Hello Christy,
Thankyou for telling us the story of how the album came together. I’ve been listening to the songs every day. First of all you hear them, then they start to seep in and soon they become part of your dreams. If you let them they start working magic, all by themselves, no effort required.
Black and Amber is an unexpected medicine. It’s got me in quiet moments, reflecting on my childhood. Forgotten happenings and things that were said. It’s 10 months since my Dad died. I’m coming to the end of winding up his physical things. I’m in the middle of selling his house. Someone new will ve moving in in the next few weeks. It will be a great place for them to build a nest and make their lives. Black and Amber is helping me deal with the forgotten, buried things that have been haunting my dreams.
There are other things too and the time spent with those songs will teach and heal.
Steve never had the relationship with his Dad like the one in Boy in the Wild. He had no alternative father figure either. I don’t know what this song will do for him, but I know it will do something.
It’s a beautiful album. Cathartic, gentle, honest, razor sharp, light of touch and full of everything humans are made of. Thankyou.
Dear Christy, I know, it has been said here many times, but it cannot be said often enough: your new CD is brilliant! It has a warmth that can only come from you. All strong songs that make you think about the content. I’m so happy with it, thank you.😍
Christy's reply
Thank You Moeke and all who read these words….
at the outset I had one song….it began to germinate…other ideas came together…other songs began to appear…I heard Brian Brannigan, I re-found Wally’s song, verses arrived from Mike Harding, Jim Page, James Cramer, Pete Kavanagh, I remembered the man that spoke at the Anne Lovett Commemoration, I heard Mick Blake, Martin Leahy, I began to gig some verses, I sang at a Palestine rally, at a gig for Med San Frontieres gig in Gaza, for a Red Cross gig in Ukraine, started trying to get some recordings done, it began to take some shape in my head, by chance one day I sang Broomielaw….I found Martin Gale’s painting “A Terrible Beauty”, in a second I had a possible title and a sleeve, Martin graciously gave me his blessing…
all this happened but still I had no idea how the album might be recieved….Claddagh released it and the outcome has been (almost) overwhelming…its an old cliche but….its beyond my wildest dreams
My thanks to everyone concerned …to all who helped make it happen, to all who listen and respond…..
Gosh that’s some líne up of boxers yis had down there Christy.
My hero was Freddie Gilroy, he was in the papers and on the wireless. My mammy wondered what I was doing getting up early and running round the roads….sure Freddie Gilroy does it twice a day says I and he won a medal in Melbourne. Aye, but he’s a bit older than you she says. Sit down there, finish your porridge, and off to school with you.
Many years later I was doing deliveries with my great friend, now sadly departed, Jim McLaughlin.
We dropped a couple of boxes in a shop over Clones way. As we drove on, did you know the fella there in the shop says Jim. No. That was Barry McGuigan. Turn around, we’re going back.
Did yis forget something asked Barry. I forgot to get your autograph says I. Sure you have it, I signed the delivery note! Fancy s bit of shadow boxing says he to me. For God’s sake, don’t hit me says I. No worries…as he threw some fine shapes before me, the odd playful tap on the chin, I stared in wonder at the wee sprite. This wee bit of a thing is a World Champion!
Tell me Christy, did you ever run into Sonser Maher again?
Christy's reply
Sonser was a lovely lad…I’ve not seen him for over 60 years ….I think a lot of those early formative years…of the friendships forged but sadly not maintained…I remember Freddie Gilroy boxing in the Town Hall Newbridge…every year, on the Eve of The Irish Derby, a great Boxing Tournament was held for The Aga Khan…he had The Baroda Stud on the edge of Town…I remember one year the “Aggie” being there in all his pomp with no less then 8 wives all in furs and drippin jewellry…Lugs Brannigan was one of the Boxing Referees….another was Joe McGowan who’s Son Pat was my best buddy….
Postman arrived this morning with a Crosley record player in hand..the new album sounds and feels powerful on vinyl spin, as anticipated. Switching between piano and guitar to play along where possible, it was Lyra McKee that stopped me in my tracks today.. the melody, addition of subtle piano touches, Andy’s harmonies, and the outro all compliment your singing and playing powerfully.. long may her memory live and fair play to James Cramer for writing so accurately..
i don´t know how you do this sober, everytime i open a page another …. bull. you are a brave man to do this for more than 3 decades sober, serious,
i settled for wine since 20 years ago but without that, …
(so did shane i been told aast years of his stay with us, just wine, springsteen opened his shows with shane´s song in ireland in the summer and shane´s wife was there, that was a good thing to do by an irish u.s. boy, cover a springsteen song, christy it would sued, you look at the nebraska album, cash covered 2 songs change the location to kildaire though – mandatory.) yours management, i shut up.
Christy's reply
Shane was a lovely gentle man…beneath the spirited,swashbuckling troubadour there was a quiet Tipperary soul….he sought to calm his demons with whatever poison was at hand….I met him a small number of times….even sang with him a few times….we never had any long conversations ..but talked long enough to know that he had the utmost respect for those who sought sobriety…………………..
its not bravery has me here Darragh….more to do with total surrender…I threw in the towel…totally fucked and beaten by the drink I asked for help…that help came one night ,34 years ago, in a room full of sober alcoholics…..
I used to firmly believe that no one could ever understand the madness that went on in my head….I was wrong….
never mind the “just wine”….whether its porter,wine,bass, poitín,gin, vodka sambuuca, lannie, chianti,ouzo , top shelf or brown paper bag, it dont matter,
I always remember as a lad hearing it said “poor man, he’d drink porter off a sore leg”
I was all mixed up,…. songs,music,madness, heroes &heroics, poetry,exile, far away hills,rebellion,….
“I was Ridin the high stool, Expandin and Expoundin”
Ah, da oul radio. I recall as a gasun, we woke up one morning and all the talk was the Clay/Liston fight. Clay had beaten Liston, my da had stayed up to pick it up on BBC radio in the middle of the night.
Christy's reply
Clay Liston fight and you a gasún !! there was me thinking you and I were of an age…
Hiya Christy. Loving the new album! Here’s my review on ‘Folk and Tumble’ site -https://folkandtumble.com/audio/a-terrible-beauty-christy-moore/
Thanks also for your wonderfully kind support of The People’s Kitchen, Belfast!
Go raibh mile maith agat!
Hi mate 👋……. its been 3 year’s so I’m not sure if you got my email to git – my new song “healing” is on YouTube. If you type –
(Healing Jason Hinchey tinderbox)
Pre-chorus – chorus 🎵
Now i look back with humor as i brought mother on board – i had her bake soda bread for christy best spelt flour rest assured – an aron jumper cd’s lozengers for his throat – when he sang these words in Wexford town my heart – heard his quote – heard his quote
“Christy have you missed me ever since I’ve been away – away ye broken heart still gets me through the day through the day”
i hope you like 🔺️ 🔺️🐈⬛7️⃣7️⃣☘🎵❤
… … . Jason 🎵
Christy's reply
still trying to keep the best side out Jason…..still practicing my few chords….hope you are happy and healthy
Hello Christy,
Well I had the claws sharpened yesterday. Crystal Nails in Brighouse, cash or bank transfer. It was the first time I’ve ever had them done. First four fingers on my right hand. They are translucent shining pink and gold now. She did such a lovely job.
Took them home on the bus and got straight to it. Thankyou for your advice, it felt like the other half of the instrument had suddenly turned up. My hand position has changed. They really do feel like claws.
I’m learning Listen. Few chord changes and that beautiful flowing watery melody.
I’ll be back to it as soon as I get up.
Haha Christy, that is sure some list of wireless times, and the neighbours piling in!
I remember Daddy shaking me awake to hear the boxing, sitting in the cold kitchen, in the middle of the night, overcoats on over pyjamas, sipping hot sweet tea …I think Floyd Patterson was the first one, then Sonny Liston beating him, then of course Clay/Ali.
And don’t forget Phillip Greene! He brought us not only football commentary, but local history and culture too ..
As the final whistle blew on Spain ending our world cup hopes Phillip says: ‘and they say Seville is the city of oranges, but tonight for us it us the city of lemons’.
Magic times on the wireless!
Christy's reply
I’m thinkin a decade earlier maybe…Sugar Ray Robinson and Randolph Turpin..a very early memory…out in Granny Moore’s house..it was before they got the electric….the grand-uncle was a boxing and racing fanatic…he lived for racing on the wireless, a boxing match was his nirvana…he’d be sitting by the open hearth shadow boxing the sparks… the lovely old oil lamp on the wall behind him…..we had great boxers in Newbridge and Kilcullen….many Irish Amateur Champions…..Joe Cox, Mousie Connolly, Colm McCoy, Steven Schwyer, Henry Peacock, Paddy Aspell….I joined the Newbridge Boxing Club for a week, I could’nt bate snow off a rope…. I got into the ring with Sonser Maher from Athgarvan..I’m still seeing stars
Hi Christy,
I had not yet commented on Wally Page’s beautiful Boy in the Wild, but i bided my time pondering.
Your son’s lovely voice sets it off well.
It is majestic.
However it got me thinking of an album consisting solely of Wally’s songs performed by you…..there will be many other variants to suit each listener but here goes.
Side 1
Sixteen jolly ravers
Biko Drum
All for the Roses
Los Desperaciedos
Mercy
Smoke and Strong Whiskey
Side 2
This is the Day/So Do I
Duffy’s Cut
Johnny Connors
Wise and Holy Woman
Two Conneeleys
Boy in the Wild
Bonus Track on the LP only
Hey Paddy
It would be a number 1 seller in the charts for a year…..i shall start writing to the record company moguls……
Rory
Christy's reply
sad to say thast Wally and I spoke a few times about doing an album together..but we never did….one of his Sons came to the gig last week and brought Wally’s grandson too… I played a Wally section in the Gig “Boy in The Wild”, “16 Jolly Ravers” and “Finglas Boys”……the latter is a beautiful song…gotta get it into the set for a spell….
“The coldest hate still lives today
for Sergeants and their men”
Love coming to this site, Christy. You have provided us a virtual “living room” where we can stop by, no matter one’s time zone, to interact with you, and with your fellow guests. Many thanks to those who often post “links” to your interviews, guest spots, other music sources across broadcasting media, I appreciate those links immensely. The Oliver Callan interview was outstanding, it came at the most opportune time this week to distract, and to clear my mind from the aftermath of our election outcome.
With the context you’ve given us it’s not possible to pick a favorite from A Terrible Beauty; each track is unique, beautifully delivered, and at times heart wrenching on its own. November 28 is less than three weeks away, I can’t wait to hear more of your new songs performed live at Vicar Street. Cumann na Mna, please; and January Man to welcome the new year. Take care, and see you soon.
Christy's reply
across the earlier part of my working life I had endless conversations ,long past the midnight hour, with anyone who was prepared to join me a for “a few scoops”, for a gallon or two of loose porter, for a waltz across the top shelf, for a wincing sup of hard tack, for a scurry around any late sheebeen,
latterly such conversations are no longer an option…
I started up this site so as we could talk a bit about singers, songs, music, life’s trials and tribulations…most of us will never meet….I love the chats that emanate, the songs that land, the reflections, the pointers to other gigs, films, docs, cafes, restaraunts, exhibitions,…
I’ve heard from listeners and songsters from parts of the world previously unknown to me, heard of songs, poets, painters, Hawick Gobstoopers, Bogmeadow art, Ballymountain Ballads, Blacktrench ruminations, on and on it goes..
Thanks for sharing Petel
in my opinion, whatever that´s worth,
the first verse is the strongest and most poetic part of your writing there. love it.
´In ’98, they took to fields,
Wexford men with pikes and shields.
For freedom, land, life and soul,
Against the Crown’s tight-handed hold.
blood ran deep, rebels fell,
The toll of loss, the mournful bell.
A nation’s cry, time marched slow,
Through famine, pain, and bitter woe.´
Christy's reply
almost all opinions expressed here are of equal value….
Songs singers listeners
https://youtu.be/LfOfyDAmsHA?si=-3AW0KheXSbe7sx5
I hope this posts
Hello Christy,
Thankyou for telling us the story of how the album came together. I’ve been listening to the songs every day. First of all you hear them, then they start to seep in and soon they become part of your dreams. If you let them they start working magic, all by themselves, no effort required.
Black and Amber is an unexpected medicine. It’s got me in quiet moments, reflecting on my childhood. Forgotten happenings and things that were said. It’s 10 months since my Dad died. I’m coming to the end of winding up his physical things. I’m in the middle of selling his house. Someone new will ve moving in in the next few weeks. It will be a great place for them to build a nest and make their lives. Black and Amber is helping me deal with the forgotten, buried things that have been haunting my dreams.
There are other things too and the time spent with those songs will teach and heal.
Steve never had the relationship with his Dad like the one in Boy in the Wild. He had no alternative father figure either. I don’t know what this song will do for him, but I know it will do something.
It’s a beautiful album. Cathartic, gentle, honest, razor sharp, light of touch and full of everything humans are made of. Thankyou.
Rebecca
Dear Christy, I know, it has been said here many times, but it cannot be said often enough: your new CD is brilliant! It has a warmth that can only come from you. All strong songs that make you think about the content. I’m so happy with it, thank you.😍
Thank You Moeke and all who read these words….
at the outset I had one song….it began to germinate…other ideas came together…other songs began to appear…I heard Brian Brannigan, I re-found Wally’s song, verses arrived from Mike Harding, Jim Page, James Cramer, Pete Kavanagh, I remembered the man that spoke at the Anne Lovett Commemoration, I heard Mick Blake, Martin Leahy, I began to gig some verses, I sang at a Palestine rally, at a gig for Med San Frontieres gig in Gaza, for a Red Cross gig in Ukraine, started trying to get some recordings done, it began to take some shape in my head, by chance one day I sang Broomielaw….I found Martin Gale’s painting “A Terrible Beauty”, in a second I had a possible title and a sleeve, Martin graciously gave me his blessing…
all this happened but still I had no idea how the album might be recieved….Claddagh released it and the outcome has been (almost) overwhelming…its an old cliche but….its beyond my wildest dreams
My thanks to everyone concerned …to all who helped make it happen, to all who listen and respond…..
Gosh that’s some líne up of boxers yis had down there Christy.
My hero was Freddie Gilroy, he was in the papers and on the wireless. My mammy wondered what I was doing getting up early and running round the roads….sure Freddie Gilroy does it twice a day says I and he won a medal in Melbourne. Aye, but he’s a bit older than you she says. Sit down there, finish your porridge, and off to school with you.
Many years later I was doing deliveries with my great friend, now sadly departed, Jim McLaughlin.
We dropped a couple of boxes in a shop over Clones way. As we drove on, did you know the fella there in the shop says Jim. No. That was Barry McGuigan. Turn around, we’re going back.
Did yis forget something asked Barry. I forgot to get your autograph says I. Sure you have it, I signed the delivery note! Fancy s bit of shadow boxing says he to me. For God’s sake, don’t hit me says I. No worries…as he threw some fine shapes before me, the odd playful tap on the chin, I stared in wonder at the wee sprite. This wee bit of a thing is a World Champion!
Tell me Christy, did you ever run into Sonser Maher again?
Sonser was a lovely lad…I’ve not seen him for over 60 years ….I think a lot of those early formative years…of the friendships forged but sadly not maintained…I remember Freddie Gilroy boxing in the Town Hall Newbridge…every year, on the Eve of The Irish Derby, a great Boxing Tournament was held for The Aga Khan…he had The Baroda Stud on the edge of Town…I remember one year the “Aggie” being there in all his pomp with no less then 8 wives all in furs and drippin jewellry…Lugs Brannigan was one of the Boxing Referees….another was Joe McGowan who’s Son Pat was my best buddy….
Hi Christy,
Love the new album. Will there be any more Vicar Street gigs? Everything sold out!
thats it for now Ronan..sign up for newsletter
Hi Christy, if you happen to have a couple of minutes you might give a listen to a couple of songs I wrote/recorded a few years ago. Many thanks!
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VYhEkzcNxu0pp5VKLfw73?si=jeBjZt9lT8mlggvo3pXzYA
Thanks for sharing Noel….keep it goin
Love the new album Christy! Many thanks for once again sharing your talent, creativity and soulfulness.👍🏻
thank you,
Postman arrived this morning with a Crosley record player in hand..the new album sounds and feels powerful on vinyl spin, as anticipated. Switching between piano and guitar to play along where possible, it was Lyra McKee that stopped me in my tracks today.. the melody, addition of subtle piano touches, Andy’s harmonies, and the outro all compliment your singing and playing powerfully.. long may her memory live and fair play to James Cramer for writing so accurately..
A Crosley tender
i don´t know how you do this sober, everytime i open a page another …. bull. you are a brave man to do this for more than 3 decades sober, serious,
i settled for wine since 20 years ago but without that, …
(so did shane i been told aast years of his stay with us, just wine, springsteen opened his shows with shane´s song in ireland in the summer and shane´s wife was there, that was a good thing to do by an irish u.s. boy, cover a springsteen song, christy it would sued, you look at the nebraska album, cash covered 2 songs change the location to kildaire though – mandatory.) yours management, i shut up.
Shane was a lovely gentle man…beneath the spirited,swashbuckling troubadour there was a quiet Tipperary soul….he sought to calm his demons with whatever poison was at hand….I met him a small number of times….even sang with him a few times….we never had any long conversations ..but talked long enough to know that he had the utmost respect for those who sought sobriety…………………..
its not bravery has me here Darragh….more to do with total surrender…I threw in the towel…totally fucked and beaten by the drink I asked for help…that help came one night ,34 years ago, in a room full of sober alcoholics…..
I used to firmly believe that no one could ever understand the madness that went on in my head….I was wrong….
never mind the “just wine”….whether its porter,wine,bass, poitín,gin, vodka sambuuca, lannie, chianti,ouzo , top shelf or brown paper bag, it dont matter,
I always remember as a lad hearing it said “poor man, he’d drink porter off a sore leg”
I was all mixed up,…. songs,music,madness, heroes &heroics, poetry,exile, far away hills,rebellion,….
“I was Ridin the high stool, Expandin and Expoundin”
I Wish You Well Darragh
Ah, da oul radio. I recall as a gasun, we woke up one morning and all the talk was the Clay/Liston fight. Clay had beaten Liston, my da had stayed up to pick it up on BBC radio in the middle of the night.
Clay Liston fight and you a gasún !! there was me thinking you and I were of an age…
Should have added it’s Damien from the People’s Kitchen!
Hiya Christy. Loving the new album! Here’s my review on ‘Folk and Tumble’ site -https://folkandtumble.com/audio/a-terrible-beauty-christy-moore/
Thanks also for your wonderfully kind support of The People’s Kitchen, Belfast!
Go raibh mile maith agat!
good man Damo
“Because a fire was in my head” 🔥
Hi mate 👋……. its been 3 year’s so I’m not sure if you got my email to git – my new song “healing” is on YouTube. If you type –
(Healing Jason Hinchey tinderbox)
Pre-chorus – chorus 🎵
Now i look back with humor as i brought mother on board – i had her bake soda bread for christy best spelt flour rest assured – an aron jumper cd’s lozengers for his throat – when he sang these words in Wexford town my heart – heard his quote – heard his quote
“Christy have you missed me ever since I’ve been away – away ye broken heart still gets me through the day through the day”
i hope you like 🔺️ 🔺️🐈⬛7️⃣7️⃣☘🎵❤
… … . Jason 🎵
still trying to keep the best side out Jason…..still practicing my few chords….hope you are happy and healthy
Two to add to Rory’s list:
Sixteen Fishermen Raving, and of course the Scottish national anthem, Come all you dreamers, to Barroland.
Way to go Rory! A great list, a topping idea. I’m sure Claddagh records would go for the idea flying!
Hello Christy,
Well I had the claws sharpened yesterday. Crystal Nails in Brighouse, cash or bank transfer. It was the first time I’ve ever had them done. First four fingers on my right hand. They are translucent shining pink and gold now. She did such a lovely job.
Took them home on the bus and got straight to it. Thankyou for your advice, it felt like the other half of the instrument had suddenly turned up. My hand position has changed. They really do feel like claws.
I’m learning Listen. Few chord changes and that beautiful flowing watery melody.
I’ll be back to it as soon as I get up.
Rebecca
Haha Christy, that is sure some list of wireless times, and the neighbours piling in!
I remember Daddy shaking me awake to hear the boxing, sitting in the cold kitchen, in the middle of the night, overcoats on over pyjamas, sipping hot sweet tea …I think Floyd Patterson was the first one, then Sonny Liston beating him, then of course Clay/Ali.
And don’t forget Phillip Greene! He brought us not only football commentary, but local history and culture too ..
As the final whistle blew on Spain ending our world cup hopes Phillip says: ‘and they say Seville is the city of oranges, but tonight for us it us the city of lemons’.
Magic times on the wireless!
I’m thinkin a decade earlier maybe…Sugar Ray Robinson and Randolph Turpin..a very early memory…out in Granny Moore’s house..it was before they got the electric….the grand-uncle was a boxing and racing fanatic…he lived for racing on the wireless, a boxing match was his nirvana…he’d be sitting by the open hearth shadow boxing the sparks… the lovely old oil lamp on the wall behind him…..we had great boxers in Newbridge and Kilcullen….many Irish Amateur Champions…..Joe Cox, Mousie Connolly, Colm McCoy, Steven Schwyer, Henry Peacock, Paddy Aspell….I joined the Newbridge Boxing Club for a week, I could’nt bate snow off a rope…. I got into the ring with Sonser Maher from Athgarvan..I’m still seeing stars
Hi Christy,
I had not yet commented on Wally Page’s beautiful Boy in the Wild, but i bided my time pondering.
Your son’s lovely voice sets it off well.
It is majestic.
However it got me thinking of an album consisting solely of Wally’s songs performed by you…..there will be many other variants to suit each listener but here goes.
Side 1
Sixteen jolly ravers
Biko Drum
All for the Roses
Los Desperaciedos
Mercy
Smoke and Strong Whiskey
Side 2
This is the Day/So Do I
Duffy’s Cut
Johnny Connors
Wise and Holy Woman
Two Conneeleys
Boy in the Wild
Bonus Track on the LP only
Hey Paddy
It would be a number 1 seller in the charts for a year…..i shall start writing to the record company moguls……
Rory
sad to say thast Wally and I spoke a few times about doing an album together..but we never did….one of his Sons came to the gig last week and brought Wally’s grandson too… I played a Wally section in the Gig “Boy in The Wild”, “16 Jolly Ravers” and “Finglas Boys”……the latter is a beautiful song…gotta get it into the set for a spell….
“The coldest hate still lives today
for Sergeants and their men”
Love coming to this site, Christy. You have provided us a virtual “living room” where we can stop by, no matter one’s time zone, to interact with you, and with your fellow guests. Many thanks to those who often post “links” to your interviews, guest spots, other music sources across broadcasting media, I appreciate those links immensely. The Oliver Callan interview was outstanding, it came at the most opportune time this week to distract, and to clear my mind from the aftermath of our election outcome.
With the context you’ve given us it’s not possible to pick a favorite from A Terrible Beauty; each track is unique, beautifully delivered, and at times heart wrenching on its own. November 28 is less than three weeks away, I can’t wait to hear more of your new songs performed live at Vicar Street. Cumann na Mna, please; and January Man to welcome the new year. Take care, and see you soon.
across the earlier part of my working life I had endless conversations ,long past the midnight hour, with anyone who was prepared to join me a for “a few scoops”, for a gallon or two of loose porter, for a waltz across the top shelf, for a wincing sup of hard tack, for a scurry around any late sheebeen,
latterly such conversations are no longer an option…
I started up this site so as we could talk a bit about singers, songs, music, life’s trials and tribulations…most of us will never meet….I love the chats that emanate, the songs that land, the reflections, the pointers to other gigs, films, docs, cafes, restaraunts, exhibitions,…
I’ve heard from listeners and songsters from parts of the world previously unknown to me, heard of songs, poets, painters, Hawick Gobstoopers, Bogmeadow art, Ballymountain Ballads, Blacktrench ruminations, on and on it goes..
Thanks for sharing Petel
mikeconerney
in my opinion, whatever that´s worth,
the first verse is the strongest and most poetic part of your writing there. love it.
´In ’98, they took to fields,
Wexford men with pikes and shields.
For freedom, land, life and soul,
Against the Crown’s tight-handed hold.
blood ran deep, rebels fell,
The toll of loss, the mournful bell.
A nation’s cry, time marched slow,
Through famine, pain, and bitter woe.´
almost all opinions expressed here are of equal value….