I recieved my signed copy of “Where I Come From” today. Many thanks!! I love it. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night in the Forum. If possible, could I request that you play “Bright Blue Rose”.
Just a quick note to let you know I was able to move some things about regarding the ticket situation. I really appreciate the bother you went to, to try and resolve it for me. I can now use the tickets that I have bought for Saturday nights gig. Can even squeeze in the Ireland game tomorrow night now, see how Martin and Roy line out.
Hi Christy, it’s been way too long since my last post – it was just after Ryston last year.
Have been checking in occasionally, but life seems to be going by in a whizz and don’t get to read here as often as I’d like.
The new (signed) album came in the post, thank you.
The banjo addition to Johnny Connors is really amazing and adds something that I can’t really describe – maybe mystic is the right word – but I’ve been hitting the repeat button on the song a lot!
Myself and young Erica (now 6) are looking forward to the Kilashee gig in a fortnight.
She’s still liking the songs, though you have some tough competition from 1 Direction these days and also from Declan’s album which she insisted be played in the car all summer!
Anyway, between now and then, safe travels.
All the best, Colum
Christy's reply
that banjo intro is one of my favourite sounds on the album…and to think that I nearly dropped it during the mix ! Cathal has a unique banjo style that enhances any song he accompanies..I’m looking forward to some gigs with him in 2014..hope Erica enjoys Kilashee..which night are ye coming?
Looking forward to the Derry gigs and the travelling 4711ers. Be sure to bring the woolly hats and brollies cos none too warm here today. Will be a warmth in the welcome though. Safe travelling to all.
Christy's reply
sound advice John..I’ve packed the wellies and zubes, hot water bottles and electric underpants
Dear Christy,
we have left beautiful Bantry Bay, now we are near the Hazelwood but it is too wet for wandering. Travelling up north we listened to your new album and it was a real pleasure. Very good to get it in Cork Opera House. Thank you for a great night there! Loved to hear you sing “Gortatagort”, when we passed Colomane on the way to Cork City we discussed if it would be in your set. What an experience to hear “Burning Times” again and a very special treat was “First Time ever I Saw your Face”. Don’t know if I ever heard this awesome song live before. GO RAITH MAITH AGAT!
Seems the time has come another dream will come true. Wanted to see you playing in the Walled City for a long time but it was always impossible until now …
Looking forward to the Derry gigs very much and we are wondering if “Hurt” would maybe fit into your programme.
Best wishes. See you soon, Traudel
Christy's reply
if we get the dinner in Aughnacloy anything can happen….
Hi Christy
Hope you are well. Saw you in Bath a while ago also in Donegal two years ago.
I ordered a copy of your latest CD the day it came out but still haven’t received it. Waiting patiently. Love
Susan
Christy's reply
I have passed your message on to the shop..hope your patience is rewarded
Not been on the site for a while, but that does not mean I don’t know what you are all up to because I check the guestbook most days. Was at the gig in Liverpool some weeks past and purchased the new CD (signed copy – thank you) from the shop that arrived last Friday.
I have been playing the CD in the car whilst on my travels’ this week, and have to say that it is different, but do like the new slant that you have given to some of old songs. Also the art work on the CD and sleeve is excellent, fair play to you Christy
Thanks again for the music and hopefully I will see you in Belfast next may.
Christy's reply
How are things Galway Paddy, any auld crack in Birmingham these days..any word of Mick Hipkiss ?…he gave me my first gig there in1967..from The Skillet Pot I got to play Ian Cambell’s club in Digbeth….John Swift and Tommy Dempsey’s club too…and another club run by a band called The Munster Men …..
Thanks for pointing that out, and yep, it was there and discreet! I did see it but it mustn’t have registered, thought it was part of the CD cover design because its so neat. You’ve nice handwriting. She’ll love it. Great CD, I had a sneaky listen, the songs are lovely… that voice of yours! Now for a few tickets to see you live. Woo hoo, my first concert! So, sorry about that, thanks and best wishes.
Christy's reply
glad your sadness and disappoinment has been alleviated…call in again and tell us about The Marble City
Hiya Christy, Hope all is well with you… took some time but the new release finally reached the People’s Republic Of Donegal…we must be one of the last outposts on the Amazon mailing list….from what I’ve listened to so far though it’s been well worth the wait. Will take me a wee while to adjust to some of the remixing and remastering but overall I’m liking it ! Just thinking that I’ve laughed and I’ve cried down the years often wondering why your music was having such an impact on me…..I know today it’s that unique connectedness that you share with your audience, The songs you sing and the stories you tell they come from deep within and they touch the hearts of all your listeners. I cried unashamedly while listening to “They Never Came Home” its a song that has always struck a chord with me, I remember the time well, the anger and the outrage, the sadness and the crocodile tears. I remember you singing the song at gigs even though the courts had told you not too…Listening through the box set I am transported to places far and near experiencing all sorts of feelings and emotions along the way….and its a privilege to feel part of that journey. Delighted that your crew of merry men have been immortalised in the lines of “Lisdoonvarna” well deserved recognition methinks. Overall then I’d have to say that this piece of work is a monument to your magnificence and to that of your great friend, Declan – Thank You both for taking the time and the care putting it together. Looking forward to the double header in Derry this weekend, the CD’s are great but in our game you can’t beat the live show !! Needing a bit of cheering up as well Christy as we buried yet another young comrade today, going home the other night he met with his dark familiar….. another soul lost to the demon drink. Have a mixture of anger, sadness and gratitude going on at the moment but at least I know the difference between my arse and my well bent elbow….Love & Respect Martin Mac
I’m so disappointed. I bought the new CD for my partner from this site because it was advertised as being signed: it wasn’t.
I still feel bad (she’ll still love it) but it’s not the same: and the idea of inconveniencing Christy just feels plain wrong. ARRGH!
I’m not into music for the most part, Christy, but it’s only through herself’s knowledge/enthusiasm for your stuff that actually got me paying attention to you in the first place, and into music for that matter, and wow…
Please, why not sign it?!?
Christy's reply
are you sure Lotof ? I have signed them all discreetly on the top left hand,( in one of the white fields)…. if not,dont be “disappointed”, dont be “sad”..if it is not signed we’ll find some way to put it right….
Looking forward to manchester gig in april always a great show
Christy's reply
me too Shaz but we got a lot of days to embrace before gaining entry to the United City..happy days I hope…greetings to all Macclesfield songsters and Cheshire Cats
Hi, I’m looking for any songs about Irish slaves/ Irish slavery.
I’m not aware of any at all. We hear songs of Cromwell but not the slaves.
If you know of any that would be great, if not would you like to pen one?
Many thanks
Jim.
Christy's reply
have you tried the Irish Trad Music Archive..might be a good starting point
Indeed Christy, we went to Luka’s gig in Ghent in the ‘Handelsbeurs’. It was a magic night, Luka ended here his one week tour across Flanders. Ghent is apparently his favorite town in our country. He invited two young Australian girls on stage and ended up with 3 great musicians
Piet
Hi Christy, really looking forward to seeing you again in Derry. My Da isn’t with the Internet age yet and has asked me to put in a request for Bob Dylan’s Hattie Carroll. I would love to hear you play the lakes of ponchartrain as I’ve never heard you and Declan play it live. I suppose it depends on the Derry air on the night… See you on Friday. Paul
Went to see ‘Philomena’ over the weekend. Written and produced by Steve Coogan, with him and Judi Dench starring. ’tis a wonderful and heartbreaking film, all below the surface. Got me listening to your take on Joni’s ‘Magdalene Launderies’ again… may we keep shining lights into this darkness.
Christy's reply
agree with you Al..a powerful movie..we saw it yesterday..
How’s the form Christy, just want to say thanks for the most recent collection of songs, a fantastic body of work. Can’t wait for the weekend, two nights of great music in the Forum. Would never shout out for a song during a concert so going to have a go here. Have attended many concerts live but have yet to hear Allende , one of mine favourite songs. Any chance of it getting an airing this weekend?
All the best,Ronan
Dear Christy, some weeks ago, I came upon a well-written portrait of Robbie McMahon, the author of ‚Spancil Hill‘. The article is part of the beautiful coffee-table book ‚Vanishing Ireland‘ by James Fennell and Turtle Bunbury. There is already a thread on the 4711ers sister site about the song and its author. Those who love the song as I do may enjoy reading some more. You find it here: http://4711ers.org/viewtopic.php?p=22629#22629
Christy's reply
I love those Bunbury/Fennell books….great photos and biographies..thanks for the ‘Robbie”
Hello Christy, I hope that you are keeping well. I’ve been singing Philip Chevron’s Thousands are Sailing in his memory. It also means a great deal to me, as we (my older brother and me) pitched up at Holyhead in September 1957 on our way to be reunited with our parents in Holloway. They had come to find work in London the year before. It’s a beautiful poignant, but also hopeful song.
I’ve been learning Phil Chevron’s Faithful Departed. It’s taken a while (about two weeks so far) for the song to give itself up. I wonder did it take you a fair while to learn. It’s full of words! Fitting them into the rhythm has been a challenge, keeping the verses rolling. Almost have it now and will sing it out, hopefully this week.
Hopefully we’ll be having you down to Torrington at The Plough Arts Centre in the not too distant future. What a treat that would be!
Take care now.
Dave
Christy's reply
I’ve been singing it for 32 years and still find new ways to deliver Philip’s great song….such challenges bear fruit….I love when Philip’s name is mentioned here…his starlight still shines on me
Hi Christy,
I recieved my signed copy of “Where I Come From” today. Many thanks!! I love it. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night in the Forum. If possible, could I request that you play “Bright Blue Rose”.
Thanks again,
Jimmy
hopefully we’ll all skim across the water jp….
Hi. I ordered the new album on day of release and still no sign of it. Unless the bean an ti got hold of it and stashed it for the Christmas stocking?
hope it works out…I have informed the shop that there be a cloud over Guernsey
Howya Christy
Just a quick note to let you know I was able to move some things about regarding the ticket situation. I really appreciate the bother you went to, to try and resolve it for me. I can now use the tickets that I have bought for Saturday nights gig. Can even squeeze in the Ireland game tomorrow night now, see how Martin and Roy line out.
Thanks once again…. Ride On
thats good Colm, glad you are sorted
Hi Christy, it’s been way too long since my last post – it was just after Ryston last year.
Have been checking in occasionally, but life seems to be going by in a whizz and don’t get to read here as often as I’d like.
The new (signed) album came in the post, thank you.
The banjo addition to Johnny Connors is really amazing and adds something that I can’t really describe – maybe mystic is the right word – but I’ve been hitting the repeat button on the song a lot!
Myself and young Erica (now 6) are looking forward to the Kilashee gig in a fortnight.
She’s still liking the songs, though you have some tough competition from 1 Direction these days and also from Declan’s album which she insisted be played in the car all summer!
Anyway, between now and then, safe travels.
All the best, Colum
that banjo intro is one of my favourite sounds on the album…and to think that I nearly dropped it during the mix ! Cathal has a unique banjo style that enhances any song he accompanies..I’m looking forward to some gigs with him in 2014..hope Erica enjoys Kilashee..which night are ye coming?
Looking forward to the Derry gigs and the travelling 4711ers. Be sure to bring the woolly hats and brollies cos none too warm here today. Will be a warmth in the welcome though. Safe travelling to all.
sound advice John..I’ve packed the wellies and zubes, hot water bottles and electric underpants
Dear Christy,
we have left beautiful Bantry Bay, now we are near the Hazelwood but it is too wet for wandering. Travelling up north we listened to your new album and it was a real pleasure. Very good to get it in Cork Opera House. Thank you for a great night there! Loved to hear you sing “Gortatagort”, when we passed Colomane on the way to Cork City we discussed if it would be in your set. What an experience to hear “Burning Times” again and a very special treat was “First Time ever I Saw your Face”. Don’t know if I ever heard this awesome song live before. GO RAITH MAITH AGAT!
Seems the time has come another dream will come true. Wanted to see you playing in the Walled City for a long time but it was always impossible until now …
Looking forward to the Derry gigs very much and we are wondering if “Hurt” would maybe fit into your programme.
Best wishes. See you soon, Traudel
if we get the dinner in Aughnacloy anything can happen….
Hi Christy
Hope you are well. Saw you in Bath a while ago also in Donegal two years ago.
I ordered a copy of your latest CD the day it came out but still haven’t received it. Waiting patiently. Love
Susan
I have passed your message on to the shop..hope your patience is rewarded
Not been on the site for a while, but that does not mean I don’t know what you are all up to because I check the guestbook most days. Was at the gig in Liverpool some weeks past and purchased the new CD (signed copy – thank you) from the shop that arrived last Friday.
I have been playing the CD in the car whilst on my travels’ this week, and have to say that it is different, but do like the new slant that you have given to some of old songs. Also the art work on the CD and sleeve is excellent, fair play to you Christy
Thanks again for the music and hopefully I will see you in Belfast next may.
How are things Galway Paddy, any auld crack in Birmingham these days..any word of Mick Hipkiss ?…he gave me my first gig there in1967..from The Skillet Pot I got to play Ian Cambell’s club in Digbeth….John Swift and Tommy Dempsey’s club too…and another club run by a band called The Munster Men …..
Thanks for pointing that out, and yep, it was there and discreet! I did see it but it mustn’t have registered, thought it was part of the CD cover design because its so neat. You’ve nice handwriting. She’ll love it. Great CD, I had a sneaky listen, the songs are lovely… that voice of yours! Now for a few tickets to see you live. Woo hoo, my first concert! So, sorry about that, thanks and best wishes.
glad your sadness and disappoinment has been alleviated…call in again and tell us about The Marble City
Hiya Christy, Hope all is well with you… took some time but the new release finally reached the People’s Republic Of Donegal…we must be one of the last outposts on the Amazon mailing list….from what I’ve listened to so far though it’s been well worth the wait. Will take me a wee while to adjust to some of the remixing and remastering but overall I’m liking it ! Just thinking that I’ve laughed and I’ve cried down the years often wondering why your music was having such an impact on me…..I know today it’s that unique connectedness that you share with your audience, The songs you sing and the stories you tell they come from deep within and they touch the hearts of all your listeners. I cried unashamedly while listening to “They Never Came Home” its a song that has always struck a chord with me, I remember the time well, the anger and the outrage, the sadness and the crocodile tears. I remember you singing the song at gigs even though the courts had told you not too…Listening through the box set I am transported to places far and near experiencing all sorts of feelings and emotions along the way….and its a privilege to feel part of that journey. Delighted that your crew of merry men have been immortalised in the lines of “Lisdoonvarna” well deserved recognition methinks. Overall then I’d have to say that this piece of work is a monument to your magnificence and to that of your great friend, Declan – Thank You both for taking the time and the care putting it together. Looking forward to the double header in Derry this weekend, the CD’s are great but in our game you can’t beat the live show !! Needing a bit of cheering up as well Christy as we buried yet another young comrade today, going home the other night he met with his dark familiar….. another soul lost to the demon drink. Have a mixture of anger, sadness and gratitude going on at the moment but at least I know the difference between my arse and my well bent elbow….Love & Respect Martin Mac
I’m so disappointed. I bought the new CD for my partner from this site because it was advertised as being signed: it wasn’t.
I still feel bad (she’ll still love it) but it’s not the same: and the idea of inconveniencing Christy just feels plain wrong. ARRGH!
I’m not into music for the most part, Christy, but it’s only through herself’s knowledge/enthusiasm for your stuff that actually got me paying attention to you in the first place, and into music for that matter, and wow…
Please, why not sign it?!?
are you sure Lotof ? I have signed them all discreetly on the top left hand,( in one of the white fields)…. if not,dont be “disappointed”, dont be “sad”..if it is not signed we’ll find some way to put it right….
I bought and paid for the new cd on the 1st November but so far haven’t received anything. Can you tell me if its actually out yet ?
it was dispatched….I gather you have also been in touch by email…hopefully it will arrive but, if not, the matter will be resolved
Looking forward to manchester gig in april always a great show
me too Shaz but we got a lot of days to embrace before gaining entry to the United City..happy days I hope…greetings to all Macclesfield songsters and Cheshire Cats
Hi, I’m looking for any songs about Irish slaves/ Irish slavery.
I’m not aware of any at all. We hear songs of Cromwell but not the slaves.
If you know of any that would be great, if not would you like to pen one?
Many thanks
Jim.
have you tried the Irish Trad Music Archive..might be a good starting point
Indeed Christy, we went to Luka’s gig in Ghent in the ‘Handelsbeurs’. It was a magic night, Luka ended here his one week tour across Flanders. Ghent is apparently his favorite town in our country. He invited two young Australian girls on stage and ended up with 3 great musicians
Piet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCSPQGiXPag
thats my brother
Hi Christy, really looking forward to seeing you again in Derry. My Da isn’t with the Internet age yet and has asked me to put in a request for Bob Dylan’s Hattie Carroll. I would love to hear you play the lakes of ponchartrain as I’ve never heard you and Declan play it live. I suppose it depends on the Derry air on the night… See you on Friday. Paul
it depends on the alligators
Went to see ‘Philomena’ over the weekend. Written and produced by Steve Coogan, with him and Judi Dench starring. ’tis a wonderful and heartbreaking film, all below the surface. Got me listening to your take on Joni’s ‘Magdalene Launderies’ again… may we keep shining lights into this darkness.
agree with you Al..a powerful movie..we saw it yesterday..
How’s the form Christy, just want to say thanks for the most recent collection of songs, a fantastic body of work. Can’t wait for the weekend, two nights of great music in the Forum. Would never shout out for a song during a concert so going to have a go here. Have attended many concerts live but have yet to hear Allende , one of mine favourite songs. Any chance of it getting an airing this weekend?
All the best,Ronan
a good song to sing in The Heartland
Dear Christy, some weeks ago, I came upon a well-written portrait of Robbie McMahon, the author of ‚Spancil Hill‘. The article is part of the beautiful coffee-table book ‚Vanishing Ireland‘ by James Fennell and Turtle Bunbury. There is already a thread on the 4711ers sister site about the song and its author. Those who love the song as I do may enjoy reading some more. You find it here: http://4711ers.org/viewtopic.php?p=22629#22629
I love those Bunbury/Fennell books….great photos and biographies..thanks for the ‘Robbie”
Hello Christy, I hope that you are keeping well. I’ve been singing Philip Chevron’s Thousands are Sailing in his memory. It also means a great deal to me, as we (my older brother and me) pitched up at Holyhead in September 1957 on our way to be reunited with our parents in Holloway. They had come to find work in London the year before. It’s a beautiful poignant, but also hopeful song.
I’ve been learning Phil Chevron’s Faithful Departed. It’s taken a while (about two weeks so far) for the song to give itself up. I wonder did it take you a fair while to learn. It’s full of words! Fitting them into the rhythm has been a challenge, keeping the verses rolling. Almost have it now and will sing it out, hopefully this week.
Hopefully we’ll be having you down to Torrington at The Plough Arts Centre in the not too distant future. What a treat that would be!
Take care now.
Dave
I’ve been singing it for 32 years and still find new ways to deliver Philip’s great song….such challenges bear fruit….I love when Philip’s name is mentioned here…his starlight still shines on me