I first encountered you in Wellworth’s Lurgan, via Planxty in 1975. Since then you have been my connection to the land of my ancestors. It is impossible to convey how your music tugs at our souls. Love everything you do – currently The Time has Come and Viva la Quinta Brigada are on repeat! Thanks so much. Linda x
Hello Christy,
Just thinking about Ciaran Bourke after what you said in your journal. “he saw the open fire as the centre of the universe”
I spend a lot of time tending mine and it makes me happy. The switch to working from home over the last few years has been good for me.
I went back to listen to “I Wish I Was Back Home In Derry” again after having read comments here.
I had listened to the song but moved on to others – a common mistake we consumers make: lazily looking for a catchy riff or distinctive hook.
Well…it’s now grabbed me by the elbow & sat me down
I love the song & since checking out footage of your live renditions I’m it’s a top fave of mine.
Thanks for baring & sharing
Salutations from Down Under,
Danny Harris
Christy's reply
its all in the day’s work Danny….its a great song to sing
Cooney & Begley…..to see and hear them captured thus is such a lonesome pleasure..how they bounced off each other….in full flow they often seemed conjoined….they made unique music that I will always cherish and remember…Seamus has moved on up but Steven still alive and kicking at the Hearth of it all….
Thank you for posting this gem and, once again, Thank You TG4 for capturing this precious archive
Hi Christy,
Its in the blood….
With son Andy possessing such a fine voice, nephew tom a real songwriter and artist and brother Luca with so many albums under his belt ( including an interesting version of Abba’s dancing queen, it seemed to me that music is in your family’s blood.
Was it a big part of growing up, or even being taught, or is it just in the blood?
Thanks rory
Christy's reply
my Sister Anne Rynne soon to release her third album….nephew Davóg Rynne treading the boards in France where he recenly released his third album….nephews Conor, Gavin and Robbie also involved in their music..my Sister Eilish was immersed in Music for years and recorded with the Fallen Angels many years ago…her husband Peter Byrne is among my favourite singers….
We all believe the love of singing emanated from our Mother, Nancy Power of The Yellow Furze in County Meath….She was always happiest when surrounded by songs and singers…
Ah, Christy, what a lovely chat today. We are of the same vintage and treasure every moment! So many memories, such great evenings on Vicar Street and along hills in The West. We Ryan-aired to see you at every chance.. yes, the very best way to feel your music. My son Chris gave me The Early Years and Ride On – ordered on vinyl from Ireland – for Christmas. May your voice hold on for many good years to come. Thank you so much for the beauty and strength you share.
Christy's reply
Thank you for listening and sharing…..Shine On Mary
Ahh so good to read the chat, i missed them… i could hear your voice behind the words and it was like a quiet conversation… the time will come again it’s been too long since Vicar Street last. Hold on to that cuppa for me !
Still in time to wish you family crew and listeners a peaceful year.
Sending sun and heat from the Bay.
Maryline
Christy's reply
your note arrives like a ray of Sunshine from the Bay….badly needed here this morning as we lie beneath last nights heavy frost….we had a good run of gigs here in Dublin…the 4711ers still congregating….the ranks thinned by that Grim Reaper as we lose dear friends ….then new shoots appear as younger generations come to hear the songs….hopefully we’ll still be versing when you next fly Northwards
Dear Christy, after 30yrs going to your gigs ,it amazes me how your voice and Music sounds every bit as good as all those yrs ago.I hope our legs keep going to be able to see you. 😁Vicor st was amazing to hear the old and new songs ,like lemons 7.
Noeleen,Seanie
Christy's reply
always good to hear from my Coolnacupogue companeros….I thought I heard Seanie’s backing vocals one night in Vicar St….I think its more than 30 years since we met in Katie’s….
Well Christy myself and the good lady are away from Ceredigion getting some sunshine in the Canaries.
Just the other night I got talking to a lady from Kildare and I got to tell her about the night some 7 years ago when I saw you play at the Barrowlands , my wife still tells me how I was 1st in through the doors I ran up the stairs and just stood in the ballroom, on my own for just one moment, what a night that was.
A couple of months ago I was fortunate to see Lisa O’Neill play a gig in St David’s the tiny hall was packed with around 200 listeners, she held us in the palm of her hand and then came that moment, she finished a song and for a split second ,silence, she looked out into the audience, we looked back, then applause….
get back on the Stena soon.
Christy's reply
Lisa’s star is shining bright…lovely to read of her success in Cardiff….those seconds of silence at the end of a song are precious moments
Hi Christy,
Long time no chat, even longer since I saw and heard you. Any sign of a gig sometime soon in Clonmel. It’s been quite a while.
Tell me, did you ever get the chance to see the wood carving of “The Galtee Mountain Boy” in Burncourt? I’d dearly love to get a picture of the two of you together. I have some pics of it, do you have an email address where I could send on on to you.
Take care a while..John. Up the premier
Christy's reply
Never got to Burncourt yet…. but I have seen photos of “The Galtee Mountain Boy” sculpture…. its on my list…
Hello Christy,
Yes, that’s exactly why I like it 😊
The freedom, the words, the sophisticated simplicity.
I also like a rollicking instrumental version when presented with it but, for me, the words need more careful handling.
I got hold of the D they put between the R & L yesterday and it got its first twirl on the turntable. Loving Black and Amber, Lemon 7s, and Long Balconies (in particular).
The flu has struck here so it’s more max strength lemsip right now. Or maybe they should be called Maximum Strength No-Workie tablets.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
We wish you a speedy recovery….
“A Lazarus Soul “are a tonic….I’m looking forward to their next album
Hello Christy,
Hilary got me thinking about where I’ve heard songs and the the Life on the Road documentary must be where I’ve heard some of the more unusual ones. I think it opens with Lakes of Ponchatrain, might be remembering wrong.
I love the way it captures the feeling of different venues. The feeling of being inside the big marquee jumps right off the screen.
I’ve posted this before but it a huge highlight for me, from the soundcheck at Barrowland. https://youtu.be/bDloDFvJJhI
I’d lice to hear this version all the way through.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
I like that loose, free approach to Rocky Road…it only ever happens in rehearsal or sound check… the lyric realises its potenial when unfettered from the (sometimes) manic pace and adherence to that full-on time signature
“To hear what’s coming next” you say C, well it’s always ar fheabhas. When I think the range of the songs that you sang in Vicar St whether it’s the old reliables of Ordinary Man, Joxer, Lisdoon, Quinta Brigada, Nancy Spain or the new gems like Lyra and Lemons 7 or the more rare gems of Lakes of Pontchartrain, Casey, The Time has Come, Minds Locked Shut, Spancil Hill, the even rarer Middle of the Island. Songs from the Rebel county, BBR, Ride On, Johnny Jump Up, topical songs Clock Winds Down, Ring the Bells & Burning Times, Lingo Politico & Oblivious, stand up versions of Stitch & Amsterdam, seasonal songs Jan Man & Fairytale, tragic songs such as Rosalita & Jack Campbell. I don’t know that anyone can appreciate the level of preparation that must go into these gigs to allow you to perform as you do ? to respond to shout outs as they roll in, include the various dedications, and silence the hecklers ! You set the gig up from the start by inviting the assembled choir to sing along and off it all goes to raise the rafters. Thank you for your massive & continuing committment to making Magic Nights. I hope you enjoy the coming weeks. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Thank you Hilary..what a comprehensive survey of those 13 nights…thank you for being there and for all you do to help newcomers and oldcomers alike….I thoroughly enjoyed that run of gigs….what a great venue it is…
over the run, approx 70 different songs emerged… of these,7 songs were played all 13 nights,16 songs featured but once….
the gigs varied in duration from 1h 30m to the lengthy finale of 2h 04m…
now some quiet time before going to the country again..
us Lily Whites are going all out for the one-in-a-row this year..Sail On Jimmy
“…….riches in the Gaughin repetoire”. There’s apt lines. I’ve just been there. You end up going off into rare places. A great singer, wears his heart on his sleeve. At times not even ‘cheerful’, but you listen to him. Just found a live at “Belladrum festival 2010” performance. Great. Hasnt he a lovely song self-penned about an uncle who fought in WW1? And another song, delivered with gusto and strength. There’s no gods; and precious few heroes, only as Dick with perform it.
I’ve to finish with lines quoted earlier: “………from Santiago Bay. There the good doctor lies, with some blood in his eyes. And the bullets read US of A.”
(Allende)
Christy's reply
its 55 years since I first hear Dick sing…he has never faltered, remained true to his calling….I send him greetings and very best wishes
Hot on the heels of enjoying an Ivor Cutler LP, I decided an appointment with Dick Gaughan was overdue…
There are riches in the Gaughan repertoire. Today, I repeatedly played The Father s Song (by Ewan Maccoll),marvelling at words, cadences and the sentiments. In my head I could hear you singing a fine version, but am not sure it s ever actually featured. (I remember Ian Campbell’s Old man s Song from your early sets…)
Enjoy the break between gigs. I m sure the workroom will be busy.
Dave
Christy's reply
I love that song…return to it often..
there is no other writer like Ewan MacColl..he writes intimately from the heart…the love songs he has written,the rebellious songs, industrial songs,urban and rural songs, historical songs,the trad songs arranged and covered …be it the most beautiful declarations of love or angry kickbacks at oppression. exploitation, bullying…..his work lives on to be heard daily in the four corners of the world…here in Ireland people sing many of his songs not knowing who wrote them..they have passed into our National Repertoire….
Morning Christy.
What a wonderful finish to the HQ run Sun & last night; two brilliant but completely different gigs. A massive mix of songs over the 2 nights, both old and new…… audience participation at full tilt. Go ,move, shift came to mind as the crowd dragged you in different directions, which you delivered each and every time. You really stretched it last night, could have went on till the early hours 😀??.
Thanks again for what you do for us the listeners, and to the Crew who carry out their work in such a professional and quiet manner.
Have a good rest; it’s well deserved.
Best regards
Patsy
Christy's reply
Thanks Patsy….its a precious thing to observe the regular listeners ..those of you who come time and again from near and far….to hear “whats coming next” I do often be wondering the same thing myself….
when I got home last night I was tempted to get the pan out but good sense prevailed…the “road-kill” awaits my attention but I have the onions sliced and I’m ready to rock…míle maith agat mo cara
Hello Christy,
Over the last week or so I’ve woken up singing Allende but I didn’t know what it was. So thanks to John G and yourself for talking about it. This morning it led me to taking tea with Pinochet and Victor Jara. I was 2 in 1973.
Thankyou for your advice on keeping records about gigs. I have a little book with a harp on the front of it where I write bits a pieces down. It will be just the job.
Hi Christy
I first encountered you in Wellworth’s Lurgan, via Planxty in 1975. Since then you have been my connection to the land of my ancestors. It is impossible to convey how your music tugs at our souls. Love everything you do – currently The Time has Come and Viva la Quinta Brigada are on repeat! Thanks so much. Linda x
Keep coming back Linda
Hello Christy,
Just thinking about Ciaran Bourke after what you said in your journal. “he saw the open fire as the centre of the universe”
I spend a lot of time tending mine and it makes me happy. The switch to working from home over the last few years has been good for me.
https://youtu.be/TyWpb1V0dRo
The 9th January concert was a very special night for me too.
I tried to sing yesterday. Damn flu, it there but tiny and weak, like a little bird. I’ll try again today.
Do you think the method for cooking a chicken without plucking it is the same as the hedgehog?
Rebecca
for jasus sake Rebecca, dont be pluckin the hedgehog
G’day Christy:
I went back to listen to “I Wish I Was Back Home In Derry” again after having read comments here.
I had listened to the song but moved on to others – a common mistake we consumers make: lazily looking for a catchy riff or distinctive hook.
Well…it’s now grabbed me by the elbow & sat me down
I love the song & since checking out footage of your live renditions I’m it’s a top fave of mine.
Thanks for baring & sharing
Salutations from Down Under,
Danny Harris
its all in the day’s work Danny….its a great song to sing
Hello Christy,
Great to read your thoughts at the start of this new year on the Christy Chat page.
Green shoots and tall trees.
Talking of songs entering the national repertoire.
Here’s one we hear a lot on the pitch of the oddly shaped ball.
https://youtu.be/TxK_qZZwszE
Rebecca
knock on…
Hello Christy,
Here’s something lovely to greet you with this Sunday morning.
https://youtu.be/VaJ_Xhdhqqs
Green shoots all around.
Rebecca
Cooney & Begley…..to see and hear them captured thus is such a lonesome pleasure..how they bounced off each other….in full flow they often seemed conjoined….they made unique music that I will always cherish and remember…Seamus has moved on up but Steven still alive and kicking at the Hearth of it all….
Thank you for posting this gem and, once again, Thank You TG4 for capturing this precious archive
Hi Christy,
Its in the blood….
With son Andy possessing such a fine voice, nephew tom a real songwriter and artist and brother Luca with so many albums under his belt ( including an interesting version of Abba’s dancing queen, it seemed to me that music is in your family’s blood.
Was it a big part of growing up, or even being taught, or is it just in the blood?
Thanks rory
my Sister Anne Rynne soon to release her third album….nephew Davóg Rynne treading the boards in France where he recenly released his third album….nephews Conor, Gavin and Robbie also involved in their music..my Sister Eilish was immersed in Music for years and recorded with the Fallen Angels many years ago…her husband Peter Byrne is among my favourite singers….
We all believe the love of singing emanated from our Mother, Nancy Power of The Yellow Furze in County Meath….She was always happiest when surrounded by songs and singers…
Ah, Christy, what a lovely chat today. We are of the same vintage and treasure every moment! So many memories, such great evenings on Vicar Street and along hills in The West. We Ryan-aired to see you at every chance.. yes, the very best way to feel your music. My son Chris gave me The Early Years and Ride On – ordered on vinyl from Ireland – for Christmas. May your voice hold on for many good years to come. Thank you so much for the beauty and strength you share.
Thank you for listening and sharing…..Shine On Mary
Ahh so good to read the chat, i missed them… i could hear your voice behind the words and it was like a quiet conversation… the time will come again it’s been too long since Vicar Street last. Hold on to that cuppa for me !
Still in time to wish you family crew and listeners a peaceful year.
Sending sun and heat from the Bay.
Maryline
your note arrives like a ray of Sunshine from the Bay….badly needed here this morning as we lie beneath last nights heavy frost….we had a good run of gigs here in Dublin…the 4711ers still congregating….the ranks thinned by that Grim Reaper as we lose dear friends ….then new shoots appear as younger generations come to hear the songs….hopefully we’ll still be versing when you next fly Northwards
Dear Christy, after 30yrs going to your gigs ,it amazes me how your voice and Music sounds every bit as good as all those yrs ago.I hope our legs keep going to be able to see you. 😁Vicor st was amazing to hear the old and new songs ,like lemons 7.
Noeleen,Seanie
always good to hear from my Coolnacupogue companeros….I thought I heard Seanie’s backing vocals one night in Vicar St….I think its more than 30 years since we met in Katie’s….
Well Christy myself and the good lady are away from Ceredigion getting some sunshine in the Canaries.
Just the other night I got talking to a lady from Kildare and I got to tell her about the night some 7 years ago when I saw you play at the Barrowlands , my wife still tells me how I was 1st in through the doors I ran up the stairs and just stood in the ballroom, on my own for just one moment, what a night that was.
A couple of months ago I was fortunate to see Lisa O’Neill play a gig in St David’s the tiny hall was packed with around 200 listeners, she held us in the palm of her hand and then came that moment, she finished a song and for a split second ,silence, she looked out into the audience, we looked back, then applause….
get back on the Stena soon.
Lisa’s star is shining bright…lovely to read of her success in Cardiff….those seconds of silence at the end of a song are precious moments
Hi Christy,
Long time no chat, even longer since I saw and heard you. Any sign of a gig sometime soon in Clonmel. It’s been quite a while.
Tell me, did you ever get the chance to see the wood carving of “The Galtee Mountain Boy” in Burncourt? I’d dearly love to get a picture of the two of you together. I have some pics of it, do you have an email address where I could send on on to you.
Take care a while..John. Up the premier
Never got to Burncourt yet…. but I have seen photos of “The Galtee Mountain Boy” sculpture…. its on my list…
Hello Christy,
Yes, that’s exactly why I like it 😊
The freedom, the words, the sophisticated simplicity.
I also like a rollicking instrumental version when presented with it but, for me, the words need more careful handling.
I got hold of the D they put between the R & L yesterday and it got its first twirl on the turntable. Loving Black and Amber, Lemon 7s, and Long Balconies (in particular).
The flu has struck here so it’s more max strength lemsip right now. Or maybe they should be called Maximum Strength No-Workie tablets.
Rebecca
We wish you a speedy recovery….
“A Lazarus Soul “are a tonic….I’m looking forward to their next album
Well said Hilary,
Hope the Christy man enjoys the coming weeks of quite time.
Might there be an upcoming live album of the Vicar St run ?
no current album plans
Hello Christy,
Hilary got me thinking about where I’ve heard songs and the the Life on the Road documentary must be where I’ve heard some of the more unusual ones. I think it opens with Lakes of Ponchatrain, might be remembering wrong.
I love the way it captures the feeling of different venues. The feeling of being inside the big marquee jumps right off the screen.
I’ve posted this before but it a huge highlight for me, from the soundcheck at Barrowland.
https://youtu.be/bDloDFvJJhI
I’d lice to hear this version all the way through.
Rebecca
I like that loose, free approach to Rocky Road…it only ever happens in rehearsal or sound check… the lyric realises its potenial when unfettered from the (sometimes) manic pace and adherence to that full-on time signature
“To hear what’s coming next” you say C, well it’s always ar fheabhas. When I think the range of the songs that you sang in Vicar St whether it’s the old reliables of Ordinary Man, Joxer, Lisdoon, Quinta Brigada, Nancy Spain or the new gems like Lyra and Lemons 7 or the more rare gems of Lakes of Pontchartrain, Casey, The Time has Come, Minds Locked Shut, Spancil Hill, the even rarer Middle of the Island. Songs from the Rebel county, BBR, Ride On, Johnny Jump Up, topical songs Clock Winds Down, Ring the Bells & Burning Times, Lingo Politico & Oblivious, stand up versions of Stitch & Amsterdam, seasonal songs Jan Man & Fairytale, tragic songs such as Rosalita & Jack Campbell. I don’t know that anyone can appreciate the level of preparation that must go into these gigs to allow you to perform as you do ? to respond to shout outs as they roll in, include the various dedications, and silence the hecklers ! You set the gig up from the start by inviting the assembled choir to sing along and off it all goes to raise the rafters. Thank you for your massive & continuing committment to making Magic Nights. I hope you enjoy the coming weeks. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Thank you Hilary..what a comprehensive survey of those 13 nights…thank you for being there and for all you do to help newcomers and oldcomers alike….I thoroughly enjoyed that run of gigs….what a great venue it is…
over the run, approx 70 different songs emerged… of these,7 songs were played all 13 nights,16 songs featured but once….
the gigs varied in duration from 1h 30m to the lengthy finale of 2h 04m…
now some quiet time before going to the country again..
us Lily Whites are going all out for the one-in-a-row this year..Sail On Jimmy
“…….riches in the Gaughin repetoire”. There’s apt lines. I’ve just been there. You end up going off into rare places. A great singer, wears his heart on his sleeve. At times not even ‘cheerful’, but you listen to him. Just found a live at “Belladrum festival 2010” performance. Great. Hasnt he a lovely song self-penned about an uncle who fought in WW1? And another song, delivered with gusto and strength. There’s no gods; and precious few heroes, only as Dick with perform it.
I’ve to finish with lines quoted earlier: “………from Santiago Bay. There the good doctor lies, with some blood in his eyes. And the bullets read US of A.”
(Allende)
its 55 years since I first hear Dick sing…he has never faltered, remained true to his calling….I send him greetings and very best wishes
Hi Christy/all
Hot on the heels of enjoying an Ivor Cutler LP, I decided an appointment with Dick Gaughan was overdue…
There are riches in the Gaughan repertoire. Today, I repeatedly played The Father s Song (by Ewan Maccoll),marvelling at words, cadences and the sentiments. In my head I could hear you singing a fine version, but am not sure it s ever actually featured. (I remember Ian Campbell’s Old man s Song from your early sets…)
Enjoy the break between gigs. I m sure the workroom will be busy.
Dave
I love that song…return to it often..
there is no other writer like Ewan MacColl..he writes intimately from the heart…the love songs he has written,the rebellious songs, industrial songs,urban and rural songs, historical songs,the trad songs arranged and covered …be it the most beautiful declarations of love or angry kickbacks at oppression. exploitation, bullying…..his work lives on to be heard daily in the four corners of the world…here in Ireland people sing many of his songs not knowing who wrote them..they have passed into our National Repertoire….
Hi Christy,
Ivor Cutler is 100 today , gone but cannot be forgotten.
What a man.
Did you ever meet him?
Rory
bumped into Adge once but never met Ivor…unfortunately
Morning Christy.
What a wonderful finish to the HQ run Sun & last night; two brilliant but completely different gigs. A massive mix of songs over the 2 nights, both old and new…… audience participation at full tilt. Go ,move, shift came to mind as the crowd dragged you in different directions, which you delivered each and every time. You really stretched it last night, could have went on till the early hours 😀??.
Thanks again for what you do for us the listeners, and to the Crew who carry out their work in such a professional and quiet manner.
Have a good rest; it’s well deserved.
Best regards
Patsy
Thanks Patsy….its a precious thing to observe the regular listeners ..those of you who come time and again from near and far….to hear “whats coming next” I do often be wondering the same thing myself….
when I got home last night I was tempted to get the pan out but good sense prevailed…the “road-kill” awaits my attention but I have the onions sliced and I’m ready to rock…míle maith agat mo cara
Hello Christy,
Over the last week or so I’ve woken up singing Allende but I didn’t know what it was. So thanks to John G and yourself for talking about it. This morning it led me to taking tea with Pinochet and Victor Jara. I was 2 in 1973.
Thankyou for your advice on keeping records about gigs. I have a little book with a harp on the front of it where I write bits a pieces down. It will be just the job.
Hope your short break from gigs is fruitful.
Rebecca
Its a long way from the heart land