Morning christy,first of all well done on a clean sweep with the rygbu,what a way to win at Home,we managed to gain some pride back with some new boys coming through,im off to tempt some trout chrisry,see you up on mandolin mountain.
Christy's reply
we are in great shape at the moment….but I’ve no doubt that Wales will be back…It will take a while but the Valleys will resound again
Well C do bhí tú ar fheabhas ar fad, go hiontach !! An amazing setlist at the NCH anocht and such failte !! You seemed to be in your element solo up there !! What a great end to a historic day ? GRMMA, beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Between the National Concert Hall and Lansdowne Road it turned out to be a wonderful Saturday….90 minutes in one 80 minutes at the other and I’m still buzzing….I managed to avert the result til I got home last night…then mugs of strong tea as we watched 23 proud Gaels gain the spoils and glory over our ancient foe..
earlier I faced a great gathering of listeners who raised the spirits with an almighty welcome…I sat down, picked up the box and the songs carried us all away until the final whistle…Lyra McKee, Veronica Guerin and Anne Lovett stilled the night, Joxer,Matty and Leo Varadkar got us over the line….
the crew all came up trumps….Johnny,Dickon,David, Geoff, Cian, Michael and Paddy tucked in behind me and the NCH crew were at hand too…
When all you good listeners came through the lobby the scene was set
………….and away we went
41 degrees here yesterday – only 35 today.
And on the seventh day She created air conditioning..
Hey you lot – whilst I acquaint myself with CM’s works, please post here your absolute faves…help give me some guidance as I navigate the waters
All moods: happy, sad, reflective, angry, absurd…I’m keen to listen & learn but more importantly to get a sense of the feel & impact of the songs, particularly upon native Irish folk..
Hope that’s not too presumptuous or intrusive
Wishing y’all peace & love
Regards
Danny Harris
He of the land Downunder
Christy's reply
its a long endless journey that constantly reveals hidden gems….get yourself logged into the Irish Traditional Music Archive…plenty to hear,see and absorb in there…check out the Góilín Song Archive too….76 years on I’m still hearing new sounds….
Seeing as Edinburgh and theatres cam up here, I went looking. It seems the Kings Theatre in that great Scottish city lies dark and shut. Meanwhile a row goes on between all involved parties who will make up a near £9m deficit incurred in the theatre’s refurbishment. Private Rye’s piece has it that the Playhouse staff have been regularly been punched and spat upon by unruly audience members, wow this is ‘headline material’, and given that this the day after one our nation’s pubs’ busiest days, I’m sure a lot of people, maybe bar staff or door staff were spat upon if not punched. The chief executive was quoted on social media, that ‘enough is enough.’ An auspicious week for social media, Britain’s most popular satirical magazine manages to make a story out of this theatre’s CE’s social media pronouncements. We dont know or how or who is asked or not, what acts is he getting to play? Who is he letting in? What about the staff themselves? My my, theatre luvvies……….A great example of “2+2=5”.
The piece, Private Eye, 17 Feb, does note a ‘sense of unease’ locally and the piece concludes with: “Time for Edinburgh’s intelligentsia to be less dysfunctional and pull together.”
So it it is a pity to witness all this in a city that I would consider has a great artistic tradition.
Christy's reply
so many venues in that great City….from Folk Clubs in humble rooms to Concerts in magnificent venues, memories of nights long gone tumble forth….arriving into Edinburgh was always exciting…catching up with dear friends,hearing the latest songs and music that always emanated, pints o heavy and wee drams in the St Vincent, Hand in Hand with Owen & Ruth, over the Bridge and further afield to Fife and beyond….och aye de noo
Hello Christy,
I know in the past I’ve spoilt days where you planned to watch the match later. I am very sorry.
However, I’m sure you can’t have missed what happened today, even if you plan to watch it later.
I hope that crowd of yours give it their all tonight. All love
Rebecca xxxx
Christy's reply
FARRELL the elder carried the spoils….we are so fortunate to have secured the service of this Lacashire Lion…such a unique moment to see Father and Son meet on the field at the close of play
I’ve a recollection, how ever right or wrong, that programme’s title was ‘The Corries and Other Folk’. Then was the title changed? Oh well, we could always Google….
Mention of Edinburgh and theatres, I’ll be back; soon.
Remember being on the Corries show Christy—Love this song, I taped it from the telly
Christy's reply
To tell you the truth I have no recollection of this gig…I do recall Roy Williamson and Ronnie Brown from an earlier time…back when “The Corries” invited me to guest with them at Edinburgh Festival in late 60s…I did 6 nights ..other guests were Spencer Davis and Paco Pena…. I felt out of my depth and did not appreciate the opportunity being given me….I used to sing my two songs and head for Sandy Bells for refreshments….the contract stipulated that I had to be back at The Playhouse every night for an ensemble “bow”…. I was well refreshed each night to an extent that usually met with disapproval….but Roy understood my youthful transgressions and I got my cheque after gig 6….it just about covered my tab in Sandy Bells
45 years on I look back fondly and sadly….so many of that Edinburgh scene no longer with us….
Auld Reekie was a home away from home
When I returned to http://www.journalofmusic.com the Chicago piece has been moved to Reviews…well worth rooting out though! D
Christy's reply
such a lengthy in depth review…I’ve read shorter books..but It sucks you in..always happy to see Mick Moloney mentioned..he devoted his life to the music
You referred to that album previously and the making of it. Ye were living in ‘Castlecomer’ as far as I recall and yez put the album together down that part of the country. Late seventies. Great music, in fact some beautiful trad music as my Radio One transistor here is playing Liam O’Floinn’s An Droichead or The Bridge. Such music.
Christy's reply
I listen to Liam Óg’s “The Bridge” frequently….he assembled a glorious array of players..they collaborated with love and respect for each other and for the job in hand
PS a beautiful film on “The Chieftains” called “Water from The Well” screened on last evening…directed by Maurice Linnane
“It was in the Gulf of Aquaba/I met some paddys/and we had a fleadh/danced in the streets of Eliat town/sang Sean South from Garryowen…….”
Galway Joe could wax poetically. A great song with two (or three?) marvellous reels following, two by the great Noel Hill and the Tony Linnane. Mullingar Races, Flax in Bloom are two of the tunes then that complete that first side of the tape.
Gipp, it’s still one of Christy’s best recordings in among the canon of albums that he has eventually recorded. That album will be ‘looming’ in among my choice as to what’s the best.
Great, ‘Morrissey and the Russian Sailor’, “the Irish offered ten to one/the day before the fair…..” as Noel Hill’s conertina comes in upping the tempo. A proposed dual between the Irishman and the Russian. Great song.
One of these songs now on Radio One as I type. A live version of “Patrick”.
Christy's reply
I still love that “Morrissey and The Russian Sailor”
“twas in the 37th round the Russian smelt a fart
with Morrissey with a savage blow struck the Russian on the heart
the consultant he was sent for to open up a vein
that’ll be 300 euros please, he’ll never fight again”
Just listening to “The Iron Behind the Velvet”! What an album for the day thats in it Christy! 2 beauties about the snake driver! A cracking polka by Irvine, Galway Joe bringing the Fleadh to Aqaba! Mrs Dolan goin mad, burnt be the Sun! Morrissey baitin’ the russki, and so much more goin’ on. The older it gets the better it gets and what a line up!
1st song i ever sang in public was St Patrick was a Gentleman! I can still remember coming in on, “A 100,000 reptiles blue” baitin’ the bejaysus outa the lid of an empty box of USA biscuits that Christmas! To this day I’m better on the biscuit tin than the bodhran!
Christy's reply
it always tickles my fancy when the earlier albums are referenced…that was a great Summer….we played and laughed and smoked and drank our fill..and we did a wee tour…
Leo Conway’s in Castlecomer ( Leo ran out of Liebfraumilch)
The Hidden Inn in Kilmanahan ( very few found it)
The Merriman in Scariff
The meeting Place in Dublin
Pat Dowlings in Prosperous, Kildare
The Community Hall in Kildimo
Help needed from Christy advice column!
Long transplanted from Belfast to BC and have longed to see Christy live on a visit ‘home’ but dates/places never seem to line up – was hoping for Bundoran this year but tickets gone 🙁 What to do?
Slàinte on St Pats Day
Thanks a million Christy and Dave for the kind comments about Echotal’s new video ‘Famine’ here’s the link below… it can be hard to track down. Our darkest days depicted I’m afraid on a celebratory St. Patrick’s Day… maybe save it for later ; ) David https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jePAmsV6Uw0
Christy's reply
Good Man David..
You created a great sleeve for “Flying into Mystery” and the video you made for “Clock Winds Down” was a great extension to the theme..
I’ve just played “Echotal” again here and everyone concurs..its right good work..very best to You, and to Herself and Himself….I have not forgotten the Pilgrim Path
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! to all from the Pool.
Christy's reply
You’ve heard of St.Dennis of France
He never had much for to brag on
You’ve heard of St. George and his lance
how he slayed the auld heathenish dragon
The Saints of the Welshmen and Scot
are a couple of pitiful Pipers
and might just as well go to pot
when compared to the patron of vipers
……………..St Patrick of Ireland my dear
Hello Christy,
Happy St Patrick’s day to all.
I hope we are worthy opponents for you tomorrow and, if not, I hope we give as good as we can and get out alive. It’s going to be a great match! https://youtu.be/nz1TLTR8hgo
For the day that is in it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEE9U3JUVDc.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we can finish it all off with the Slam tomorrow….Dreams do come true.
Best Regards,
Patsy
Christy's reply
I think I may have to consider revisiting that old track…I set off like a greyhound out of trap 6 in Shelbourne Park..thanks for the reminder..
I’m off to the Railway Cup Finals now…
Morning christy,first of all well done on a clean sweep with the rygbu,what a way to win at Home,we managed to gain some pride back with some new boys coming through,im off to tempt some trout chrisry,see you up on mandolin mountain.
we are in great shape at the moment….but I’ve no doubt that Wales will be back…It will take a while but the Valleys will resound again
Well C do bhí tú ar fheabhas ar fad, go hiontach !! An amazing setlist at the NCH anocht and such failte !! You seemed to be in your element solo up there !! What a great end to a historic day ? GRMMA, beir bua agus beannacht. H
Between the National Concert Hall and Lansdowne Road it turned out to be a wonderful Saturday….90 minutes in one 80 minutes at the other and I’m still buzzing….I managed to avert the result til I got home last night…then mugs of strong tea as we watched 23 proud Gaels gain the spoils and glory over our ancient foe..
earlier I faced a great gathering of listeners who raised the spirits with an almighty welcome…I sat down, picked up the box and the songs carried us all away until the final whistle…Lyra McKee, Veronica Guerin and Anne Lovett stilled the night, Joxer,Matty and Leo Varadkar got us over the line….
the crew all came up trumps….Johnny,Dickon,David, Geoff, Cian, Michael and Paddy tucked in behind me and the NCH crew were at hand too…
When all you good listeners came through the lobby the scene was set
………….and away we went
41 degrees here yesterday – only 35 today.
And on the seventh day She created air conditioning..
Hey you lot – whilst I acquaint myself with CM’s works, please post here your absolute faves…help give me some guidance as I navigate the waters
All moods: happy, sad, reflective, angry, absurd…I’m keen to listen & learn but more importantly to get a sense of the feel & impact of the songs, particularly upon native Irish folk..
Hope that’s not too presumptuous or intrusive
Wishing y’all peace & love
Regards
Danny Harris
He of the land Downunder
its a long endless journey that constantly reveals hidden gems….get yourself logged into the Irish Traditional Music Archive…plenty to hear,see and absorb in there…check out the Góilín Song Archive too….76 years on I’m still hearing new sounds….
Seeing as Edinburgh and theatres cam up here, I went looking. It seems the Kings Theatre in that great Scottish city lies dark and shut. Meanwhile a row goes on between all involved parties who will make up a near £9m deficit incurred in the theatre’s refurbishment. Private Rye’s piece has it that the Playhouse staff have been regularly been punched and spat upon by unruly audience members, wow this is ‘headline material’, and given that this the day after one our nation’s pubs’ busiest days, I’m sure a lot of people, maybe bar staff or door staff were spat upon if not punched. The chief executive was quoted on social media, that ‘enough is enough.’ An auspicious week for social media, Britain’s most popular satirical magazine manages to make a story out of this theatre’s CE’s social media pronouncements. We dont know or how or who is asked or not, what acts is he getting to play? Who is he letting in? What about the staff themselves? My my, theatre luvvies……….A great example of “2+2=5”.
The piece, Private Eye, 17 Feb, does note a ‘sense of unease’ locally and the piece concludes with: “Time for Edinburgh’s intelligentsia to be less dysfunctional and pull together.”
So it it is a pity to witness all this in a city that I would consider has a great artistic tradition.
so many venues in that great City….from Folk Clubs in humble rooms to Concerts in magnificent venues, memories of nights long gone tumble forth….arriving into Edinburgh was always exciting…catching up with dear friends,hearing the latest songs and music that always emanated, pints o heavy and wee drams in the St Vincent, Hand in Hand with Owen & Ruth, over the Bridge and further afield to Fife and beyond….och aye de noo
Hello Christy,
I know in the past I’ve spoilt days where you planned to watch the match later. I am very sorry.
However, I’m sure you can’t have missed what happened today, even if you plan to watch it later.
I hope that crowd of yours give it their all tonight. All love
Rebecca xxxx
FARRELL the elder carried the spoils….we are so fortunate to have secured the service of this Lacashire Lion…such a unique moment to see Father and Son meet on the field at the close of play
Delighted for you our friend, and for the nation.
Grand slam magic.
Rory
Battered Bruised and Content this March Morning….Thanks Rory
I’ve a recollection, how ever right or wrong, that programme’s title was ‘The Corries and Other Folk’. Then was the title changed? Oh well, we could always Google….
Mention of Edinburgh and theatres, I’ll be back; soon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2xR8QgYvmc
Remember being on the Corries show Christy—Love this song, I taped it from the telly
To tell you the truth I have no recollection of this gig…I do recall Roy Williamson and Ronnie Brown from an earlier time…back when “The Corries” invited me to guest with them at Edinburgh Festival in late 60s…I did 6 nights ..other guests were Spencer Davis and Paco Pena…. I felt out of my depth and did not appreciate the opportunity being given me….I used to sing my two songs and head for Sandy Bells for refreshments….the contract stipulated that I had to be back at The Playhouse every night for an ensemble “bow”…. I was well refreshed each night to an extent that usually met with disapproval….but Roy understood my youthful transgressions and I got my cheque after gig 6….it just about covered my tab in Sandy Bells
45 years on I look back fondly and sadly….so many of that Edinburgh scene no longer with us….
Auld Reekie was a home away from home
Hi Christy/all
When I returned to http://www.journalofmusic.com the Chicago piece has been moved to Reviews…well worth rooting out though! D
such a lengthy in depth review…I’ve read shorter books..but It sucks you in..always happy to see Mick Moloney mentioned..he devoted his life to the music
Hi Christy/all
Reading a great book review and have to share here…www.journalofmusic.com in the Latest section…
Cry of a People Gone- Irish musicians in Chicago, 1920- 2020 by Richie Piggott The review itself is worth reading + video clips. Such rich material…
Enjoy gig weekend
Dave
You referred to that album previously and the making of it. Ye were living in ‘Castlecomer’ as far as I recall and yez put the album together down that part of the country. Late seventies. Great music, in fact some beautiful trad music as my Radio One transistor here is playing Liam O’Floinn’s An Droichead or The Bridge. Such music.
I listen to Liam Óg’s “The Bridge” frequently….he assembled a glorious array of players..they collaborated with love and respect for each other and for the job in hand
PS a beautiful film on “The Chieftains” called “Water from The Well” screened on last evening…directed by Maurice Linnane
…..ah, but he probably had health insurance and could claim that 300 euros back.
“It was in the Gulf of Aquaba/I met some paddys/and we had a fleadh/danced in the streets of Eliat town/sang Sean South from Garryowen…….”
Galway Joe could wax poetically. A great song with two (or three?) marvellous reels following, two by the great Noel Hill and the Tony Linnane. Mullingar Races, Flax in Bloom are two of the tunes then that complete that first side of the tape.
Gipp, it’s still one of Christy’s best recordings in among the canon of albums that he has eventually recorded. That album will be ‘looming’ in among my choice as to what’s the best.
Great, ‘Morrissey and the Russian Sailor’, “the Irish offered ten to one/the day before the fair…..” as Noel Hill’s conertina comes in upping the tempo. A proposed dual between the Irishman and the Russian. Great song.
One of these songs now on Radio One as I type. A live version of “Patrick”.
I still love that “Morrissey and The Russian Sailor”
“twas in the 37th round the Russian smelt a fart
with Morrissey with a savage blow struck the Russian on the heart
the consultant he was sent for to open up a vein
that’ll be 300 euros please, he’ll never fight again”
Just listening to “The Iron Behind the Velvet”! What an album for the day thats in it Christy! 2 beauties about the snake driver! A cracking polka by Irvine, Galway Joe bringing the Fleadh to Aqaba! Mrs Dolan goin mad, burnt be the Sun! Morrissey baitin’ the russki, and so much more goin’ on. The older it gets the better it gets and what a line up!
1st song i ever sang in public was St Patrick was a Gentleman! I can still remember coming in on, “A 100,000 reptiles blue” baitin’ the bejaysus outa the lid of an empty box of USA biscuits that Christmas! To this day I’m better on the biscuit tin than the bodhran!
it always tickles my fancy when the earlier albums are referenced…that was a great Summer….we played and laughed and smoked and drank our fill..and we did a wee tour…
Leo Conway’s in Castlecomer ( Leo ran out of Liebfraumilch)
The Hidden Inn in Kilmanahan ( very few found it)
The Merriman in Scariff
The meeting Place in Dublin
Pat Dowlings in Prosperous, Kildare
The Community Hall in Kildimo
Help needed from Christy advice column!
Long transplanted from Belfast to BC and have longed to see Christy live on a visit ‘home’ but dates/places never seem to line up – was hoping for Bundoran this year but tickets gone 🙁 What to do?
Slàinte on St Pats Day
Sit tight and let the hare sit
Thanks a million Christy and Dave for the kind comments about Echotal’s new video ‘Famine’ here’s the link below… it can be hard to track down. Our darkest days depicted I’m afraid on a celebratory St. Patrick’s Day… maybe save it for later ; ) David https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jePAmsV6Uw0
Good Man David..
You created a great sleeve for “Flying into Mystery” and the video you made for “Clock Winds Down” was a great extension to the theme..
I’ve just played “Echotal” again here and everyone concurs..its right good work..very best to You, and to Herself and Himself….I have not forgotten the Pilgrim Path
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! to all from the Pool.
You’ve heard of St.Dennis of France
He never had much for to brag on
You’ve heard of St. George and his lance
how he slayed the auld heathenish dragon
The Saints of the Welshmen and Scot
are a couple of pitiful Pipers
and might just as well go to pot
when compared to the patron of vipers
……………..St Patrick of Ireland my dear
Happy Saint Patricksday!
they’re all out there now trying to drown the shamrock..we are gathered in solemn contemplation..waiting for the kettle to boil
Hello Christy,
Happy St Patrick’s day to all.
I hope we are worthy opponents for you tomorrow and, if not, I hope we give as good as we can and get out alive. It’s going to be a great match!
https://youtu.be/nz1TLTR8hgo
Rebecca
I’m just about to line the pitch now
For the day that is in it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEE9U3JUVDc.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we can finish it all off with the Slam tomorrow….Dreams do come true.
Best Regards,
Patsy
I think I may have to consider revisiting that old track…I set off like a greyhound out of trap 6 in Shelbourne Park..thanks for the reminder..
I’m off to the Railway Cup Finals now…