Hello Christy I have started learning the words of Arlo’s biggest hit I was telling you about here at the weekend what are your memories of playing at the u2 concert in Croke Park and did you get to play at any more of their concerts after that
Hello Christy,
We are back all safe and sound. I tell you what, that harp’s such a good friend to me. It’s sounding gorgeous. When we travel again it will have to come with us.
Loving the talk of how the set list develops and changes. All the songs are precious jewels.
A couple of ones I’d love to hear live.
Billy Gray and
Inchicore wake
The stories. I like the spell cast one’s too
Listen
Bright Blue rose
This is the day, still can’t work out why this doesn’t get more outings at weddings.
There’s a great set of words plastered to the wall in the book of Kells thing. It’s like john Barleycorn but from the point of view of vellum.
I took a picture, I’ll try to post a link.
I need to write them out today.
Morning Christy.. reading below I saw your reply about newer songs that have made the cut so far.. you sang Greenland in Vicar St early on in the run (Hilary might help with exact date).. great to hear Cry Like a Man and How Long mentioned.. funny how the first songs can stick in the memory.. I remember How Long being first on the list at a few gigs – North and South got to the front for a while too.. and now Chicago leads the way.. I first heard you sing “Aisling” as the opener in Vicar St back a right few years ago now.. sadly I was reminded of the song yesterday midst the horrible tragedy in Tullamore. An accomplished musician and teacher; I think Ronan O Gara (via Twitter) summed up our feelings toward Ashling’s family in saying, “Hopefully the family knows the country are with them”. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
Meself and the brother had an absolute blast of a night on Tuesday in the Vicar Strret…a lot to be said for the early gigs is right..a fella could be city centred by half 8…
Hope to be at lots more gigs this coming year…do ye ever consider Hard Cases at all for a whirl?
L x
Christy's reply
I’ve had the good fortune to sing and record three Johnny Mulhearn songs..
“Hard Cases”, “Continental Céilí” and “Matty”…..in my estimation three classic songs written in Johnny’s unique style…..in all three songs he gets inside the story..”Hard Cases” describes a time and place very unique..there were similar cliques in different Cities around the world but Galway back then was like no other place and Johnny describes it to a T……”Continental Céilí” captures another aspect of that same Galway scene while “Mattie” could be imagined in many rural parts of Ireland.
When I sing Hard Cases I am transported back to 50 years ago…back then a fellow could lose days in Galway….there was great style of music developing, there was fun and mystery and laughter…there was a dark side too…sadly,not everyone made it through..but many did and are still playing beautifully to this very day..
I sing all three of Johnny’s songs here in the work room frequently, just myself listening, Matty is the only one that gets an occasional gig outing..let me know the next time you’re kickin in and I’ll see if I can give Hard Cases a birl….
( maybe all 3 at the next gaggle)
Mind you Lar, if you are gonna be on your phone during the gig I’ll have to rethink it !!!…
great to see the clutch of 4711ers the other night…I’m enjoying these gigs enormously…..hope all is going well with you on the wireless
Hi Christy,
There are some fine judges of character out there .
‘Jes… i don’t know what people see in him, up there with his guitar and his sweaty shirt, i don’t know what people see in him, he can’t even remember his f… lyrics, i don’t know why people go to see him ,i wouldn’t cross the road to look at him myself, he’s always on about something ‘
Somebody once said that on the yellow disc introducing a beautifully raw ‘quiet desperation’ .
The disc leads on into the Bord Na Mona Man , indeed recently resurrected, did he get an outing on Vicar Street?
I gather that sweaty Irishman is still pouring it out, so they say.
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
I keep trying to get him into the set…after the last gig it was pointed out to me that I did nothing from the recent album …..its a problem I’m trying to address.. I refuse to use the gig to sell albums but there are songs on that album that I’d like to get into the set…..I’ve yet to gig Greenland and Myra’s Caboose….maybe when we get back into the swing of things…..
I just view every gig as an entity…everything in the room decides the set..the mood, the night, the listeners, the news, the venue, the town, the history and, of course, the singer…..the long haulers, the faithfull departed, new scandal, fresh corruption, pertinent sporting achievements, art, ego, hecklers….anything can happen when the lights go down….some fall asleep, a child was born at a gig in Belgium
Bord na Móna man is still being fine tuned.. a few stitches here and there but I’m finding a way to sing it in 2022…Myra is ready to roll, Greenland is challenging buty I am determined…1942, Clock, Johnny Boy and Gasún have all been performed…..its all an ongoing process…been playing Cry Like a Man, Johnny Jump Up and How Long here today..also Rocky Road, Casey, Tyrone Boys and Strange Ways…
Hello Christy,
On our way home this morning. Looking forward to getting my hands on my harp, I didn’t bring it this time and I’ve missed it so much. The harness is calling. So it’s all been a capella stuff. Back to my home routine. An hour singing, 3 hours listening, a little work. A lot of play.
Thankyou for all. The gigs were something else, struggling to describe without ridiculous superlatives.
Can’t wait to get my hands on that harp.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
safe journey thru Cymru and “over the top” to Brighouse
Evening Christy,
“Lament for Brendan Behan” was sung by Liam Clancy on a live Clancys/ Makem album back in the early Sixties. According to Liam’s intro to the song it was sung to him in a Chicago folk club by the writer, a young Jewish lad called Fred Geis. Fred asked him would he sing it when he returned to Dublin which he did.
Christy's reply
Thanks John…..Des English used to sing this song at his Folk Club in Salford….I’ve not heard it since
Hi C. What a wonderful gig last night, a mighty setlist, so great to hear They Never Came Home, fair play to you for responding. Lawless was another highlight, one of the longest gigs so far and yet well within curfew !The connection between you playing solo and the audience seems to grow stronger and stronger, a great bond, changing at individual gigs but absolutely constant. No doubt it has been a challenge to put on the gigs with the new restrictions, but fair play to you and all the crew and staff in Vicar St, it went all so smoothly. I just picked up the 2022 Hot Press Annual and read your very honest, open and comprehensive response to the questions. Wonderful to read your insights into the basket of songs and the process. December 1942 is indeed a stand out song and for sure the response from the German listeners has been so positive. I recommend this Annual highly, every day a school day ! Looking forward to the grand finale next week, beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Good to hear from you Hilary…no one knows the gig better then yourself…played a few venues in your home Town over the years …”The Dome” comes to mind, The Brandon, Horans, Benners, CYMS Hall, a lovely day when we unveiled that beautiful bronze image of Christie Hennessy, outlying gigs in Ballybunion and Knocknagoshel , I think I might have played the Siamsa Theatre too, I recall a Tralee gig way back on International Women’s Day…most recent Tralee gig was in a very fancy Hotel well geared up for big weddings….not a patch on Knocknagoshel !! I still remember the mighty spread laid on by the Women’s Committee
Thanks for another great gig yesterday eve..Despite having heard Farmer Michael Hayes before numerous times, the rhythm and the chords (not an easy pattern) really stood out.. Daniel O’D to my left and Lar looking for his tights to the right, I was between a rock and a hard place..
Kev
Christy's reply
at recent gigs Michael Hayes has developed a varied swing to his gait… he has taken me up some fresh paths where we meet the quare fella upon arrival on Ellis Island…
Hello Christy,
Oh I’m such a happy girl this morning. Watching you doing your thing under the lights. Stitch in time had flourished in 48 hours and the bodhran, well….
We were a bit of a crowd, weren’t we.
Great idea from the Hawickmeister…fantastic if there’s ever a Vicar Street release.
No idea about the source (sauce?) of the omelette fest – only Rebecca and Steve can reveal that after their (much envied) Dublin sojourn.
Enjoy the day
Dave
Christy's reply
“Seven years they being past and over
Seven more they were rolling on
she has bundled up all her gold and clothing
and swore Lord Baker that she would go find”
Good morning Christy,
Good to hear ( with a wee degree of jealousy) how well the gigs have been going and it looks like just one left.
Some questions arise as a result.
For those of us who missed out due to covid, restrictions and the like , have any of the gigs at vicar street been recorded by you for release under any format now or later?
Are there any of those last few choc ices left?
If the 6pm start is now an option and a hit, when the regulations are lifted will the gigs run from 6pm to 10pm?
Is this mamoth gig idea ( it may seem long to you but for us the time would fly) giving us a chance to hear, just once, your Andytown Girl put to music and sung?
Cheers
Rory
Christy's reply
Janey Mac Rory,
plenty to dwell on,
a (fresh) live collection,
a 4 hour gig,
Andytown Girl,
I was hoping to swim the channel this year, walk the Pennine Way,do the Nine First Fridays and spend a fortnight in Lough Derg….
Electric Gig tonight – you were on fire, as always!!! – Thanks for singing Lawless, havent heard it live in so long. Apologies for the brother-in-laws harmonies during Black is the Colour – although he’s gone home delighted with himself that you said he was very good!!!!!
See you again soon …………………
Christy's reply
Left the stage feeling like we’d all had a good gig….fair play to all concerned …the brother-in-law too
Oh its a gig night! All exciting! From my point of view I’m mainly on oxygen and a little black coffee. Nothing else needed. The gig does the rest. The song’s thrive on it.
On Sunday one guy in front of me was so excited he nearly knocked over his table with its four attached stools.
Dublin has been very kind to us. They certainly know how to feed you round here. We’ve been doing 10,000 steps a day, I’ve been told, so maybe we’ve walked it off. Never had a four egg omelette stuffed with potatoes before. Yummy!
I’d like to be friends with Hilary, I’m sure we must have been in the same room a few times, but I’ve never met her. Sent her a friend request on Facebook months ago.
Hi Christy and all, your gig on 3rd of January still reverberating, I just want to thank you once more for the power and inspiration your music gives. Wish we could have stayed for Sunday‘s gig also — sitting with @David and Hilary in front row again, what a pleasure!
Thanks to all others also who were so kind to us on our short trip to Dublin!
We will keep the kettle boiling until we meet again 🎶
Dietmar (Peter)
Christy's reply
I’m thinking of eintopf in Gutersloh and appelkorn in Bremen….living on schmaltz in Club Stubo
I’ll keep an eye open for any info of interest…’Mudcat’ might be a source, but the website is a mess! I bet Mike Harding has info – encyclopaedic knowledge even! D
Christy's reply
I think he may have run the MSG open mic nights before Jack Taylor and Droney…getting to sing 2 songs at those gatherings opened many doors
It was a great lunch/ vinyl haul with Rory, yesterday. It could have been a ‘lost afternoon’ in a fine record emporium…
I never met Des or Frank. ‘English’ is an unusual surname, so I wonder if Ann English might be a relative… Ann is a stalwart of the Tameside/ East Manchester folk scene. It’s amazing to think back on the thriving folk scene that we remember – even into the 80s, when I first started playing. So many diligent organisers working their socks off…fair play…
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
Des English and his wife Irene ran a club where Manchester meets Salford ( Black Bull maybe ??)) in 1968/9…..Des was a passionate singer…he wrote a song about Brendan Behan which started
“Word has come from Dublin City
to tell us poor Brendan is dead ”
If memory serves,I think Des came from the Circus community
I recall going to a club run by Frank Duffy…he was a singer and 5 string banjo player from the North of Ireland …I went there a few times in 1966/7 ..it might have bren in a pub called The Grapes but that could be a bum steer
Hello Christy I have started learning the words of Arlo’s biggest hit I was telling you about here at the weekend what are your memories of playing at the u2 concert in Croke Park and did you get to play at any more of their concerts after that
Here they are
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165585893345136&id=847680135
Hello Christy,
We are back all safe and sound. I tell you what, that harp’s such a good friend to me. It’s sounding gorgeous. When we travel again it will have to come with us.
Loving the talk of how the set list develops and changes. All the songs are precious jewels.
A couple of ones I’d love to hear live.
Billy Gray and
Inchicore wake
The stories. I like the spell cast one’s too
Listen
Bright Blue rose
This is the day, still can’t work out why this doesn’t get more outings at weddings.
There’s a great set of words plastered to the wall in the book of Kells thing. It’s like john Barleycorn but from the point of view of vellum.
I took a picture, I’ll try to post a link.
I need to write them out today.
Rebecca
Morning Christy.. reading below I saw your reply about newer songs that have made the cut so far.. you sang Greenland in Vicar St early on in the run (Hilary might help with exact date).. great to hear Cry Like a Man and How Long mentioned.. funny how the first songs can stick in the memory.. I remember How Long being first on the list at a few gigs – North and South got to the front for a while too.. and now Chicago leads the way.. I first heard you sing “Aisling” as the opener in Vicar St back a right few years ago now.. sadly I was reminded of the song yesterday midst the horrible tragedy in Tullamore. An accomplished musician and teacher; I think Ronan O Gara (via Twitter) summed up our feelings toward Ashling’s family in saying, “Hopefully the family knows the country are with them”. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
Meself and the brother had an absolute blast of a night on Tuesday in the Vicar Strret…a lot to be said for the early gigs is right..a fella could be city centred by half 8…
Hope to be at lots more gigs this coming year…do ye ever consider Hard Cases at all for a whirl?
L x
I’ve had the good fortune to sing and record three Johnny Mulhearn songs..
“Hard Cases”, “Continental Céilí” and “Matty”…..in my estimation three classic songs written in Johnny’s unique style…..in all three songs he gets inside the story..”Hard Cases” describes a time and place very unique..there were similar cliques in different Cities around the world but Galway back then was like no other place and Johnny describes it to a T……”Continental Céilí” captures another aspect of that same Galway scene while “Mattie” could be imagined in many rural parts of Ireland.
When I sing Hard Cases I am transported back to 50 years ago…back then a fellow could lose days in Galway….there was great style of music developing, there was fun and mystery and laughter…there was a dark side too…sadly,not everyone made it through..but many did and are still playing beautifully to this very day..
I sing all three of Johnny’s songs here in the work room frequently, just myself listening, Matty is the only one that gets an occasional gig outing..let me know the next time you’re kickin in and I’ll see if I can give Hard Cases a birl….
( maybe all 3 at the next gaggle)
Mind you Lar, if you are gonna be on your phone during the gig I’ll have to rethink it !!!…
great to see the clutch of 4711ers the other night…I’m enjoying these gigs enormously…..hope all is going well with you on the wireless
Hi Christy,
There are some fine judges of character out there .
‘Jes… i don’t know what people see in him, up there with his guitar and his sweaty shirt, i don’t know what people see in him, he can’t even remember his f… lyrics, i don’t know why people go to see him ,i wouldn’t cross the road to look at him myself, he’s always on about something ‘
Somebody once said that on the yellow disc introducing a beautifully raw ‘quiet desperation’ .
The disc leads on into the Bord Na Mona Man , indeed recently resurrected, did he get an outing on Vicar Street?
I gather that sweaty Irishman is still pouring it out, so they say.
Regards
Rory
I keep trying to get him into the set…after the last gig it was pointed out to me that I did nothing from the recent album …..its a problem I’m trying to address.. I refuse to use the gig to sell albums but there are songs on that album that I’d like to get into the set…..I’ve yet to gig Greenland and Myra’s Caboose….maybe when we get back into the swing of things…..
I just view every gig as an entity…everything in the room decides the set..the mood, the night, the listeners, the news, the venue, the town, the history and, of course, the singer…..the long haulers, the faithfull departed, new scandal, fresh corruption, pertinent sporting achievements, art, ego, hecklers….anything can happen when the lights go down….some fall asleep, a child was born at a gig in Belgium
Bord na Móna man is still being fine tuned.. a few stitches here and there but I’m finding a way to sing it in 2022…Myra is ready to roll, Greenland is challenging buty I am determined…1942, Clock, Johnny Boy and Gasún have all been performed…..its all an ongoing process…been playing Cry Like a Man, Johnny Jump Up and How Long here today..also Rocky Road, Casey, Tyrone Boys and Strange Ways…
Hello Christy,
On our way home this morning. Looking forward to getting my hands on my harp, I didn’t bring it this time and I’ve missed it so much. The harness is calling. So it’s all been a capella stuff. Back to my home routine. An hour singing, 3 hours listening, a little work. A lot of play.
Thankyou for all. The gigs were something else, struggling to describe without ridiculous superlatives.
Can’t wait to get my hands on that harp.
Rebecca
safe journey thru Cymru and “over the top” to Brighouse
Evening Christy,
“Lament for Brendan Behan” was sung by Liam Clancy on a live Clancys/ Makem album back in the early Sixties. According to Liam’s intro to the song it was sung to him in a Chicago folk club by the writer, a young Jewish lad called Fred Geis. Fred asked him would he sing it when he returned to Dublin which he did.
Thanks John…..Des English used to sing this song at his Folk Club in Salford….I’ve not heard it since
Hi C. What a wonderful gig last night, a mighty setlist, so great to hear They Never Came Home, fair play to you for responding. Lawless was another highlight, one of the longest gigs so far and yet well within curfew !The connection between you playing solo and the audience seems to grow stronger and stronger, a great bond, changing at individual gigs but absolutely constant. No doubt it has been a challenge to put on the gigs with the new restrictions, but fair play to you and all the crew and staff in Vicar St, it went all so smoothly. I just picked up the 2022 Hot Press Annual and read your very honest, open and comprehensive response to the questions. Wonderful to read your insights into the basket of songs and the process. December 1942 is indeed a stand out song and for sure the response from the German listeners has been so positive. I recommend this Annual highly, every day a school day ! Looking forward to the grand finale next week, beir bua agus beannacht. H
Good to hear from you Hilary…no one knows the gig better then yourself…played a few venues in your home Town over the years …”The Dome” comes to mind, The Brandon, Horans, Benners, CYMS Hall, a lovely day when we unveiled that beautiful bronze image of Christie Hennessy, outlying gigs in Ballybunion and Knocknagoshel , I think I might have played the Siamsa Theatre too, I recall a Tralee gig way back on International Women’s Day…most recent Tralee gig was in a very fancy Hotel well geared up for big weddings….not a patch on Knocknagoshel !! I still remember the mighty spread laid on by the Women’s Committee
Thanks for another great gig yesterday eve..Despite having heard Farmer Michael Hayes before numerous times, the rhythm and the chords (not an easy pattern) really stood out.. Daniel O’D to my left and Lar looking for his tights to the right, I was between a rock and a hard place..
Kev
at recent gigs Michael Hayes has developed a varied swing to his gait… he has taken me up some fresh paths where we meet the quare fella upon arrival on Ellis Island…
Hello Christy,
Oh I’m such a happy girl this morning. Watching you doing your thing under the lights. Stitch in time had flourished in 48 hours and the bodhran, well….
We were a bit of a crowd, weren’t we.
Going to kilmainham jail today.
The omelette fest is to be had at the old Mill in temple bar
http://oldmillrestaurant.ie/
Rebecca
as the song goes;
“A great crowd had gathered outside of Kilmainham”
Mornin’ Christy
Great idea from the Hawickmeister…fantastic if there’s ever a Vicar Street release.
No idea about the source (sauce?) of the omelette fest – only Rebecca and Steve can reveal that after their (much envied) Dublin sojourn.
Enjoy the day
Dave
“Seven years they being past and over
Seven more they were rolling on
she has bundled up all her gold and clothing
and swore Lord Baker that she would go find”
Good morning Christy,
Good to hear ( with a wee degree of jealousy) how well the gigs have been going and it looks like just one left.
Some questions arise as a result.
For those of us who missed out due to covid, restrictions and the like , have any of the gigs at vicar street been recorded by you for release under any format now or later?
Are there any of those last few choc ices left?
If the 6pm start is now an option and a hit, when the regulations are lifted will the gigs run from 6pm to 10pm?
Is this mamoth gig idea ( it may seem long to you but for us the time would fly) giving us a chance to hear, just once, your Andytown Girl put to music and sung?
Cheers
Rory
Janey Mac Rory,
plenty to dwell on,
a (fresh) live collection,
a 4 hour gig,
Andytown Girl,
I was hoping to swim the channel this year, walk the Pennine Way,do the Nine First Fridays and spend a fortnight in Lough Derg….
Electric Gig tonight – you were on fire, as always!!! – Thanks for singing Lawless, havent heard it live in so long. Apologies for the brother-in-laws harmonies during Black is the Colour – although he’s gone home delighted with himself that you said he was very good!!!!!
See you again soon …………………
Left the stage feeling like we’d all had a good gig….fair play to all concerned …the brother-in-law too
Hello Christy,
Wowee that was hot! I’m going to stop now before I disgrace myself (more than usual).
Great to meet you Hilary.
All is good in the world.
Thankyou.
Rebecca
a lot to be said for these 6pm gigs
Hi Christy/ all
Thanks for the photo, Rebecca…great to see David Rooney’s images looking so resplendent.
Enjoy tonight, all
Dave
PS I’m distracted by the prospect of anywhere serving up a 4 egg omelette + potatoes – my type of place!!
sounds good…but where ?
Hello Christy,
Oh its a gig night! All exciting! From my point of view I’m mainly on oxygen and a little black coffee. Nothing else needed. The gig does the rest. The song’s thrive on it.
On Sunday one guy in front of me was so excited he nearly knocked over his table with its four attached stools.
Dublin has been very kind to us. They certainly know how to feed you round here. We’ve been doing 10,000 steps a day, I’ve been told, so maybe we’ve walked it off. Never had a four egg omelette stuffed with potatoes before. Yummy!
Dave, if you can ever get to vicar street I’d do it. It’s a fab venue, full of heaney round iron tables with comfy stools, all surrounded by seating and balconies. Here’s a pic from the other night
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165571516740136&id=847680135
I’d like to be friends with Hilary, I’m sure we must have been in the same room a few times, but I’ve never met her. Sent her a friend request on Facebook months ago.
Rebecca
done and dusted
Hi Christy and all, your gig on 3rd of January still reverberating, I just want to thank you once more for the power and inspiration your music gives. Wish we could have stayed for Sunday‘s gig also — sitting with @David and Hilary in front row again, what a pleasure!
Thanks to all others also who were so kind to us on our short trip to Dublin!
We will keep the kettle boiling until we meet again 🎶
Dietmar (Peter)
I’m thinking of eintopf in Gutersloh and appelkorn in Bremen….living on schmaltz in Club Stubo
http://www.manchesterbeat.com has a thread on MSG, with a reference to Frank Duffy running Monday night sessions…
I’ll keep an eye open for any info of interest…’Mudcat’ might be a source, but the website is a mess! I bet Mike Harding has info – encyclopaedic knowledge even! D
I think he may have run the MSG open mic nights before Jack Taylor and Droney…getting to sing 2 songs at those gatherings opened many doors
Mornin’ Christy
It was a great lunch/ vinyl haul with Rory, yesterday. It could have been a ‘lost afternoon’ in a fine record emporium…
I never met Des or Frank. ‘English’ is an unusual surname, so I wonder if Ann English might be a relative… Ann is a stalwart of the Tameside/ East Manchester folk scene. It’s amazing to think back on the thriving folk scene that we remember – even into the 80s, when I first started playing. So many diligent organisers working their socks off…fair play…
Have a good day
Dave
Des English and his wife Irene ran a club where Manchester meets Salford ( Black Bull maybe ??)) in 1968/9…..Des was a passionate singer…he wrote a song about Brendan Behan which started
“Word has come from Dublin City
to tell us poor Brendan is dead ”
If memory serves,I think Des came from the Circus community
I recall going to a club run by Frank Duffy…he was a singer and 5 string banjo player from the North of Ireland …I went there a few times in 1966/7 ..it might have bren in a pub called The Grapes but that could be a bum steer