Following the Ralph McTell/ Italian fan theme, I did an online search for ‘Christy Moore in Italy’…it leads to an interesting setlist site (80s Rome for you..) with links to youtube songs and some fan input, elsewhere. Worth a look and further searches, perhaps…always amazing what’s ‘out there’!
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
Thanks Dave…your capacity for research is truly amazing…your interest in the work and archives of many ( myself included) is exemplary….
re “CM in Italy” I will have to forego that as I’m currently immersed in CM in Kilkenny this coming weekend..
Known as “The Marble City” it has become a hive of activity in recent times…as well as being a centre of Historical and Design Interest it’s become a destination for stag and hen debacles….We lived nearby for 3 years in the 70s so it will be a return to memories of earlier times when I was trying to “knock it out” after leaving Planxty
Yesterday went off very well. In the morning I recorded “Come all you Dreamers” for a film about Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow..a lovely hour spent with Nick & Stuart from BBC Alba in the iconic Lexicon Library in Dun Laoghaire (I recommend a visit to anyone visiting this lovely County Dublin Town, formerly known as Kingstown.. a few die-hard locals still yearn for those “good old days”)
Then we made a run down to The Bog of Allen and the Lullymore Experience where I had a most enjoyable 3 hours with a great crew…We filmed “Clock Winds Down” out in the very heart of the beautiful place…I sang Jim Page’s song 5 times with an uplifting surround of bird song…Being back out on the Bog brought me to memories of childhood days in the 1950s …
I also recommend the Lullymore Experience as worthy of a visit….a beautiful project lovingly created, I hope to return soon and absorb the full experience,the history and geography of our sacred Boglands…. for generations we took them for granted, late in the day we begin to understand their significance ..yesterdays filming will feature is an RTE TV series later in the year
Sorry to hog… this is linked to recent talk of consonants/ words and diction…
I’m playing June Tabor and as so often, admiring her timbre, delivery and clarity. Never better than on Elvis Costello’s ‘All this useless beauty’…it’s on her 1992 album, Angel Tiger and followed by ’10 000 miles’. Great track sequencing.
I’ll never forget June Tabor’s singing at a 90s festival in Drogheda.Few there knew her music and there was some background chatter at the start of her set. June didn’t miss a beat. Within a few minutes, there was hush and a standing ovation when she finished. Fantastic to hear/ see a performance like that…
Dave
Christy's reply
I love to read of such reflections
when the sound of voice and song comes back, still reverberating across decades of interim shouts,bangs and clatters
I’ve been reading about Ralph McTell and came across a fascinating website – based on an Italian fan’s experiences.Fascinating reading at http://www.weatherthestorm.it It’s in English with a Home Page that gives different sections. The ‘me and Ralph’ posts are great + nice photos.
I haven’t looked yet, but am wondering if there’s a similar site charting your music and fans’ travels etc
Dave
Christy's reply
Thank You Dave
I’d not seen this before
Its a truly heart rending film
Thanks Christy, can’t believe I overlooked Dunlavin Green – a double whammy of hills and mountains. Also Dave Lordan’s ‘Lost Tribe of the Wicklow Mountains’…book ordered. Dave thanks for reminding me of Christy’s version of Gary Moore’s ‘Johnny Boy’ that said you lead me astray down Parisienne Walkways, one of my favourite songs. Still in a quandary, I backtracked and have been wandering round the music of these ancient ways for days on end. Suffice to say a work in progress. Thanks Rebeccah for your kind words and likewise.
Christy's reply
It all began that mornin
He was dragged to Castlereagh
twas almost 50 years ago
but seems like yesterday
I’ve heard and enjoyed ‘Barges’ many times… but, only when seeing the written words, I realised there’s a clever nod to ‘Wandering Aengus’ with the hazel twig/ wood reference…all part of the magic… as is your version of ‘Wandering…’. I’m wondering if it ever features now you’ve returned to the solo format ? D
Christy's reply
I often sing it here in the work room….
I met Judy Collins once in The Sage and thanked her for her beautiful melody
Do kids still go fishing in streams? Sticklebacks were what we watched for. The Beck in wellholme Park had some deeper slower parts that were good stickleback territory.
There was a wooded hill and you could build dens on the tops.
There was a pink hawthorn near the Beck. And a pink horsechestnut up Halifax Road. I had a look for it yesterday, no luck. Maybe it’s not out yet.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
compulsory “progress”has locked me out of facebook so I’ve missed the Limerick Well you linked…. I’ll go at it agin in Kilkenny
We fished for Pinkeens in the River Liffey, The Grand Canal, any place where water flowed….
you have the makings of a song there in your childhood reflecrions
I never met Bruce, but fondly remember the 1971 gig in a festival marquee at Platt Fields park, when Ralph headlined and you played a great afternoon set. No doubt, Bruce played a part in that great day.
When Ralph received the tragic news about his brother, he was heading to a gig in Cheshire. Very quickly, he released an apology for not playing the gig and added the following lovely words from his song, ‘Barges’…
‘ Me and my brother returned to the water
I saw a pike that was two feet long
Two small magicians
Each with a jam jar
Cast spells on the water
With hazel twig wands’
RIP Bruce May
Dave
Christy's reply
the two lads grew up very close to each other….a lovely pair of men…thats a beautiful verse you posted
Hi Christy, I was recently at your concert in the INEC kilarney in April it was absolutely brilliant! Can’t wait for the next one, it’s only afterwards my father Ned comerford ( across from Sheerin’s pub in the ridge) told me you use to live around these parts! I recently came across the song “the ridge and coolcullen brigade” my grandfather Tom comerford is mentioned in the song and I heard you use to sing it, I can’t find any clip of it , if you know where I could find your version of it I would love to hear it, thanks for taking the time to read this message.
Christy's reply
Carollne…I remember that song well…it was one of a number of songs I gathered when we lived high upon beautiful Coolcullen…others included “The Carlow 15” “The Kilruddery Hunt” and “Wickham & Connors”
I recall singing “The Ridge & Coolcullen Brigade” when I played a gig in Sheerins of The Ridge way back in 1977.Sadly, all these songs were included in a journal which later went missing one night in Hamburg. I no longer have them. The “Carlow 15” was subsequently recorded by Richie Kavanagh…..a lovely version but abridged from the song I first heard…..
There was a “big snow” while we lived on the “Protestant Road”….we were completely snowed in for a time….we could not have had better neighbours….
I loved our time up on The ‘Comer Plateau….
great gigs in The Coon Hall, Larkins of Kanes Bridge, The Coalmine, Leo Conway’s, Goresbridge, The Arkle in Gowran, Pedigree Corner,West End Ballyragget…..’tis a pure wonder we survived it…’twas a right gallery
Hi C. It was sad to hear the news yesterday that on his way to a gig Ralph Mc Tell heard that his only brother Bruce had passed away, the wheel is always turning, may he RIP. Am I correct in thinking that Bruce managed you or promoted you at some stage in the UK back in the day ? I’m sure the Cats are getting the red carpet out for you this week, they sailed past the Dubs yesterday. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
I met Ralph back in 1967..I was getting started when we met.. went to hear him at a Folk Club in Manchester and we have remained friends ever since…
Back then Ralph was managed by his Brother Bruce R.I.P.
At Ralph’s suggestion, Bruce came to an early gig of mine in London.Afterwards he gave it to me straight. Tore my performance asunder and gave me very good advice that I still remember to this day. His critique of my gig, all those years ago was perhaps the most important I have ever been given in my working life. I remember Bruce fondly and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.
Hello Christy,
Thanks to Rory this morning for recognising your quote from the boy from Tamlaghtduff that you posted. Blood and song everyday.
It set me off a wandering. First to a long time here https://www.bobbysandstrust.com/multimedia/songs-lyrics/#11
So many songs, blood and song.
If someone doesn’t get the message in 800 years then, I don’t know. No idea what to say about that. Thankfully many people do.
Morning Christy,
Outside the window the sparrows are bickering over the feed hangers while starlings chatter on a nearby roof.
Thanks for the reminder that the 12th is also for Francis, did the Boy from Tamlaghtduff get an airing at any recent concert?
It sent me scurrying to find and stick on your Spirit of Freedom CD. Now that is just emotion and strength rolled into one outstanding album. It has such an array of great and moving songs on it that it is one of my favourite albums of all time.
I suspect the record company boffins were not happy?
Time to get up and stick it on , supp a cup of tea and think of my filly yearling munching cashel grass near Attykit who we named ‘galtee mountain girl’.
Keep on keeping on
Rory
If it was a Yates’ night,Christy, the ‘blob’ must have been good as it was a fine set by Planxty. As was the Stefan Grossman night – both 1973 in the large FTH.
Happy days – and here you are, ripping it up solo – a growing audience, perfect sound, lights and new PA gadgets – fair play…D
Hello Christy,
Good luck with the song for the Bog of Allen.
Did a quick shuffty and there’s, a load of stuff going on around biodiversity in Kildare. Is it part of this?
I’m hoping to give Reel in the flickering light an outing at the folk session on Monday. Been working hard to get the fingers clean and consistent on the harp. It’s a lot better than it was…
The poor old harp often gets forgotten when I don’t have enough brain with all the singing going on. The autopilot is usually present but not always, clean and tidy.
Sounding better now I’m giving it a bit of the attention it deserves.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
over the years I’ve sometimes been distracted….tried dabbling in banjo,keyboards,bouzouki,dulcimer, concertina,harmonica,…..but soon returned to the songs and trusty guitar….these past decades I’ve concentrated on my chosen path,on songs and guitar with the odd rattle on the Bodhrán
A favourite Free Trade Hall memory…1973 – Planxty and Steeleye. A Steeleye encore of tunes + you and Maddy on the big stage, dancing at speed, in fine style – ’round the house and mind the PA’! Dave
Christy's reply
you got me there Dave
dont remember that one
maybe too long in Yates Wine Lodge before the gig
I do remember playing support to Stefan Grossman in one of the Free Trade Halls
Mornin’ Christy/all
Following the Ralph McTell/ Italian fan theme, I did an online search for ‘Christy Moore in Italy’…it leads to an interesting setlist site (80s Rome for you..) with links to youtube songs and some fan input, elsewhere. Worth a look and further searches, perhaps…always amazing what’s ‘out there’!
Have a good day
Dave
Thanks Dave…your capacity for research is truly amazing…your interest in the work and archives of many ( myself included) is exemplary….
re “CM in Italy” I will have to forego that as I’m currently immersed in CM in Kilkenny this coming weekend..
Known as “The Marble City” it has become a hive of activity in recent times…as well as being a centre of Historical and Design Interest it’s become a destination for stag and hen debacles….We lived nearby for 3 years in the 70s so it will be a return to memories of earlier times when I was trying to “knock it out” after leaving Planxty
Yesterday went off very well. In the morning I recorded “Come all you Dreamers” for a film about Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow..a lovely hour spent with Nick & Stuart from BBC Alba in the iconic Lexicon Library in Dun Laoghaire (I recommend a visit to anyone visiting this lovely County Dublin Town, formerly known as Kingstown.. a few die-hard locals still yearn for those “good old days”)
Then we made a run down to The Bog of Allen and the Lullymore Experience where I had a most enjoyable 3 hours with a great crew…We filmed “Clock Winds Down” out in the very heart of the beautiful place…I sang Jim Page’s song 5 times with an uplifting surround of bird song…Being back out on the Bog brought me to memories of childhood days in the 1950s …
I also recommend the Lullymore Experience as worthy of a visit….a beautiful project lovingly created, I hope to return soon and absorb the full experience,the history and geography of our sacred Boglands…. for generations we took them for granted, late in the day we begin to understand their significance ..yesterdays filming will feature is an RTE TV series later in the year
Sorry to hog… this is linked to recent talk of consonants/ words and diction…
I’m playing June Tabor and as so often, admiring her timbre, delivery and clarity. Never better than on Elvis Costello’s ‘All this useless beauty’…it’s on her 1992 album, Angel Tiger and followed by ’10 000 miles’. Great track sequencing.
I’ll never forget June Tabor’s singing at a 90s festival in Drogheda.Few there knew her music and there was some background chatter at the start of her set. June didn’t miss a beat. Within a few minutes, there was hush and a standing ovation when she finished. Fantastic to hear/ see a performance like that…
Dave
I love to read of such reflections
when the sound of voice and song comes back, still reverberating across decades of interim shouts,bangs and clatters
PS…hog away me hearty boy
ps easiest way to get the links on the Italian McTell site is via the ‘English’ heading. D
Hi Christy
I’ve been reading about Ralph McTell and came across a fascinating website – based on an Italian fan’s experiences.Fascinating reading at http://www.weatherthestorm.it It’s in English with a Home Page that gives different sections. The ‘me and Ralph’ posts are great + nice photos.
I haven’t looked yet, but am wondering if there’s a similar site charting your music and fans’ travels etc
Dave
Thank You Dave
I’d not seen this before
Its a truly heart rending film
Brilliant to see Belfast dates! Hopefully you can make it to The People’s Kitchen, and finish off ‘A pair of Brown eyes’ for the volunteers!
leave it with me Damian..
fair play to you
Thanks Christy, can’t believe I overlooked Dunlavin Green – a double whammy of hills and mountains. Also Dave Lordan’s ‘Lost Tribe of the Wicklow Mountains’…book ordered. Dave thanks for reminding me of Christy’s version of Gary Moore’s ‘Johnny Boy’ that said you lead me astray down Parisienne Walkways, one of my favourite songs. Still in a quandary, I backtracked and have been wandering round the music of these ancient ways for days on end. Suffice to say a work in progress. Thanks Rebeccah for your kind words and likewise.
It all began that mornin
He was dragged to Castlereagh
twas almost 50 years ago
but seems like yesterday
The hazel rods took me straight there Dave.
Lovely
this old website is humming these days…fulfilling its purpose
Strange the way words work, Christy
I’ve heard and enjoyed ‘Barges’ many times… but, only when seeing the written words, I realised there’s a clever nod to ‘Wandering Aengus’ with the hazel twig/ wood reference…all part of the magic… as is your version of ‘Wandering…’. I’m wondering if it ever features now you’ve returned to the solo format ? D
I often sing it here in the work room….
I met Judy Collins once in The Sage and thanked her for her beautiful melody
Hello Christy,
The joy of consonants, its only taken me 52 years to work out how lovely they are. I’m looking forward to hearing how they sound.
Here’s a video of your well below the, valley from the other night
https://m.facebook.com/groups/TheIrishBodhran/permalink/5624888204207640/?ref=share
Umm.. Wow!
Do kids still go fishing in streams? Sticklebacks were what we watched for. The Beck in wellholme Park had some deeper slower parts that were good stickleback territory.
There was a wooded hill and you could build dens on the tops.
There was a pink hawthorn near the Beck. And a pink horsechestnut up Halifax Road. I had a look for it yesterday, no luck. Maybe it’s not out yet.
Rebecca
compulsory “progress”has locked me out of facebook so I’ve missed the Limerick Well you linked…. I’ll go at it agin in Kilkenny
We fished for Pinkeens in the River Liffey, The Grand Canal, any place where water flowed….
you have the makings of a song there in your childhood reflecrions
Mornin’ Christy
Very sad news about Bruce May RIP
I never met Bruce, but fondly remember the 1971 gig in a festival marquee at Platt Fields park, when Ralph headlined and you played a great afternoon set. No doubt, Bruce played a part in that great day.
When Ralph received the tragic news about his brother, he was heading to a gig in Cheshire. Very quickly, he released an apology for not playing the gig and added the following lovely words from his song, ‘Barges’…
‘ Me and my brother returned to the water
I saw a pike that was two feet long
Two small magicians
Each with a jam jar
Cast spells on the water
With hazel twig wands’
RIP Bruce May
Dave
the two lads grew up very close to each other….a lovely pair of men…thats a beautiful verse you posted
Hi Christy, I was recently at your concert in the INEC kilarney in April it was absolutely brilliant! Can’t wait for the next one, it’s only afterwards my father Ned comerford ( across from Sheerin’s pub in the ridge) told me you use to live around these parts! I recently came across the song “the ridge and coolcullen brigade” my grandfather Tom comerford is mentioned in the song and I heard you use to sing it, I can’t find any clip of it , if you know where I could find your version of it I would love to hear it, thanks for taking the time to read this message.
Carollne…I remember that song well…it was one of a number of songs I gathered when we lived high upon beautiful Coolcullen…others included “The Carlow 15” “The Kilruddery Hunt” and “Wickham & Connors”
I recall singing “The Ridge & Coolcullen Brigade” when I played a gig in Sheerins of The Ridge way back in 1977.Sadly, all these songs were included in a journal which later went missing one night in Hamburg. I no longer have them. The “Carlow 15” was subsequently recorded by Richie Kavanagh…..a lovely version but abridged from the song I first heard…..
There was a “big snow” while we lived on the “Protestant Road”….we were completely snowed in for a time….we could not have had better neighbours….
I loved our time up on The ‘Comer Plateau….
great gigs in The Coon Hall, Larkins of Kanes Bridge, The Coalmine, Leo Conway’s, Goresbridge, The Arkle in Gowran, Pedigree Corner,West End Ballyragget…..’tis a pure wonder we survived it…’twas a right gallery
Hi C. It was sad to hear the news yesterday that on his way to a gig Ralph Mc Tell heard that his only brother Bruce had passed away, the wheel is always turning, may he RIP. Am I correct in thinking that Bruce managed you or promoted you at some stage in the UK back in the day ? I’m sure the Cats are getting the red carpet out for you this week, they sailed past the Dubs yesterday. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
I met Ralph back in 1967..I was getting started when we met.. went to hear him at a Folk Club in Manchester and we have remained friends ever since…
Back then Ralph was managed by his Brother Bruce R.I.P.
At Ralph’s suggestion, Bruce came to an early gig of mine in London.Afterwards he gave it to me straight. Tore my performance asunder and gave me very good advice that I still remember to this day. His critique of my gig, all those years ago was perhaps the most important I have ever been given in my working life. I remember Bruce fondly and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.
… Here
https://youtu.be/SZPp2f6G0FQ
What’s life without joy, after all.
Thankyou for the advice on focusing practice. Scattering effort is not very useful, is it.
Rebecca
… Here
https://youtu.be/6dHupFqLvaw
Thinking of the documentary Life on the, Road.
They build lovely big dogs in Bellaghy.
Then…
Hello Christy,
Thanks to Rory this morning for recognising your quote from the boy from Tamlaghtduff that you posted. Blood and song everyday.
It set me off a wandering. First to a long time here
https://www.bobbysandstrust.com/multimedia/songs-lyrics/#11
So many songs, blood and song.
If someone doesn’t get the message in 800 years then, I don’t know. No idea what to say about that. Thankfully many people do.
Then the mind wandered…
Morning Christy,
Outside the window the sparrows are bickering over the feed hangers while starlings chatter on a nearby roof.
Thanks for the reminder that the 12th is also for Francis, did the Boy from Tamlaghtduff get an airing at any recent concert?
It sent me scurrying to find and stick on your Spirit of Freedom CD. Now that is just emotion and strength rolled into one outstanding album. It has such an array of great and moving songs on it that it is one of my favourite albums of all time.
I suspect the record company boffins were not happy?
Time to get up and stick it on , supp a cup of tea and think of my filly yearling munching cashel grass near Attykit who we named ‘galtee mountain girl’.
Keep on keeping on
Rory
If it was a Yates’ night,Christy, the ‘blob’ must have been good as it was a fine set by Planxty. As was the Stefan Grossman night – both 1973 in the large FTH.
Happy days – and here you are, ripping it up solo – a growing audience, perfect sound, lights and new PA gadgets – fair play…D
Hello Christy,
Good luck with the song for the Bog of Allen.
Did a quick shuffty and there’s, a load of stuff going on around biodiversity in Kildare. Is it part of this?
I’m hoping to give Reel in the flickering light an outing at the folk session on Monday. Been working hard to get the fingers clean and consistent on the harp. It’s a lot better than it was…
The poor old harp often gets forgotten when I don’t have enough brain with all the singing going on. The autopilot is usually present but not always, clean and tidy.
Sounding better now I’m giving it a bit of the attention it deserves.
Rebecca
over the years I’ve sometimes been distracted….tried dabbling in banjo,keyboards,bouzouki,dulcimer, concertina,harmonica,…..but soon returned to the songs and trusty guitar….these past decades I’ve concentrated on my chosen path,on songs and guitar with the odd rattle on the Bodhrán
Sounds like a great week ahead, Christy
Singing for a doc on the Bog of Allen?
A favourite Free Trade Hall memory…1973 – Planxty and Steeleye. A Steeleye encore of tunes + you and Maddy on the big stage, dancing at speed, in fine style – ’round the house and mind the PA’! Dave
you got me there Dave
dont remember that one
maybe too long in Yates Wine Lodge before the gig
I do remember playing support to Stefan Grossman in one of the Free Trade Halls