Hello Christy, yesterday I joined the march for Palestine and Lebanon in Brussel. There were a lot of people and when we passed in front of the American embassy and we shouted loudly i lost some of my frustrations. My return home, after the end of the manifestation, was a bit hylaric. I was on my own and I don’t know Brussel well. It was my first time in the Brussels metro to take me to the trainstation (shame on me). I finally got home, exhausted (my knees are in bad condition) but what does it mean compared to what the people, I did it for, have to suffer.
Christy, I’m really looking forward to your new cd. It won’t be long now! I sent you lots of love.
Christy's reply
let us all do whatever we can on any given day …well done Moeke
Today’s Guardian has an excellent interview with Barbara Dane. Conducted last week as the 97 yo artist battled terminal illness. She died a few days ago – her final interview/ epitaph is a terrific read.
Her spirit and activism shone to the end. Looking back on the Greenwich Village era,she describes Dylan as an ‘endearing young scallywag’…such a great definition!
Hi C I remember that Iarla interview, I think it was on the radio, part of a series. I went to look for it and found this gem instead, what a great version of Tiles & Slabs from the Folktale Album https://youtu.be/5y1S5mMSKeU?si=ECLbcWRaEIbGGj8r I was on my way home from New York in May 1994 when we got off the plane that tragic story was all over the media we could not believe it. Such loss of life and the horrific back story of Brendan O Donnell. Ireland had just won the Eurovision with Rock and Roll Kids in The Point and the country seemed to be on a high and then all those people died so tragically. It’s such an empathetic treatment of the events, well done to you and Nigel Rolfe. You have certainly chronicled major events in the country from tragic to comedic from sporting to politics. It’s only 12 days to a Terrible Beauty !! Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Hey H…I sometimes marvel at how versions of these songs re-emerge….I’d completely forgotten this session with Donal & Steve…..
Lat us remember Imelda Riney, her 3year old Liam and Joe Walsh who sought to save them from their ordeal in the Woods of East Clare.
I hope, Christy, you didn’t mind anything in what I said. Good intentions…
We’ve just got on the stena, it’s a beautiful clear day here. No sign of Ashley, so I hope it will be calm on the sea.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I appreciated your comments and insights into voice on your previous post..I’d meant to reply but life itself intervened …thank you for your observations and remarks…its very seldom that the workings of a voice are considered….did a good interview some years back with Iarla Ă“ Leonaird…we talked at lentgth about the practice of singing..how a voice functions, needs minding and proper use….I did not realise I was playing with a Basso profundity note….whatever it was I hope I keep doing it ?? are you asking about the lowest note in by register ?….David has been encoraging meto hit low notes…he likes getting them in his mix….I must check how low I go in performance…. Two Conneeleys and Gortatagort both take me right down towards the Base end
Unfortunately I could t join you for Castlebar in my wonderful beloved West.
But when I ve read your comments now exspecially from Rebeccah could you please perhaps share the clip with us? …. calling the bodhran an animal… wow…It went under my skin… only you and the bodhran really has a very, very special feeling … I remember, when smoke and strong Whisky was released I used to listen to „green Island“ on and on and on .
So I digged up „tippin it up to nancy“
Unfortunately I m unable to post the link here… you ll have to search a bit for it… but it s really great ….
and I love it …. and…. I think it s also kind of a bodhran song „burning times“ which is so touching as well.
So keep on playing with this wild animal and merging with it which is so fascinating. Thanks so much for this another very special thing…..
Still to us, the earth is a healer, a teacher, and a mother.
A weaver of a web of light, that keeps us all alive….
herbs to heal our bodies, you give us songs to make our spirits whole.
Ride on
Ursula
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Christy. Dad would have loved to have read that about his song!
As it happens I have played opening slots for Johnny Boy Spillane a few times – he actually helped me with some sage advice and guidance when I was writing another song years and years ago – a true poet. When he heard this song he actually encouraged me to send it to you, as did the late great Wally Page – I did a guest slot at one of his Annesley House gigs way back too, and he was really supportive of the song when he got to hear it a few years ago – such a huge loss.
Thanks so much a chara – sure you never know, we might bump into each other one day down in Gougane and pop in for tea and a scone in the Hotel!
Christy's reply
then a ramble round the lake to greet the pair of swans…those eternal love birds
Morning Christy/all
Yes…well done,Jim…a great tribute to your father and a special place…
I mentioned Nick Drake’s,’Pink Moon’ here and realised I hadn’t played it in awhile. I put that right yesterday,culminating in a late night headphones fest…
Brilliantly recorded by John Wood,it’s such a gem.Intricate guitar,perfectly in synch with Nick’s distinctive voice.
I hope some here will enjoy Nick Drake’s music (if not already converted)Three superb LPs in an all too short life.RIP
What a beautiful song and tribute to your dad, Jim. I am especially taken by the imageries you convey, I hope I get to visit this magical place one day. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt homage with us.
Christy's reply
you have a treat in store when you set eyes upon Gougane Barra…if possible, choose a quiet day,it can get very crowded betimes
well done Jim,
I know not a great amount about the capital of the rebel, a few visits, a couple to a tent by the Lee, a long weekend, a cuppa with a friend, travel through many times , a great friend there, sundays well rebels, young offenders ….. but what i do know is that it is a fiercely proud and wonderful place full of fiercely wonderful and proud people.
Your lyrics for your dad does it all justice, and no doubt him.
It made me feel of john spillane’s songs, he is a magnificent artist,…. rule britannia rule in hell, who are these men who have haunted my childhood, bozo the dog running alongside us, by the river they lived and they died…. but the one that made me think of your song was …… i have dived into the lake in gougane barra and swam with the monster.
all the best
rory
Christy's reply
Like you Rory, I heard echoes of Johnny Boy Spillane in Jim’s beautiful song….
Hi Christy,
I was hoping you’d have a listen to this song. I wrote it a few years ago for my Dad – he loved Gougane Barra, and when he sketched and painted it was, more often than not, the subject, and each piece always included two swans. I’m not the most technical minded when it comes to recording or videos but I threw this video together so I could put it on YouTube and send the link to you. Below are the lyrics, I’d be honoured if you had a listen. Here’s the link to the YouTube video https://youtu.be/SNV8DKeNw5g
Thanks for the music and the stories, hope to see you in Vicar Street in a couple of months.
Kind regards,
Jim.
The Peaceful Valley of Gougane Barra
I went there as a child of wonder, the pine and boggy oak trees
Blanket the foothills in an eiderdown of green
A thousand wild fountains weep the tears of angels
To the lake beneath the mountain, the birthplace of the Lee
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
I went there as a young man, my life laid out before me
The old stone walls and coloured glass dance in the summer sun
Silver ripples on the lake dance up to the water’s edge
Sparkling like a beacon where Finbarr laid his head
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
I go there now, the child has gone, October greets the winter
A veil of mystery drifting down like the Tailor’s dancing star
As I draw near I feel the ghosts of childhood days calling me
Like a magnet I am drawn to the wellspring of my soul
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
Christy's reply
Morra Jim,……this is beautiful….thank you for sharing…..it all blends beautifully, your Dad, Gougane, the lyric,melody, singing and accompaniment carried me back to that place where I love to be……
I’ve had but fleeting glances at Gougane Barra, that glorious scene etched deeply….
your mention of “The Tailor” brings me back to an amazing Production of “The Tailor and Ansty” that was staged in a marquee behind the Hotel about 20 years ago….Ronan Wilmot and Nuala Hayes played the legendary couple beautifully…it was a magic night…..they held our gaze, jusl like those two Island swans upon your Father’s canvas….
I’ll be listening again……and again
Ive just read that interview Dagrab. I got to confess I was not aware of her at all. A very interesting person.
Hello Christy, yesterday I joined the march for Palestine and Lebanon in Brussel. There were a lot of people and when we passed in front of the American embassy and we shouted loudly i lost some of my frustrations. My return home, after the end of the manifestation, was a bit hylaric. I was on my own and I don’t know Brussel well. It was my first time in the Brussels metro to take me to the trainstation (shame on me). I finally got home, exhausted (my knees are in bad condition) but what does it mean compared to what the people, I did it for, have to suffer.
Christy, I’m really looking forward to your new cd. It won’t be long now! I sent you lots of love.
let us all do whatever we can on any given day …well done Moeke
Hi Christy
Today’s Guardian has an excellent interview with Barbara Dane. Conducted last week as the 97 yo artist battled terminal illness. She died a few days ago – her final interview/ epitaph is a terrific read.
Her spirit and activism shone to the end. Looking back on the Greenwich Village era,she describes Dylan as an ‘endearing young scallywag’…such a great definition!
Another great has left the stage….
Dave
on to a higher plain
Hi C I remember that Iarla interview, I think it was on the radio, part of a series. I went to look for it and found this gem instead, what a great version of Tiles & Slabs from the Folktale Album https://youtu.be/5y1S5mMSKeU?si=ECLbcWRaEIbGGj8r I was on my way home from New York in May 1994 when we got off the plane that tragic story was all over the media we could not believe it. Such loss of life and the horrific back story of Brendan O Donnell. Ireland had just won the Eurovision with Rock and Roll Kids in The Point and the country seemed to be on a high and then all those people died so tragically. It’s such an empathetic treatment of the events, well done to you and Nigel Rolfe. You have certainly chronicled major events in the country from tragic to comedic from sporting to politics. It’s only 12 days to a Terrible Beauty !! Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Hey H…I sometimes marvel at how versions of these songs re-emerge….I’d completely forgotten this session with Donal & Steve…..
Lat us remember Imelda Riney, her 3year old Liam and Joe Walsh who sought to save them from their ordeal in the Woods of East Clare.
Hello Christy,
Um no probs…happy to post the link.
Here it is , full of all good things…
https://youtu.be/DPfUdQe8aNQ?si=elBvu-KQrGAuMq1B
I hope, Christy, you didn’t mind anything in what I said. Good intentions…
We’ve just got on the stena, it’s a beautiful clear day here. No sign of Ashley, so I hope it will be calm on the sea.
Rebecca
I appreciated your comments and insights into voice on your previous post..I’d meant to reply but life itself intervened …thank you for your observations and remarks…its very seldom that the workings of a voice are considered….did a good interview some years back with Iarla Ă“ Leonaird…we talked at lentgth about the practice of singing..how a voice functions, needs minding and proper use….I did not realise I was playing with a Basso profundity note….whatever it was I hope I keep doing it ?? are you asking about the lowest note in by register ?….David has been encoraging meto hit low notes…he likes getting them in his mix….I must check how low I go in performance…. Two Conneeleys and Gortatagort both take me right down towards the Base end
Unfortunately I could t join you for Castlebar in my wonderful beloved West.
But when I ve read your comments now exspecially from Rebeccah could you please perhaps share the clip with us? …. calling the bodhran an animal… wow…It went under my skin… only you and the bodhran really has a very, very special feeling … I remember, when smoke and strong Whisky was released I used to listen to „green Island“ on and on and on .
So I digged up „tippin it up to nancy“
Unfortunately I m unable to post the link here… you ll have to search a bit for it… but it s really great ….
and I love it …. and…. I think it s also kind of a bodhran song „burning times“ which is so touching as well.
So keep on playing with this wild animal and merging with it which is so fascinating. Thanks so much for this another very special thing…..
Still to us, the earth is a healer, a teacher, and a mother.
A weaver of a web of light, that keeps us all alive….
herbs to heal our bodies, you give us songs to make our spirits whole.
Ride on
Ursula
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Christy. Dad would have loved to have read that about his song!
As it happens I have played opening slots for Johnny Boy Spillane a few times – he actually helped me with some sage advice and guidance when I was writing another song years and years ago – a true poet. When he heard this song he actually encouraged me to send it to you, as did the late great Wally Page – I did a guest slot at one of his Annesley House gigs way back too, and he was really supportive of the song when he got to hear it a few years ago – such a huge loss.
Thanks so much a chara – sure you never know, we might bump into each other one day down in Gougane and pop in for tea and a scone in the Hotel!
then a ramble round the lake to greet the pair of swans…those eternal love birds
Morning Christy/all
Yes…well done,Jim…a great tribute to your father and a special place…
I mentioned Nick Drake’s,’Pink Moon’ here and realised I hadn’t played it in awhile. I put that right yesterday,culminating in a late night headphones fest…
Brilliantly recorded by John Wood,it’s such a gem.Intricate guitar,perfectly in synch with Nick’s distinctive voice.
I hope some here will enjoy Nick Drake’s music (if not already converted)Three superb LPs in an all too short life.RIP
Dave
such comfort to be found in those deep grooves
What a beautiful song and tribute to your dad, Jim. I am especially taken by the imageries you convey, I hope I get to visit this magical place one day. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt homage with us.
you have a treat in store when you set eyes upon Gougane Barra…if possible, choose a quiet day,it can get very crowded betimes
well done Jim,
I know not a great amount about the capital of the rebel, a few visits, a couple to a tent by the Lee, a long weekend, a cuppa with a friend, travel through many times , a great friend there, sundays well rebels, young offenders ….. but what i do know is that it is a fiercely proud and wonderful place full of fiercely wonderful and proud people.
Your lyrics for your dad does it all justice, and no doubt him.
It made me feel of john spillane’s songs, he is a magnificent artist,…. rule britannia rule in hell, who are these men who have haunted my childhood, bozo the dog running alongside us, by the river they lived and they died…. but the one that made me think of your song was …… i have dived into the lake in gougane barra and swam with the monster.
all the best
rory
Like you Rory, I heard echoes of Johnny Boy Spillane in Jim’s beautiful song….
Hi Christy,
I was hoping you’d have a listen to this song. I wrote it a few years ago for my Dad – he loved Gougane Barra, and when he sketched and painted it was, more often than not, the subject, and each piece always included two swans. I’m not the most technical minded when it comes to recording or videos but I threw this video together so I could put it on YouTube and send the link to you. Below are the lyrics, I’d be honoured if you had a listen. Here’s the link to the YouTube video
https://youtu.be/SNV8DKeNw5g
Thanks for the music and the stories, hope to see you in Vicar Street in a couple of months.
Kind regards,
Jim.
The Peaceful Valley of Gougane Barra
I went there as a child of wonder, the pine and boggy oak trees
Blanket the foothills in an eiderdown of green
A thousand wild fountains weep the tears of angels
To the lake beneath the mountain, the birthplace of the Lee
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
I went there as a young man, my life laid out before me
The old stone walls and coloured glass dance in the summer sun
Silver ripples on the lake dance up to the water’s edge
Sparkling like a beacon where Finbarr laid his head
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
I go there now, the child has gone, October greets the winter
A veil of mystery drifting down like the Tailor’s dancing star
As I draw near I feel the ghosts of childhood days calling me
Like a magnet I am drawn to the wellspring of my soul
The two swans of my Father’s canvas glide across the lake of tears
Floating on the echoes of a million pilgrims’ prayers
I hear the ancient voices calling in forgotten tongue
Down in the peaceful valley of Gougane Barra
Morra Jim,……this is beautiful….thank you for sharing…..it all blends beautifully, your Dad, Gougane, the lyric,melody, singing and accompaniment carried me back to that place where I love to be……
I’ve had but fleeting glances at Gougane Barra, that glorious scene etched deeply….
your mention of “The Tailor” brings me back to an amazing Production of “The Tailor and Ansty” that was staged in a marquee behind the Hotel about 20 years ago….Ronan Wilmot and Nuala Hayes played the legendary couple beautifully…it was a magic night…..they held our gaze, jusl like those two Island swans upon your Father’s canvas….
I’ll be listening again……and again