Hello Christy,
Hoping you and everyone here is doing ok.
May you have new songs, old songs, new old songs and rediscovered old new songs.
So I’ve got three guitars in my stable. In this weird world it’s comforting to look at them, think about them, look after them, play them.
They make me laugh too. As soon as I had the courage to graduate onto a full size acoustic I grabbed the thing by the horns and bought my two stonking great Gibsons. Looking at them, and laughing at myself too, I’ve got a sleek black gothic Morticia of a J45, and a huge blonde bombshell SJ200 with curves everywhere, Marilyn in guitar form.
I mustn’t be interested in subtle…
Revisiting all the songs I couldn’t manage on the harp. I’m feeling frustrated that I’m not there yet, but they’re all doable now, so thats a good place to be. Just need a stupendous amount of work now.
My fingers have hardened up enough to put the time in on the instruments. All OK now.
So I’m wondering if I’m hiding. Ridiculous and scary. Just keep going, I guess and do my best.
I hope we are all doing ok here.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
65 years since I got my first guitar…learned C and G7….I think I have 14 chords now but I dont use them all…
Great post,Bourkey…my soup got spluttered by Pat Ingoldsby’s words…
Hi Christy
I’m sure you’ll remember Bernard Wrigley from your time in these parts…a few years back we had a great time on some gigs. A talented musician and very funny guy….just had ace emails with him and he’s now planning to pack his butties and get to the Bil Leader exhibition asap…
Bernard’s website is a fab trawl…
Where will it go at all. Trump thinks everyone should follow his vision when Zelenskyy knows what it means to make a deal with Putin.
I often think of the movie braveheart.
“Slaves are made in such ways. The last time Longshanks spoke of peace I was a boy. And many Scottish nobles, who would not be slaves, were lured by him under a flag of truce to a barn, where he had them hanged”
Hi Christy,
A Message For When I’m Away
By Pat Ingoldsby
Ireland – it is little or no favours
you ever did me or my poems
when I was alive.
I have this terrible feeling that
some after I’m gone, you will swing
into your usual rearguard action –
so posthumously, in advance,
stick it up your arse.
RIP Pat.
Bourkey
Several times a year I meet up with artist friend,Ghislaine Howard…always a joy,with freewheeling chat and a viewing of her latest work…this time, paintings centred on her time spent with residents and care staff in a hospice…
GH is one of the kindest/most talented/modest of artists and shares exhibition space in offices used by
http://www.uk-med.org a brilliant NGO,currently assisting in Gaza and Ukraine,mainly…So,brilliant,that as a fund raising gesture,Ghislaine is donating one of her paintings to an auction on behalf of this vital NGO…
On the evening when the news cycle was dominated by ‘politicians’ akin to bullying mobsters,I was reflecting on people who show the best of humanity….and am grateful to know them.
A Planxty album? I’m gonna cheat here and say Prosperous .. not Planxty, but really Planxty folk…..
A lot of writeups for the Black album..Planxty, but I would like your opinion on After the Break, my favourite, why? maybe just because youse were back on the road, and recording again.
On another note, anyone on here, apart from yourself Christy, in the Hanger that night when youse fronted Donovan? I loved Andy’s story, he heard a commotion, he couldn’t see the crowd, a fight a fight he says to Donal, no says Donal, they just love what we are doing.
Christy's reply
After The Break. 4th Planxty Album. Mid 1970s.
(it being 50 years later, precise time lines are sketchy)
Looking back,I have a sense that we’d on considerably across the intervening years. I’d recorded 4 solo albums, Donal conducted an amazing body of Bothy Band Music, Andy deeper in his brilliant,complex and beautiful accompaniments. Liam’s playing had become more masterful, as ai he’d flew free from conservative constraints that held him back in our first 3 years. Matt Molloy had come on board, an important factor in how our sound developed. More importantly, Donal was now occupying the Producer’s chair.This made for a different atmosphere in the recording process.
The late Kevin Flynn was a driving force behind this Planxty reformation.
Writing this paragraph at dawn, still in the scratcher, I realise that there is much more to be written but, at this juncture, Morpheus calls, and I’m zzzzzzzz
Hi. C well that was two great performances, a speech on Weds and a cracker last night to a full house in Mullingar. You are the Gift that keeps on Giving ! You certainly pulled out some gems, great to see Stitch back in the set, Smoke and Strong Whiskey and Matty were wonderful and Ruby & Honda 50 are so entertaining. As you are in Naas on the eve of International Women’s Day it would be very appropriate to sing Burning Times ! I think the answer is Cliffs. GRMMA aris. Beir bua agus beannacht.H
Christy hi
Yesterday the news was full of the orange ogre ‘agreeing’ to help invaded Ukraine in exchange for their precious minerals, and that was followed by a R4 programme on the Goddess Kali.
Naturally it brought out you and Charlie Murphy’s song in my head, Burning Times.
Women were dying to be free…..stripping her down with our mining.
How i loved playing that Smoke and Strong Whiskey album in a holiday home near Gorey 30 years ago.
Rory
Christy's reply
Its time to revive Charlie Murphy’s (RIP) Burning Times….what a lovely man …met him and his partner when they came from california to a gig in the RFH in London…we sat around in the dressing room afterwards and passed the guitar around..eventually the stage manager told us that her staff needed to catch their tubes home..was heartbreaking to hear that Charlie passed not long after… I heard the song thru the singing of Roy Bailey (RIP)….I played his Nottingham Folk Club in 1968 (I think) and became a great admirer of his singing and repertoire….I heard so many great singers in different clubs back then… Roy, Ian Cambell, Mick Hipkiss, Dolina McLennon, Paddie Bell, Mary Asquith, Jimmy Hutchinson, John Connolly, Tommy Dempsey, Rae Fisher,Harry Bradshaw, Mike Harding,Ewan MacColl, Jacqui & Bridie,Mike Waterson & family, Vin Garbutt, Pete Betts, on and on the list could continue, every club had its own ethos, its own singers and players…such a learning time , moving around that great big divided Island, hearin so much passionate singing , powerful and wonderful songs….Hamish Imlach, Cyril Tawney, Jeannie Robertson, Fred Jordan, Tony Downes, Davy Johnson, Martin Carthy, Tony Rose, Martin Wyndham-Read, Maggie Barry, Ted & Ivy Poole, Tony Capstick,Dave Burland, Archie Fisher, Owen Hand, Johnny Handle, …..
its very different today, no better ,no worse, just very different, 60 years ago the “raw bar” was more apparent, the pure drop, less technical, less ordered, just like the whole world was different…arriving in a city or town without phone or sat-nav (or car) to meet people for the first time , to play in an upstairs room in some old pub, always wondering where the sleeping bag might be laaid out that night, might there be a rogan josh, a flake of hashish, a session afterwards… always travelling alone, undocumented,
” on cars buses vans and trains
in the punishing heat , the snow and the rain”
dont get me wrong…I still love this process, albeit in a very different world, last night in The City of Mullingar there were so many hands on deck to run that gig…all pulling together to turn a big empty function room into a Concert Hall…building the stage , setting up PA, Lighting and Screens that 950 listeners could create an inspiring atmosphere… very different from a folk club 60 years ago, no better, no worse, simply very different….
only one song sung last night lingers from repertoire back then…. I’m sure many of ye will guess which one
Well well Christy what can I say. Mile buíochas, for the wonderful piece of treasure I have in my possession. Every word written to perfection. Thank you for taking the time to write it all out. I’ll be off to the Framing shop this morning.
Mullingar was hopping again last night, there was some Buzz in that room.
Ride on.
Patsy.
Christy's reply
no doubt Patsy, that was a humdinger last night…there was a great vibe in that room….I love the Hotel function rooms and The Mullingar Park is among the very best of them…the Family and the Staff there have been very welcoming for the last 17 years….I believe that the addition of the screens has made a big difference to those listeners down the room and at the very back… bringing us all closer together…great singing and listening last night…I’m happy to have a few old ballads coming back into the set…Butterfly, Smoke & Strong Whiskey and a few more getting ready to be re-introduced after decades in cold storage…great to have Mick D back with us after hid lay off…back fighting fit and ready for road….
well done with your prompt answer to last week’s quiz….I’d hardly pressed the button when you were back with the right answer….I’ll have to think up another one…
It was so good to hear the presentation of Dónal’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the RTÉ Folk Awards last night. Your tribute speech was beautiful, and it was great to hear Dónal speak and then play, and looking well in the photos and short video clips. He is such a lovely person. A very well deserved award indeed. Thanks to Rebecca and Hilary for the links to the photos and transcript. I look forward to watching the TV highlights programme on Saturday.
Hi C, what a joyous night in HQ last night, young and older performers being recognised. It’s always a great night, here is the text of your wonderful presentation to your long standing companero and neighbour Donal, a mighty trip down memory lane. https://journalofmusic.com/opinion/he-was-always-there-and-always-willing-tribute-donal-lunny-christy-moore I look forward to re living it all on Sat night on RTE TV. Enjoy the gig tonight. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Well Christy, that was a great show/radio programme last night, what a lineup, and a powerful and well deserved tribute from you for Donal. It reminded me of this programme about Planxty send to me by Barry O’Farrell.
Apologies if this has been shared before, but I find it a powerful insight into the life and times of musicians, the performances, inspirations, business dealings, burnout too.
Hearing your comment that you listen back to Planxty for the music moved me too play your Planxty CD/DVD Between the Jigs and Reels, a Retrospective. There is some great archive RTÉ stuff on the DVD, including your favourite, Táimse im’ Chodladh.
Have you any special feelings or thoughts, insights into the recording of that album?
Christy's reply
sound Pat…I never saw that before….
that album is a compilation Pat…everything recorded years earlier at different times…if you want me to reflec t upon a planxty album ,pick one ane let me know!!!….no guarantee
Hi Christy
Harry here, I’m really looking forward to seeing you in Mulingar tonight. I’ve practicing the guitar a lot and I’ve learnt Back Home in Derry, City of Chicago and Ordinary Man. I’m still busking and I’m looking to start gigging soon. I’m coming tonight with my Mom, my Dad, My sister Isobel and my Granddad Pat. You’ve probably gotten lots if requests but I’d love if you play Joxer. Anyways thanks Christy,
See you tonight,
Harry
Christy's reply
fair play to you Harry..great to see you there tonight..just on my way home now..I’m writing this is the back of the van….keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on
And sure once you throw the capo into the ring Christy you’ve got 168! That’s 84 more than I have!
Hello Christy,
Hoping you and everyone here is doing ok.
May you have new songs, old songs, new old songs and rediscovered old new songs.
So I’ve got three guitars in my stable. In this weird world it’s comforting to look at them, think about them, look after them, play them.
They make me laugh too. As soon as I had the courage to graduate onto a full size acoustic I grabbed the thing by the horns and bought my two stonking great Gibsons. Looking at them, and laughing at myself too, I’ve got a sleek black gothic Morticia of a J45, and a huge blonde bombshell SJ200 with curves everywhere, Marilyn in guitar form.
I mustn’t be interested in subtle…
Revisiting all the songs I couldn’t manage on the harp. I’m feeling frustrated that I’m not there yet, but they’re all doable now, so thats a good place to be. Just need a stupendous amount of work now.
My fingers have hardened up enough to put the time in on the instruments. All OK now.
So I’m wondering if I’m hiding. Ridiculous and scary. Just keep going, I guess and do my best.
I hope we are all doing ok here.
Rebecca
65 years since I got my first guitar…learned C and G7….I think I have 14 chords now but I dont use them all…
Great post,Bourkey…my soup got spluttered by Pat Ingoldsby’s words…
Hi Christy
I’m sure you’ll remember Bernard Wrigley from your time in these parts…a few years back we had a great time on some gigs. A talented musician and very funny guy….just had ace emails with him and he’s now planning to pack his butties and get to the Bil Leader exhibition asap…
Bernard’s website is a fab trawl…
http://www.bernardwrigley.com
Dave
Where will it go at all. Trump thinks everyone should follow his vision when Zelenskyy knows what it means to make a deal with Putin.
I often think of the movie braveheart.
“Slaves are made in such ways. The last time Longshanks spoke of peace I was a boy. And many Scottish nobles, who would not be slaves, were lured by him under a flag of truce to a barn, where he had them hanged”
Hi Christy,
A Message For When I’m Away
By Pat Ingoldsby
Ireland – it is little or no favours
you ever did me or my poems
when I was alive.
I have this terrible feeling that
some after I’m gone, you will swing
into your usual rearguard action –
so posthumously, in advance,
stick it up your arse.
RIP Pat.
Bourkey
Hi Chrisry
Several times a year I meet up with artist friend,Ghislaine Howard…always a joy,with freewheeling chat and a viewing of her latest work…this time, paintings centred on her time spent with residents and care staff in a hospice…
GH is one of the kindest/most talented/modest of artists and shares exhibition space in offices used by
http://www.uk-med.org a brilliant NGO,currently assisting in Gaza and Ukraine,mainly…So,brilliant,that as a fund raising gesture,Ghislaine is donating one of her paintings to an auction on behalf of this vital NGO…
On the evening when the news cycle was dominated by ‘politicians’ akin to bullying mobsters,I was reflecting on people who show the best of humanity….and am grateful to know them.
Dave
Christy, short message.
John Reilly, Old Caravee.
Unmatched.
Rory
“and she took the black bottle to me”
A Planxty album? I’m gonna cheat here and say Prosperous .. not Planxty, but really Planxty folk…..
A lot of writeups for the Black album..Planxty, but I would like your opinion on After the Break, my favourite, why? maybe just because youse were back on the road, and recording again.
On another note, anyone on here, apart from yourself Christy, in the Hanger that night when youse fronted Donovan? I loved Andy’s story, he heard a commotion, he couldn’t see the crowd, a fight a fight he says to Donal, no says Donal, they just love what we are doing.
After The Break. 4th Planxty Album. Mid 1970s.
(it being 50 years later, precise time lines are sketchy)
Looking back,I have a sense that we’d on considerably across the intervening years. I’d recorded 4 solo albums, Donal conducted an amazing body of Bothy Band Music, Andy deeper in his brilliant,complex and beautiful accompaniments. Liam’s playing had become more masterful, as ai he’d flew free from conservative constraints that held him back in our first 3 years. Matt Molloy had come on board, an important factor in how our sound developed. More importantly, Donal was now occupying the Producer’s chair.This made for a different atmosphere in the recording process.
The late Kevin Flynn was a driving force behind this Planxty reformation.
Writing this paragraph at dawn, still in the scratcher, I realise that there is much more to be written but, at this juncture, Morpheus calls, and I’m zzzzzzzz
Seeing as the top two choices are gone Christy, I’ll go for Liverpool Lou! Maybe you slipped it in at a gig recently under the radar?
Goodnight Luke !
Hello Christy,
I’m thinking that Hilary is right. But no harm having a shot in dark.
I’m going to plump for Nancy Spain. She’s always there.
Rebecca
I sang Nancy at an early Planxty rehearsal…she did not pass muster
Hi. C well that was two great performances, a speech on Weds and a cracker last night to a full house in Mullingar. You are the Gift that keeps on Giving ! You certainly pulled out some gems, great to see Stitch back in the set, Smoke and Strong Whiskey and Matty were wonderful and Ruby & Honda 50 are so entertaining. As you are in Naas on the eve of International Women’s Day it would be very appropriate to sing Burning Times ! I think the answer is Cliffs. GRMMA aris. Beir bua agus beannacht.H
you nailed it H…
Christy hi
Yesterday the news was full of the orange ogre ‘agreeing’ to help invaded Ukraine in exchange for their precious minerals, and that was followed by a R4 programme on the Goddess Kali.
Naturally it brought out you and Charlie Murphy’s song in my head, Burning Times.
Women were dying to be free…..stripping her down with our mining.
How i loved playing that Smoke and Strong Whiskey album in a holiday home near Gorey 30 years ago.
Rory
Its time to revive Charlie Murphy’s (RIP) Burning Times….what a lovely man …met him and his partner when they came from california to a gig in the RFH in London…we sat around in the dressing room afterwards and passed the guitar around..eventually the stage manager told us that her staff needed to catch their tubes home..was heartbreaking to hear that Charlie passed not long after… I heard the song thru the singing of Roy Bailey (RIP)….I played his Nottingham Folk Club in 1968 (I think) and became a great admirer of his singing and repertoire….I heard so many great singers in different clubs back then… Roy, Ian Cambell, Mick Hipkiss, Dolina McLennon, Paddie Bell, Mary Asquith, Jimmy Hutchinson, John Connolly, Tommy Dempsey, Rae Fisher,Harry Bradshaw, Mike Harding,Ewan MacColl, Jacqui & Bridie,Mike Waterson & family, Vin Garbutt, Pete Betts, on and on the list could continue, every club had its own ethos, its own singers and players…such a learning time , moving around that great big divided Island, hearin so much passionate singing , powerful and wonderful songs….Hamish Imlach, Cyril Tawney, Jeannie Robertson, Fred Jordan, Tony Downes, Davy Johnson, Martin Carthy, Tony Rose, Martin Wyndham-Read, Maggie Barry, Ted & Ivy Poole, Tony Capstick,Dave Burland, Archie Fisher, Owen Hand, Johnny Handle, …..
its very different today, no better ,no worse, just very different, 60 years ago the “raw bar” was more apparent, the pure drop, less technical, less ordered, just like the whole world was different…arriving in a city or town without phone or sat-nav (or car) to meet people for the first time , to play in an upstairs room in some old pub, always wondering where the sleeping bag might be laaid out that night, might there be a rogan josh, a flake of hashish, a session afterwards… always travelling alone, undocumented,
” on cars buses vans and trains
in the punishing heat , the snow and the rain”
dont get me wrong…I still love this process, albeit in a very different world, last night in The City of Mullingar there were so many hands on deck to run that gig…all pulling together to turn a big empty function room into a Concert Hall…building the stage , setting up PA, Lighting and Screens that 950 listeners could create an inspiring atmosphere… very different from a folk club 60 years ago, no better, no worse, simply very different….
only one song sung last night lingers from repertoire back then…. I’m sure many of ye will guess which one
Well well Christy what can I say. Mile buíochas, for the wonderful piece of treasure I have in my possession. Every word written to perfection. Thank you for taking the time to write it all out. I’ll be off to the Framing shop this morning.
Mullingar was hopping again last night, there was some Buzz in that room.
Ride on.
Patsy.
no doubt Patsy, that was a humdinger last night…there was a great vibe in that room….I love the Hotel function rooms and The Mullingar Park is among the very best of them…the Family and the Staff there have been very welcoming for the last 17 years….I believe that the addition of the screens has made a big difference to those listeners down the room and at the very back… bringing us all closer together…great singing and listening last night…I’m happy to have a few old ballads coming back into the set…Butterfly, Smoke & Strong Whiskey and a few more getting ready to be re-introduced after decades in cold storage…great to have Mick D back with us after hid lay off…back fighting fit and ready for road….
well done with your prompt answer to last week’s quiz….I’d hardly pressed the button when you were back with the right answer….I’ll have to think up another one…
Thank you christy best of luck with gig tonight you ll be amazing like always chat soon mind your self
your request came out of the hat
Hi Christy, I just saw this RTÉ news item on YouTube, tried to put the link in my last post but it wouldn’t let me. Hope this works.
https://youtu.be/XmlTLGaC5As?si=ptecObhc4Fq03p9d
Anne
thank you Anne
Hi Christy,
It was so good to hear the presentation of Dónal’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the RTÉ Folk Awards last night. Your tribute speech was beautiful, and it was great to hear Dónal speak and then play, and looking well in the photos and short video clips. He is such a lovely person. A very well deserved award indeed. Thanks to Rebecca and Hilary for the links to the photos and transcript. I look forward to watching the TV highlights programme on Saturday.
All the best,
Anne
Hi C, what a joyous night in HQ last night, young and older performers being recognised. It’s always a great night, here is the text of your wonderful presentation to your long standing companero and neighbour Donal, a mighty trip down memory lane. https://journalofmusic.com/opinion/he-was-always-there-and-always-willing-tribute-donal-lunny-christy-moore I look forward to re living it all on Sat night on RTE TV. Enjoy the gig tonight. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
mile maith agat H
Well Christy, that was a great show/radio programme last night, what a lineup, and a powerful and well deserved tribute from you for Donal. It reminded me of this programme about Planxty send to me by Barry O’Farrell.
https://youtu.be/TueQ-5doZuU?feature=shared
Apologies if this has been shared before, but I find it a powerful insight into the life and times of musicians, the performances, inspirations, business dealings, burnout too.
Hearing your comment that you listen back to Planxty for the music moved me too play your Planxty CD/DVD Between the Jigs and Reels, a Retrospective. There is some great archive RTÉ stuff on the DVD, including your favourite, Táimse im’ Chodladh.
Have you any special feelings or thoughts, insights into the recording of that album?
sound Pat…I never saw that before….
that album is a compilation Pat…everything recorded years earlier at different times…if you want me to reflec t upon a planxty album ,pick one ane let me know!!!….no guarantee
Hello Christy,
Here’s a pic posted by The Journal of Music last night
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C5QwByEL1/
Harry sounds like he’s doing a fine job learning the songs. Keep at it Harry!
Rebecca
Harry was there tonight taking it all in…
Hi Christy
Harry here, I’m really looking forward to seeing you in Mulingar tonight. I’ve practicing the guitar a lot and I’ve learnt Back Home in Derry, City of Chicago and Ordinary Man. I’m still busking and I’m looking to start gigging soon. I’m coming tonight with my Mom, my Dad, My sister Isobel and my Granddad Pat. You’ve probably gotten lots if requests but I’d love if you play Joxer. Anyways thanks Christy,
See you tonight,
Harry
fair play to you Harry..great to see you there tonight..just on my way home now..I’m writing this is the back of the van….keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on