No bad thing to focus on Dolores/ De Dannan for awhile…Wonderful music – sad about Alec Finn RIP- great tribute doc via the TG4 archive.
Playing the ‘join the dots ‘ game of songs connecting with each other – DK’s world class ‘Aragon Mill’ leads nicely to the lesser known/ equally classy, ‘Millworker’ by James Taylor.
Good luck, today Rebecca – enjoy the ballads, Christy – can’t wait to hear the workroom results. D
Christy's reply
that TG4 series is called “Sé mo Laoch”….it has featured some beautiful films…I suggest Alec Finn’s, Arty McGlynn’s, Frankie Gavin’s, Liam Óg’s to name but four, and there are many more…I’ve been invited to partake myself and look forward to spending a few days with the SML team…TG4 top the chart when it comes to filming this broad (but narrow) genre…( I’m not quite sure what that sentence means but I’ll leave it in anyway !)
Hello Christy and All,
It’s a lovely morning and I’m getting my first vaccination today. Hope everyone is well.
That vinyl collection of mine is growing. I’ve ordered Ride On and Dolores Keane from discogs. Ride on has a beautiful cover and songs to match. Dolores is singing Aragon Mill on her album that’s on is way here. I can’t wait to hear her version of it. I have a Chinese trunk in my living room where vinyl is kept snug and safe.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
me too…Ive had my sleeve rolled up for months…thanks be to all health care providers
Hi Christy and all, thanks to you and Dave for mentioning Dolores Keane, have listened on YouTube and ordered an album.
Was a great fan of De Dannan early 80’s, with 2-well used cassettes on constantly. Never knew the individual members had ‘babies on the rug’ at the time so had a different set of priorities.
So thanks again guestbook for adding to my listening choices. Pam
Christy's reply
I too loved that De Danann sound… Frankie to the fore, Alec nailing it down, Charlie rock solid and Ringo like a sheepdog keeping them all in the pen…when Dolores sang “The Rambling Irishman” we all sat up. we listened and loved..they had a truly original and innovative sound
I’m with you about Dolores Keane – lovely singer, really ‘gets’ the songs.
‘Ride on’ was some LP – only had it on cassette for years and almost mashed it in the car player a few times. Family trips across countries – that was the soundtrack. Lovely cover too – another one worth framing, Rebecca.
Have a good day.
Dave
Christy's reply
over the years I had a variety of worms in my ear..
early on there was Elvis and a variety of cohorts and imitators
Ella Fitzgerald held sway for a while
then came the Band for Carrick-on-Suir and Keady
Joan Baez circa 1964 ,
then I became entranced by the “raw bar”,the “pure drop”
for years I gave up on recorded music and sought out the hi-fi
but Sweeney’s Men caught my attention, The Watersons too
soon enough it was MacColl and Guthrie
I began doing more learning practicing writing covering
my earworms gradually becoming songs I was trying to sing
its remained that way
I still get distracted betimes
Liam Óg,A Lazarus Soul,Nic Jones,Dolores,Waylon,Patsy,Tommy Potts,
worms come and go but “work” usually gains my undivided attention,
keeps me out of trouble…
this auld ramble is while I’m waiting for the kettle to boil
…and I’m getting my first jab in two hours
sincere apologies – I forgot to name Declan in the ‘Sonny’s Dream’ lineup – such a sin for a true legend. Great to be reminded of one of his classic riffs via Rebecca’s post. Thankfully, there are many – I hope he and all CM companeros are well. D
Christy's reply
Hamish carried Sonny’s Dream to Ireland…he heard Ron Hynes sing it in Newfoundland and was smitten…..Hamish recorded it in Dublin ( Gerry Rafferty paid for the Studio)….it was released as a single ( B side was a song called Mary-Ann)…..I’d hoped it would do well for Hamish here in Ireland but it never took off…it began to gain airplay here when we recorded it on the album Ride On in 1984….
Thanks for the doc link, Hilary – lined up for evening viewing – I’ve had worse Mondays than today!
The Planxty reunion was well recorded, thankfully, I can imagine the buzz of being there…my first Planxty gig in 1972 was in the packed upstairs room of a local pub. The energy in the room was incredible (as was the temperature)Having already heard Prosperous many times, it was amazing to see several of the musicians playing together – and a feeling that something special was emerging. Leagues sums everything up so well.
I’m currently playing ‘The Poet and the Piper’ – greatly enjoyed the sleevenotes by Ciaran Carson and sad to read online that he died in 2019. He mentions a tv film about the project – ‘Keeping Time’ – so far, that eludes me, but have been reminded of the wonderful ‘ Bringing it all back home’ series from the 1990s… about to make a cuppa and replay ‘Sonny’s Dream’ from youtube – what a lineup – Emmylou Harris/Mary Black/ Dolores Keane/ Liam Og O’Flynn/Davey Spillane – legends all.
Hi All. Leagues O Toole recently wrote on social media about his book The Humours of Planxty “ I am looking for a new publisher for a revised edition……… It’s been out of print for a long time and Planxtys music seems to be continually filtering through the generations “ here is the link to the documentary he made https://youtu.be/TueQ-5doZuU ,which, I think, helped to inspire the Re union. We have a lot to be thankful to Leagues for, I will never forget the excitement of the 2 Planxty gigs in Glor in Jan 2004, beir bua agus beannacht. H
Hello Christy,
I’m very glad you get my drift because I’m not sure I do anymore. Of course you’re right, all great players listen from the inside. Their instruments speak from the inside too. I’m thinking of Declan’s weeping guitar in Ride on, on the On the rode album. The noise comes from him and the guitar helps? It gets me every time. I’m tying myself in knots here.
What’s the difference between the outside and the inside? Who knows.
I need to practice the latest harp piece. That should bring things down to earth.
Rebecca
Thanks for the heads up about Bill Graham/Hot Press, Christy
Quick work by cyberspace maestros got the Moving Hearts piece plus many more of interest. (via search for Bill Graham/Moving Hearts/Hot Press )Great reading for today…
I’m reminded of Summer holidays in Ireland – Hot Press was acquired on the first day – and one year, an HP organised afternoon walking tour of Dublin music sites – the only time I found Windmill Lane Studios… great times and ace that the paper has such good online info too.
Thanks again. D
Christy's reply
I still miss the early format…always good writing on the Trad and Folk scenes…good that they are still publishing..the Hot Press Awards were nights to remember ….boundaries swept away, rockets launched, new characters emerged, cool facades dropped, schmoozers brown nosed, record company knobs turned,
I finished re reading ‘The humours of Planxty’ yesterday – I got even more out of it the second time round. As well as insights about the band and members,the book covers eras and related music so well. Fair play to all who contributed and Leagues O’Toole at the helm.Likely,to be hard to find now, but I hope many here can track down the book, if not already proud owners.
Great quote of yours on the back cover…’Thanks to Leagues for bringing it all back home’… nice nod to Dylan there – why not?!
Have a good day.
Dave
Christy's reply
Leagues O’Toole has been a stalwart of Irish Music…I rank him along side (our ) Bill Graham as two top Irish Music Journos…..
I look forward to my next project with Leagues whatever that might be..
Bill wrote a great piece on Moving Hearts in The Hot Press back in 1981-82..he travelled with the Band for a few days and observed us at close quarters….
Hello Christy and All,
I’ve been doing a little bit of exploring of the itma site. Thanks Dave for highlighting it again.
The thing Liam O’Flynn said about experiencing music, instead of just listening to it sent me off thinking.
I think this is harder for instrumentalists than it is for singers.
When we sing, there is no separation between the instrument and the player. It’s one of the best things about singing, for me.
When you sing you build the instrument over years as you learn to play it. What could be better than this.
The listening side of it is more confusing. The first time I heard a recording of myself singing, it was a surprise how I sounded. Then I realised that usually I’m listening from the other side, from the inside. This level of difference has changed over the years. Inside and outside sound much closer togethe now.
Strange stuff and I love it.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I get your drift Rebecca….
I suspect that many trad players also hear ” from the inside”….I know the voice box is “inside” and all other instruments are “outside”…..to achieve true mastery of their instruments the sound must surly be inside the great players…by the same token, not all singers are listening “inside”…they are so busy with external factors thay are incspable of finding the soulfulness of their instrument…
Summer is a coming in (as the Watersons sang)even though the weather hasn’t caught up yet.
Looking at http://www.itma.ie for the first time in awhile. Brilliant to see mega content on Liam O’Flynn – superb detail in Louise Mulcahy’s ‘Tribute’ plus excellent art combined with music in ‘Stone upon Stone’ by Barry Kerr (his website is also worth a visit)and ,the amazing fiddle playing of Aggie Whyte – all on the ITMA home page. Amazing stuff…
Enjoy the day.
Dave
Christy's reply
I love that clip of Louise and Liam O’Connor playing a tribute to Liam Óg at The Piper’s Stone in South Kildare…
Sad news alright Christy about Noel Bridgeman. I first encountered him upstairs in Slats of Capel St mid 80s when The Buisness had the Sunday afternoon slot. What a gig that used to be. Was also always a treat to see a drummer take lead vocals. Good blues, like all good music, needs to be heard live and up close. Here’s hoping. Also really enjoying your posts ‘re Jimmy, Lichtenstein, Meeting Place, etc, keep ’em coming please!. Even Stepaside get a mention which gives a link to what I’m about to throw at you! Was going back through me ‘archives’ today and pulled out Whatever Tickles! I reintroduced meself to what was always an earlier favourite but recently forgotten one. Van Diemens Land! What a cracker. The arrangement is brilliant, the tune itself sails along beautifully, again jimmy navigating the electric frets but when you listen to the lyrics it’s powerful, gut-wrenching stuff and some lovely drumming, which really suit it, from Robbie Brennan. I was looking the song up and all I know is you got it from Mike Waterson. However there’s no other info anywhere ‘re this version. There are other versions of same name out there but very different, can you throw any further light on it? Did you ever play it live or since? Apologies for the long ramble there I appreciate you’re a busy man these days. Thanks, Gipp!
Christy's reply
when I built this old platform I was hoping to recieve posts like this….I love to talk about songs..
“there was a female servant there , Rosanna was her name,
for 16 years a convict from Wolverhampton came
she often told her tales of love when she was young at home
but now its rattling of her chsins in a foreign land to roam”
..this verse always gets me….I love this song of which I’ve heard many versions…I sang it once in Van Dieman’s Land….Mike gave me this song in 1968 and the same night gave me “The Lakes of Pontchartrain”..he also wrote “Stitch in Time” which I learned from the singing of his Brother-in-law Martin Carthy…
Paddy Spillane died last Thursday….along with his late Brothers Sean and Shay he ran The Meeting Place….we’ve been reminiscing a lot here these past few days….Paddy had his troubles across the years, no doubt….our memories of him are fond..a generous ,lovely man betimes haunted by his demons (are’nt we all ?)
The Spillane Brothers were a big part of our lives in the 70s and 80s..
Robbie was a great drummer…my favourite track from that Band os “The Humours of Ballymagash” it was a B side ..I think its on the Box Set (1964-2004)
Robbie, Declan, Jimmy,Kevin,Donal and Myself…3 gone, 3 to go !!!
Planxty started gigging in Slattery’s of Capel `Street Dublin in 1972..every Monday night we played ‘The Mug’s Gig” which Andy and Donal ran…..Paddy Slattery was a lovable, eccentric publican who ran his pub the ” old fashioned ” way….he always wore a 3 piece suit…he was strict but fair….as well as being the foremost gig pub in Ireland ( from mid 60s to 80s ) it was also an early morning house and manys the late night party ended up at dawn back in Paddy Slattery’s….
keep coming back Gipp…your rambles are welcome….
PS…Leinster have such depth of talent…Munster could not hold out..but they gave a good account of themselves…
I did a wee gig for the Leinster Squad last year….Johnny presented me with a framed and signed Jersey….some of the team are regular gig goers….Leo is a gig man
Great mention of Brendan Voyage, Rebecca. Prompted me to have a look at Shaun Davey’s website. http://www.shaundaveymusic.com Fascinating reading – and on the home page, superb to see a brilliant photo of Liam + National Youth Orchestra in 2010.
So good that Liam is frequently mentioned in these pages.
Though the rain it made the colours run,the message it was plain, women are being stripped searched in Armagh jail.
Glad you turned back and didn’t let the fear overcome the anger.
Listening to Where I Come From today, in the sun and rain mixture, it made me dwell on this marvellous song.
Thanks Christy
Rory
Christy's reply
Morra Rory,
I was thinking about you last night as your Hawick lads stormed the Bastille…I think they play better when Anne stays at home..
Hello Christy and All,
Listening to The Brendan Voyage these last few days. The artwork on the front is fab too. I’d frame it if it wasn’t part of the album.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Its a beautiful suite….Liam’s performance so majestic….
There’s a very recent ‘Vimeo’ film post online – Nollaig and Brush, in the studio 2019. Wonderful to see N’s warm up as he’s in total control of the kit – as with all good drummers, making it look deceptively easy… he was subtle too as I recall from percussion with Mary Black et al.- and your personal memories.
Very sad news about Nollaig, Christy
a great loss – I’ve admired his drumming/percussion on numerous gigs/albums… a great singer too – ‘Across the Universe’ (youtube ) is astounding.
Brilliant memories of yours about folk club organising – thanks to all who do, and will continue to do so, when normal service is resumed (I hope) D
Christy's reply
Nollaig played piano accordeon when I was recording the album Ordinary Man..I think it was on “Continental Céilí”….
He played with Mary Black’s Band too
I first met him with Brush Shields back in 1980
Last time we met was at the Jimmy Faulkner Memorial gig in the Olympia Theatre in Dublin…
that was some night as we all remembered the Boy from Dolphin’s Barn..
Gary Moore was outstanding that night….
Nollaig, Jimmy, Gary…….three good men gone
Tom Waits – youtube – ‘ Downtown Train’… if the Terminal Bar, NYC could sing/make a film – this might well be the result… D
Christy's reply
our Watering Hole in the 70s and 80s was The Meeting Place in Dorset Street Dublin….run by the three Spillane brothers Paddy, Séan and Shay. This great Pub was a hive of activity ,…social,musical,cultural and nefarious. For many it proved to be a terminal.
I started running a Folk Club there in 1974 when Paddy invited me to “have a go” at it. I started running Mon Nights there which gradually took root..Then we added the Saturday night and I would invite guests. Gradually other gigs started up as the the word spread. Declan Sinnott used to run Thursdays, Red Peters ran Sun afternoon Blues with The Floating Dublin Blues Band. The room held 140 at a crush…I ran a week long Festival there in the mid 70s…..Planxty, The Bothy Band, De Danaan, Clannad, Wally Page, Southpaw, Tipsy Sailor , Rob Strong, Stepaside,all played in The Meeting Place..
Today I’m thinking about Noel (Nollaig) Bridgeman who died this week… I had the pleasure of knowing and playing with this beautiful man who was one of the great Irish Drummers…
Great call about ‘Terminal Bar’, Brian – never visited, but just looked at the book online. What a gem – the photos would go well with a few Edward Hopper /Dylan pictures and a Tom Waits soundtrack for a perfect exhibition. Anyone remember going to exhibitions – around the same era as gigs ? One day, we shall return…
Hi Christy/all
No bad thing to focus on Dolores/ De Dannan for awhile…Wonderful music – sad about Alec Finn RIP- great tribute doc via the TG4 archive.
Playing the ‘join the dots ‘ game of songs connecting with each other – DK’s world class ‘Aragon Mill’ leads nicely to the lesser known/ equally classy, ‘Millworker’ by James Taylor.
Good luck, today Rebecca – enjoy the ballads, Christy – can’t wait to hear the workroom results. D
that TG4 series is called “Sé mo Laoch”….it has featured some beautiful films…I suggest Alec Finn’s, Arty McGlynn’s, Frankie Gavin’s, Liam Óg’s to name but four, and there are many more…I’ve been invited to partake myself and look forward to spending a few days with the SML team…TG4 top the chart when it comes to filming this broad (but narrow) genre…( I’m not quite sure what that sentence means but I’ll leave it in anyway !)
Hello Christy and All,
It’s a lovely morning and I’m getting my first vaccination today. Hope everyone is well.
That vinyl collection of mine is growing. I’ve ordered Ride On and Dolores Keane from discogs. Ride on has a beautiful cover and songs to match. Dolores is singing Aragon Mill on her album that’s on is way here. I can’t wait to hear her version of it. I have a Chinese trunk in my living room where vinyl is kept snug and safe.
Rebecca
me too…Ive had my sleeve rolled up for months…thanks be to all health care providers
Hi Christy and all, thanks to you and Dave for mentioning Dolores Keane, have listened on YouTube and ordered an album.
Was a great fan of De Dannan early 80’s, with 2-well used cassettes on constantly. Never knew the individual members had ‘babies on the rug’ at the time so had a different set of priorities.
So thanks again guestbook for adding to my listening choices. Pam
I too loved that De Danann sound… Frankie to the fore, Alec nailing it down, Charlie rock solid and Ringo like a sheepdog keeping them all in the pen…when Dolores sang “The Rambling Irishman” we all sat up. we listened and loved..they had a truly original and innovative sound
Mornin’ Christy
I’m with you about Dolores Keane – lovely singer, really ‘gets’ the songs.
‘Ride on’ was some LP – only had it on cassette for years and almost mashed it in the car player a few times. Family trips across countries – that was the soundtrack. Lovely cover too – another one worth framing, Rebecca.
Have a good day.
Dave
over the years I had a variety of worms in my ear..
early on there was Elvis and a variety of cohorts and imitators
Ella Fitzgerald held sway for a while
then came the Band for Carrick-on-Suir and Keady
Joan Baez circa 1964 ,
then I became entranced by the “raw bar”,the “pure drop”
for years I gave up on recorded music and sought out the hi-fi
but Sweeney’s Men caught my attention, The Watersons too
soon enough it was MacColl and Guthrie
I began doing more learning practicing writing covering
my earworms gradually becoming songs I was trying to sing
its remained that way
I still get distracted betimes
Liam Óg,A Lazarus Soul,Nic Jones,Dolores,Waylon,Patsy,Tommy Potts,
worms come and go but “work” usually gains my undivided attention,
keeps me out of trouble…
this auld ramble is while I’m waiting for the kettle to boil
…and I’m getting my first jab in two hours
sincere apologies – I forgot to name Declan in the ‘Sonny’s Dream’ lineup – such a sin for a true legend. Great to be reminded of one of his classic riffs via Rebecca’s post. Thankfully, there are many – I hope he and all CM companeros are well. D
Hamish carried Sonny’s Dream to Ireland…he heard Ron Hynes sing it in Newfoundland and was smitten…..Hamish recorded it in Dublin ( Gerry Rafferty paid for the Studio)….it was released as a single ( B side was a song called Mary-Ann)…..I’d hoped it would do well for Hamish here in Ireland but it never took off…it began to gain airplay here when we recorded it on the album Ride On in 1984….
Hi Christy/all
Thanks for the doc link, Hilary – lined up for evening viewing – I’ve had worse Mondays than today!
The Planxty reunion was well recorded, thankfully, I can imagine the buzz of being there…my first Planxty gig in 1972 was in the packed upstairs room of a local pub. The energy in the room was incredible (as was the temperature)Having already heard Prosperous many times, it was amazing to see several of the musicians playing together – and a feeling that something special was emerging. Leagues sums everything up so well.
I’m currently playing ‘The Poet and the Piper’ – greatly enjoyed the sleevenotes by Ciaran Carson and sad to read online that he died in 2019. He mentions a tv film about the project – ‘Keeping Time’ – so far, that eludes me, but have been reminded of the wonderful ‘ Bringing it all back home’ series from the 1990s… about to make a cuppa and replay ‘Sonny’s Dream’ from youtube – what a lineup – Emmylou Harris/Mary Black/ Dolores Keane/ Liam Og O’Flynn/Davey Spillane – legends all.
Good luck in the workroom, Christy
Dave
Dolores Keane…..what a great singer
Hi All. Leagues O Toole recently wrote on social media about his book The Humours of Planxty “ I am looking for a new publisher for a revised edition……… It’s been out of print for a long time and Planxtys music seems to be continually filtering through the generations “ here is the link to the documentary he made https://youtu.be/TueQ-5doZuU ,which, I think, helped to inspire the Re union. We have a lot to be thankful to Leagues for, I will never forget the excitement of the 2 Planxty gigs in Glor in Jan 2004, beir bua agus beannacht. H
Hello Christy,
I’m very glad you get my drift because I’m not sure I do anymore. Of course you’re right, all great players listen from the inside. Their instruments speak from the inside too. I’m thinking of Declan’s weeping guitar in Ride on, on the On the rode album. The noise comes from him and the guitar helps? It gets me every time. I’m tying myself in knots here.
What’s the difference between the outside and the inside? Who knows.
I need to practice the latest harp piece. That should bring things down to earth.
Rebecca
Thanks for the heads up about Bill Graham/Hot Press, Christy
Quick work by cyberspace maestros got the Moving Hearts piece plus many more of interest. (via search for Bill Graham/Moving Hearts/Hot Press )Great reading for today…
I’m reminded of Summer holidays in Ireland – Hot Press was acquired on the first day – and one year, an HP organised afternoon walking tour of Dublin music sites – the only time I found Windmill Lane Studios… great times and ace that the paper has such good online info too.
Thanks again. D
I still miss the early format…always good writing on the Trad and Folk scenes…good that they are still publishing..the Hot Press Awards were nights to remember ….boundaries swept away, rockets launched, new characters emerged, cool facades dropped, schmoozers brown nosed, record company knobs turned,
Mornin’ Christy
I finished re reading ‘The humours of Planxty’ yesterday – I got even more out of it the second time round. As well as insights about the band and members,the book covers eras and related music so well. Fair play to all who contributed and Leagues O’Toole at the helm.Likely,to be hard to find now, but I hope many here can track down the book, if not already proud owners.
Great quote of yours on the back cover…’Thanks to Leagues for bringing it all back home’… nice nod to Dylan there – why not?!
Have a good day.
Dave
Leagues O’Toole has been a stalwart of Irish Music…I rank him along side (our ) Bill Graham as two top Irish Music Journos…..
I look forward to my next project with Leagues whatever that might be..
Bill wrote a great piece on Moving Hearts in The Hot Press back in 1981-82..he travelled with the Band for a few days and observed us at close quarters….
Still sadly missed
Hello Christy and All,
I’ve been doing a little bit of exploring of the itma site. Thanks Dave for highlighting it again.
The thing Liam O’Flynn said about experiencing music, instead of just listening to it sent me off thinking.
I think this is harder for instrumentalists than it is for singers.
When we sing, there is no separation between the instrument and the player. It’s one of the best things about singing, for me.
When you sing you build the instrument over years as you learn to play it. What could be better than this.
The listening side of it is more confusing. The first time I heard a recording of myself singing, it was a surprise how I sounded. Then I realised that usually I’m listening from the other side, from the inside. This level of difference has changed over the years. Inside and outside sound much closer togethe now.
Strange stuff and I love it.
Rebecca
I get your drift Rebecca….
I suspect that many trad players also hear ” from the inside”….I know the voice box is “inside” and all other instruments are “outside”…..to achieve true mastery of their instruments the sound must surly be inside the great players…by the same token, not all singers are listening “inside”…they are so busy with external factors thay are incspable of finding the soulfulness of their instrument…
now I gotta get up and do some soul searching !
Mornin’ Christy/all
Summer is a coming in (as the Watersons sang)even though the weather hasn’t caught up yet.
Looking at http://www.itma.ie for the first time in awhile. Brilliant to see mega content on Liam O’Flynn – superb detail in Louise Mulcahy’s ‘Tribute’ plus excellent art combined with music in ‘Stone upon Stone’ by Barry Kerr (his website is also worth a visit)and ,the amazing fiddle playing of Aggie Whyte – all on the ITMA home page. Amazing stuff…
Enjoy the day.
Dave
I love that clip of Louise and Liam O’Connor playing a tribute to Liam Óg at The Piper’s Stone in South Kildare…
Sad news alright Christy about Noel Bridgeman. I first encountered him upstairs in Slats of Capel St mid 80s when The Buisness had the Sunday afternoon slot. What a gig that used to be. Was also always a treat to see a drummer take lead vocals. Good blues, like all good music, needs to be heard live and up close. Here’s hoping. Also really enjoying your posts ‘re Jimmy, Lichtenstein, Meeting Place, etc, keep ’em coming please!. Even Stepaside get a mention which gives a link to what I’m about to throw at you! Was going back through me ‘archives’ today and pulled out Whatever Tickles! I reintroduced meself to what was always an earlier favourite but recently forgotten one. Van Diemens Land! What a cracker. The arrangement is brilliant, the tune itself sails along beautifully, again jimmy navigating the electric frets but when you listen to the lyrics it’s powerful, gut-wrenching stuff and some lovely drumming, which really suit it, from Robbie Brennan. I was looking the song up and all I know is you got it from Mike Waterson. However there’s no other info anywhere ‘re this version. There are other versions of same name out there but very different, can you throw any further light on it? Did you ever play it live or since? Apologies for the long ramble there I appreciate you’re a busy man these days. Thanks, Gipp!
when I built this old platform I was hoping to recieve posts like this….I love to talk about songs..
“there was a female servant there , Rosanna was her name,
for 16 years a convict from Wolverhampton came
she often told her tales of love when she was young at home
but now its rattling of her chsins in a foreign land to roam”
..this verse always gets me….I love this song of which I’ve heard many versions…I sang it once in Van Dieman’s Land….Mike gave me this song in 1968 and the same night gave me “The Lakes of Pontchartrain”..he also wrote “Stitch in Time” which I learned from the singing of his Brother-in-law Martin Carthy…
Paddy Spillane died last Thursday….along with his late Brothers Sean and Shay he ran The Meeting Place….we’ve been reminiscing a lot here these past few days….Paddy had his troubles across the years, no doubt….our memories of him are fond..a generous ,lovely man betimes haunted by his demons (are’nt we all ?)
The Spillane Brothers were a big part of our lives in the 70s and 80s..
Robbie was a great drummer…my favourite track from that Band os “The Humours of Ballymagash” it was a B side ..I think its on the Box Set (1964-2004)
Robbie, Declan, Jimmy,Kevin,Donal and Myself…3 gone, 3 to go !!!
Planxty started gigging in Slattery’s of Capel `Street Dublin in 1972..every Monday night we played ‘The Mug’s Gig” which Andy and Donal ran…..Paddy Slattery was a lovable, eccentric publican who ran his pub the ” old fashioned ” way….he always wore a 3 piece suit…he was strict but fair….as well as being the foremost gig pub in Ireland ( from mid 60s to 80s ) it was also an early morning house and manys the late night party ended up at dawn back in Paddy Slattery’s….
keep coming back Gipp…your rambles are welcome….
PS…Leinster have such depth of talent…Munster could not hold out..but they gave a good account of themselves…
I did a wee gig for the Leinster Squad last year….Johnny presented me with a framed and signed Jersey….some of the team are regular gig goers….Leo is a gig man
Hi Christy/ all
Great mention of Brendan Voyage, Rebecca. Prompted me to have a look at Shaun Davey’s website. http://www.shaundaveymusic.com Fascinating reading – and on the home page, superb to see a brilliant photo of Liam + National Youth Orchestra in 2010.
So good that Liam is frequently mentioned in these pages.
Dave
Though the rain it made the colours run,the message it was plain, women are being stripped searched in Armagh jail.
Glad you turned back and didn’t let the fear overcome the anger.
Listening to Where I Come From today, in the sun and rain mixture, it made me dwell on this marvellous song.
Thanks Christy
Rory
Morra Rory,
I was thinking about you last night as your Hawick lads stormed the Bastille…I think they play better when Anne stays at home..
Hello Christy and All,
Listening to The Brendan Voyage these last few days. The artwork on the front is fab too. I’d frame it if it wasn’t part of the album.
Rebecca
Its a beautiful suite….Liam’s performance so majestic….
Too many goodun’s gone, Christy
There’s a very recent ‘Vimeo’ film post online – Nollaig and Brush, in the studio 2019. Wonderful to see N’s warm up as he’s in total control of the kit – as with all good drummers, making it look deceptively easy… he was subtle too as I recall from percussion with Mary Black et al.- and your personal memories.
RIP Nollaig
Dave
Very sad news about Nollaig, Christy
a great loss – I’ve admired his drumming/percussion on numerous gigs/albums… a great singer too – ‘Across the Universe’ (youtube ) is astounding.
Brilliant memories of yours about folk club organising – thanks to all who do, and will continue to do so, when normal service is resumed (I hope) D
Nollaig played piano accordeon when I was recording the album Ordinary Man..I think it was on “Continental Céilí”….
He played with Mary Black’s Band too
I first met him with Brush Shields back in 1980
Last time we met was at the Jimmy Faulkner Memorial gig in the Olympia Theatre in Dublin…
that was some night as we all remembered the Boy from Dolphin’s Barn..
Gary Moore was outstanding that night….
Nollaig, Jimmy, Gary…….three good men gone
Tom Waits – youtube – ‘ Downtown Train’… if the Terminal Bar, NYC could sing/make a film – this might well be the result… D
our Watering Hole in the 70s and 80s was The Meeting Place in Dorset Street Dublin….run by the three Spillane brothers Paddy, Séan and Shay. This great Pub was a hive of activity ,…social,musical,cultural and nefarious. For many it proved to be a terminal.
I started running a Folk Club there in 1974 when Paddy invited me to “have a go” at it. I started running Mon Nights there which gradually took root..Then we added the Saturday night and I would invite guests. Gradually other gigs started up as the the word spread. Declan Sinnott used to run Thursdays, Red Peters ran Sun afternoon Blues with The Floating Dublin Blues Band. The room held 140 at a crush…I ran a week long Festival there in the mid 70s…..Planxty, The Bothy Band, De Danaan, Clannad, Wally Page, Southpaw, Tipsy Sailor , Rob Strong, Stepaside,all played in The Meeting Place..
Today I’m thinking about Noel (Nollaig) Bridgeman who died this week… I had the pleasure of knowing and playing with this beautiful man who was one of the great Irish Drummers…
Hi Christy
Great call about ‘Terminal Bar’, Brian – never visited, but just looked at the book online. What a gem – the photos would go well with a few Edward Hopper /Dylan pictures and a Tom Waits soundtrack for a perfect exhibition. Anyone remember going to exhibitions – around the same era as gigs ? One day, we shall return…
Have a good day all
Dave