Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire Shows Announced

Dear Listeners,

We are delighted to tell you that we now have 4 shows on sale for the Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire Feb 15, 17, 22, and 25.

Further details  here on the gig page

 

FURTHER CHANGES TO JANUARY SHOWS

Christy Moore

Vicar Street  

Following the most recent announcement of new Government guidelines re Covid-19 measures, Aiken Promotions announce a change to performance time for Christy Moore’s upcoming concerts at Vicar St. on  3^rd & 9^th January.

Doors will now be open at 5pm, with show time at 6pm sharp.

 

Announcement regarding the 11th and 17th of January shows.

In line with the most recent Government guidelines re Covid-19 measures, Aiken Promotions announce  the sold out shows at Vicar St. on  the 11th & 17^th January are cancelled with all tickets refunded.

A new  limited capacity show will go on sale this morning at 10am, Dec 22nd.  Show time 6pm sharp, doors at 5pm.

Please note original tickets will not be valid at the rescheduled shows.

Between The Jigs And The Reels: A Retrospective

Tracklist

True Love Knows No Season (Billy Gray) 5:29
Pat Reilly 3:15
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór 3:33
Follow Me Up To Carlow 2:20
Băneasă’s Green Glade/Mominsko Horo 5:48
Aconry Lasses/The Old Wheels Of The World/The Spike Island Lasses 3:32
The Pursuit Of Farmer Michael Hayes 6:10
Accidentals/Aragon Mill 6:02
The Irish Marche 3:37
The Rambling Siúler 4:19
The Well Below The Valley 5:30
Junior Crehan’s Favourite/Corney is Coming 2:36
Roger O’Hehir 5:33
Smeceno Horo 4:32
The West Coast of Clare 5:30
Nancy Spain 3:32
Timedance 6:30

Live From The Late Late Show (1972)

The Blacksmith / Blacksmithereens

The Music Makers, Live From The National Stadium (1973)

Three Drunken Maidens / The Foxhunter’s Reel
When First Unto This Country
Sweet Thames Flow Softly
The Gold Ring (Jig)
Hey! Sandy
Kitty Gone A Milking / Music Of The Forge (Reels)
Only Our Rivers Run Free
Raggle Taggle Gypsy / Tabhair Dom Do Lámh
Three Drunken Maidens / The Foxhunter’s Reel (Reprise)

Live From The Abbey Tavern (1980)

The Good Ship Kangaroo
Ride A Mile / Hardiman The Fiddler / The Yellow Wattle (Jigs)
The Hackler From Grouse Hall
An Bonnán Buí / The West Wind (Reel)
The Jolly Beggar
Sally Brown
Bean Pháidín / Rakish Paddy
Little Musgrave

Live Aisling Gheal Special (1980)

East At Glendart / Brian O’Lynn / Pay The Reckoning (Double Jigs)
The Lady On The Island / The Gatehouse Maid / The Virginia / Callaghan’s (Reels)
As I Roved Out
Smeceno Horo

Festival Folk, Live From The National Stadium (1982)

Johnny Of Brady’s Lea
The Pullet / The Ladies’ Pantalettes (Reels)
I Pity The Poor Immigrant
Arthur McBride
True Love Knows No Season (Billy Gray)
Timedance
You Rambling Boys Of Pleasure
The Good Ship Kangaroo
Táimse Im’ Chodladh
Thousands Are Sailing
The Queen Of The Rushes / Paddy Fahy’s (Jigs)
Little Musgrave
The Scholar / The Chattering Magpie / Lord McDonald’s / The Virginia / Callaghan’s (Reels)
The Cliffs Of Dooneen

Flying Into Mystery

Track List
1 Johnny Boy
2 Clock Winds Down
3 Greenland
4 Flying Into Mystery
5 Gasún
6 All I Remember
7 December 1942
8 Van Diemen’s Land
9 The Bord na Móna Man
10 Myra’s Caboose
11 Zozimus & Zimmerman
12 Pity the Poor Immigrant

Upcoming Vicar Street Shows

Christy Moore – The Early Years 1969-81

Track List

1 Home By Bearna
2 Lanigan’s Ball
3 Limerick Rake
4 Johnny Jump Up
5 Tippin’ It Up To Nancy
6 Nancy Spain
7 The Cliffs Of Dooneen
8 Little Musgrave
9 Rambling Robin
10 Trip To Jerusalem / Two Reels: The Mullingar Races; The Crooked Road
11 John O’Dreams
12 Sacco & Vanzetti
13 The Ballad Of Tim Evans
14 One Last Cold Kiss: Trip To Roscoff
15 The Raggle Taggle Gypsy: Tabhair Dom Do Lámh
16 The Moving-On-Song (Go! Move! Shift!)
17 I Wish I Was In England
18 Hey Sandy (Live in Dublin, 1978)
19 The Crack Was Ninety In The Isle Of Man (Live in Dublin, 1978)
20 January Man
21 Clyde’s Bonnie Banks (Live in Dublin, 1978)
22 Black Is The Colour Of My True Love’s Hair (Live in Dublin, 1978)
23 Spancilhill
24 The Ballad Of James Larkin
25 Paddy On The Road

Magic Nights

Track List

1 Magic Nights In The Lobby Bar
2 Matty
3 Sonny’s Dream
4 Ringing That Bell
5 A Pair Of Brown Eyes
6 Sail On Jimmy
7 Burning Times
8 The Tuam Beat
9 Back Home In Derry
10 Rosalita and Jack Campbell
11 Duffy’s Cut
12 Motherland
13 Spancilhill
14 Before The Deluge
15 The Two Conneeleys
16 Missing You

Pity the Poor Immigrant

Bob Dylan (to an older air)

I pity the poor immigrant who wishes he’d stayed at home
Uses all his power to do evil, in the end is always left so alone
That man who with his fingers cheats who lies with every breath
Who passionately hates his life and likewise fears his death
I pity the poor immigrant whose strength is spent in vain
Whose heaven is like ironsides, and whose tears are like the rain
Who eats but is not satisfied, who hears but does not see
Who falls in love with wealth itself and turns his back on me
I pity the poor immigrant who tramples through the mud
Who fills his mouth with laughing and who builds his town with blood
Whose vision in the final end must shatter like a glass
I pity the poor immigrant when his gladness comes to pass

More Info 

I recorded this previously with Planxty in 1982. I feel more at ease 40 years on. I love the abstract nature of these three verses. My favourite song from the song and dance man. Singing it has knocked me sideways betimes. One night in London, out of the blue, the emotion caught me. I choked up. Liam O’Flynn recognised my predicament. He took up the melody and carried it away. I dedicate this version to the memory of my late Uncle Jimmy Power of Ardmulchan, Co. Meath.

Zozimus and Zimmerman

Christy Moore and Wally Page

Zozimus was singing the Pharoah’s daughter
As Me and Valerie we left O’Donoghue’s
On Butt Bridge we crossed the River Liffey
Down along the North Wall we joined the queue
There was Hippies there and Lurchers from Dunmanway
Flash Harrys down from Killiney Hill
Quare Hawks in Limousines and Helicopters
To hear Zimmerman the King of Vaudeville
The lights went down and the crowd went cat melodeon
We were all revved up and ready to engage
Having hitch hiked all the way from Minnesota
Zimmerman was there before us on the stage
He made his way to the piano
One by one the Band began to play
When he laid his fingers down upon the keyboard
He opened up with Lay Lady Lay
Homesick Subterranean
Hard Rain Gonna Fall When the Boat Comes In
Black Diamond Bay
The Dirge and The Hurricane
Hattie Carroll and Hollis Brown
Summer Days Forever Young
St. Augustine Maggie’s Farm
And Like a Rolling Stone
Some old singers rest upon their laurels
Some old hoofers hang up their dancing shoes
But when Kings and Queens and Laureates came calling
Zimmerman still had lots of gigs to do
He’s up there now blowing hard upon his Hohner
Zozimus and Zimmerman were born to sing
Like two old buskers down at Puck Fair in Killorglin
Two old tanglers at the Fair of Spancilhill

More Info 

We’ve been attending Zimmerman gigs for over 40 years. We’ve been singing Zozimus songs even longer. Valerie and I have long since followed Bob whenever given the opportunity. Nights at the National Stadium, RDS, The Point, Vicar Street, Slane, Kilkenny, Finsbury Park come to mind, but best of all was that night in Slattery’s of Capel Street, Dublin when he got up and played with Myself and Wally. Disguised in his suit of Pearly King, no one recognized him nor realised the significance of the moment. He’s been on our case ever since. You can’t get too much of a good thing. Last time he busted his skull off a gable wall at the end of a top shelf stagger.

Zozimus – Michael J. Moran (c.1794-3 April 1846), popularly known as Zozimus, was an Irish street singer.from The Liberties. He wrote, among others: “Praise of Poitín”, “The Twangman”, “Finding of Moses”, “Pharoah’s Daughter”, “The Night Before Larry was Stretched”, “St. Patrick Was a Gentleman” (this list is neither precise nor complete). We await correction. Zimmerman, Song and Dance Man (still delivering the goods) “Whack Fol de Diddle”, “Ar Fol de Dol Doh”, “Toora Loora Loo”, and “Wid Me Toorim Minya” etc.

Myra’s Caboose

Christy Moore (Trad Arr.)

It being one evening of late as I strayed and I rambled through fields
Where oft times I wandered in haste and very quick speed
I was going to a wake where the rakes and factions do meet
There’ be drink and strong tea, hot cake and things that were sweet
O when the evening being freezing, indeed and it was very cold
With corns on my heels and my ankles ‘n cramps in my toes
I thought it no harm to warm me shanks by the fire
Thinking Myra and her daughter surely would me admire
O when the tea it came round in big geowls it was stuff very strong
When Myra said speak up or make us the verse of a song
Old Bill by the fire he was cursing and swearing with fright
For his gander was stolen and roasted last Saturday night
This Gander was graceful and gentle, both sturdy and strong
He never grew cold although he lived very long
His beak and his legs were as yellow as the gold that does shine
And his gob it would bore an inch board in a very short time
Well I’ve travelled Killarney, Kilgarvan, Kanturk and Kilmeague
Down around by Cork Harbour I was dealing in turkeys and geese
In all of my rambles and travels I never did see
O the likes of Bill’s gander for grandeur and Championship breed
The Boys and the Girls gathered at Myra’s Caboose
For they’d heard of the name and the fame of Bill and his goose
They’d measure this fine gander’s legs with a carpenter’s rule
And they never would leave ‘til they saw the length of his wings

More Info 

I arrived into Miltown Malbay, County Clare in the winter of 1964. It was there I met the Uilleann piper Willie Clancy. Seeing a guitar, Willie asked me did I know “Liverpool Lou”, a Dominic Behan song then riding high in the charts. I sang and Willie backed me beautifully on his legendary chanter. Sadly (or gladly) there was not a single smart phone in the house. Later in the night he sang this song which is known locally as “The Gander”. It has always remained with me and resurfaced in recent lockdown times. I always felt that Myra was overlooked in the narrative and decided to re-name the song. I imagine an old railway carriage repurposed as a trailer and parked in verdant forest. A rambling House where Myra and Bill were the most welcoming of hosts.

The Bord na Móna Man

Christy Moore

She spent seven days creating the World, the Sun the Moon and the Stars
The Plough, and the Milky Way, then Jupiter and Mars
Then She opened up her rib cage, pulled out a little man
She put him down near Timahoe, that’s where it all began
As to why she picked the Shortgrass God only knows
Life began for the Bord na Móna man without a stitch of clothes
Go forth says she and multiply God mam and I will begod
What better place to start the race then below in the Yellow Bog
Don’t you know he’ll never go
Once he gets his foot half in the door
He’s sound as a bell he’ll work like hell hire him if you can
‘clare to God you’ll never meet the beat of the Bórd na Móna man
At the edge of Tankard’s garden he built a lonely cell
Where he contemplated Limbo, then Purgatory and Hell
With the barbed wire in his Calvin Klein’s the poor man couldn’t sleep
All he had for company was jockey boys and sheep
When he’d converted Moorefield, Raheens and Ballitore
He set sail down the Grand Canal ‘til he came to Lullymore
Where he broke up the Bordellos and smashed the Poitín Stills
Began to bale the briquettes around the Sandy Hills
And don’t you know he’ll never go
Once he gets his foot half in the door
He’s sound as a bell he’ll work like hell hire him if you can
‘clare to God you’ll never meet the beat of the Bórd na Móna man
He opened up the Klondike, and he blazed the Yukon Trail
Crushed grapes in California before Columbus had set sail
He Drank tea on top of Everest before Hillary was born
Blindfold up the North Face, backstroke around the Horn
Way back in the 1960s when the world was facing ruin
The East and West were neck and neck to be first on the Moon
When the Yankee steered his module down on the moon to land
Who was there to hold the ladder but the Bord na Móna man
And don’t you know he’ll never go
Once he gets his foot half in the door
He’s sound as a bell he’ll work like hell hire him if you can
‘clare to God you’ll never meet the beat of the Bórd na Móna man

More Info 

What more can I say. Growing up we were surrounded by Turf; “cuttin it, footin it, clampin it together, bringing home the turf no matter what the weather” – Luka. Those great black sods would glow in the hearth all the year round, centre point of the Dowling household. Thousands came to harvest the black loam. It fuelled the nation, but like all good things it has (almost) come to an end. I still love to walk the bog.

Van Diemen’s Land

Christy Moore (Trad Arr.)

Me and three more went out one night into the Squire’s Park
We were hoping that we’d get some game the night it being dark
To our sad misfortune they captured us with speed
And they brought us down to Warwick jail it caused our hearts to bleed
Young Men all be aware
Lest you be drawn into a snare
Come Monday morning at the court we did appear
Like Job we stood with patience our sentence to hear
No jury, bail nor witness our case it did go hard
Our sentence was for fourteen years straight away being sent on board
The ship that bore us from the land the Speedwell was her name
For full five months and upwards we ploughed the ragin’ main
We saw no land nor harbour I tell you its no lie
All around us one Black Ocean above us one Blue Sky
About the Fifth of August its then that we made land
And at 5 o’clock next morning they tied us hand to hand
To see our fellow sufferance it filled me heart with woe
There’s some chained to the harrow and others to the plough
To see our fellow sufferance filled me with despair
They’d leather smocks and Lindsay shorts their feet and hands were bare
They tied them up two by two like horses in a dray
And the ganger he stood over them with his Malacca cane
There was a female servant there Rosanna was her name
For 16 years a convict from Wolverhampton came
She often told her tale of love when she was young at home
Now its rattling of her chains in a foreign land to roam
So come all of you young poaching lads and a warning take from me
Mark you well the story that I tell and guard your destiny
It’s all about transported lads as you must understand
The hardships we did undergo going to Van Diemen’s land

More Info 

I played Waterson’s Folk Club in Hull in 1968. Later, Mike Waterson sang this song for me. A unique and influential singer, Mike was a member of the Watersons. Their sound still reverberates around this poor old head. Verse 6 always gets me. Earlier verses describe miscarriages of justice, slavery, savage cruelty and terrible exploitation but the heart-breaking loneliness of Rosanna from Wolverhampton has kept me singing this song for over 50 years. I recorded it once before in the 1970s. There are many different versions of Van Diemen’s Land. One which has a Tipperary setting. I sometimes get to sing this song in the Góilín Singers Club. It lifts off when 80 singers join in the chorus and harmonise with gusto.

December 1942

Ricky Lynch

It’s freezing cold the snow comes down there’s ice on the barbed wire
Everything is ready right on time another train is due
Now it’s coming down the line it’s heading for the fire
Just another December day in 1942
The train is packed with dispossessed people from the ghetto
Treated worse than animals in some cruel filthy zoo
Terrorised and beaten starved into submission
So it was on that December day in 1942
The train came to a stop to unload its human cargo
Met be demons and by devils and their savage dogs
Curses blows and whips rain down on those exhausted people
But their deadly nightmare had only just begun
And they cried 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 God-forsaken December Day in 1942
Women men and children in that freezing winter twilight
Families torn in two by thugs with sticks and guns
Made to undress driven and naked to the slaughter
And then into the chamber they were forced to run
When the doors were locked and sealed no mercy and no pity
The word came down the line and the orders were carried through
Just another number to add to their statistics
On another God-forsaken day in 1942
And they cried 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 God-forsaken December Day in 1942

More Info 

I thank Ricky Lynch for sharing his song with me. It is a privilege to have been given the opportunity to sing it. I dedicate this recording to Tomi Reichental. Tomi’s lifelong dedication is an inspiration. For decades now he has been commemorating the six million Jews murdered by Nazi Fascists in the Holocaust of 1939-1945. Tomi’s life story is well described in his book I Was a Boy in Belsen (O’Brien Press). I recommend it. Ricky Lynch is an artist at the heart of the Cork music scene for many years. He sings, writes, paints and nurtures the live music scene in his native city

All I Remember

Mick Hanly

I was lured by the rockin horse, sweets and the búl-a-bos, 50 wild boys to a room
Sing lámh lámh eile the dish ran away with the spoon
Black shoes and stockings for those who say don’t Blue is the colour outside
God made the world, and the snake tempted Eve and she died
Wild Christian Brothers sharpening their leathers, learn it by heart that’s the rule
All I remember is dreading September and school
And they made me, for better or worse
The fool that I am or the wise man I’ll be
And they gave me their blessings and curse
It wasn’t their fault it was me, the one that you see
The priest in confession condemns my obsession with thoughts that I didn’t invite
I mumble and stutter he slams down the shutter, goodnight
Stainless as steel you know how I feel someone shoot me while my soul is clean
I don’t think I’ll last, my vow to abstain is obscene
Arch-Confraternity men to the fight raise up your banners on high
Searching for grace securing my place when I die
And they made me, for better or worse
The fool that I am or the wise man I’ll be
And they gave me their blessings and curse
It wasn’t their fault it was me, the one that you see
God kept a very close eye on me
All round my bed in the darkness he spied on me
Caught me in the long grass so often he died for me
Ballrooms of Romance in Salthill and Mallow I stood like John Wayne by the wall
Lined up like cattle we wait to do battle and fall
You can’t wine and dine her in an old Morris Minor but ask her before it’s too late
I danced on her toes, accepted rejection as my fate
Drink was my saviour it made me much braver but I couldn’t hold it too well
Threw up on the coach, it ruined my approach when I fell
And they made me, for better or worse
The fool that I am or the wise man I’ll be
And they gave me their blessings and curse
It wasn’t their fault it was me, the one that you see
God kept a very close eye on me
God He kept a very close eye on me
God She kept a very close eye on me

More Info 

Previously recorded with Moving Hearts in 1981, Mick Hanly’s opening verse brings me right back to my first day in infant school (Sept 1949). Sister Philomena sought to comfort us with Honey Bees. Sister Rose lurked in the background. Those Brides of Jesus were primed to prepare us for the 15 years of doctrine and programming that were to follow. Patrician Brothers and Dominican Priests continued the process, some with decency and kindness, others with violence and frustrated intolerance. Some of us slipped the net, others took the cloth, some lived on blissfully, a few unfortunates took the high jump or made for the river. Mick well describes elements of our early lives as we grew up in a culture that was tightly controlled by the power from Rome. Over the past 10 years Jim Higgins repeatedly called for this song at sound checks. It began to drift back into the set list. He remembers seeing the sleeve of the 1981 Moving Hearts single in his father’s record store (Music City, Shop St. Galway). And still they keep on ringing the bell.

Gasún

Tom Tuohy and Ciaran Connaughton

Gasún, Gasún why do you walk alone
Must be the strangest feeling
Gasún Gasún you don’t have no one
All has lost its meaning
As the apple falls from the orchard tree
We grow slow as time
Walk through all those golden fields
Through the barley wheat and the rye
And now you say to me
There must be a way
For all that time will bring
Is another day
Remember when we used to talk
Down by the old oak tree
Winter nights are colder now
It’s been so many years
And now you say to me
There must be a way
To find a home for you
A place for you to stay
O Gasún where are you
Lost like a bottle
Washed out across the sea
Soon to be forgotten
Ní neart go cur le chéile
Conaic mé solas san spéir
Ní neart go cur le chéile
Conaic mé solas san spéir

More Info 

This beautiful song was sent to me by Tom Tuohy. I recorded his “Honda 50” some years back. Two songs that illustrate the diversity of his writing. Tom has flown from the boglands of sweet Kildare and now resides with his family somewhere over on the European mainland. While Gasún is laden with the hopelessness and despair of homelessness, other elements appear in its short verses. I hope Tom continues to write and record. Every time I hear from him, his music has developed, his skills advanced, yet he remains a Bog Man to his very core. Ride on Tom Tuohy.

Flying into Mystery

Wally Page and Tony Boylan

Sixteen Fishermen raving out on the town on E
Sixteen peacocks leave their nest and go flying into mystery
They try to cut the Spanish look but they look so untidy
Don’t ask too much, you’ll never get enough when you’re flying into mystery
Flying into mystery when they should be out seafaring
Run out the jib and rig the boom, step back reality
When their ship is on the ocean their nights are so empty
They weary of the smelly fish and the wash of the salty sea
Sixteen jolly ravers each one carrying his own caul
They believe it will keep death away when they face the angry squall
Why face the angry squall when you could go Go-Go dancing
Run out the jib and rig the boom, step back reality
Yabba Dabba Da, Yabba Dabba Da, yat tie a rat tie a rat tie a rada
Yabba Dabba Da, Yabba Dabba Da, yat tie a rat tie a rat
To the Sixteen Fishermen raving O the girls look so fancy
You could ate your fry off the back of her neck if you want some more say please
When fishermen are feeling good they feel it musically
They go down singing shanties to the dance floor all at sea
To the dance floor all at sea go the Sixteen Fishermen raving
Run out the jib and rig the boom, step back reality
Flying into mystery when they should be out seafaring
Run out the jib and rig the boom, step back reality

 More Info 

Previously recorded as “Sixteen Fishermen Raving” back in 2005, I first heard Wally sing this in The Cobblestone, Dublin in 1999. I played it in last year’s lockdown sessions and again at a streamed gig from Vicar St. Dublin. Since then the song has gained greater popularity and newfound interest. A different version 16 years later. My hairy ears seem to detect variations in the timbre of this ancient voice box. Perhaps this 76 year old instrument gains fresh intonation from the experience and the trauma of recent events. (Pseud’s Corner here we come). I still carry my own caul. Safely tucked in my breast pocket alongside a double-michelle-pfizervaccination-passport.

Greenland

Paul Doran

We filled the boats with what we hoped would last us for the journey
Silently we gathered on the shore
On us shone the midnight sun and everywhere around us
The land where we could stay no more
From the shelter of the bay out to the open water
Floating on a picture of the sky
Leaving what we knew not knowing what’s to come
One last look and then we said goodbye
To Greenland, Greenland
My soul is in the rock in the grass and on the air
It moves between the Caribou and the Puffin
Dives beneath the ice sheets with the Narwhale and the seal
Feels the hunger of the bear
Endless days, restless nights, stories from the past
Remembering the Mother of the Sea
In her tangled hair she holds the sins of Man
Every missing creature there would be
The harshness of the hunter’s life the struggle to survive
The frozen beauty of the land
The wandering spirit of Qivitoq who chose to live apart
Like a Man-Dog in the wild
We filled the boats with what we hoped would last us for the journey
Silently we gathered on the shore

 More Info 

I’ve previously recorded two Paul Doran songs, “Natives” back in 1987 and “The Gardener” in 2016. I fell beneath the spell of Greenland when Paul shared it with me last year. It took months for me to find my way into this landscape. The melody stretches to the upper and lower limits of my vocal range but I was determined to sing Greenland. Not since “Lord Baker” have I been so transfixed by a song, ‘floating on a picture of the sky’. An extra pleasure to sing this song with my son Andy.

Clock Winds Down

Jim Page

It’s hard to know what to say
As the world around us fades away
Reason falls on deaf ears
And the Truth dissolves and disappears
As the Clock Winds Down
Warning signs years ago
We did not want to know
All consuming selfish ways
Now there’s a price to pay
As the Clock Winds Down
The ice caps melt The Amazon burns
To the point of no return
The grid goes down Screens go blank
We’ll be walking down the plank
As the Clock Winds Down
See the children take to the streets
When they hear Greta Thunberg speak
Watch the young warriors climb down from the trees
Chain themselves to machinery
As the Clock Winds Down
It’s hard to know what to say
When a child looks up and says
Hey old man, what did you do
We were depending on you
Now the Clock Winds Down
Now the Clock Winds Down
Now the Clock Winds Down
To Zero

 More Info 

Jim Page arrived at Carnsore Point, County Wexford in 1978. He came with the dawn and left on the wind, leaving a basket of good songs in his wake. Some of us sang them. (I sang “Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Russian Roulette” on the 1981 album Moving Hearts). Last time Jim showed up was at a gig in City North, County Meath in March 2020 (my last gig before lockdown). Afterwards we shared a few songs over strong tea – that’s when I first heard “Clock Winds Down”. The inevitable happened. I wanted to cover Jim’s song. He gave me the nod. I’ve messed it around a bit, juggling lines and verses, but Jim is a patient man and the song will always be his.

Johnny Boy

Gary Moore (1952-2011)

O when I hear that wind blow
All across the Wicklow Mountain
Is it you that I hear calling
Johnny Boy O Johnny Boy
And when I look to the West
Far across the River Shannon
Is it you that I see smiling
Johnny Boy O Johnny Boy
When the leaves they turn to brown
And wintertime is coming
As I watch the sun go down
I’ll be thinking of you
So when I hear that wind blow
All across the Wicklow Mountain
I’ll know it’s you that I hear calling
Johnny Boy O Johnny Boy
When the leaves they turn to brown
And wintertime is coming
As I watch the sun go down
I’ll be thinking of you
So when I look to the West
Far across the River Shannon
I’ll know it’s you that I see smiling
Johnny Boy O Johnny Boy

 More Info 

I met Gary Moore briefly when he came to a Planxty gig in Cecil Sharpe House, London in 1972. We met again at Jimmy Faulkner’s Memorial Concert in the Olympia Dublin in 2008. We did not know each other, but I have long since loved his soulful music. A true Master of his instrument, his playing is simply beautiful; his memory lives on. I spent a long night last year listening to Gary Moore’s legacy. Late that night this song appeared, a simple, soothing, soulful ballad. It evokes different emotions, recalls different events in my own life. Johnny Boy creates a space that any listener can inhabit

2021 Hotpress Review

Christy Moore
Flying Into Mystery

Christy Moore once described himself as “a bringer of news” – and he’s never shirked from reminding us where we’re really at.  Sadly, the news hasn’t got much better recently.

As a result, there’s a generally wistful, sometimes downbeat feel, to much of Flying into Mystery the cumulative effect of which is to confront us with the increasingly fraught issues of the day.

Name-checking Greta Thunberg, ‘Clock Winds Down’, written by Jim Page – who wrote the Moving Hearts classic ‘Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Russian Roulette’ – is a powerful, apocalyptic summary of the global mess we’ve made with our unremitting greed and indifference.

With climate change constantly in the air, several other songs come with the smell of the countryside off them.  There is a reverence for the wonders of nature too, not least on a fine rendition of Gary Moore’s ‘Johnny Boy’.  In the same vein, the title-track (written by Tony Boylan and Wally Page), the Tuohy-Connaughton song ‘Gasun’ and Christy’s own take on ‘Myra’s Caboose’ all hit the mark.

Ricky Lynch’s ‘December 1942’ is a chilling tale of the Holocaust, and Christy’s cover of Dylan’s ‘I Pity the Poor Immigrant’ could hardly be more relevant, with its forlorn, trademark Moore vocal.  The Bard of Hibbing crops up again in ‘Zozimus and Zimmerman’, which applies a ‘Lisdoonvarna’-style to a vivid portrait of a Dylan gig in Dublin that makes you wish you were there.

Christy’s voice is sturdily expressive throughout.  And he still has that unerring instinct for a telling song.  A Christy Moore album is never less than provocative.  But this one is more than that.  We want this album.  But we surely need it even more.  Flying Into Mystery is a great record – and a genuine contender for Album of the Year.

Jackie Hayden

 

New Album & Upcoming Dates …

Dear Listeners

I’m delighted to announce my new single, Clock winds Down is out today, ahead of the new album, Flying into Mystery on 17^th November. I’ll be back in Vicar street for fully seated shows on Nov 24 & 30, Dec 6, 8, 14 & 16 and Jan 3, 9, 11 & 17.  General tickets sale starts on Thursday 28/10. Really looking forward to getting back to singing the ballads.

Ride On

Christy

The album will be available on digital stores, CD & gatefold vinyl and is available to pre-order here: https://ChristyMoore.lnk.to/FlyingIntoMysteryFA

September 2021

Pearse Stadium, Salthill, Galway, August 26th 2021

City of Chicago

Quinte Brigada

Ride On

Shovel

The Two Conneeleys

Lingo Politico

Voyage

No Time For Love

Missing You

Delirium Tremens

Ordinary man

Spancilhill

Tuam Beat

Go Move Shift

Black is The Colour

Back Home in Derry

Cliffs of Dooneen

Lisdoonvarna

We had a glorious trip to Galway. just to be back out on the road was reward in itself. Michael Devine and I left early. We decided to leave the Motorway and travel West on the old road. That revived many memories from gigs of old. Arriving into Galway we encountered the usual traffic mayhem. Once again, I was shocked at the awfulness of what planners have done to Galway Harbour. Such an appalling act of desecration upon that beautiful City. We made it across The Corrib and into the sun drenched green of Pearse Stadium. Had a walk around the field and enjoyed a few pucks of the sliothar before sound check. For 18 months we have wondered would we ever get to work again. A joyful reunion with the road crew. Up on to the substantial stage erected in front of the main stand where 1200 would later gather, socially distanced. Guitars all checked, monitors in order and David tweaking a top shelf PA system. Back in my dressing room (usually reserved for the Galway Footballers and Hurlers) getting into my pre gig routine I heard Junior Brother warming up next door, so went in and had a chat with him. Hope to hear a lot more of his work in the future. The gig itself was amazing for me – such a welcome, such participation, I just tore into it and loved every minute of it.

The Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. September 1st 2021

City of Chicago

Quinte Brigada

Gasún (abandoned)

Black is The Colour (to the rescue)

Welcome to the Cabaret

Go Move Shift

The Two Conneeleys

Lingo Politico

Flying into Mystery

Farmer Michael Hayes

Pity The Poor Immigrant

Zozimus & Zimmerman

Lisdoonvarna

North & South of The River

Delirium Tremens

All I Remember

Magdalen Laundry

Lawless

Faithfull Departed

Spancilhill

The Reel in The Flickering Light

Nancy Spain

Ordinary Man

A very different gig to last week. The Dun Laoghaire Folk Festival featured a series of gigs in my local Theatre, curated by Leagues O’Toole of Foggy Notions and Hugh Murray of the Pavilion Theatre. I was delighted to get the call as The Pavilion is only a couple of miles from my hall door. Limited to 50 listeners in a 350 seat auditorium it was a strange setting for both listener and performer but we got there in the end. We can but hope that we are on our way out of this recent debacle and that we have learned to respect the fragility of our existence on this beautiful planet.

Both Galway and Dun Laoghaire gigs were run in conjunction with State bodies. Without state sponsorship and endorsement these gigs would not have happened. Many performers and Production crew members appreciated these opportunities to work again.

Album News.

I have completed an album which will be released in November. “Flying Into Mystery” features 12 tracks produced with Jim Higgins. I’ve never had so much uninterrupted time to devote to a recording. Over 15 months it came together in different locations as lockdown regulations changed from time to time. Most of it was recorded in The Sandymount Hotel. There we had access to a conference room which the crew transformed into an excellent recording facility. Further recordings took place in Derry and in Prosperous, Co Kildare. We are all satisfied with the result of our labours. It remains to be seen what you listeners make of it!!

Gig News.

We may have some gig news to share soon. Fingers crossed as we look forward with hope towards whatever lies ahead.

Christy. 3rd September 2021

The GPO

June 4th 2021

I got a right buzz when word came through that An Post* had nominated my image to adorn a stamp. My immediate reaction was to think of my grandparents Jack, Ellie and Bridie, how they might be tickled pink at such an outcome. Our old band Planxty were similarly honoured some years back, that too brought on a smile.

“My” stamp is part of a set of four marking 50 years of the World-renowned Glastonbury Festival. The other three performers are Sinéad O’Connor, Hozier and Lisa Hannigan. I’ve had the good fortune to play Glastonbury five times. I have many memories from those gigs, the earlier ones all the fonder.
The whole “stamp” project moved into a different gear for me when I was invited to sing in the G.P.O. (Our General Post Office in the centre of Dublin is the most iconic and historical building in Ireland. It was the hub of the 1916 Rebellion). More than the stamp itself, I perceived this an honour. From the day it was first mentioned it became the main focus of my rehearsing and preparation. I trawled the back repertoire to find two suitable songs. Eventually I settled on “The Foggy Dew” and “Down By The Glenside” neither of which have ever been in my public repertoire.
Our Grandfather, Jack Power came from Hayes, Navan Co Meath. He had one song – “The Foggy Dew”.  Jack would have witnessed volunteers from “The Plains of Royal Meath” hurrying thru to the GPO that Easter tide. Our Grandmother Ellie Sheeran came from The Cotton Mills, Navan Co. Meath. Ellie had one song –  “Down By The Glenside”.
Thus I arrived at the G.P.O. on April 23rd 2021 all set with two songs learned from my Grandparents

The place was thronged, an industrious hive of activity. Valerie came with me and was equally excited at the prospect. Michael Devine, my colleague of 30 years was in charge of our visit. We were warmly welcomed and shown to the Boardroom of An Post. There were security personnel, car park personnel, An Post personnel, Producers, Directors, Camera Crew and Assistants, Sound Engineers, a make-up artist, Set staff, Photographers, a cleaning crew to maintain covid cleaning regulations and others – every single one of them performing their tasks to the very best of their ability.

I soon realised that there were two very different gigs going on. The entire production crew were there to make a commercial ad for An Post whilst I was there to sing in memory of those who died fighting for Freedom. I sang The Foggy Dew three times (for Camera purposes) and that went well. Sitting there in the great hall I became very aware of that iconic painting of James Connolly lying mortally wounded on the marble floor. I realised that I was sitting adjacent to that very spot where Connolly lay. Patrick Galvin’s powerful song came to mind and I decided to do an accapella version. The cameras rolled and I sang Paddy Galvin’s iconic verses. If there is one rendition of a song that will remain in my mind after 65 years of singing, it will be this one. At the end there was deadly silence, then the crew began to move around again. The first thing I heard was “we were hoping to hear something festivally, something with a bit of a Glastonbury vibe”. I must admit, this threw me – twas then I realised that I had come ill prepared
I did my best to finish but fell asunder a bit. I’ve no idea what will emerge from the exercise. I tried a few other songs but my focus was gone. I sincerely hope they will use Patrick Galvin’s great song. The Director promised he would furnish me with the footage and I trusted him to do so.

As for the stamp itself – it features a 35-year-old photo taken around the time of my first Glastonbury experience and is due out in July.

Christy

 

*(Our Irish Postal System pronounced “un pust”)

 

2nd February 2021

Greetings all you good listeners and songsters.

Recently I received a gift of songs from a gathering of singers. The original suggestion came from Rory in the Scottish Borders.

The recordings were edited together by Pat who dwells “over the moon” in Germany.

It was precious gift which I will always cherish and came at a time when a wind of uplift was greatly appreciated.

Many different singers from around the world shared versions of songs I have been privileged to sing.

I thank you all, Pat & Rory in particular.

I will share below the link for anyone out there who may be interested in hearing the basket of songs I received.

https://youtu.be/X6fBSDVBp_Y

I am deeply immersed in rehearsals and demos at the moment as I prepare to record an album.

Some fine songs have come my way this past year. Working on them has given me great purpose. I’ve also written some songs that may make the cut. Also, some traditional songs have come back up before me.

Circumstance has meant that I only play Solo here in the work room. The songs are developing very much in that format.

I’ve been absent from the Guestbook on my website for the past two weeks.

Normal service will be resumed when the muse returns.

Everybody needs a break.

For those who did not hear or may have forgotten, we have put 8 lockdown sessions up on my Facebook page & also on YouTube … you can view by clicking HERE or HERE

Thank you for listening, for your messages of good will, for being there…

Christy

The Early Years … Out Today!

Greetings to all you good Listeners.

Today, Universal Music (Ireland) release a collection of recordings entitled “The Early Years” (1969-1980) which is available HERE

I’m enclosing an interview I did with Leagues O’Toole which was published in The Sunday Business Post:  Christy Moore Interview

I’m also sharing a video which highlights some of the songs. My Son Andy and I made it in lieu of COVID-19 cancellations. Click HERE for video.

The Show gotta go on!

Soon as we get jabbed up with this hoped-for vaccine, we’ll be appearing at a hall near you…. Cork, New York, Dundalk, Gortahork… anyone for the last few choc ices?

Christy

 

 

 

New Album

Dear Listeners

Next month (November 2020) Universal Ireland will release a new Album “The Early Years”. It will include 2 CDs and a DVD and will feature audio and video recording from 1969 to 1978.

Pre-order is available by clicking HERE …

Christy

Reminder for Solo streamed gig – Saturday 19th September …

To all you listeners out there in the beyond,

I’m sending out a reminder for my Solo Gig which will be Streamed Live from The National Concert Hall in Dublin this coming Saturday, 19^th September.
Some of you may have enjoyed the 8 Lockdown Sessions and might be interested in joining in.
It will be my first Concert since we shut down last March and  the first time back with the Road crew again. I’m looking forward to that enormously.
I’ve been  thinking a lot about my set & about the challenge the gig presents… I’m gonna give it my best shot as we enter the next phase.

Christy

Tickets on sale now @ €16.50 – click HERE for the link …

Any questions about the live stream can be answered here … https://support.dice.fm/article/372-christy-moore-live-stream-faqs

PS …  Here’s a little taster … https://youtu.be/ZAkO7jN_vOU

Live streamed gig from the NCH …

Dear Listeners …

I’ll be streaming a live gig from the National Concert Hall on Saturday 19th September. This a Global Livestream Event.
The concert will go out live from NCH Ireland, UK, Europe, 8.00pm BST / 9.00pm CEST
It will also broadcast at the following local times for audiences in these countries :
U.S. East Coast, 8.00pm EDT
U.S. West Coast, 8.00pm PDT
Australia 8.00pm AEST September 20
You can purchase a ticket for any of these four streams that are most convenient to you.
Tickets are €16.50 and are available now – Click HERE for link …

I hope ye can join me …

Christy

Des’s Island Discs

Dear Listeners …

Part 2 of Des’s Island Discs on RTE Radio 1 tonight at 6.30 pm featuring yours truly … Hope ye can tune in.

Christy

Click HERE for the link to RTE 1

Episode 8 – 25th July 2020

Dear Listeners,

Here at last is episode 8 …

Track listing is – Ordinary Man, Bright Blue Rose, Joxer, How Long, Sacco & Vanzetti, I Pity the Poor Immigrant.

I hope ye enjoy it – Have a nice weekend.

Christy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QmCd4sVvs

Episode 7 – 7th July 2020

Dear Listeners,

Apologies for the delay with episode 7 … We had a few technical issues. This weeks songs are – So Do I, Gortatagort, Don’t Forget Your Shovel, Black is the Colour, Viva La Quinta Brigada and Sail on Jimmy.

I hope ye will enjoy it.

Christy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqDM2_YURws

Episode 6 – 25th June 2020

Dear Listeners,

Here’s the latest instalment. This week we’ve done Yellow Triangle, I Pity the Poor Immigrant, The Pearly King, One Last Cold Kiss, Go Move Shift & The Time Has Come.

I hope ye enjoy…

All the best,

Christy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oO3ixo8q9o

Episode 5

Dear Listeners …

Here’s Episode 5  – this week I’ve done Lily, Curragh of Kildare, Beeswing, Rosalita & Jack Campbell, Raggle Taggle Gypsy, Tuam Beat, & John O’Dreams. I hope ye enjoy. Keep the questions and requests coming.

Thanks for Listening,

Christy

https://www.facebook.com/officialchristymoore/videos/705224033368222/

Bloomsday. June 16th 2020…

I send best wishes to you all out there. Time to touch base and share what’s going on here in the work room…

It’s the first time I’ve had an empty diary since 1966, everything this year has been cancelled.  Like everyone else, I’ve no idea when venues might re-open and when gigs might re-commence.

It’s a time of uncertainty as the two lobbies struggle. Public Health & Safety versus Forces of Economic Interests with so many varying concerns on the side-lines.

Gigs, Songs and Music have their place in the debate but, understandably, are well down the list of National priorities.

We can but live in hope and do whatever we can on a daily basis to try to live within the guide lines and to support those on the front lines of defence who tirelessly and selflessly strive to keep us safe.

I give Thanks to all who labour ceaselessly to protect us, just as I abhor all selfish transgressions.

As some of you will know, these past 5 weeks I have commenced weekly sessions from the workroom here.

Our Son Andy records some songs here every Monday, our Daughter Juno posts on Facebook and other platforms on Thursdays.

We recorded episode 5 last night. the sessions have been well received the world over…lots of feedback, questions and requests from Cork, New York, Gortahork and Glenamaddy…

I’m hoping to record a new song this week…in so far as I can recall it will be my first solo (studio) recording. I’m apprehensive and excited in equal measure.

Over the years I have relied heavily upon different compañeros when entering recording studios. The studio set-up is outside my comfort zone. let’s see what emerges…

It’s a new song from Paul Doran. I recorded two songs of his previously -“Natives” and “The Gardener”. we also collaborated on “Let’s make it Work” and “Derby Day”

Paul has just released some new work himself    http://pauldoranmusic.com/album/1620837/double-a-side-single

That’s it for Bloomsday

PS – as Joyce might say about lockdown transgressors;

“The curse of a good-for-nothing God Light Sideways on the bloody thick lugged sons of hoors gets” (from Ulysses –  Cyclops/Citizen)

Lockdown Sessions – Week 4

Dear Listeners,

Here are a few more songs … I hope that you enjoy. Thanks for listening.

Christy

https://www.facebook.com/officialchristymoore/videos/392516018335369/