Christy,
Googled Hurdy Gurdy and found some beautifully crafted and fine players of the instrument,,which led me to Donovan singing his Hurdy Gurdy Man…All good…
At the minute I’m listening on vinyl to your 1974 LP, CM (black album) & realizing how many songs from this one LP have become stalwarts of ballad singers everywhere over the years… Nancy Spain,,Little Musgrave,,Sacco & Vanzetti,,Galtee Mountain Boy,,Johnny Jump Up & Lanigans Ball….Scariff Martyrs is some song….Truly great players on this LP as well,, some who have passed on, but can still be heard in wonderful music such as this… Well done….RyanL..
Christy's reply
We had a good time making that 1974 album. It was nick-named The Kunta Kinte album back in the day….the photo was taken by Tom McIlroy upstairs in The Meeting Place. Tom was also responsible for the classic sleeve of the first Planxty Album….hard to see it properly on current CD sleeve. The artwork has been compromised by the various charlatans who have owned the album subsequent to its original vinyl release in 1972…..buck them, the lot of them….they may own the rights, they may divvy the spoils but they will never experience the pleasure and satisfaction we gained in making the music
hi christy hope you are keeping well i was wandering if yourself and declan are gigging in plassey in january or february and if ye are when will it be on the gigg page im looking forward to seeing ye soon all the best from jockser
Christy's reply
we will be in Plessey in 2013, but it will be Springtime at the earliest… I like that Concert Hall in Limerick…
Yet another wonderful, beautifully written, evocative Chat. Beautiful to read Christy and something i find myself looking forward to. Great to see how much you get from the whole world of music – both as a listener and as a performer. You’ve created such a vibe and introduced us to so many great artists and friends over the last number of years – and i thank you for that. Long may it continue. Keep well and hope to see you along the way before too long.
Christy's reply
Sound John…you keep coming back and I’ll keep singing….all you listeners create the air that us singers need to push the songs out into the night….its the collective that creates the magic…the words and music, the instruments and arrangements, the intensity of the listener, the passion of the singers and players..when it all comes together anything can happen
Hello Christy,
As always a wonderful chat,,great to read and soak up.. Keep them coming..
Thanks for the link to A Nation’s Memory…. Lovely to see and hear Danny O Sullivan and his brother the late Diarmuid from a different era.. Dan is still singing his heart out…
Christy, At 40.15 into the film Andy Irvine is playing an instrument that I imagine looks like a harmonium, but it’s worked by a wheel rather than a bellows…Can you give a name and a little info on this instrument please… Play on,,, RyanL
Christy's reply
its a hurdy-gurdy man….I sometimes wake up at night shivering to the sound of it being tuned…Andy is to be greatly admired for his pursuit of such little known instruments…the wheel must be constantly rosined…if you ever meet someone with a cotton bud behind their ear, chances are its a hurdy-gurdy player….my advice to you is; get out of there as quick as you can……
how you doing christy,thank you for responding to my question!cant wait for the gig in stirling!watching celtic,at celtic park in the afternoon,and then watching you in my hometown at night,i doubt any sunday,is ever going to top this one!
Thanks for the chat Christy, enjoyed reading it.
So what was the Spinal Tap moment during Timedance?
Were the Megaliths 18 inches instead of 18 foot?
See you in Scotland.
Christy, We hav’nt met since you were a slim, fit rugby player in Newbridge and you were leading lady in ‘Yoeman of the Guard’. Not today nor yesterday. Ive enjoyed many of your gigs and am looking forward to the Forum here in Waterford on Friday. My bro Paul is coming in from the states tomorrow to be there also. Keep well. Dookie.
Christy's reply
is this David Kenny ?….I never made it into the female ranks…did play Koko in The Mikado and Sir Despard in Ruddigore ..what great times they were with Coote and Ghosty putting us through our paces…”on tree by a river a little tom tit ,sang willow tit willow”
christy,
Just read the new blog- thank you so much for taking the time to write and bring those of us not able to be there along with you. Your words bring the magic to the rest of us. 🙂 -Cara
Christy's reply
I enjoy the process while out on the road….thanks for the feedback
Well Christy, Hope you are keeping well. I was just reading your latest chat and was pleasantly reminded of two names I haven’t heard in a long time. When I had a studio in Longford, 10 or 12 years ago, Cathal Hayden and Shamie O’Dowd were two regular visitors. Many the wonderful musical hours were spent listening to their genius along with Paul Gurney. Tell the lads I said hello.
Hi All….there can never be enough CM….. nor enough Neil Young….here is a link to that song,,.. http://youtu.be/fsTiwdZmLv0 Let the music keep our spirits high..Beir bua…H
OOps just new to this- I rushed off before i finished what I wanted to explain- i meant to say the reason i’d like you to sing its because i really love the way you convey the emotion of people who are troubled or feeling caught up in situations out of their control- you show you understand their predicament. I find Powderfinger a very powerful song- but i have been thinkiing this for a long time that you really could sing the song better than anyone i know in a way that really captures its power as a lesson in life.
Thanks again Christy.God Bless
Christy,
Just arranged to get tickets for my now annual trip to Grand Canal Theatre to se you in January! Feeling the excited vibe already!
Just joined youre website too- this is lovely! I hope you are keeping well and happy Christy. I want to ask if you would consider doing a song by Neil Young- one of my favourite from him & being nearly as good a Balladeer as yourself- he knows how to tell a story- the song is Powderfinger- tells a tragic but very human tale which i think is very relevant in times of today.
Anyway- all the best, keep the faith and keep the joy!
Patricam
Christy's reply
Thanks Patricia,I have long been a listener to Neil Young…I particularily like the Crazy Horse work….caught him solo in Vicar St a few years back…I like this song a lot, would love to try it but I suspect it will not work for me…..its language and dialect may be outside my own “spake”….however,I will reconsider it in due course, thanks for taking the time to make the suggestion..I have a right brace of songs on the go at the moment…its all go here in the ballad factory !
Hello Christy I hope all is well with you? My name is Diana and I am about to come to your concert in Manchester on November 6th.This will be my first time,I am really excited.I have listened to your music many times and now I am hooked.I think it”s something to do with your accent,but of course your talent as a singer. There are several songs of yours that I love,maybe you can sing one or two at the concert Black is the color of my true loves hair,Ride on, The little Honda,God Woman. I am a friend of Jason Hinchey,he sings for my Mother who at the age of 97years old is in a home.She really looks forward to his visits and his singing,so kind of him.Jason and I will be traveling together for your concert,I don’t know if you have time or the energy to see people at the end of your gig.If you do would be really lovely to talk with you.All the very best to you and I hope your tour of England goes well.Diana
Christy's reply
Hi Cinamon,…. myself and Jason have met up a few times before…he is a sound man and a grand chanter….Manchester wont work after the gig…. we will be leaving for Glasgow after the performance…its the easiest time to travel..best wishes to you and Jason
Christy,
Welcome in advance back to Clonmel. Unfortunately I will be in the Park Hotel on Saturday evening but unable to attend yourself and Declan’s gig . So Dublin in Dec for me!!!! .On Sat night in The Park Hotel in Clonmel a gathering of the class of ’82 from the four schools in Clonmel is happening in another function room. Don’t be shy the two of you would be more than welcome to pop in and say hello. A daughter of John Mac’s is on the organising committee!!!! Na Tráchtalaí Abú. Best wishes .
Christy's reply
have a good night….looking forward to returning to my old hunting ground…1964-5 were among the happiest times in my life….I mis-spent some of my youth in this great town and enjoyed every day of it…..”Come On The Commercials” Bok, Frank Lafford, Liam Boland, Timmy Ryan,Dennis O’Donoghue,Johnny Mc, Tony Burke,Timmy Dwyer, Michael Egan and all the other heroes
We had a fantastic night of music in Milwaukee on Friday. Kevin Burke and Daithi Sproule giving their first public performance together. There was a talk given earlier in the day about the life and music of Michael O Domhnaill and Kevin & Daithi built their set around his music – both songs and tunes. Kevin played solo, then Daithi did some songs and then both came together for the second set. Kevin Burke even sang – yes it was that type of night! The two of them were fantastic together – a masterclass in tone, pace and patience. It was a privilege to be there.
Rounded off the weekend finishing Neil Young’s “Waging Heavy Peace” – fantastic read.
Christy's reply
heard Kevin recently here in Dublin..his playing was extraordinary. Hearinghim brought back great memories of when we worked together with Jimmy Faulkner and Declan McNelis in the mid 70s
Well Christy – you were top form last night in the Royal spa.We really enjoyed the night – loved Mulloughmore, Mc Ilhatton- did not know Bobby Sands wrote it & loved the words written on cigartte paper – that is a piece of history! The Cliffs of Doneen was special & I had not heard the Galway races before – great. The venue suited you down to the ground. Cathal Hayden & Mairtin were sweet music & so were your 2 other musicans. I hope you got to enjoy some north Clare before you headed off. Mighty night as usual – call again.Up The BANNER
Christy's reply
the other two men were Seamie O’Dowd from Sligo and Jimmy Higgins from Galway….we are trying out a few riffs and reels….we had a great gallery in Lisdoon..twas a match made in heaven
Hi Christy – hearing great reports from Lisdoon at the weekend. We had Declan in Ballybofey as well – great singing and playing altogether. Not sure if you’ve heard of the controversial replacement of your old pal Mike Harding as host of Radio 2’s Folk music show? Hope you don’t mind if i post a link to a petition seeking to reinstate him? I think he’s done a great job in promoting folk music and up and coming singers.
It is indeed a scandal the way me auld mucker has been shafted by “The Beeb”…Mike Harding is a survivor and is now available for what awaits him down the road…he has put so much of himself into Folk Music at the Beeb…thay have jettisoned a champion of the people…at a time when they need him most…Mike will survive and flourish….Folk Music on the Beeb may not but I sincerely hope it does
***Magic nights at the Royal Spa*** Myself and the hubby are long time fans of you Christy. We were thrilled when we found out about the Lisdoon gigs last week and headed down for the Friday night concert. We were absolutely blown away by the combination of intimate venue, electric atmosphere of the gig, you Christy in excellent voice and form and the fantastic Mairtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Séamie O’Dowd and Jim Higgins, delicately weaving around your voice. It really was musical nirvana and we had no choice but to try and get tickets for the next night, which thankfully we managed. And the Saturday night gig was even more magical. I feel very priviliged to have been part of such awe inspiring nights. Are there any plans to record with these musicians?
Christy's reply
Aifric…thank you for your comments…I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the middle of tthis ensemble and, you, the audience played your part in the magic of the night…you described it just as it felt for me….no plans to record but definite plans to make more music..that is the priority for me these times….it would be nice to record but I’m looking forward to more gigs when the time comes round again
Christy,
Googled Hurdy Gurdy and found some beautifully crafted and fine players of the instrument,,which led me to Donovan singing his Hurdy Gurdy Man…All good…
At the minute I’m listening on vinyl to your 1974 LP, CM (black album) & realizing how many songs from this one LP have become stalwarts of ballad singers everywhere over the years… Nancy Spain,,Little Musgrave,,Sacco & Vanzetti,,Galtee Mountain Boy,,Johnny Jump Up & Lanigans Ball….Scariff Martyrs is some song….Truly great players on this LP as well,, some who have passed on, but can still be heard in wonderful music such as this… Well done….RyanL..
We had a good time making that 1974 album. It was nick-named The Kunta Kinte album back in the day….the photo was taken by Tom McIlroy upstairs in The Meeting Place. Tom was also responsible for the classic sleeve of the first Planxty Album….hard to see it properly on current CD sleeve. The artwork has been compromised by the various charlatans who have owned the album subsequent to its original vinyl release in 1972…..buck them, the lot of them….they may own the rights, they may divvy the spoils but they will never experience the pleasure and satisfaction we gained in making the music
Christy, just wanted to say how much you and your music are much appreciated. xx
fair play to you Irene….thanks for listening
hi christy hope you are keeping well i was wandering if yourself and declan are gigging in plassey in january or february and if ye are when will it be on the gigg page im looking forward to seeing ye soon all the best from jockser
we will be in Plessey in 2013, but it will be Springtime at the earliest… I like that Concert Hall in Limerick…
Yet another wonderful, beautifully written, evocative Chat. Beautiful to read Christy and something i find myself looking forward to. Great to see how much you get from the whole world of music – both as a listener and as a performer. You’ve created such a vibe and introduced us to so many great artists and friends over the last number of years – and i thank you for that. Long may it continue. Keep well and hope to see you along the way before too long.
Sound John…you keep coming back and I’ll keep singing….all you listeners create the air that us singers need to push the songs out into the night….its the collective that creates the magic…the words and music, the instruments and arrangements, the intensity of the listener, the passion of the singers and players..when it all comes together anything can happen
Hello Christy,
As always a wonderful chat,,great to read and soak up.. Keep them coming..
Thanks for the link to A Nation’s Memory…. Lovely to see and hear Danny O Sullivan and his brother the late Diarmuid from a different era.. Dan is still singing his heart out…
Christy, At 40.15 into the film Andy Irvine is playing an instrument that I imagine looks like a harmonium, but it’s worked by a wheel rather than a bellows…Can you give a name and a little info on this instrument please… Play on,,, RyanL
its a hurdy-gurdy man….I sometimes wake up at night shivering to the sound of it being tuned…Andy is to be greatly admired for his pursuit of such little known instruments…the wheel must be constantly rosined…if you ever meet someone with a cotton bud behind their ear, chances are its a hurdy-gurdy player….my advice to you is; get out of there as quick as you can……
how you doing christy,thank you for responding to my question!cant wait for the gig in stirling!watching celtic,at celtic park in the afternoon,and then watching you in my hometown at night,i doubt any sunday,is ever going to top this one!
have a good one
Thanks for the chat Christy, enjoyed reading it.
So what was the Spinal Tap moment during Timedance?
Were the Megaliths 18 inches instead of 18 foot?
See you in Scotland.
you got it first time !
Christy, We hav’nt met since you were a slim, fit rugby player in Newbridge and you were leading lady in ‘Yoeman of the Guard’. Not today nor yesterday. Ive enjoyed many of your gigs and am looking forward to the Forum here in Waterford on Friday. My bro Paul is coming in from the states tomorrow to be there also. Keep well. Dookie.
is this David Kenny ?….I never made it into the female ranks…did play Koko in The Mikado and Sir Despard in Ruddigore ..what great times they were with Coote and Ghosty putting us through our paces…”on tree by a river a little tom tit ,sang willow tit willow”
Great chat ! Thank you for making us feel part of it all.
and thank you for responding….
christy,
Just read the new blog- thank you so much for taking the time to write and bring those of us not able to be there along with you. Your words bring the magic to the rest of us. 🙂 -Cara
I enjoy the process while out on the road….thanks for the feedback
Well Christy, Hope you are keeping well. I was just reading your latest chat and was pleasantly reminded of two names I haven’t heard in a long time. When I had a studio in Longford, 10 or 12 years ago, Cathal Hayden and Shamie O’Dowd were two regular visitors. Many the wonderful musical hours were spent listening to their genius along with Paul Gurney. Tell the lads I said hello.
Larry Keogh
sound Larry..will pass it on
Hi All….there can never be enough CM….. nor enough Neil Young….here is a link to that song,,.. http://youtu.be/fsTiwdZmLv0 Let the music keep our spirits high..Beir bua…H
on the button H., thanks for your help
OOps just new to this- I rushed off before i finished what I wanted to explain- i meant to say the reason i’d like you to sing its because i really love the way you convey the emotion of people who are troubled or feeling caught up in situations out of their control- you show you understand their predicament. I find Powderfinger a very powerful song- but i have been thinkiing this for a long time that you really could sing the song better than anyone i know in a way that really captures its power as a lesson in life.
Thanks again Christy.God Bless
Christy,
Just arranged to get tickets for my now annual trip to Grand Canal Theatre to se you in January! Feeling the excited vibe already!
Just joined youre website too- this is lovely! I hope you are keeping well and happy Christy. I want to ask if you would consider doing a song by Neil Young- one of my favourite from him & being nearly as good a Balladeer as yourself- he knows how to tell a story- the song is Powderfinger- tells a tragic but very human tale which i think is very relevant in times of today.
Anyway- all the best, keep the faith and keep the joy!
Patricam
Thanks Patricia,I have long been a listener to Neil Young…I particularily like the Crazy Horse work….caught him solo in Vicar St a few years back…I like this song a lot, would love to try it but I suspect it will not work for me…..its language and dialect may be outside my own “spake”….however,I will reconsider it in due course, thanks for taking the time to make the suggestion..I have a right brace of songs on the go at the moment…its all go here in the ballad factory !
Hello Christy I hope all is well with you? My name is Diana and I am about to come to your concert in Manchester on November 6th.This will be my first time,I am really excited.I have listened to your music many times and now I am hooked.I think it”s something to do with your accent,but of course your talent as a singer. There are several songs of yours that I love,maybe you can sing one or two at the concert Black is the color of my true loves hair,Ride on, The little Honda,God Woman. I am a friend of Jason Hinchey,he sings for my Mother who at the age of 97years old is in a home.She really looks forward to his visits and his singing,so kind of him.Jason and I will be traveling together for your concert,I don’t know if you have time or the energy to see people at the end of your gig.If you do would be really lovely to talk with you.All the very best to you and I hope your tour of England goes well.Diana
Hi Cinamon,…. myself and Jason have met up a few times before…he is a sound man and a grand chanter….Manchester wont work after the gig…. we will be leaving for Glasgow after the performance…its the easiest time to travel..best wishes to you and Jason
Christy,
Welcome in advance back to Clonmel. Unfortunately I will be in the Park Hotel on Saturday evening but unable to attend yourself and Declan’s gig . So Dublin in Dec for me!!!! .On Sat night in The Park Hotel in Clonmel a gathering of the class of ’82 from the four schools in Clonmel is happening in another function room. Don’t be shy the two of you would be more than welcome to pop in and say hello. A daughter of John Mac’s is on the organising committee!!!! Na Tráchtalaí Abú. Best wishes .
have a good night….looking forward to returning to my old hunting ground…1964-5 were among the happiest times in my life….I mis-spent some of my youth in this great town and enjoyed every day of it…..”Come On The Commercials” Bok, Frank Lafford, Liam Boland, Timmy Ryan,Dennis O’Donoghue,Johnny Mc, Tony Burke,Timmy Dwyer, Michael Egan and all the other heroes
We had a fantastic night of music in Milwaukee on Friday. Kevin Burke and Daithi Sproule giving their first public performance together. There was a talk given earlier in the day about the life and music of Michael O Domhnaill and Kevin & Daithi built their set around his music – both songs and tunes. Kevin played solo, then Daithi did some songs and then both came together for the second set. Kevin Burke even sang – yes it was that type of night! The two of them were fantastic together – a masterclass in tone, pace and patience. It was a privilege to be there.
Rounded off the weekend finishing Neil Young’s “Waging Heavy Peace” – fantastic read.
heard Kevin recently here in Dublin..his playing was extraordinary. Hearinghim brought back great memories of when we worked together with Jimmy Faulkner and Declan McNelis in the mid 70s
Well Christy – you were top form last night in the Royal spa.We really enjoyed the night – loved Mulloughmore, Mc Ilhatton- did not know Bobby Sands wrote it & loved the words written on cigartte paper – that is a piece of history! The Cliffs of Doneen was special & I had not heard the Galway races before – great. The venue suited you down to the ground. Cathal Hayden & Mairtin were sweet music & so were your 2 other musicans. I hope you got to enjoy some north Clare before you headed off. Mighty night as usual – call again.Up The BANNER
the other two men were Seamie O’Dowd from Sligo and Jimmy Higgins from Galway….we are trying out a few riffs and reels….we had a great gallery in Lisdoon..twas a match made in heaven
Hi Christy – hearing great reports from Lisdoon at the weekend. We had Declan in Ballybofey as well – great singing and playing altogether. Not sure if you’ve heard of the controversial replacement of your old pal Mike Harding as host of Radio 2’s Folk music show? Hope you don’t mind if i post a link to a petition seeking to reinstate him? I think he’s done a great job in promoting folk music and up and coming singers.
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-bbc-reinstate-mike-harding-to-his-bbc-radio-2-weekly-folk-show-2#share
It is indeed a scandal the way me auld mucker has been shafted by “The Beeb”…Mike Harding is a survivor and is now available for what awaits him down the road…he has put so much of himself into Folk Music at the Beeb…thay have jettisoned a champion of the people…at a time when they need him most…Mike will survive and flourish….Folk Music on the Beeb may not but I sincerely hope it does
***Magic nights at the Royal Spa*** Myself and the hubby are long time fans of you Christy. We were thrilled when we found out about the Lisdoon gigs last week and headed down for the Friday night concert. We were absolutely blown away by the combination of intimate venue, electric atmosphere of the gig, you Christy in excellent voice and form and the fantastic Mairtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Séamie O’Dowd and Jim Higgins, delicately weaving around your voice. It really was musical nirvana and we had no choice but to try and get tickets for the next night, which thankfully we managed. And the Saturday night gig was even more magical. I feel very priviliged to have been part of such awe inspiring nights. Are there any plans to record with these musicians?
Aifric…thank you for your comments…I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the middle of tthis ensemble and, you, the audience played your part in the magic of the night…you described it just as it felt for me….no plans to record but definite plans to make more music..that is the priority for me these times….it would be nice to record but I’m looking forward to more gigs when the time comes round again