Had a bit of a Northern England road trip this week, so interesting to catch up here… good on you for marking your GPO gig, the best way you knew how… what it means to you, is a hell of a sight more powerful than the Glasto vibe marketing for the stamp sales. People who buy the stamps because of the featured subjects (as well as routine customers)would be well in sync with you as well. Fair play…
Rory sums up something of the spirit of freedom via lockdown easing/ vaccines- meeting up with family and friends is always so essential.
I tracked down ‘Dignity’ – the tribute for Dylan’s 80th by various artists from the US Ambassador’s residence in Dublin. Certainly worth a watch and some very tasty playing…the ‘Desire’ LP was well represented – ‘One more cup of coffee’ has always been a favourite for me – ever fancied playing it?
The other week, I mentioned the book ‘Happy Birthday Mr Bob’, ‘a project of the heart done with goodwill’, with a lot of people’s thoughts/memories about Dylan. Edited by Liamy Mac Nally (by Covie publications). It has many links to Irish fans and Dylan’s gigs in Dublin, Slane etc… I’m enjoying it as it’s a very good book for dipping into -and a lovely Bob sketch by Rory Gallagher. I’d also say that readers would get some crack from the book, even if not massive Dylan fans themselves. A very welcome addition to the 80th birthday fest.
Time for the first cup of coffee of the day and ‘Desire’…
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
11 years ago I spent weeks with “Hard Rain”…I really enjoyed the process, trying to fit myself into that classic….but twas not to be…circumstance prevailed, I turned to more pressing matters
Dear Christy, the slight easing of restrictions means i can nip up to see my granddaughter in Glasgow this morning, yahoo.
Your choice of song in the GPO was perfect. I think yesterday was James Connolly’s birthday. A proud, noble and courageous Irish Scotsman, may he long be remembered in song, poem and history. Well done for having the courage of your convictions, despite the wishes of the greasepaint gang.
Rory
Christy's reply
“a nip up to Glasgow”sounds good to me Rory..all the more so when there is a grandchild to visit..
“bury me down in yon green garden
with union comrades on every side”
Hello Christy,
Is this the painting? https://pin.it/5DodfyU
I’ve spent some time looking at it. The faces, the light, the feel of it. It’s very powerful. I’d love to see it in person.
In fact, it sounds like the whole day was very powerful, in lots of ways.
Please can I ask, how did the room behave when you sang acapella? Sorry, I mean how did the space and the voice react together? I don’t know how else to describe it.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
This is the painting that came to mind
“Paget’s painting The Birth Of The Irish Republic shows the scene inside the GPO during the Easter Rising, focusing entirely on the rebel forces. James Connolly lies injured on a stretcher (being tended to by a nurse, possibly Elizabeth O’Farrell – WP), while Pearse, Clarke, and Plunkett stand by. It is not known why Paget chose to depict the scene; Robert Ballagh speculates (History Ireland) that it was painted for a Dublin printer as part of a commemorative series”.
It sounds as if your rendition of The Foggy Dew will remain the one anyone who was there will remember above all, Christy.
Christy's reply
I’m On the back seat of the 1948 Ford Prefect..my Grandparents Jack & Ellie up front as we made our way to Backweston, Co Kildare from Stackallen, Co.Meath. I spent a lot of Summers in Backweston with Jack & Ellie. They would visit their Meath kinfolk regularly, the Gibneys and the Sheerans. On the journey home I’d lie across the back sweat feeling safe and content soon lulled to sleep by the gentle singing. I loved those visits. Uncle Frank,Auntie Kathleen and cousin Bertha always gave a great welcome..they had a wind up gramaphone and John McCormack 78″s….then on to Stackallen to Auntie Annie , Uncle Jem, cousins Paddy & Harry….precious memories of early times almost 70 years ago..
Hi C.. the GPO gig sounds wonderful.. perfect choice of songs.. go hiontach ar fad…cinnte..let’s hope they air it in full.. We will have to ask our An Pust man Patsy from Moate to pre order some first day editions for us..ideal for Birthday , Wedding, Engagement ,etc cards. Beir bus agus beannacht..H.
Christy's reply
If I can get the audio recording I will try and share it
Good evening Christy,
I have now watched twice the marvellous 100 Untold Stories Film with John Spillane.
Goodness me this man just exudes enjoyment and enthusiasm. It dips in and out of his latest album with stories of songwriting, words, metaphors and lapwings in a fashion that just enthralls ,along with some of the songs part performed.
Anyway , it is little wonder why you choose so many of his songs to perform, Charlie and i adore Gortatogort.
I wonder if you might be thinking of doing a similar chat/interview/sing to launch the next record?
Take care sir
Rory
Christy's reply
that John Spillane is a quare hawk no doubt..a true bard, a songsmith,shelmalier, poet, raconteur, friend, he fires the ballads out at an awful rate altogether, his hit factory humming away 24/7… songs made to measure, to fit the bill, for every occasion with stunners coming down the cat walk as regular as clockwork…amongst the procession of ballads I’ve found classics like Gortatagort, Magic Nights, Patrick Murphy, to name but three….ride on Johnny boy
I’m thinking about songs about magic. Reel in the flickering light. Lightening bird wind River man. Mandolin mountain. I love these ones. They fill my head with sunshine.
Hello Christy,
How did the recording go? Or is it still going? New songs? New old songs?
Christy's reply
getting there slowly..12 basic tracks recorded..listening back and planning overdubs…might even record a few more..regulations slow the process but thats not necessarily a bad thing…really looking forward to the next phase..thinking of titles, artwork, sleevenotes
A death this past week, was it missed? I didnt see it covered anywhere, I only came across it by accident. In the last week, Josep Eduardo Almudever has died aged 101. They think he’s the last ever surviving volunteer from the International Brigades, he died in France and recalls serving in Spain and a camp of prisoners in Valencia. They were made witness firing squads. I was brought to mind your song lyrics “truth and love against the force of evil….”.
The Guardian had a piece, bylined Sam Jones, Madrid, Tuesday 24 May.
“Viva la Quinta Brigada. Let us remember them tonight.”
Train stopped, (did someone pull the communication cord?), at a station, marked “Christy Moore”, in the wee small hours of the morning. I never saw that Hummingbird documentary before, it’s great. I was at one of those legendary Hearts gigs in the Baggot all those years ago; wow, is all I can say. And Carnsore, I was looking at the posters and the lineups. Did Paul Brock play at that? Paul is still on the go. Co Clare. He’s listed under Andy Irvine’s name. The sound is a bit ‘off’ here and there. In the family photos, in that Nancy standing up at a table addressing everyone. What’s the event? Hummingbird can always put lovely documntarys together.
Great travels by Ed… I’ve passed through Athlone many times,heading East/West.Never with such fine music companeros as Ed found! My luck might be in if/when I get back… I’ll be on the trail of the Woody doc – thanks.
Dylan’s links with travel and trains are deep rooted. His art prints in the ‘Drawn Blank’ series contain the evocative ‘Train Tracks’ Always the most popular for buyers. apparently…time for a cuppa and Arlo’s ‘City of New Orleans’ – what a great start to the day via these pages…
Embarked on a musical mystery train this past week or so, some practical all-night sessions.. Stopped at stations like, Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, John Martyn, Phil Ochs, and last but not least the great Woody. All of these mentioned here in the last while. What a collection of talents. The train whizzed past one station, I saw the letters “Zimmerman” whizz past the window, the tea trolley chap was just passing and got in the way so didnt get a right view. Train didnt stop. Dave, there’s a great documentary, “BBC Arena Woody Guthrie 1988”, well worth looking at. Several heavyweights including Alan Lomax spoke during it. Beeswing currently playing, Radio One.Bear bua.
Hi C. You probably don’t read De Examiner, but I note they are reporting that your old pal Bibi Baskin is retiring. Your song “Me and Bibi ” is the second last song in your Book One Voice, it’s a long ramble through your life up to then, your roots, your songs, your family. It is the second song you sing in the 1994 Documentary made by RTE, here is the link for anyone interested , well worth a watch ….Let us remember, where we come from,,, https://youtu.be/5diH5KVkJN4 Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Great songs, singing and seamstressing (is that a word?) going on in here. Who told us about a tree? Gail was it? I’d have sat up into that tree and saved it. More on Woody G coming up. I’ll be back.
Hello Christy and All,
The other day the plumber came round to give us a quote. I was practising. As Steve showed him what was needed I carried on, enjoying the thought that someone other than the cat was listening to me.
Then I realised, it’s well beyond the time when I need to get performing again.
Hope the plumber gave ye a good quote
I knew a plumber once who was fond of a drink
he plumbed a house near me once
to get hot water you had to flush the lav
you did a grand Blue Rose..
Hi Christy,
Just a plug for 100 Untold Stories.
This Thursday at 9pm.
The great bard of Cork ,John Spillane, talking and performing.
Half of each ticket price goes to a venue you nominate.
The man is a genius, 15 euros well spent. Tickets from his website.
Now am off to put yet another layer of aftersun on by raging red burnt bald patches…i blame Matt McGinn, he caused me to lose myself in his music whilst painting the fence in the sun today.
Regards
Rory
Christy's reply
we gotta watch the bald pates
I’ve been combing my hair with a towel for 30 years now
just read this in the ‘Mr Bob’ book – by Westport transition year student,Joe Reidy
Three Chords and the Truth
How many roads must a man walk down?
Dad handed me his guitar.
C F and C
F was a road too far
But I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.
Great stuff – and presumably dedicated to all guitarists who’ve suffered whilst putting the effin F chord into shape… D
60 years on..still relying on the same old handful, nor can I bar…got my capo on roller skates
Mornin’ Christy
Had a bit of a Northern England road trip this week, so interesting to catch up here… good on you for marking your GPO gig, the best way you knew how… what it means to you, is a hell of a sight more powerful than the Glasto vibe marketing for the stamp sales. People who buy the stamps because of the featured subjects (as well as routine customers)would be well in sync with you as well. Fair play…
Rory sums up something of the spirit of freedom via lockdown easing/ vaccines- meeting up with family and friends is always so essential.
I tracked down ‘Dignity’ – the tribute for Dylan’s 80th by various artists from the US Ambassador’s residence in Dublin. Certainly worth a watch and some very tasty playing…the ‘Desire’ LP was well represented – ‘One more cup of coffee’ has always been a favourite for me – ever fancied playing it?
The other week, I mentioned the book ‘Happy Birthday Mr Bob’, ‘a project of the heart done with goodwill’, with a lot of people’s thoughts/memories about Dylan. Edited by Liamy Mac Nally (by Covie publications). It has many links to Irish fans and Dylan’s gigs in Dublin, Slane etc… I’m enjoying it as it’s a very good book for dipping into -and a lovely Bob sketch by Rory Gallagher. I’d also say that readers would get some crack from the book, even if not massive Dylan fans themselves. A very welcome addition to the 80th birthday fest.
Time for the first cup of coffee of the day and ‘Desire’…
Have a good day
Dave
11 years ago I spent weeks with “Hard Rain”…I really enjoyed the process, trying to fit myself into that classic….but twas not to be…circumstance prevailed, I turned to more pressing matters
Dear Christy, the slight easing of restrictions means i can nip up to see my granddaughter in Glasgow this morning, yahoo.
Your choice of song in the GPO was perfect. I think yesterday was James Connolly’s birthday. A proud, noble and courageous Irish Scotsman, may he long be remembered in song, poem and history. Well done for having the courage of your convictions, despite the wishes of the greasepaint gang.
Rory
“a nip up to Glasgow”sounds good to me Rory..all the more so when there is a grandchild to visit..
“bury me down in yon green garden
with union comrades on every side”
Hello Christy,
Is this the painting?
https://pin.it/5DodfyU
I’ve spent some time looking at it. The faces, the light, the feel of it. It’s very powerful. I’d love to see it in person.
In fact, it sounds like the whole day was very powerful, in lots of ways.
Please can I ask, how did the room behave when you sang acapella? Sorry, I mean how did the space and the voice react together? I don’t know how else to describe it.
Rebecca
This is the painting that came to mind
“Paget’s painting The Birth Of The Irish Republic shows the scene inside the GPO during the Easter Rising, focusing entirely on the rebel forces. James Connolly lies injured on a stretcher (being tended to by a nurse, possibly Elizabeth O’Farrell – WP), while Pearse, Clarke, and Plunkett stand by. It is not known why Paget chose to depict the scene; Robert Ballagh speculates (History Ireland) that it was painted for a Dublin printer as part of a commemorative series”.
It sounds as if your rendition of The Foggy Dew will remain the one anyone who was there will remember above all, Christy.
I’m On the back seat of the 1948 Ford Prefect..my Grandparents Jack & Ellie up front as we made our way to Backweston, Co Kildare from Stackallen, Co.Meath. I spent a lot of Summers in Backweston with Jack & Ellie. They would visit their Meath kinfolk regularly, the Gibneys and the Sheerans. On the journey home I’d lie across the back sweat feeling safe and content soon lulled to sleep by the gentle singing. I loved those visits. Uncle Frank,Auntie Kathleen and cousin Bertha always gave a great welcome..they had a wind up gramaphone and John McCormack 78″s….then on to Stackallen to Auntie Annie , Uncle Jem, cousins Paddy & Harry….precious memories of early times almost 70 years ago..
Hi C.. the GPO gig sounds wonderful.. perfect choice of songs.. go hiontach ar fad…cinnte..let’s hope they air it in full.. We will have to ask our An Pust man Patsy from Moate to pre order some first day editions for us..ideal for Birthday , Wedding, Engagement ,etc cards. Beir bus agus beannacht..H.
If I can get the audio recording I will try and share it
I meant to say he has 4 great mentors by the way, wow what a 5 a side team, john Spillane and his chosen 4 outfield players.
Rb
Good evening Christy,
I have now watched twice the marvellous 100 Untold Stories Film with John Spillane.
Goodness me this man just exudes enjoyment and enthusiasm. It dips in and out of his latest album with stories of songwriting, words, metaphors and lapwings in a fashion that just enthralls ,along with some of the songs part performed.
Anyway , it is little wonder why you choose so many of his songs to perform, Charlie and i adore Gortatogort.
I wonder if you might be thinking of doing a similar chat/interview/sing to launch the next record?
Take care sir
Rory
that John Spillane is a quare hawk no doubt..a true bard, a songsmith,shelmalier, poet, raconteur, friend, he fires the ballads out at an awful rate altogether, his hit factory humming away 24/7… songs made to measure, to fit the bill, for every occasion with stunners coming down the cat walk as regular as clockwork…amongst the procession of ballads I’ve found classics like Gortatagort, Magic Nights, Patrick Murphy, to name but three….ride on Johnny boy
I’m thinking about songs about magic. Reel in the flickering light. Lightening bird wind River man. Mandolin mountain. I love these ones. They fill my head with sunshine.
yes, they belong in the same drawer
Hello Christy,
How did the recording go? Or is it still going? New songs? New old songs?
getting there slowly..12 basic tracks recorded..listening back and planning overdubs…might even record a few more..regulations slow the process but thats not necessarily a bad thing…really looking forward to the next phase..thinking of titles, artwork, sleevenotes
Hello Christy,
Thank you for the feedback on Bright Blue Rose. I’m so proud that you liked it.
It looks like venues are starting to reopen.
Rebecca
A death this past week, was it missed? I didnt see it covered anywhere, I only came across it by accident. In the last week, Josep Eduardo Almudever has died aged 101. They think he’s the last ever surviving volunteer from the International Brigades, he died in France and recalls serving in Spain and a camp of prisoners in Valencia. They were made witness firing squads. I was brought to mind your song lyrics “truth and love against the force of evil….”.
The Guardian had a piece, bylined Sam Jones, Madrid, Tuesday 24 May.
“Viva la Quinta Brigada. Let us remember them tonight.”
Train stopped, (did someone pull the communication cord?), at a station, marked “Christy Moore”, in the wee small hours of the morning. I never saw that Hummingbird documentary before, it’s great. I was at one of those legendary Hearts gigs in the Baggot all those years ago; wow, is all I can say. And Carnsore, I was looking at the posters and the lineups. Did Paul Brock play at that? Paul is still on the go. Co Clare. He’s listed under Andy Irvine’s name. The sound is a bit ‘off’ here and there. In the family photos, in that Nancy standing up at a table addressing everyone. What’s the event? Hummingbird can always put lovely documntarys together.
Hello Christy,
Your plumber story made me think of this.
https://archive.org/details/OneWeek
I saw it when I was a child and it totally floored me.
Rebecca
Mornin’ Christy/ all
Great travels by Ed… I’ve passed through Athlone many times,heading East/West.Never with such fine music companeros as Ed found! My luck might be in if/when I get back… I’ll be on the trail of the Woody doc – thanks.
Dylan’s links with travel and trains are deep rooted. His art prints in the ‘Drawn Blank’ series contain the evocative ‘Train Tracks’ Always the most popular for buyers. apparently…time for a cuppa and Arlo’s ‘City of New Orleans’ – what a great start to the day via these pages…
Get the factor 40 handy…
Dave
Embarked on a musical mystery train this past week or so, some practical all-night sessions.. Stopped at stations like, Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, John Martyn, Phil Ochs, and last but not least the great Woody. All of these mentioned here in the last while. What a collection of talents. The train whizzed past one station, I saw the letters “Zimmerman” whizz past the window, the tea trolley chap was just passing and got in the way so didnt get a right view. Train didnt stop. Dave, there’s a great documentary, “BBC Arena Woody Guthrie 1988”, well worth looking at. Several heavyweights including Alan Lomax spoke during it. Beeswing currently playing, Radio One.Bear bua.
Hi C. You probably don’t read De Examiner, but I note they are reporting that your old pal Bibi Baskin is retiring. Your song “Me and Bibi ” is the second last song in your Book One Voice, it’s a long ramble through your life up to then, your roots, your songs, your family. It is the second song you sing in the 1994 Documentary made by RTE, here is the link for anyone interested , well worth a watch ….Let us remember, where we come from,,, https://youtu.be/5diH5KVkJN4 Beir bua agus beannacht. H
I’m still reading de almanac….
Great songs, singing and seamstressing (is that a word?) going on in here. Who told us about a tree? Gail was it? I’d have sat up into that tree and saved it. More on Woody G coming up. I’ll be back.
right so
Hello Christy and All,
The other day the plumber came round to give us a quote. I was practising. As Steve showed him what was needed I carried on, enjoying the thought that someone other than the cat was listening to me.
Then I realised, it’s well beyond the time when I need to get performing again.
So here it is, recorded while Rory was painting his fence.
https://youtu.be/ZTiTNOdQXys
I hope you like it.
Rebecca
Hope the plumber gave ye a good quote
I knew a plumber once who was fond of a drink
he plumbed a house near me once
to get hot water you had to flush the lav
you did a grand Blue Rose..
Hi Christy,
Just a plug for 100 Untold Stories.
This Thursday at 9pm.
The great bard of Cork ,John Spillane, talking and performing.
Half of each ticket price goes to a venue you nominate.
The man is a genius, 15 euros well spent. Tickets from his website.
Now am off to put yet another layer of aftersun on by raging red burnt bald patches…i blame Matt McGinn, he caused me to lose myself in his music whilst painting the fence in the sun today.
Regards
Rory
we gotta watch the bald pates
I’ve been combing my hair with a towel for 30 years now