of a portrait of Thomas Clake https://www.davidrooney.com/showreel?fbclid=IwAR0XJ52sWhiPQNUJp6hG67Zo9JHvNb5ds_30cs1im_3wBVxLoMF1IPwAmfc&wix-vod-video-id=38fe66b705494a49bdfe5e955c083b2b&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-k0zeqlh1 Beir bua agus beannacht. H
The game is on…..I enjoyed last nights gig….
the dedications can be difficult..I’ve gotta be careful… I think I slipped four in last night but there were many other requests for call-outs/dedications….I try to pick the ones that might have an added dimension..
David Rooney’s process is amazing…I spent a few hours in his studio…
How did north and south of the river come about whose idea was it and what do you remember about the writing of it
It began many years ago in Bellaghy County Derry….. I had a few original verses written when I met Bono in Toronto….we met up again in Dublin about a year later… using some lines from the original outline we developed this song..then The Edge came up with the melody…. it was a pleasure to collaborate with two such creative spirits….must give it a birl..it has slipped off the set list
Hi Christy
Great to read the post gig buzz…a heartening start to the year.
Thanks for the tip off about the Runrig doc, I’ll check it out. These days, it’s interesting to watch the tenacity of an ex member… Pete Wishart MP (SNP) – a long way from the gig bright lights…
Keep warm
Dave
2022 kicked off…heres hoping we can get a bit of work done this year….good to have you back on line
It was so worth the trip from Letterkenny to see you last night. Loved ‘Rosalita and Jack Campbell’. Beginning with Chicago seems to lead to magic! Maith thú👏👏
Rosalita & Jack is a very good song…written by Sean Mone from Keady in County Armagh I heard him sing it at Frank Harte Festival in the Góilín Singers Club a few years back…..
Chicago has always been a great song for me..written by my brother, Luka Bloom, its a great settler. Gets people singing from the get-go…
Hope we can get back out on the road at some stage this year..thanks for feedback
Hello Christy.Just a few words to thank you for a memorable night of music and song last night in Vicar Street.A perfect start to 2022.You were on fire as they say.It was an honour to be seated with two Geerman gentlemen and a lady from Tralee.Looking forward to sunday night.Long may you continue playing and singing for us.Go raibh maith agat a Cristoir.
Ye were an uplifting gaggle last night…I hit the spotlight at 6.07.pm, a 76 year old balladeer..by 6.15 Ye had me feeling like a young fellow as ye coaxed the songs out of me. ( not that I need a lot of coaxing)..I get glimpses of the room occasionally… when I look into the audience it usually appears as a single entity but sometimes my eye will land upon familiar faces, ..at the finale I spotted you alongside H and the lads from Germany in matching lumberjack shirts…I enjoyed the Amsterdam josh with that premature ejaculator over to my left…he was a determined terrier, despite my appeals, he finished every line about 3 seconds before I got there myself ..
I hope the day is good in Timoleague, greetings to all West Cork songsters….
I’m reminded of Traudel…I miss her posts here and send best wishes to Horst…I hope 2022 will help ease the loss of his loved one….such a beautiful lady
Hi Chirsty, my partner and I are huge fans and although we had tickets for your gig on the 17th, we unfortunately missed out on rebooking tickets when it was cancelled. If any ticket holders are in touch with last minute cancellations for any of your upcoming gigs (9th, 11th, 17th of Jan) and tickets become available please contact me on 0831048167 (wassap or text). It’d make the new year to hear ‘The Voyage’ and ‘Viva la Quinte Brigada’. Many thanks and best wishes, Eithne
I’ll pass your message on ..hope it works out
Hi Christy
I think Turlough has pressed a few buttons to get me back a rambling…
January Man greetings to you and family – good wishes to all here.
Dave
Fáilte thar nais a Daithí…
I thought perhaps you were up Scafell
or on silent retreat in the Moss Side Monastery
did you see the doc on Runrig ?
“The Flourishing” was a good doc on RTE 1 TV
Hello Christy,
I love Woody’s resolutions too – plenty for me in that list.
Thank-you for the feedback on Little Musgrave. I don’t think it’s possible to be satisfied with what we produce, do you? But I feel like some of the stuff I’m doing now is worthwhile. Never stop struggling, that’s me.
I’ve no idea how Woody wrote a song a day. I’m more likely to be able to “wash teeth if any”.
Rebecca
I just try to write a song a day…seldom works out but thats ok….found 2 last year
Thanks Christy for another great gig last night you were in flying form long may it continue
Drive on
thrashin with the belt off
Sure a sound audience, a few songly hours and home for the supper.. where would ya get it!?.. was thinking of the January Man yesterday, wondering would he come around.. fair play.. dabbled on the acoustic with “This is the day/So Do I” over the break. What a gem. Back on the work clock today..a nice return to routine..
Keep er lit
Kev
one of Wally’s finest…
when I read your post I picked up the guitar and sang it here in the workshop
Thank you, Christy, for the evening at Vicar St tonight! We are still hooked, reflecting tonight’s atmosphere here in our hotel room…. Great diversity of songs, your voice becoming ever more expressive… Also much enjoyed your interaction with the audience.
Thanks also to the whole crew – atmosphere & acoustics were perfect!
This trip to Vicar St gives us a powerful start into the new year, letting the music keep our spirits high (special thanks for St. Brendan’s voyage 🎶, Clock Winds Down/After the Deluge, Ride On and the other gems)… We‘ll take home precious gifts with us, from your music and from meeting with other listeners – and will of course behave 😉 until we return to Germany.
Go raibh maith agat, Peter & Dietmar
Thank you for your feedback Peter & Dietmar
…the journeys made by long distance listeners brings on wonder and awe….last night I had listeners from Melbourne, Germany, Gweedore, Roscommon,Tralee, Timoleague, Dave came all the way from Dalkey
…I got lost briefly last night somewhere between Dingle & Gibraltar but the fog lifted, the road became clear and we soon arrive back in Ventry Harbour….
I wish you both a safe return