Mel Mercier and Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh are the great men at playing the bones. Tin whistle, harmonica and the already mentioned bones have that great advantage. You can take them out of ones pocket at a session.
Hello Christy
yes, it was Ronan’s regulators that got me too. Almost like a very slow countermelody. What an amazing instrument the pipes are.
I’m disagreeing with myself on the last chord of the third line of Lemon 7s. I think it should be an Aminor. Maybe I’ve just changed the tune? Dunno, but I like the crunch of the Aminor.
Lots of humming these last few days. The hum is working fine, the vowels are taking some time to settle back down.
Have you ever had a rattle of the bones? They sound great on Hidden Ground. There’s a couple of pairs on their way here from McNeela’s. I like the noise and I like the portability. You can’t put a harp in your handbag!
‘Adios amigo, see ya ’round, go easy now ‘Baby’s In Blue’
Firstly, thank you for putting Wally into our lives through your collaborations, and saying, go check him out. And we did. Little did we know that not only would we fall in love with his words and music, but also with the man himself. For that was who he was, a most unassuming, gentle, kind and thoughtful man that was blessed with the gift to give us Mercy, Marchin Season, Bodygunners, When Love Comes Your Way, Country Boy, Hackensack and I could list many more. I was very lucky and honoured to have spent some time over the past decade or so..an occasional ice cream and a stroll in the Rock Park was a joy. Many memories I too am grateful for. I think of his two lads, and their family, and of his music family of Johnny Mulheaern, Tom Kearns his childhood pal, growing up harmonising on their local street, Fiona, Mick and Lar on electric bass that accompanied Wal in his regular gigs at The Annesley, and what nights they were, every one special.. it was the joy of a lifetime knowing Wally and I know many of his fans like me, are deeply saddened..another time, with your permission, I might post a podcast I did with Waldo, and hopefully some time we will gather and remember him through songs and stories…he was loved and will be missed. Wal, flyin into mystery.
Larvis he called me…love to all..x
Having promised I’d be back; here I am. By now I’ve now listened not once, but twice, loud on headphones to ‘Smoke and Strong Whiskey’. One: the recorded LP version, and then two: a great Barrowlands performance. I often wondered about the words of it and so I consulted the ‘bible’, nope that that religious one, the songbook, but stay reading if one want to hear about religion. I did often wonder about the words and it’s explained well, the kids outside playing hopscotch and the man inside supping, is it his ‘first’ pint and ciggie? I like those lines, mind you the song has many good lines, but those lines in the book you have, p89, you write: “For me it’s all in this song: revolution-abortion-love-dysfunction.” Well put. A great song by the late Wally Page. By accident, ironically the opposite side, p88, you talk about confirmation and bishops and meeting one certain Bishop Casey. Ye met at the film premiere of ‘Cry Freedom’ in Dublin’s Savoy cinema. At film’s end you got requested to sing ‘Biko Drum’, this song itself written by: Wally Page.
I’ve text my local pub, I’m still due to visit, my excuse is my ass and cart is still tethered to the pole outside as I officially havn’t gone home yet. I’m sending messages.
Remembering Wally Page and the great songs he wrote. RIP
We were, only about a week ago, discussing Wally Page and his songs. I may be back some time later.
Hilary. Please remind us nearer the time about that Denis Cahill documentary. It’s about a month away.
Hi All.It is indeed sad to hear of the passing of Wally, he was always such a treat to hear or meet. Of course , his family, close friends and collaborators will miss him terribly , I ‘m thinking also of Lar Flynn who is far away these times.The wheel turns.Yesterday I was lucky to see a film in tribute to the late great Dennis Cahill it was very emotional and very well done.It will be on tg4 on 5th March. Carpe Diem.Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Ronan’s version of Port na bPúcaí here is stunning….his regulator playing awesome…his Chanter,Regulators and Drones tuned and played to perfection…a great example of the complexity involved in playing the Uilleann Pipes… of the beauty that ensues when cradled in the embrace of a master..
Hello Christy,
I’m so very sorry to hear that Wally Page has died.
Hugs
This is the day the cuckoo likes and so do I
The hills fall down in different shapes and swallows fly
to a hidden beach where boats can’t go
mountain rivers overflow
I hear the squealing of the seagulls as home they go
And So Do I
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Wally Page:
It’s been one of life’s privileges to know this gentle man….all who knew Wally are deeply saddened by his death….
A unique artist,his songs will stand the test of time…his way with words and melody, the sound of his voice, the very big heart of the man will resound in the memory of all who loved him….
Tonight I’ve let the ears on Biko Drum, So Do I, Smoke and Strong Whiskey, the Wise and Holy Woman, Flying into Mystery, and Zozimus & Zimmerman. Thinking of you at this time and in the days ahead Christy.. feeling very grateful to have heard your comrade Wally’s music through your singing of these great songs.
Christy's reply
“Mamma still waiting for someone to say
Sara-Christina was found yesterday
the ghost of not knowing still eats her away
Sara-Christina ‘s still missing”
…………( from Los Desaperacidos)
Well Christy, you had a wonderful Vicar St run, well done. I don’t post very often, don’t have a lot to say, but I love reading the contributions from so many wonderful posters. I pick up the vibes of the great feelings of intimacy and fun from the gigs.
Well I have had a week in hospital, getting another new shoulder, and now three weeks residential rehab clinic, to teach the new shoulder wonderful things like lifting a soup spoon to the mouth and mighty things like that. Well Christy, I brought my trusty iPod, with about 2000 songs, and among them 95 of yours. So what I do is make playlists from your set lists…..I love the hand-written ones from way back…..and then during an exercise I play a Christy concert! One from Dundalk way back, one from Germany 2012 which I surely saw, and thanks for posting a setlist from a recent Vicar St gig. I play that one a lot, gets me almost into the concert itself. I don’t have all your songs on the iPod, so thanks to Rebecca and others for live recordings!
Interesting, from that January gig, you performed 25 songs, and 15 of them are on the On The Road double album which I really like.
Keep the music flowing, and who knows, maybe 2023 will be the year I finally get home to see you!
Christy's reply
Good man Pat….I hope your recovery continues, that you’ll soon be ladling the soup in the right direction !!…as I lie here pondering your difficulties I’m reminded of all we take for granted when our bodies are fully functioning…your rehab must surely be challenging…I wish you the very best in the weeks ahead and hope you “get home” before too long…may the music keep your spirits high
We caught two of the shows on the Vicar St run. Your getting better and better. I must say the new song ‘Lyra McKee’ took my breath away and I think you have a modern classic on your hands there and one that will sit in with all your legendary songs you have done, it will be a big hit with your audiences this year, I look forward to hearing it on an album in the future. Keep up the great work and long may you run.
Danny
Christy's reply
fair play to you Danny….I appreciate your feedback
One more tick off the Bucket list…I’ve been a fan since 1984 and my daughters can recite your songs verbatim from so many sin alongside in the car. Well, my wife was able go get tickets for your show in Naas on 2/27. Can’t wait to see you live, a dream come true.
Hello Christy,
Your musical instincts are so well honed, the acapella gives the song’s lyric a lot of space to weave themselves into the melody and shape the tune. The 9th Jan version had lots of different colours and shapes in the tune, all coming from the words as the song sung you . I think you’re so right that, for you, a set of chords would add unnecessary rigidity to something that flows like water through you.
I met something similar when playing with The House of the Rising Sun. The melody is very fluid for me, and once I’d freed myself from The Animals amazing version, it kept changing and responding to the words. What I’ve got at the moment is a tune that changes verse to verse and a set of chords that have to change with it, as it happens
Impossible for an ensemble to follow because it goes where it will in the moment. Long live the river of song.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
sometimes its life affirming to cast all instruments aside and simply
“SING OUT”
no rhythm to follow,
no beat to curtail,
head back singing out joyfully
to all the stars and angels
to all the spirits in the firmament
…..they are great listeners
Thanks Dagrab for pointing me to the bbc Storyville documentary of a Polish Jewish film , never forget, never again. Yellow Triangle. December 1942. Symphony in memorium to the martyrs of Babi Yar…..on HMD.
Rb
Christy's reply
” they called out to the Lord God creator of the Universe
in our despair we call on you’
but all their tears and all their prayers they went unanswered
on that cold December day in nineteen forty two.”……..( Ricky Lynch)
Christy & Co … many thanks for the suggestions and assistance. It’s great to go to bed in Brisbane with a nagging problem and have it solved for you by the time you wake up.
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir
Drive on ☘️
I ‘ve been absorbed in the Dylan bootleg songs on the CD with Mojo mag March edition…and ready for Time out of Mind outtakes tomorrow.. But, catching up here , I ‘ve had good crack on the frets and youtube…
So, here s a rough take (possibly very rough!) On the Lemon7 s chords…if nothing else, hopefully it s a starting point…and there are very likely some additional chords that have eluded me…
It hits a great drive with a chopped plectrum rhythm…
Capo on 4 th fret and have a go at Am/ C/ G/ Am/C/Em…the chord changes come at natural points in the tune as it runs in a sequence. Whilst noodling with it, I was reminded of another song…poss, The Old Man s Song by Ian Campbell? A great feature of your set c 1970s…
Keep warm all
Dave
Christy's reply
Ian used an old Aberdonian melody when writing “The Old Man’s Song”
Its a great song ….as is “The Sun is Burning”
Mel Mercier and Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh are the great men at playing the bones. Tin whistle, harmonica and the already mentioned bones have that great advantage. You can take them out of ones pocket at a session.
hi Christy,
Any more gigs planned for later this year, seen you in Vicar street in January and want to catch you again….
Don’t suppose you have any spare tickets for any of the Kilashee Naas gigs?
Thanks,
Marcella
Hello Christy
yes, it was Ronan’s regulators that got me too. Almost like a very slow countermelody. What an amazing instrument the pipes are.
I’m disagreeing with myself on the last chord of the third line of Lemon 7s. I think it should be an Aminor. Maybe I’ve just changed the tune? Dunno, but I like the crunch of the Aminor.
Lots of humming these last few days. The hum is working fine, the vowels are taking some time to settle back down.
Have you ever had a rattle of the bones? They sound great on Hidden Ground. There’s a couple of pairs on their way here from McNeela’s. I like the noise and I like the portability. You can’t put a harp in your handbag!
Rebecca
‘Adios amigo, see ya ’round, go easy now ‘Baby’s In Blue’
Firstly, thank you for putting Wally into our lives through your collaborations, and saying, go check him out. And we did. Little did we know that not only would we fall in love with his words and music, but also with the man himself. For that was who he was, a most unassuming, gentle, kind and thoughtful man that was blessed with the gift to give us Mercy, Marchin Season, Bodygunners, When Love Comes Your Way, Country Boy, Hackensack and I could list many more. I was very lucky and honoured to have spent some time over the past decade or so..an occasional ice cream and a stroll in the Rock Park was a joy. Many memories I too am grateful for. I think of his two lads, and their family, and of his music family of Johnny Mulheaern, Tom Kearns his childhood pal, growing up harmonising on their local street, Fiona, Mick and Lar on electric bass that accompanied Wal in his regular gigs at The Annesley, and what nights they were, every one special.. it was the joy of a lifetime knowing Wally and I know many of his fans like me, are deeply saddened..another time, with your permission, I might post a podcast I did with Waldo, and hopefully some time we will gather and remember him through songs and stories…he was loved and will be missed. Wal, flyin into mystery.
Larvis he called me…love to all..x
Having promised I’d be back; here I am. By now I’ve now listened not once, but twice, loud on headphones to ‘Smoke and Strong Whiskey’. One: the recorded LP version, and then two: a great Barrowlands performance. I often wondered about the words of it and so I consulted the ‘bible’, nope that that religious one, the songbook, but stay reading if one want to hear about religion. I did often wonder about the words and it’s explained well, the kids outside playing hopscotch and the man inside supping, is it his ‘first’ pint and ciggie? I like those lines, mind you the song has many good lines, but those lines in the book you have, p89, you write: “For me it’s all in this song: revolution-abortion-love-dysfunction.” Well put. A great song by the late Wally Page. By accident, ironically the opposite side, p88, you talk about confirmation and bishops and meeting one certain Bishop Casey. Ye met at the film premiere of ‘Cry Freedom’ in Dublin’s Savoy cinema. At film’s end you got requested to sing ‘Biko Drum’, this song itself written by: Wally Page.
I’ve text my local pub, I’m still due to visit, my excuse is my ass and cart is still tethered to the pole outside as I officially havn’t gone home yet. I’m sending messages.
Remembering Wally Page and the great songs he wrote. RIP
We were, only about a week ago, discussing Wally Page and his songs. I may be back some time later.
Hilary. Please remind us nearer the time about that Denis Cahill documentary. It’s about a month away.
Hi All.It is indeed sad to hear of the passing of Wally, he was always such a treat to hear or meet. Of course , his family, close friends and collaborators will miss him terribly , I ‘m thinking also of Lar Flynn who is far away these times.The wheel turns.Yesterday I was lucky to see a film in tribute to the late great Dennis Cahill it was very emotional and very well done.It will be on tg4 on 5th March. Carpe Diem.Beir bua agus beannacht. H
In a dry-stone hut
He got this air out of the night.
https://youtu.be/5QskJoxYApo
Rebecca
Ronan’s version of Port na bPúcaí here is stunning….his regulator playing awesome…his Chanter,Regulators and Drones tuned and played to perfection…a great example of the complexity involved in playing the Uilleann Pipes… of the beauty that ensues when cradled in the embrace of a master..
Thank You for posting
Hello Christy,
I’m so very sorry to hear that Wally Page has died.
Hugs
This is the day the cuckoo likes and so do I
The hills fall down in different shapes and swallows fly
to a hidden beach where boats can’t go
mountain rivers overflow
I hear the squealing of the seagulls as home they go
And So Do I
Rebecca
Wally Page:
It’s been one of life’s privileges to know this gentle man….all who knew Wally are deeply saddened by his death….
A unique artist,his songs will stand the test of time…his way with words and melody, the sound of his voice, the very big heart of the man will resound in the memory of all who loved him….
So sorry for your loss and for his family.
Only last week we extolled his huge virtues.
Rory
“He’s never been to Doonaree
nor combed the beaches after 3
chips and beer and greenery
brothers one and all”
from “Finglas Boys” which I (incorrectly) titled “All for the Roses”
Thinking of you tonight Christy on the loss of your dear friend and Comperio….. Another wordsmith leaves the stage. Fly high Wally.
Best regards.
the rain puts a shine on the chestnut spikes
Tonight I’ve let the ears on Biko Drum, So Do I, Smoke and Strong Whiskey, the Wise and Holy Woman, Flying into Mystery, and Zozimus & Zimmerman. Thinking of you at this time and in the days ahead Christy.. feeling very grateful to have heard your comrade Wally’s music through your singing of these great songs.
“Mamma still waiting for someone to say
Sara-Christina was found yesterday
the ghost of not knowing still eats her away
Sara-Christina ‘s still missing”
…………( from Los Desaperacidos)
RIP Wally Page
“Flying into mystery…”
Still tryin to cut the Spainish look
Well Christy, you had a wonderful Vicar St run, well done. I don’t post very often, don’t have a lot to say, but I love reading the contributions from so many wonderful posters. I pick up the vibes of the great feelings of intimacy and fun from the gigs.
Well I have had a week in hospital, getting another new shoulder, and now three weeks residential rehab clinic, to teach the new shoulder wonderful things like lifting a soup spoon to the mouth and mighty things like that. Well Christy, I brought my trusty iPod, with about 2000 songs, and among them 95 of yours. So what I do is make playlists from your set lists…..I love the hand-written ones from way back…..and then during an exercise I play a Christy concert! One from Dundalk way back, one from Germany 2012 which I surely saw, and thanks for posting a setlist from a recent Vicar St gig. I play that one a lot, gets me almost into the concert itself. I don’t have all your songs on the iPod, so thanks to Rebecca and others for live recordings!
Interesting, from that January gig, you performed 25 songs, and 15 of them are on the On The Road double album which I really like.
Keep the music flowing, and who knows, maybe 2023 will be the year I finally get home to see you!
Good man Pat….I hope your recovery continues, that you’ll soon be ladling the soup in the right direction !!…as I lie here pondering your difficulties I’m reminded of all we take for granted when our bodies are fully functioning…your rehab must surely be challenging…I wish you the very best in the weeks ahead and hope you “get home” before too long…may the music keep your spirits high
Well Christy,
We caught two of the shows on the Vicar St run. Your getting better and better. I must say the new song ‘Lyra McKee’ took my breath away and I think you have a modern classic on your hands there and one that will sit in with all your legendary songs you have done, it will be a big hit with your audiences this year, I look forward to hearing it on an album in the future. Keep up the great work and long may you run.
Danny
fair play to you Danny….I appreciate your feedback
Christy,
One more tick off the Bucket list…I’ve been a fan since 1984 and my daughters can recite your songs verbatim from so many sin alongside in the car. Well, my wife was able go get tickets for your show in Naas on 2/27. Can’t wait to see you live, a dream come true.
Thanks so much for all you do.
All the best,
Paul
See you in Killashee Paul….safe journey
Hello Christy,
Your musical instincts are so well honed, the acapella gives the song’s lyric a lot of space to weave themselves into the melody and shape the tune. The 9th Jan version had lots of different colours and shapes in the tune, all coming from the words as the song sung you . I think you’re so right that, for you, a set of chords would add unnecessary rigidity to something that flows like water through you.
I met something similar when playing with The House of the Rising Sun. The melody is very fluid for me, and once I’d freed myself from The Animals amazing version, it kept changing and responding to the words. What I’ve got at the moment is a tune that changes verse to verse and a set of chords that have to change with it, as it happens
Impossible for an ensemble to follow because it goes where it will in the moment. Long live the river of song.
Rebecca
sometimes its life affirming to cast all instruments aside and simply
“SING OUT”
no rhythm to follow,
no beat to curtail,
head back singing out joyfully
to all the stars and angels
to all the spirits in the firmament
…..they are great listeners
Thanks Dagrab for pointing me to the bbc Storyville documentary of a Polish Jewish film , never forget, never again. Yellow Triangle. December 1942. Symphony in memorium to the martyrs of Babi Yar…..on HMD.
Rb
” they called out to the Lord God creator of the Universe
in our despair we call on you’
but all their tears and all their prayers they went unanswered
on that cold December day in nineteen forty two.”……..( Ricky Lynch)
Christy & Co … many thanks for the suggestions and assistance. It’s great to go to bed in Brisbane with a nagging problem and have it solved for you by the time you wake up.
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir
Drive on ☘️
tá fáilte romhat …márcaidh ar aghaidh
Hi Christy/all
I ‘ve been absorbed in the Dylan bootleg songs on the CD with Mojo mag March edition…and ready for Time out of Mind outtakes tomorrow.. But, catching up here , I ‘ve had good crack on the frets and youtube…
So, here s a rough take (possibly very rough!) On the Lemon7 s chords…if nothing else, hopefully it s a starting point…and there are very likely some additional chords that have eluded me…
It hits a great drive with a chopped plectrum rhythm…
Capo on 4 th fret and have a go at Am/ C/ G/ Am/C/Em…the chord changes come at natural points in the tune as it runs in a sequence. Whilst noodling with it, I was reminded of another song…poss, The Old Man s Song by Ian Campbell? A great feature of your set c 1970s…
Keep warm all
Dave
Ian used an old Aberdonian melody when writing “The Old Man’s Song”
Its a great song ….as is “The Sun is Burning”