Hi Christy.. that was the first time I’d heard Lakes of Pontchartrain in the live set..it was mesmerizing..Lyra McKee and Lemon 7s are both powerful songs and stilled the night.. Thank you for a great gig.. still laughing at the phrase “the day will come, when the day won’t come”.. a friend of mine used to say “ya do though, don’t ya though?”
Kev
Christy's reply
Tim Martin, rest him, would say “they do though,dont they, in anyways but”
Hi Christy,
No doubt the gig went well and there will be all good dispatches and maybe a set list by the morning.
On Carrickfergus I always thought it was reported on marble stone as black as ink. As in on a headstone. But why in Kilkenny ? Then someone said it was misheard as Kilkenny.
It should have been Kilmenny. And where the feck is Kilmenny when it’s at home ? It’s only the parish where Ballygrant from the first verse is located. And if the singer’s love had died in Ballygrant she would have been buried in Kilmenny cemetery where there is a graveyard with many black marble headstones.
Now this explains the square root of feck all. But if the good crew of the good ship Guestbook can solve who played mandolin on The Black Velvet band from back in the day they can fill in the blanks on this one too. Ed ? Rebecca?
Christy's reply
Great Post..
I first heard Jake McDonald from Crumlin sing this song way way back….it was (what-you-might-call) an underground “fleadh-ceol -messers” hit back when fleadhs were fleadhs….Ballygrant and Kilmenny certainly bring a certain amount of absent logic to the lyric but I think it may be best left in its mystery….
The Maid from Dungannon was another popular song with “Fleadh-Ceol-Messers”….
the chorus refrain ran thus;
“and whats it to any man whether or no
whether I’m aisy or whether I’m true
as I lifted her petticoat aisy and slow
and rolled up my sleeves for to buckle her shoe”
that auld verse reveberated round manys the haybarn long before Air B&B was ever heard tell of…..and we were often well buckled when singin it
Last nights set list in Vicar St., Dublin
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Lyra McKee
Ringing The Bell
Motherlad
Delerium Tremens
Ride On
Raggle Taggle
Lakes Pontchartrain
Ordinary Man*
Nancy Spain
Joxer
Time has Come
Mainland
Back Home Derry
Honda 50
Amsterdam
Stitch in Time
Lemon 7s
Lingo Politico*
Shovel
Beeswing
Lisdoonvarna
Brendan’s Voyage
Well Below Vally
1 hour 45 minutes…..
not in correct sequence (mar a bhfuil an ceoltór insan leaba ag obair as a shean ceann le bórd na móna gaeilge)
this was a unique set list…unlikely to be ever be repeated…
Hi Christy, thanks for the feedback on my song. You can listen to it on my Facebook page, just look up James Millar. Profile picture is myself and my good wife on our wedding day. I’m the boy in the kilt lol. Cheers
Hi Christy,
Sending Grá to you and those close for the new year and new shows.
I’m living in Kilkenny these days, was in Catalonia for a time, all is well on the path.
Thought of you and thought I’d check in.
Beir Bua! and may see you on the road this year.
Meas Mór,
David Keenan
Christy's reply
In Kilkenny,it is reported,
there’s marble stone there as black as ink
with gold and silver I would support her
but I’ll sing no more ’til I get a drink..
I’m drunk today, I’m seldom sober,
a handsome rover from town to town
Oh but now I’m sick and my days are numbered
Come All Ye Young Lads now and lay me down..
the last verse of a strange song I used to sing in my youth…could never make head nor tail of it but used to love singing it..especially when was feeling no pain !
I lived down there myself for a few years in the 1970s..the finest of people, stone mad on the Hurlin…hope you are settled in and that your songs are flying..
Hello Christy and All,
Sean’s bar sounds like somewhere I’d like to visit. There’s a pub in Leeds, called the Bingley Arms. It’s said to go back to 953 but is a spring chicken compared to the yew tree in the beer garden. I’d like to visit that tree.
We got to Newgrange yesterday. I’m so glad you had a good day there, APLANE 100. Christy, I think I remember you saying your mother talked about the Valley being like heaven. It’s such a special place for me too, a deep feeling when you’re there. Driving along level with the Boyne too.
They’ve built a new exhibition in the Newgrange visitor centre which takes you on a great virtual journey. But as APLANE said, the actual journey up the gentle incline deep into the Earth to stand in the chamber is an experience that’s difficult to describe in words. I find the whole place awe inspiring.
I read something yesterday about a land where apples grow all year. I think it might be the place I saw in the story I wrote for my mum and grandmother.
It’s gig day again today and, oh! I’m so looking forward to seeing and hearing you Christy.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Just heard back from Andy Irvine..he is (almost) certain that he played Mandolin on that track when Johnny Kelly recorded “Black Velvet Band” in the early to mid 1960s…
Hi Christy, Thanks for a lovely evening’s music in Vicar St on Monday. It was the first time in a while that myself and my brothers Paul and Tomás went to one of your shows, and it was great. The Well Below the Valley always makes an impact when you sing it, and the end of it on Monday hit the room like a hammer blow. I think you made a good call giving The Magdalene Laundries another airing. It was poignant and quietly forceful. The whole show was a roaring success. Regards, Ciaran.
Christy's reply
Thanks Ciaran…
I’m reminded of the first times I sang publicly in Dublin…in 1964 I sang two songs in The Abbey Tavern in Howth….I did not connect, even slightly…later that year I did a 20 minute set in The Embankment in Tallaght …Peggy Jordan hosted Ballad Sessions there ….I did a bit better that night and Peggy rewarded me with a red ten shilling note….the following day I purchased a new shirt for seven shillings and six pence…a fellow had to keep up appearances when employed by The National Bank ..I was on 28 pounds a month…getting that 10 shillings sowed the seed .. I jacked in the Bank and scarpered across the water…
and here I am, 57 years later, with good listeners like yourself, gathering to hear the songs and making these precious nights so special …
Thanks for your feedback
Hi Christy, here are the lyrics for the song I wrote ‘Strong As An Ox’ – The Ballad of Willie James
If you want to hear it, it’s on my Facebook page.. James Millar
A simple living man
Who farmed his Teavan land
And in his younger days
Was the drummer in the old Park band
He lived for his family
And music with his friends
And if Willie loved you, he loved you till the end, till the end
Chorus:
As strong as an ox
As stubborn as a mule
With the voice of an angel
He was nobody’s fool
I know no one lives forever
And the seasons have to change
But things won’t be the same
Cause we’ve lost Willie James
With old Ben by his side
Up the mountain lane he’d go
Tending to his flock
Rain, hail, sleet or snow
He could play a fine tune
On the whistle fast or slow
And when the fleadh was on
Willie James was sure to go
Was sure to go
Chorus
He often told me stories
In the fields of barley corn
And boy was he proud
To be an Irish man born
From the Westwinds to the Oakleaf Ceile Band
You could hear a pin drop
When Willie stood up and he sang
I love you acushla
My own native land
Chorus
Christy's reply
I’m gonna try and have a listen to your song James..soon as someone guides me towards your face book ,,,,it reads beautifully..thanks for sharing
Hi Christy,
Duffy’s Cut, what a fine song, what a dreadful story.
There is an excellent piece on hidden city philadelphia website about the murders.
However getting back to the song, another great one from the Wally Page songbook.
We could have a wonderful gig with songs that rarely get a live airing these days ‘alternative Christy’ or ‘ the b-sides show’ a couple of the possible names.
Well done for writing it Wally, and well done you for recording it, it is on a lovely album by you too.
Rory
For Rebecca, hope you’ve had a good trip to Brú na Bóinne today. I went on Sunday (train to Drogheda then the bus to the visitors’ centre). It felt a real privilege to be inside the Newgrange passage tomb, it was amazing. Dowth was closed for the winter so I’ll have to come back some time, with the family. The exhibition in the visitors’ centre is very good. So I had Mandolin Mountain in my head all day “All along the valley of the Boyne..” I couldn’t get to Tara Hill though, no buses. By the way, Sean’s Bar in Athlone also claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland, and hence the world. A friendly place, and I got their t-shirt. I wonder which really is?
Please forgive me butting in, Christy.
Christy's reply
no such thing here as butting in.. (almost) everyone welcome …
Hi Christy,
I was at the wonderful gig last night and I have to complement you on your inclusive approach to the audience. Your welcoming approach to all was so thoughtful and touching. I am sure it was great appreciated by the family in question and a great reflection of an inclusive Irish society. Yours, A lifetime fan who’s admiration has grown hugely for you last night, thank you.
Fabulous concert in Vicar St last night. I was there with my son John who had never seen you live before. He was singing along (quietly, LOL) to all your songs, old and new which surprised me. He said he has you up there as his best ever concert alongside Gerry Cinnamon 😉 Thanks for a very special father and son night out! Mark.
Christy's reply
What a buzz that must be…something I never experienced..going to a gig with my Father..
Thanks for feedback
Good day Christy!
Just listened to your beautiful live cover of Hurt and would love to know who the other gorgeous voice belongs to please?
See you in Limerick in May. My turn to travel across the pond to see you as always had it easy when you came over here!
Hope you’re having a great day – Gail
Christy's reply
I dont have access to listen back at this moment but, as far as I can recall,the second voice in Vickie Keating..Declan Sinnott also played as did Jim Higgins…but I’m not 100% certain
Hello Christy,
I’ve just woken up this morning to the thoughts of your wonderful gig last night.
Thank you thank you thank you!
I managed to take a, few short videos before I got told off. The ones after that might be a bit wonky. I’ll have a look through them and, see what I managed to get.
I don’t know what the bodhran gizmo thing is but I love it. I thought I could hear a kind of clicking?
Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are waiting for me today if I am lucky.
We’re here for the Wednesday night gig too, to see and hear your magic from very nearly the same seats (next table along).
Again, thank you!!!
Rebecca
Christy's reply
may you enjoy the plains of Royal Meath, take the waters of The Boyne….and feel the magic of The Yellow Furze
I feel that the entire music community is in shock… Séamus was a huge presence among us…larger then life itself…his singing always stilled the night..his playing uplifted every one who stepped out on to the floor, every one who had the good fortune to be in his company…I remember playing with Seamus and Steve for 6 nights in The Dominion Theatre in London and they had the room rocking every single night….a pure Gaeltacht man..he’ll not be forgotten….Oíche Mhaith mo Cara
Christy Mighty crack last night in Vicar St. 2 generations of us there. Enjoyed the old and the new songs. Very poignant your singing of the song in memory of Lyra McKee. 40 years ago we were an hour away from Woodies, with windy roads and slower cars. Now since the motorways were installed and cars more modern, Dublin is only a bit more than 3 times that and with a happy car after a mighty gig, one does not mind the journey home. Thanks for the cabaret Regards JP
Christy's reply
Woodies in Castleisand was a hot joint 40 years ago….it rocked with the Moving Hearts..we used to camp there for gigs in the region..Tom McCarthy from Annascaul was a mighty host and promoter..
Hi Christy.. that was the first time I’d heard Lakes of Pontchartrain in the live set..it was mesmerizing..Lyra McKee and Lemon 7s are both powerful songs and stilled the night.. Thank you for a great gig.. still laughing at the phrase “the day will come, when the day won’t come”.. a friend of mine used to say “ya do though, don’t ya though?”
Kev
Tim Martin, rest him, would say “they do though,dont they, in anyways but”
Hi Christy,
No doubt the gig went well and there will be all good dispatches and maybe a set list by the morning.
On Carrickfergus I always thought it was reported on marble stone as black as ink. As in on a headstone. But why in Kilkenny ? Then someone said it was misheard as Kilkenny.
It should have been Kilmenny. And where the feck is Kilmenny when it’s at home ? It’s only the parish where Ballygrant from the first verse is located. And if the singer’s love had died in Ballygrant she would have been buried in Kilmenny cemetery where there is a graveyard with many black marble headstones.
Now this explains the square root of feck all. But if the good crew of the good ship Guestbook can solve who played mandolin on The Black Velvet band from back in the day they can fill in the blanks on this one too. Ed ? Rebecca?
Great Post..
I first heard Jake McDonald from Crumlin sing this song way way back….it was (what-you-might-call) an underground “fleadh-ceol -messers” hit back when fleadhs were fleadhs….Ballygrant and Kilmenny certainly bring a certain amount of absent logic to the lyric but I think it may be best left in its mystery….
The Maid from Dungannon was another popular song with “Fleadh-Ceol-Messers”….
the chorus refrain ran thus;
“and whats it to any man whether or no
whether I’m aisy or whether I’m true
as I lifted her petticoat aisy and slow
and rolled up my sleeves for to buckle her shoe”
that auld verse reveberated round manys the haybarn long before Air B&B was ever heard tell of…..and we were often well buckled when singin it
Last nights set list in Vicar St., Dublin
Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Lyra McKee
Ringing The Bell
Motherlad
Delerium Tremens
Ride On
Raggle Taggle
Lakes Pontchartrain
Ordinary Man*
Nancy Spain
Joxer
Time has Come
Mainland
Back Home Derry
Honda 50
Amsterdam
Stitch in Time
Lemon 7s
Lingo Politico*
Shovel
Beeswing
Lisdoonvarna
Brendan’s Voyage
Well Below Vally
1 hour 45 minutes…..
not in correct sequence (mar a bhfuil an ceoltór insan leaba ag obair as a shean ceann le bórd na móna gaeilge)
this was a unique set list…unlikely to be ever be repeated…
This is the link for my song Christy, thanks again for responding
https://fb.watch/h_SHjAgBTG/
Good man James..I’ll be having a listen…thanks for sharing
Hi Christy, thanks for the feedback on my song. You can listen to it on my Facebook page, just look up James Millar. Profile picture is myself and my good wife on our wedding day. I’m the boy in the kilt lol. Cheers
Hi Christy,
Sending Grá to you and those close for the new year and new shows.
I’m living in Kilkenny these days, was in Catalonia for a time, all is well on the path.
Thought of you and thought I’d check in.
Beir Bua! and may see you on the road this year.
Meas Mór,
David Keenan
In Kilkenny,it is reported,
there’s marble stone there as black as ink
with gold and silver I would support her
but I’ll sing no more ’til I get a drink..
I’m drunk today, I’m seldom sober,
a handsome rover from town to town
Oh but now I’m sick and my days are numbered
Come All Ye Young Lads now and lay me down..
the last verse of a strange song I used to sing in my youth…could never make head nor tail of it but used to love singing it..especially when was feeling no pain !
I lived down there myself for a few years in the 1970s..the finest of people, stone mad on the Hurlin…hope you are settled in and that your songs are flying..
Welcome Back
Andy Irvine… Bingo!
When you use your ears it’s good when people pop up.
https://www.facebook.com/jimmillardungiven
I hope this works and also that it’s the right link
Hello Christy and All,
Sean’s bar sounds like somewhere I’d like to visit. There’s a pub in Leeds, called the Bingley Arms. It’s said to go back to 953 but is a spring chicken compared to the yew tree in the beer garden. I’d like to visit that tree.
We got to Newgrange yesterday. I’m so glad you had a good day there, APLANE 100. Christy, I think I remember you saying your mother talked about the Valley being like heaven. It’s such a special place for me too, a deep feeling when you’re there. Driving along level with the Boyne too.
They’ve built a new exhibition in the Newgrange visitor centre which takes you on a great virtual journey. But as APLANE said, the actual journey up the gentle incline deep into the Earth to stand in the chamber is an experience that’s difficult to describe in words. I find the whole place awe inspiring.
I read something yesterday about a land where apples grow all year. I think it might be the place I saw in the story I wrote for my mum and grandmother.
It’s gig day again today and, oh! I’m so looking forward to seeing and hearing you Christy.
Rebecca
Just heard back from Andy Irvine..he is (almost) certain that he played Mandolin on that track when Johnny Kelly recorded “Black Velvet Band” in the early to mid 1960s…
Hi Christy, Thanks for a lovely evening’s music in Vicar St on Monday. It was the first time in a while that myself and my brothers Paul and Tomás went to one of your shows, and it was great. The Well Below the Valley always makes an impact when you sing it, and the end of it on Monday hit the room like a hammer blow. I think you made a good call giving The Magdalene Laundries another airing. It was poignant and quietly forceful. The whole show was a roaring success. Regards, Ciaran.
Thanks Ciaran…
I’m reminded of the first times I sang publicly in Dublin…in 1964 I sang two songs in The Abbey Tavern in Howth….I did not connect, even slightly…later that year I did a 20 minute set in The Embankment in Tallaght …Peggy Jordan hosted Ballad Sessions there ….I did a bit better that night and Peggy rewarded me with a red ten shilling note….the following day I purchased a new shirt for seven shillings and six pence…a fellow had to keep up appearances when employed by The National Bank ..I was on 28 pounds a month…getting that 10 shillings sowed the seed .. I jacked in the Bank and scarpered across the water…
and here I am, 57 years later, with good listeners like yourself, gathering to hear the songs and making these precious nights so special …
Thanks for your feedback
A nice tribute tonight, RTE1 News, for the late Seamus Begley.
Rebeccah. What ferry do you get on Thursday?
a true Son of An Gaeltacht…a beautiful singer, a great musician, a welcome presence in any room where he’d bring fun, laughter and roguery …
Hi Christy, here are the lyrics for the song I wrote ‘Strong As An Ox’ – The Ballad of Willie James
If you want to hear it, it’s on my Facebook page.. James Millar
A simple living man
Who farmed his Teavan land
And in his younger days
Was the drummer in the old Park band
He lived for his family
And music with his friends
And if Willie loved you, he loved you till the end, till the end
Chorus:
As strong as an ox
As stubborn as a mule
With the voice of an angel
He was nobody’s fool
I know no one lives forever
And the seasons have to change
But things won’t be the same
Cause we’ve lost Willie James
With old Ben by his side
Up the mountain lane he’d go
Tending to his flock
Rain, hail, sleet or snow
He could play a fine tune
On the whistle fast or slow
And when the fleadh was on
Willie James was sure to go
Was sure to go
Chorus
He often told me stories
In the fields of barley corn
And boy was he proud
To be an Irish man born
From the Westwinds to the Oakleaf Ceile Band
You could hear a pin drop
When Willie stood up and he sang
I love you acushla
My own native land
Chorus
I’m gonna try and have a listen to your song James..soon as someone guides me towards your face book ,,,,it reads beautifully..thanks for sharing
Hi Christy,
Duffy’s Cut, what a fine song, what a dreadful story.
There is an excellent piece on hidden city philadelphia website about the murders.
However getting back to the song, another great one from the Wally Page songbook.
We could have a wonderful gig with songs that rarely get a live airing these days ‘alternative Christy’ or ‘ the b-sides show’ a couple of the possible names.
Well done for writing it Wally, and well done you for recording it, it is on a lovely album by you too.
Rory
For Rebecca, hope you’ve had a good trip to Brú na Bóinne today. I went on Sunday (train to Drogheda then the bus to the visitors’ centre). It felt a real privilege to be inside the Newgrange passage tomb, it was amazing. Dowth was closed for the winter so I’ll have to come back some time, with the family. The exhibition in the visitors’ centre is very good. So I had Mandolin Mountain in my head all day “All along the valley of the Boyne..” I couldn’t get to Tara Hill though, no buses. By the way, Sean’s Bar in Athlone also claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland, and hence the world. A friendly place, and I got their t-shirt. I wonder which really is?
Please forgive me butting in, Christy.
no such thing here as butting in.. (almost) everyone welcome …
Hi Christy,
I was at the wonderful gig last night and I have to complement you on your inclusive approach to the audience. Your welcoming approach to all was so thoughtful and touching. I am sure it was great appreciated by the family in question and a great reflection of an inclusive Irish society. Yours, A lifetime fan who’s admiration has grown hugely for you last night, thank you.
Thanks Claire….last night was special for me….
Fabulous concert in Vicar St last night. I was there with my son John who had never seen you live before. He was singing along (quietly, LOL) to all your songs, old and new which surprised me. He said he has you up there as his best ever concert alongside Gerry Cinnamon 😉 Thanks for a very special father and son night out! Mark.
What a buzz that must be…something I never experienced..going to a gig with my Father..
Thanks for feedback
Good day Christy!
Just listened to your beautiful live cover of Hurt and would love to know who the other gorgeous voice belongs to please?
See you in Limerick in May. My turn to travel across the pond to see you as always had it easy when you came over here!
Hope you’re having a great day – Gail
I dont have access to listen back at this moment but, as far as I can recall,the second voice in Vickie Keating..Declan Sinnott also played as did Jim Higgins…but I’m not 100% certain
Up The North End
My vote goes to Andy Irvine, it’s got a real flavour of him.
Paddy Power is offering odds
Actually Christy, on further listening / thinking, it could well be Andy Irvine playing with the Capitol on Black Velvet Band?
My Detective Agency are on the job
Hello Christy,
I’ve just woken up this morning to the thoughts of your wonderful gig last night.
Thank you thank you thank you!
I managed to take a, few short videos before I got told off. The ones after that might be a bit wonky. I’ll have a look through them and, see what I managed to get.
I don’t know what the bodhran gizmo thing is but I love it. I thought I could hear a kind of clicking?
Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are waiting for me today if I am lucky.
We’re here for the Wednesday night gig too, to see and hear your magic from very nearly the same seats (next table along).
Again, thank you!!!
Rebecca
may you enjoy the plains of Royal Meath, take the waters of The Boyne….and feel the magic of The Yellow Furze
Seamus Begley Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/local-heroes-part-1-1.139085?fbclid=IwAR0o0IUl7E00uUXVZvyzrLb4A7FWs5uPdQhfAoXSlaPpUiEJyatnw9XqgnI
I feel that the entire music community is in shock… Séamus was a huge presence among us…larger then life itself…his singing always stilled the night..his playing uplifted every one who stepped out on to the floor, every one who had the good fortune to be in his company…I remember playing with Seamus and Steve for 6 nights in The Dominion Theatre in London and they had the room rocking every single night….a pure Gaeltacht man..he’ll not be forgotten….Oíche Mhaith mo Cara
Christy Mighty crack last night in Vicar St. 2 generations of us there. Enjoyed the old and the new songs. Very poignant your singing of the song in memory of Lyra McKee. 40 years ago we were an hour away from Woodies, with windy roads and slower cars. Now since the motorways were installed and cars more modern, Dublin is only a bit more than 3 times that and with a happy car after a mighty gig, one does not mind the journey home. Thanks for the cabaret Regards JP
Woodies in Castleisand was a hot joint 40 years ago….it rocked with the Moving Hearts..we used to camp there for gigs in the region..Tom McCarthy from Annascaul was a mighty host and promoter..