I’m grateful toward those who share their experience around forgiveness. Thanks Frank and Christie, for reminding me of love and happiness I’ve been able to share because anger didn’t get in way. At times means moving away from the unforgiving toward kind others.
Strange Ways.
Christy's reply
If I can hold on to tolerance, forgiveness, understanding, compassion….if only
if I can get back to the United City I’d hope to visit this monument….such a haunting memorial… even the photo itself evokes the lives of those who toiled beneath the ground
Just found interesting info, hopefully of interest to many…
Bradford Colliery in East Manchester closed in the 1960s, with the pit head being near what is now MCFC’s Etihad Stadium. The football club and city council largely funded a memorial plaque. The back story and art are fascinating http://www.bradfordpit.com
Many Irish miners worked in the pit – I knew several who came from Co Mayo as young chaps, settling here and raising families – several famous musicians amongst the offspring… the website is worth a visit and the ‘your stories’ section has many good anecdotes. Some might ring a few bells for your times in the
area…
Sport and culture are crucial to this city – but, the roots are in hard graft,for sure.
“I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.”.
Christy's reply
that you have embraced such qualities is what matters…these are truly gifts for life…perhaps they could be harnessed to dispel lingering resentments..
I met a man in Auckland 25 years ago…spent barely an hour in his company..cannot even remember his name
he shared with me about resentment….he likened it to carrying a red hot burning coal in my hand to throw at the cause of my resentment should we ever meet again…..(excuse my awkward sentence, thanks for sharing)
with me right finnig a nay rio
me tip finnig a wall
with me right finnig a nay rio
tippin it up to nancy
That’s great. The minds of musicians are verdant places.
Thankyou for trying to dredge up the memories. That workroom of yours sounds full of imaginings.
The symphony orchestra is a weird one, too controlled like a well tempered machine. Works like a dream on the Brendan voyage and I’ve no idea how the two worlds fit together. It’s a very disciplined place.
Cello is a good direction for my song. Steve played for years before the pipes turned his head. Thw thing plays in every key so a voice that has no choice is suddenly ok.
Talking of Old Caravee, someone told me that his first wife thought sex was what you kept potatoes in.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
it all depends on the person in the middle…them that hold the stick…to guide one and tame the other, George Martin comes to mind, Sean Davey with The Brendan Voyage,David Brophy works wonders here, I’m getting on well with the man in the middle, we’re finding our way, we are socially distanced, the Orchestra itself but a future possability, a promised cacophony, a glorious racket, its out there in my dream……
Dear Christy,
Good morning.
I have been playing John Reilly’s ‘Bonny green tree ‘ a few times recently. The song that most attracts me this week is ‘Old Caravee’. The booklet that i found of the album says the writer had not heard it sung by anyone else…did you ever give it a try?
It also claims that because it may only be a Travellers’ song ,then if so it may be about the horse sale at Cahirmee.
The song contains a great story of whiskey, a lady, and a piebald …fine stuff. Good old John Reilly.
Take care
Rory
Christy's reply
I love that song Rory and ,Yes, I have sung it to myself betimes….I love how it turns, him smitten but soon bitten….
“she used the black bottle on me”
Hi Easkey, the Christie Hennessy IMRO Festival did not happen as usual in Nov 2020, the 9th annual competition took place over the first weekend of Nov in 2019 in Tralee. Details are usually posted on the facebook page “ A Celebration of The Christie Hennessy & Songwriters “ there is no recent posts on that page, so it’s hard to know if they will go online this year as an alternative. H
Hello Christy,
I’m thinking about drones. Some things seem to really need them, don’t they. I noticed you putting in a vocal drone in the instrumental bit of a song. Tipping it up to Nancy?
So the pipes underpin it, if you’ve got them and they’re in the same key as the song. I’m working on this song, the limerick’s Lamentation one and it needs just a voice with a low bass. The bass moves about a bit, so it’s not a proper drone, but kind of sounds like one. I want the noise to be strong and spare.
I’m thinking about a cello. Is this why you added the keyboard?
This music gets deeper and deeper the more you look into it.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
to be honest Rebecca I cannot remember what I did on old recordings…currently I’m immersed in a batch of new songs..dreaming of possibile arrangemennts, players, settings..every day brings changes of mind..I range from Accapella to full symphony orchestra and everything else in between… a Planxty buzz here, a Moving Hearts vibe there, maybe The Trad Outfit on this one, The Companeros on that one….then I rem Cov 19 and go into solo mode but soon enough the dreaming starts again…I can hear Seamie O’Dowd on that…. Pipes would perfect on that but the key is wrong and I can only sing it in C sharp..Steve Cooney on this, Mark Knobfler on that..a Donal Lunny keyboard here…how about a string quartet there…all dreaming, wishing ,hoping, but with joy and contentment
whatever will be will be…..
with me right finnig a nay rio
me tip finnig a wall
with me right finnig a nay rio
tippin it up to nancy
Continuing the Fairport theme (why change the habit of a lifetime?)I’m really pleased to report the sighting of an excellent website dedicated to the work of Sandy Denny.In recent years, there have been some poor quality versions, but this is co managed by Sandy’s daughter, so much better… http://www.sandydennyofficial.com Some superb photos amongst many good features. Thankfully, youtube has numerous Sandy gems – not least,some great recordings of ‘Fotheringay’ playing live in 1970 – lovely stuff from the era I saw them at The Free Trade Hall (the only times I saw Sandy).Beautiful sound textures…
As ever all the best to all and I hope the workroom ballads are sounding as you want them to be…
Dave
Christy's reply
Fairport set manys the ball rolling…
I also heard them in Free Trade Hall
12 years later, hearts were moving
Hello Christy,
I’m sitting here reflecting on the past year and wondering how you’re doing.
It’s been a year since I’ve been grounded. I’m thinking about how I’ve spent the time that suddenly grew out of not having to travel to and from work every day and not being surrounded by a team of people who always need me. They’ve become more self sufficient with me out of sight.
So what have I done.
I’m a much better singer than I was a year ago. I’ve worked and worked at this. I guess it must be the most important thing.
I don’t think I’m any better at the harp, but I can play badly fast now, as well as badly slow. The harp is a funny instrument, it sounds just the same whether you play it wrong or right. But the player who knows.
Dunno apart from that, I’ve written 4 songs. The last one will be ok, not sure about the others.
Very strange year. How are you doing?
Rebecca
I know that Liverpool/The Phil is a favourite gig venue…also,a brilliant city to explore.
Mike McCartney (brother of…)is an ace photographer and his been for decades. There’s an excellent book of his photos/stories out via http://www.genesis-publications.com featuring the city plus several early/some unpublished Beatles shots… worth a look at the website for a butchers. Sadly, the versions of the book are costly limited editions, but let’s hope that a ‘paperback writer ‘ gets hold of it… D
Following Ed’s recent post re Richard Thompson interviews – there’s a great piece in May UNCUT magazine on RT/early Fairport Convention – previewing the imminent publication of RT’s memoir of that wonderful period.
Always poignant to think of the band’s 1969 fatal road accident- RIP all – grateful that teenage drummer Martin Lamble’s contributions so well recorded/preserved… For fellow Fairport geeks, youtube has a few songs from French tv in the late 60s – great quality and ace camera work showing RT’s
prowess way back then. Also,youtube for excellent recent Cropredy festival versions of several classics…as Sandy Denny wrote – ‘Who knows where the time goes’? Quite…
Happy Patrick’s Day from Nashville Christy. ‘The Early Years’ has been keeping me company here the last while. What a body of work, wonderful to hear those recordings presented alongside each other. Christy from 69 – 81 sounds like everything that came after ye, right up to the here & now with the Mary Wallopers. Got to sing one tonight. I went in cold & overhsot it a bit, but the lads did a lovely job building it up. Keep well, Dylan
On the back of your post I looked into the history of this beautiful song….it was intriguing to read of its journey into our national repertoire….from America to Ewan MacColl, to Lou Killen,to Luke,to Liam Clancy and then onto almost every ballad singer that followed….in my head its always “twinned”with “The Holy Ground”.Two staples of every bygone ballad session, both songs with blistering chorus….from my teens I recall the pure joy of discovering,learning and singing these songs, usually in rooms filled with well-fuelled ,like-minded balladeers chanting as if our lives depended upon it…it was an awakening that sent many us flying off in new life directions
Good evening Christy,
A wee recommendation for Saint Patrick’s evening.
All the way from the Mournes Matt McGinn sent two songs just released for the saint’s day.
On youtube his new songs are ,firstly Raglan Road in a lovely , calm, version from Warrenpoint .
Then a new standout song ‘Something’ from the varying weathers and locations of his native land….if only there was a Top of the Pops nowadays it would be a sinch for a slot. Great stuff Matt.
So as all the plastic Paddys slip away home there is still beauty in the art of song.
Stay well
Rory
I love this time of year with all the birds so busy. I’m right next to the garden here, a grandstand view with full length windows. Mr and Mrs blackbird have just turned up and a splendidly spruced up Robin is strutting its stuff. I don’t know how you can tell if they’re male or female.
Hi Christy and all. Rebecca coincidentally I fulfilled my obligation yesterday listened to the Tuam beat a few times over. Had on Magic Nights while I was gardening with a pair of frisky sparrows in the background, a great album, love the title track, Burning times, Veronica and many more, but the Tuam beat is the one that stays in your head for rest of the day.
Vaccine wise, had first about a month ago so should have next in early May.
Best wishes to everyone. Pam
Christy agus a Chairde! Lá Fhéile Pádraig! He truly was a gentleman! Sure what else would you expect from a nephew of Paul Brady! And what a polka to finish! Enjoy the Bagún, cabáiste agus praties!
I’m grateful toward those who share their experience around forgiveness. Thanks Frank and Christie, for reminding me of love and happiness I’ve been able to share because anger didn’t get in way. At times means moving away from the unforgiving toward kind others.
Strange Ways.
If I can hold on to tolerance, forgiveness, understanding, compassion….if only
more background and art detail for the pit memorial at
http://www.broadbent.studio/bradfordpitproject D
if I can get back to the United City I’d hope to visit this monument….such a haunting memorial… even the photo itself evokes the lives of those who toiled beneath the ground
Hi Christy/all
Just found interesting info, hopefully of interest to many…
Bradford Colliery in East Manchester closed in the 1960s, with the pit head being near what is now MCFC’s Etihad Stadium. The football club and city council largely funded a memorial plaque. The back story and art are fascinating http://www.bradfordpit.com
Many Irish miners worked in the pit – I knew several who came from Co Mayo as young chaps, settling here and raising families – several famous musicians amongst the offspring… the website is worth a visit and the ‘your stories’ section has many good anecdotes. Some might ring a few bells for your times in the
area…
Sport and culture are crucial to this city – but, the roots are in hard graft,for sure.
Dave
your post reminds me of Harry Bradshaw
“I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.”.
that you have embraced such qualities is what matters…these are truly gifts for life…perhaps they could be harnessed to dispel lingering resentments..
I met a man in Auckland 25 years ago…spent barely an hour in his company..cannot even remember his name
he shared with me about resentment….he likened it to carrying a red hot burning coal in my hand to throw at the cause of my resentment should we ever meet again…..(excuse my awkward sentence, thanks for sharing)
My bones drift upon the sea
My soul lives upon the water
The albatross keeps me company
The rocking of the waves are my salvation.
are you out in the boat again Marty ? fair play to you
Hello Christy,
with me right finnig a nay rio
me tip finnig a wall
with me right finnig a nay rio
tippin it up to nancy
That’s great. The minds of musicians are verdant places.
Thankyou for trying to dredge up the memories. That workroom of yours sounds full of imaginings.
The symphony orchestra is a weird one, too controlled like a well tempered machine. Works like a dream on the Brendan voyage and I’ve no idea how the two worlds fit together. It’s a very disciplined place.
Cello is a good direction for my song. Steve played for years before the pipes turned his head. Thw thing plays in every key so a voice that has no choice is suddenly ok.
Talking of Old Caravee, someone told me that his first wife thought sex was what you kept potatoes in.
Rebecca
it all depends on the person in the middle…them that hold the stick…to guide one and tame the other, George Martin comes to mind, Sean Davey with The Brendan Voyage,David Brophy works wonders here, I’m getting on well with the man in the middle, we’re finding our way, we are socially distanced, the Orchestra itself but a future possability, a promised cacophony, a glorious racket, its out there in my dream……
Dear Christy,
Good morning.
I have been playing John Reilly’s ‘Bonny green tree ‘ a few times recently. The song that most attracts me this week is ‘Old Caravee’. The booklet that i found of the album says the writer had not heard it sung by anyone else…did you ever give it a try?
It also claims that because it may only be a Travellers’ song ,then if so it may be about the horse sale at Cahirmee.
The song contains a great story of whiskey, a lady, and a piebald …fine stuff. Good old John Reilly.
Take care
Rory
I love that song Rory and ,Yes, I have sung it to myself betimes….I love how it turns, him smitten but soon bitten….
“she used the black bottle on me”
TKS Hilary…I’m not on FB.. someone was interested in submitting a tune…. I’ll pass on the info..keep safe.peace .Marty.
Two big dogs and a man shouts “Who Goes There”
Hi Easkey, the Christie Hennessy IMRO Festival did not happen as usual in Nov 2020, the 9th annual competition took place over the first weekend of Nov in 2019 in Tralee. Details are usually posted on the facebook page “ A Celebration of The Christie Hennessy & Songwriters “ there is no recent posts on that page, so it’s hard to know if they will go online this year as an alternative. H
fair play 2 U
Hi christy.do you know if the Christy Hennessy song contest is happening this year. Think it’s ran by imro .
I dont know nothin Marty
Hello Christy,
I’m thinking about drones. Some things seem to really need them, don’t they. I noticed you putting in a vocal drone in the instrumental bit of a song. Tipping it up to Nancy?
So the pipes underpin it, if you’ve got them and they’re in the same key as the song. I’m working on this song, the limerick’s Lamentation one and it needs just a voice with a low bass. The bass moves about a bit, so it’s not a proper drone, but kind of sounds like one. I want the noise to be strong and spare.
I’m thinking about a cello. Is this why you added the keyboard?
This music gets deeper and deeper the more you look into it.
Rebecca
to be honest Rebecca I cannot remember what I did on old recordings…currently I’m immersed in a batch of new songs..dreaming of possibile arrangemennts, players, settings..every day brings changes of mind..I range from Accapella to full symphony orchestra and everything else in between… a Planxty buzz here, a Moving Hearts vibe there, maybe The Trad Outfit on this one, The Companeros on that one….then I rem Cov 19 and go into solo mode but soon enough the dreaming starts again…I can hear Seamie O’Dowd on that…. Pipes would perfect on that but the key is wrong and I can only sing it in C sharp..Steve Cooney on this, Mark Knobfler on that..a Donal Lunny keyboard here…how about a string quartet there…all dreaming, wishing ,hoping, but with joy and contentment
whatever will be will be…..
with me right finnig a nay rio
me tip finnig a wall
with me right finnig a nay rio
tippin it up to nancy
Mornin’ Christy
Continuing the Fairport theme (why change the habit of a lifetime?)I’m really pleased to report the sighting of an excellent website dedicated to the work of Sandy Denny.In recent years, there have been some poor quality versions, but this is co managed by Sandy’s daughter, so much better… http://www.sandydennyofficial.com Some superb photos amongst many good features. Thankfully, youtube has numerous Sandy gems – not least,some great recordings of ‘Fotheringay’ playing live in 1970 – lovely stuff from the era I saw them at The Free Trade Hall (the only times I saw Sandy).Beautiful sound textures…
As ever all the best to all and I hope the workroom ballads are sounding as you want them to be…
Dave
Fairport set manys the ball rolling…
I also heard them in Free Trade Hall
12 years later, hearts were moving
Hello Christy,
I’m sitting here reflecting on the past year and wondering how you’re doing.
It’s been a year since I’ve been grounded. I’m thinking about how I’ve spent the time that suddenly grew out of not having to travel to and from work every day and not being surrounded by a team of people who always need me. They’ve become more self sufficient with me out of sight.
So what have I done.
I’m a much better singer than I was a year ago. I’ve worked and worked at this. I guess it must be the most important thing.
I don’t think I’m any better at the harp, but I can play badly fast now, as well as badly slow. The harp is a funny instrument, it sounds just the same whether you play it wrong or right. But the player who knows.
Dunno apart from that, I’ve written 4 songs. The last one will be ok, not sure about the others.
Very strange year. How are you doing?
Rebecca
Hi Christy
I know that Liverpool/The Phil is a favourite gig venue…also,a brilliant city to explore.
Mike McCartney (brother of…)is an ace photographer and his been for decades. There’s an excellent book of his photos/stories out via http://www.genesis-publications.com featuring the city plus several early/some unpublished Beatles shots… worth a look at the website for a butchers. Sadly, the versions of the book are costly limited editions, but let’s hope that a ‘paperback writer ‘ gets hold of it… D
Hi Christy/all
Following Ed’s recent post re Richard Thompson interviews – there’s a great piece in May UNCUT magazine on RT/early Fairport Convention – previewing the imminent publication of RT’s memoir of that wonderful period.
Always poignant to think of the band’s 1969 fatal road accident- RIP all – grateful that teenage drummer Martin Lamble’s contributions so well recorded/preserved… For fellow Fairport geeks, youtube has a few songs from French tv in the late 60s – great quality and ace camera work showing RT’s
prowess way back then. Also,youtube for excellent recent Cropredy festival versions of several classics…as Sandy Denny wrote – ‘Who knows where the time goes’? Quite…
Have a good day
Dave
Happy Patrick’s Day from Nashville Christy. ‘The Early Years’ has been keeping me company here the last while. What a body of work, wonderful to hear those recordings presented alongside each other. Christy from 69 – 81 sounds like everything that came after ye, right up to the here & now with the Mary Wallopers. Got to sing one tonight. I went in cold & overhsot it a bit, but the lads did a lovely job building it up. Keep well, Dylan
https://youtu.be/q2rlyVcYiDA
On the back of your post I looked into the history of this beautiful song….it was intriguing to read of its journey into our national repertoire….from America to Ewan MacColl, to Lou Killen,to Luke,to Liam Clancy and then onto almost every ballad singer that followed….in my head its always “twinned”with “The Holy Ground”.Two staples of every bygone ballad session, both songs with blistering chorus….from my teens I recall the pure joy of discovering,learning and singing these songs, usually in rooms filled with well-fuelled ,like-minded balladeers chanting as if our lives depended upon it…it was an awakening that sent many us flying off in new life directions
Good evening Christy,
A wee recommendation for Saint Patrick’s evening.
All the way from the Mournes Matt McGinn sent two songs just released for the saint’s day.
On youtube his new songs are ,firstly Raglan Road in a lovely , calm, version from Warrenpoint .
Then a new standout song ‘Something’ from the varying weathers and locations of his native land….if only there was a Top of the Pops nowadays it would be a sinch for a slot. Great stuff Matt.
So as all the plastic Paddys slip away home there is still beauty in the art of song.
Stay well
Rory
I love this time of year with all the birds so busy. I’m right next to the garden here, a grandstand view with full length windows. Mr and Mrs blackbird have just turned up and a splendidly spruced up Robin is strutting its stuff. I don’t know how you can tell if they’re male or female.
Happy St Patrick’s day to all. I hope this makes you smile
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10164587478015136&id=847680135
Rebecca
Hi Christy and all. Rebecca coincidentally I fulfilled my obligation yesterday listened to the Tuam beat a few times over. Had on Magic Nights while I was gardening with a pair of frisky sparrows in the background, a great album, love the title track, Burning times, Veronica and many more, but the Tuam beat is the one that stays in your head for rest of the day.
Vaccine wise, had first about a month ago so should have next in early May.
Best wishes to everyone. Pam
Christy agus a Chairde! Lá Fhéile Pádraig! He truly was a gentleman! Sure what else would you expect from a nephew of Paul Brady! And what a polka to finish! Enjoy the Bagún, cabáiste agus praties!
Gipp!