Hello Christy,
“Chocolate in the morning or at night
Gives strength to sing and dance, to love and fight”
There’s a massive Easter egg waiting for me. Might crack it open today.
I’m loving the singing right now. It’s taken me ages to recover properly from the flu thing earlier in the year. Weird times when the voice isn’t working the way you think it should. It’s like a musician whose instrument has gone missing.
All better now.
The last couple of weeks I’ve been humming through Wally Page’s Hackensack. Not spent so much time on preliminary work before. It’s been good. I’m finding all the corners and phrasing.
Also Dalesman’s Litany, Scarborough Fair, Musgrave, Foxy Devil, The Contender, House of the Rising Sun. One or two gallops through the Curragh of Kildare…
I’m taking my harp to Worksop tomorrow to have a play and sing with my brother. He has a few saxophones that he like to blow down. Jazz, but you can’t have it all. I may convert him,..
Rebecca
Xxx
Christy's reply
I have the greatest admiration for Harpists and Double Bassists…its no joke transporting those almighty instruments…I played Worksop in 1968…everything I owned in an old battered Guitar case
When you’re unwinding from the gig and trying not to over indulge the Easter chocolate, I think you’ll like a superb 2020 doc about Bob Marley – BBC 4 tonight…it’s a gem. Redemption Song has to be one of the most poignant of protest songs.
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
We got to hear Bob & The Wailers when they played Dalymount Park Dublin over 40 years ago…the rhythm section was rock solid, the backing vocals angelic, Bob truly mesmeric as we all went with the chillum flow…
Thanks Christy for an exceptional night at the opera tonight! Marvellous spirits between yourself and the full house. Doug and Claudia from over the water. x
Christy's reply
Welcome Doug & Claudia…hope you have a good visit…
Hi Christy, just back at our hotel after the gig in the national opera house ..thanks for a fantastic gig as always .. great audience participation with birdie … and great range of songs .. we really enjoyed it .. see you in limerick next month ..safe travels Tony and Fiona ….
Christy's reply
Lovely hurling Tony & Fiona….despite a few stumbles last night we got there in the end….a great buzz in that mighty auditorium….our National Opera House right in the heart of beautiful Wexford Town….not a Tuxedo or Mink Stole to be seen…in the last week we’ve had the pleasure of working in both the National Concert Hall and National Opera House…the staff and crew in both institutions could not have been more welcoming and co-operative (unlike 40 years ago…thankfully all the snobby elitist crap has been flushed down the john)
Thank you for ongoing support and feedback
Very interesting to ponder reasons why Ireland has such interest as enthusasm for ‘folk ‘ song of national repertoire proportions. An abundance of fab material and enjoyment of it are factors, for sure. But, there’s some fascinating history that puts things into context …going back to Bards and centuries of documented music on the island.
I’ve been having an online wander and it’s a treasure trove (not to say rabbit warren of distractions and diversions ) Here’s a few suggestions of interesting sources for historic info etc
ITMA website /search key and find – collectors, Edward Bunting and George Petrie…
Great online pieces and books written recently by Gearoid OhAllmhurain (apologies for Anglicising his name)And his fascinating website at http://www.drgearoid.wordpress.com
Back to today, playing the first Planxty L.P now… You and companeros have done a huge amount to give access to a ton of fine songs and tunes, for those willing to listen/join in. Then the magic happens, when people in Ireland embrace the material, more than in many countries…not much of an exaggeration to say that there’s something special in the air…
Enjoy Wexford
Dave
Christy's reply
In recent years I’ve been engaging with the Irish Traditional Music Archive.When Liam Óg O Flynn,my old Planxty companero ,willed his papers and effects to ITMA I became more closely interested. I was invited to be part of the interview series “Drawing From The Well”. Subsequent to that I’ve begun the process of recording as much of the repertoire thats still singable.I’m also submitting any papers and ephemera connected to the work that might be of interest.Its a satisfying ongoing process.
Well Christy, it’s Good Friday which for me has always been a day of self imposed abstinence (the only day in the year I refuse to drink). That was untill 17 years ago, Good Friday 2006, when I was lead astray by a certain ballader up to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester for a night of frivolity and singing. You’r a bad influence & long may it last. Take it easy on the Easter Eggs, John
Christy's reply
Johnny Boy…
I miss my trips yonder….always loved that waft off the Mersey..still remember my first gig there in1967…got two twenty minute spots in Jacqui & Bridie’s Folk Club..first time I heard “The Ballad of Seth Davy”…sang it on a visit back to Dublin in the Coffee Kitchen Folk Club…Danny Doyle heard it and recorded it some time later as “Whiskey on a Sunday”..he did a lovely version and it charted over here for months on end….
used to hit a Chinese Restaraunt called The Yuet Ben with Hamish Imlach back then…Hamish was a mate of the Chef and the capers were mighty…met up with Barry Halpin and Bruce Scott which led to some high mountain carry-on..then got a gig in The Spinner’s Club but the doorman would not believe that I was “The Turn and I had a problem getting in
had the good fortune to see the Reds, the Blues and Tranmere…then got to sing with Ian Prowse and record his classic “Does This Train Stop on ….I wish I was back in Liverpool….hi to Margaret and Irene, the longesat of all my long haul listeners
Hi Christy,
I have been listening to your recent live albums this week On the Road and Magic Nights.
Whilst i appreciate that folk clapping out of time or shouting out mid-song may be off putting , this often porter fuelled crowd involvment is just part of sharing the love i suppose.
We all want to engage with you, most are moved by the music, is it hard to handle at times or are you so long in the tooth that you ride on through it?
The shout out in Spancil Hill ( up the banner) is a prime example. In a way i admire her ‘balls’ in engaging but imagine she drew some quare looks from the seats nearby!
Cheers
Rory ( up the) banner…man
Christy's reply
Hey Rory..
Its a beautiful sensation when listeners sing with me….some songs work beautifully when singers and listeners come together in unison..occasionally harmonies drift in my direction which is always a treat..seldom is there a down side but there can be…most difficult can be the (singing) listener who likes to get ahead of the lyric,this can make it difficult ……another thorn can be the very very loud joiner-inner who dominates proceedings oblivious to the discomfort being aroused in its vicinity…but these are rare occasions barely worth mentioning ( but seen as you brought it up !!)
~For some time now I’ve been opening with my Brother’s song “City of Chicago”..for me its the perfect opener as we all sing together from the “off”….recently I’ve been following with “Quinta Brigada” which opens the night to audience participation..
Clapping “along” can be a different matter…..in it proper place it makes for powerful rhythm which is uplifting to surf..but a small number of songs need to develop their own internal rhythm,insistant persistant clapping can simply ruin them….a small number of very good songs became impossible to perform and have fallen from the set list…I still sing them to myself here in the work room….”Continental Céilí “and “Reel in The Flickering Light” come to mind…there are many songs that benefit from a rollicking good clap along….when it works it really works and no one loves it more then myself…..
I remember that callout for “Spancilhill” in Barrowland…just as I recall that misplaced “Up The Banner” in the midst of Michael Considine’s beautiful ballad..it did not bother me,I understood where it was coming from…..I lived in exile for 6 years and often succumbed to emotional outbursts in the midst of music, beer and jolly good company…
“Is it hard to handle” you ask…..Absolutely Not…..I’m loving every moment.. more then at any time in 57 years of gigging….for me its a very precious thing, sharing these songs with people who take the time,trouble and expense to come to these gigs….I’ve played in clubs,pubs, sheebeens, prisons, hospitals,ships, buses vans and planes….this evening I play in our National Opera House in Wexford….
a long way fro that night in Aberdeen when I played to 4 listeners…..we had a great night..
Hi Christy,
Following my previous comment below, I learned how to set up a youtube channel and put a demo recording on it. This is the link to the song https://youtu.be/xOTJaEv8yUY
Just copy it into google and press enter.
Regards, Tony Sweeney
Hi All. April always evokes memories of the Gaggle in Lisdoon in 2010. This year I am reminded, in particular, of Wally Page, I think many of us got to know him personally that weekend. It was certainly a wonderful bonding event, between the gigs, the sessions, the exhibition & brochure by KK, the Burren Walk, and the sunshine ! We were so lucky to have had two great photographers in Richie Tyndall and Adam who captured it so well. It certainly encouraged many of us to gather again on the EU tour in Oct 2011, thankfully those friendships have endured and deepened all around the music. Best wishes for the Opera House on Good Friday, Beannachtaí na Cásca, beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
I remembers it well…
Gerry Brady did a solo on the spoons….
Wally was magnificent
our Q & A in The Hall
a Burren Walk & Smalltown Talk
lots of good vibrations and foreign vacations
we really should “go at it agin”
imagine if all our fallen 4711ers re-appeared
7 years ago tonight myself and Mick Redmond Senior RIP went to see Christy at the Royal Festival Hall, can’t beat a bit of “No time for love” good man christy
Christy's reply
good to hear from you Mick….may all our Kilburn listeners have a happy Easter…its lovely to think of you both at a gig together….something I never experienced with my own Father
Hi Christy,
I posted a comment back in Oct ’22 about two of Gerry Daly’s poems. Recently, he got a work colleague to make a demo of another of his poems called, Poet. He asked me to send it to you. How would I do that?
I would like to put you in direct contact with Gerry but I don’t want to share his phone number or email details publicly.
Regards, Tony Sweeney.
Hello Christy,
Great posts from Rory and Dave.
“that evening we gargled, we hassled and argued
We sang songs and hymns that we barely half knew”
That’s kind of what I’m on about when I said National Repertoire.
It was great to read Dave’s examples of determined and high quality work going on in England with folk song, but I think a song becoming part of the national repertoire is taking it a big step further. It’s when a group of people have a few drinks and then gamely launch into singing a song. So the song is something that they all half know. Its when it has spread from small pockets of musicians to be in the mind of most people.
I love this example https://youtu.be/4N_t9_4hatc
I was lucky enough to be watching it on the TV that day. Amazing moment.
There’s a similarly magical moment on one of Christy’s recordings when suddenly the whole room is singing Spancil Hill, verses and choruses. I wish I’d been there.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
we are blest here in Ireland..so many Folk Songs (Contemporary & Trad) in our repertoire..I sometimes wonder is it unique…
I love your music since i saw you live at
Helsinki 1990. Since i saw Dublin Lrvends at Helsinkin 2018, i knew i will dome day make own version of the Molly Malone. I would like to have your opinion of this project. Niall Moore (Irl) sings (met him at Dublin 2017 at his troubadour gig), Davor Buncic (Cro) harmonica. Henri Ohvo (Fin) guitars, Ari Siltakorpi (Fin) basd and bacground voc + some Finnish friends.. pleasecomment. Song will ne in every stream services tommorrow.
In terms of national musical identity, theses have been written…A huge topic…For my money, very well covered by Rob Young in his book, Electric Eden (and CDs of the same title)
Jennifer Reid passionately researches and sings broadsides…in a nutshell, highlighting the massive transition from rural based to urban based England – society and song…
Ashley Hutchings also has to be mentioned in dispatches and his numerous bands/projects
Recently, Hack-Poets Guild have caught my attention…and ,now over 50 years old, Richard Thompson’s song, New St George shows how sharp young RT was…
Enjoy the sun, all
Dave
Christy's reply
Rob,Dave, Rebecca…I was thinking more in terms of a nations repertoire….its a vague notion of mine..how folk songs here in Ireland become part of our heritage….Fields of Athenry, Raglan Road, Whiskey in The Jar, Seth Davey,Town I Love so Well, Dirty Old Town, Red Rose Cafe, Black is The Colour, Nancy Spain……..Beeswing is almost there….there is a longer list
Hi Christy,
‘English’ songs is a difficult one, dagrab and i are jointly bemused.
I think of ‘rebellious scots to crush’ and probably shouldn’t.
Local songs are often best, gutteral, coloquial, heartfelt, the songs of suffragette city perhaps for dave, certainly no morris dancing for me…..billy bragg’s ‘a new england’ perhaps for me?
Charlie has a pal going to county kerry this weekend to reconnect with long lost family, he may bump into the queen of the kingdom in your/our very own hilary, i hope he enjoys it , am sure he will love the trip.
Rory
Hello Christy,
Absorbing songs is a pretty good way to spend our lives, I think.
A while ago you mentioned songs that have become part of the national repertoire. I’ve spent quite a lot of time thinking about what you said and I’m still struggling to answer. The problem is that I’m not sure we have a national repertoire here. Generally, people seem to like noise but I’m not sure about them liking actual songs. I’d be really happy to be wrong about this, so if anyone would like to jump in and disagree, please do. I’m talking specifically about England here. I know the Welsh and Scottish love songs and tunes. I just don’t see the same thing going on in England.
The first time I sang Raggle Taggle to my Mum she said she remembered it from her childhood. But I never ever heard her sing a song. At her funeral I was very surprised to hear my Dad singing one of the hymns. I’d never heard him sing before. My Grandma always used to be singing. She had a fine contralto voice that I can still remember. No one else though.
Me, I’ve sung all my life, going round the, supermarket with my Mum as a small child and a larger child. All my early memories of school are of singing. Many later ones too.
Sorry, I don’t know what I’m trying to say and this has got very long I think.
Hi Christy, I’m from Germany, I was in Ireland for the first time in 1992 with a group. One of us had a cassette of Irish music with us. Ride on was the first song, I know it by heart since then, more songs by you followed, which, like your stories, have never let me go. And now I was on a short trip to Dublin for four days. By chance I read that you were performing at the NCH on Saturday and that your concert was completely sold out. I went by anyway and got the last ticket at the box office. For me the concert could have gone on for hours, it was an honour and a pleasure to have been there. Many thanks for that! I’m back in Germany, I’m looking forward to the new album you’re working on. And maybe I’ll be lucky enough to see you live on stage again sometime. Greetings from Leipzig
Hello Christy,
Just thinking this morning about songs with female protagonists and how grateful I am for them. Thankyou for singing songs filled with women and men who are allowed to be rounded people.
I’m a huge fan of the old songs, but often they are pretty vague about what women actually do.
“and I’ve just killed the finest wiman that ever did a woman’s deed”
I’m thinking about Lemon Sevens and its powerfully active main character.
“here’s me head, me arse is coming down the Stafford road
Bag full of cans and red haired lover boy in tow.”
Sorry for mistakes, it’s come straight out of my head.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
almost every thing I hear reminds me of a line, a verse,a chorus, a tune….
“around and around the tune would ring,
the melody reverberating,
mesmerising and absurd,
more like an angel than a bird”….( Declan O’Rourke)
Good reading the positive reviews from the NCH gigs and that wonderful mix of long term listeners and those attending first gigs. Love how the songs you sing cross so many generations and styles. Quality will always rise to the top. Great to read your tribute to the crew behind you as well – over the years we’ve been lucky to see what a professional and close knit team you have around you. Looking forward to your visit to the walls – been too long and you’re always a welcome visitor. Stay safe.
Christy's reply
we’ll soon set sail for The Foyle..its been too long…good man John
Myself and the brother went along last night. What a show my man what a show. It’s been a few years since I have seen you actually 4 and it was magic so I wanted to come on here and tell you how good of a night we had. We went for a few stout after which was a perfect end to a great weekend. The new one ‘Lyra’ is absolutely fantastic you HAVE to record it. My mate was at the gig last week and told me to keep an ear out for it, we reckon it’s going to be a big song for you as in one that will be requested like your other famous songs. We loved the lemon 7s too but ‘Lyra’ had the magic my man. FAIR PLAY TO YOU!!
Christy's reply
Back in the day Rathcoole was always a good porter stop when we’d be heading back home from Croke Park or Leopardstown….that bloody Motorway has taken a lot of crack out of sporting occasions…there could be 12 of us in the back of the Bedford Van…..
myself and the late Dr.Billy Parkinson were coming hoe on the Bus after making a right few bob in Baldoyle..we decided to get off the bus in Rathcoole for a few scoops thinking we’d catch the last Bus to Newbridge…I’ll leave it up to you to guess what happened after that..
Hello Christy,
“Chocolate in the morning or at night
Gives strength to sing and dance, to love and fight”
There’s a massive Easter egg waiting for me. Might crack it open today.
I’m loving the singing right now. It’s taken me ages to recover properly from the flu thing earlier in the year. Weird times when the voice isn’t working the way you think it should. It’s like a musician whose instrument has gone missing.
All better now.
The last couple of weeks I’ve been humming through Wally Page’s Hackensack. Not spent so much time on preliminary work before. It’s been good. I’m finding all the corners and phrasing.
Also Dalesman’s Litany, Scarborough Fair, Musgrave, Foxy Devil, The Contender, House of the Rising Sun. One or two gallops through the Curragh of Kildare…
I’m taking my harp to Worksop tomorrow to have a play and sing with my brother. He has a few saxophones that he like to blow down. Jazz, but you can’t have it all. I may convert him,..
Rebecca
Xxx
I have the greatest admiration for Harpists and Double Bassists…its no joke transporting those almighty instruments…I played Worksop in 1968…everything I owned in an old battered Guitar case
Hi Christy
When you’re unwinding from the gig and trying not to over indulge the Easter chocolate, I think you’ll like a superb 2020 doc about Bob Marley – BBC 4 tonight…it’s a gem. Redemption Song has to be one of the most poignant of protest songs.
All the best
Dave
We got to hear Bob & The Wailers when they played Dalymount Park Dublin over 40 years ago…the rhythm section was rock solid, the backing vocals angelic, Bob truly mesmeric as we all went with the chillum flow…
Thanks Christy for an exceptional night at the opera tonight! Marvellous spirits between yourself and the full house. Doug and Claudia from over the water. x
Welcome Doug & Claudia…hope you have a good visit…
Hi Christy, just back at our hotel after the gig in the national opera house ..thanks for a fantastic gig as always .. great audience participation with birdie … and great range of songs .. we really enjoyed it .. see you in limerick next month ..safe travels Tony and Fiona ….
Lovely hurling Tony & Fiona….despite a few stumbles last night we got there in the end….a great buzz in that mighty auditorium….our National Opera House right in the heart of beautiful Wexford Town….not a Tuxedo or Mink Stole to be seen…in the last week we’ve had the pleasure of working in both the National Concert Hall and National Opera House…the staff and crew in both institutions could not have been more welcoming and co-operative (unlike 40 years ago…thankfully all the snobby elitist crap has been flushed down the john)
Thank you for ongoing support and feedback
Hi Christy/all
Very interesting to ponder reasons why Ireland has such interest as enthusasm for ‘folk ‘ song of national repertoire proportions. An abundance of fab material and enjoyment of it are factors, for sure. But, there’s some fascinating history that puts things into context …going back to Bards and centuries of documented music on the island.
I’ve been having an online wander and it’s a treasure trove (not to say rabbit warren of distractions and diversions ) Here’s a few suggestions of interesting sources for historic info etc
ITMA website /search key and find – collectors, Edward Bunting and George Petrie…
Great online pieces and books written recently by Gearoid OhAllmhurain (apologies for Anglicising his name)And his fascinating website at http://www.drgearoid.wordpress.com
Back to today, playing the first Planxty L.P now… You and companeros have done a huge amount to give access to a ton of fine songs and tunes, for those willing to listen/join in. Then the magic happens, when people in Ireland embrace the material, more than in many countries…not much of an exaggeration to say that there’s something special in the air…
Enjoy Wexford
Dave
In recent years I’ve been engaging with the Irish Traditional Music Archive.When Liam Óg O Flynn,my old Planxty companero ,willed his papers and effects to ITMA I became more closely interested. I was invited to be part of the interview series “Drawing From The Well”. Subsequent to that I’ve begun the process of recording as much of the repertoire thats still singable.I’m also submitting any papers and ephemera connected to the work that might be of interest.Its a satisfying ongoing process.
Well Christy, it’s Good Friday which for me has always been a day of self imposed abstinence (the only day in the year I refuse to drink). That was untill 17 years ago, Good Friday 2006, when I was lead astray by a certain ballader up to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester for a night of frivolity and singing. You’r a bad influence & long may it last. Take it easy on the Easter Eggs, John
Johnny Boy…
I miss my trips yonder….always loved that waft off the Mersey..still remember my first gig there in1967…got two twenty minute spots in Jacqui & Bridie’s Folk Club..first time I heard “The Ballad of Seth Davy”…sang it on a visit back to Dublin in the Coffee Kitchen Folk Club…Danny Doyle heard it and recorded it some time later as “Whiskey on a Sunday”..he did a lovely version and it charted over here for months on end….
used to hit a Chinese Restaraunt called The Yuet Ben with Hamish Imlach back then…Hamish was a mate of the Chef and the capers were mighty…met up with Barry Halpin and Bruce Scott which led to some high mountain carry-on..then got a gig in The Spinner’s Club but the doorman would not believe that I was “The Turn and I had a problem getting in
had the good fortune to see the Reds, the Blues and Tranmere…then got to sing with Ian Prowse and record his classic “Does This Train Stop on ….I wish I was back in Liverpool….hi to Margaret and Irene, the longesat of all my long haul listeners
Hi Christy,
I have been listening to your recent live albums this week On the Road and Magic Nights.
Whilst i appreciate that folk clapping out of time or shouting out mid-song may be off putting , this often porter fuelled crowd involvment is just part of sharing the love i suppose.
We all want to engage with you, most are moved by the music, is it hard to handle at times or are you so long in the tooth that you ride on through it?
The shout out in Spancil Hill ( up the banner) is a prime example. In a way i admire her ‘balls’ in engaging but imagine she drew some quare looks from the seats nearby!
Cheers
Rory ( up the) banner…man
Hey Rory..
Its a beautiful sensation when listeners sing with me….some songs work beautifully when singers and listeners come together in unison..occasionally harmonies drift in my direction which is always a treat..seldom is there a down side but there can be…most difficult can be the (singing) listener who likes to get ahead of the lyric,this can make it difficult ……another thorn can be the very very loud joiner-inner who dominates proceedings oblivious to the discomfort being aroused in its vicinity…but these are rare occasions barely worth mentioning ( but seen as you brought it up !!)
~For some time now I’ve been opening with my Brother’s song “City of Chicago”..for me its the perfect opener as we all sing together from the “off”….recently I’ve been following with “Quinta Brigada” which opens the night to audience participation..
Clapping “along” can be a different matter…..in it proper place it makes for powerful rhythm which is uplifting to surf..but a small number of songs need to develop their own internal rhythm,insistant persistant clapping can simply ruin them….a small number of very good songs became impossible to perform and have fallen from the set list…I still sing them to myself here in the work room….”Continental Céilí “and “Reel in The Flickering Light” come to mind…there are many songs that benefit from a rollicking good clap along….when it works it really works and no one loves it more then myself…..
I remember that callout for “Spancilhill” in Barrowland…just as I recall that misplaced “Up The Banner” in the midst of Michael Considine’s beautiful ballad..it did not bother me,I understood where it was coming from…..I lived in exile for 6 years and often succumbed to emotional outbursts in the midst of music, beer and jolly good company…
“Is it hard to handle” you ask…..Absolutely Not…..I’m loving every moment.. more then at any time in 57 years of gigging….for me its a very precious thing, sharing these songs with people who take the time,trouble and expense to come to these gigs….I’ve played in clubs,pubs, sheebeens, prisons, hospitals,ships, buses vans and planes….this evening I play in our National Opera House in Wexford….
a long way fro that night in Aberdeen when I played to 4 listeners…..we had a great night..
Hi Christy,
Following my previous comment below, I learned how to set up a youtube channel and put a demo recording on it. This is the link to the song https://youtu.be/xOTJaEv8yUY
Just copy it into google and press enter.
Regards, Tony Sweeney
good man Tony
Hi All. April always evokes memories of the Gaggle in Lisdoon in 2010. This year I am reminded, in particular, of Wally Page, I think many of us got to know him personally that weekend. It was certainly a wonderful bonding event, between the gigs, the sessions, the exhibition & brochure by KK, the Burren Walk, and the sunshine ! We were so lucky to have had two great photographers in Richie Tyndall and Adam who captured it so well. It certainly encouraged many of us to gather again on the EU tour in Oct 2011, thankfully those friendships have endured and deepened all around the music. Best wishes for the Opera House on Good Friday, Beannachtaí na Cásca, beir bua agus beannacht. H
I remembers it well…
Gerry Brady did a solo on the spoons….
Wally was magnificent
our Q & A in The Hall
a Burren Walk & Smalltown Talk
lots of good vibrations and foreign vacations
we really should “go at it agin”
imagine if all our fallen 4711ers re-appeared
7 years ago tonight myself and Mick Redmond Senior RIP went to see Christy at the Royal Festival Hall, can’t beat a bit of “No time for love” good man christy
good to hear from you Mick….may all our Kilburn listeners have a happy Easter…its lovely to think of you both at a gig together….something I never experienced with my own Father
Hi Christy,
I posted a comment back in Oct ’22 about two of Gerry Daly’s poems. Recently, he got a work colleague to make a demo of another of his poems called, Poet. He asked me to send it to you. How would I do that?
I would like to put you in direct contact with Gerry but I don’t want to share his phone number or email details publicly.
Regards, Tony Sweeney.
good thinking Tony
Hello Christy,
Great posts from Rory and Dave.
“that evening we gargled, we hassled and argued
We sang songs and hymns that we barely half knew”
That’s kind of what I’m on about when I said National Repertoire.
It was great to read Dave’s examples of determined and high quality work going on in England with folk song, but I think a song becoming part of the national repertoire is taking it a big step further. It’s when a group of people have a few drinks and then gamely launch into singing a song. So the song is something that they all half know. Its when it has spread from small pockets of musicians to be in the mind of most people.
I love this example
https://youtu.be/4N_t9_4hatc
I was lucky enough to be watching it on the TV that day. Amazing moment.
There’s a similarly magical moment on one of Christy’s recordings when suddenly the whole room is singing Spancil Hill, verses and choruses. I wish I’d been there.
Rebecca
we are blest here in Ireland..so many Folk Songs (Contemporary & Trad) in our repertoire..I sometimes wonder is it unique…
I love your music since i saw you live at
Helsinki 1990. Since i saw Dublin Lrvends at Helsinkin 2018, i knew i will dome day make own version of the Molly Malone. I would like to have your opinion of this project. Niall Moore (Irl) sings (met him at Dublin 2017 at his troubadour gig), Davor Buncic (Cro) harmonica. Henri Ohvo (Fin) guitars, Ari Siltakorpi (Fin) basd and bacground voc + some Finnish friends.. pleasecomment. Song will ne in every stream services tommorrow.
https://youtu.be/9snbdwetmoE
I enjoyed my two trips to Finland…greetings to all Finnish Songsters…I like Niall’s voice on this version..a soulful singer
Hi Christy/all
In terms of national musical identity, theses have been written…A huge topic…For my money, very well covered by Rob Young in his book, Electric Eden (and CDs of the same title)
Jennifer Reid passionately researches and sings broadsides…in a nutshell, highlighting the massive transition from rural based to urban based England – society and song…
Ashley Hutchings also has to be mentioned in dispatches and his numerous bands/projects
Recently, Hack-Poets Guild have caught my attention…and ,now over 50 years old, Richard Thompson’s song, New St George shows how sharp young RT was…
Enjoy the sun, all
Dave
Rob,Dave, Rebecca…I was thinking more in terms of a nations repertoire….its a vague notion of mine..how folk songs here in Ireland become part of our heritage….Fields of Athenry, Raglan Road, Whiskey in The Jar, Seth Davey,Town I Love so Well, Dirty Old Town, Red Rose Cafe, Black is The Colour, Nancy Spain……..Beeswing is almost there….there is a longer list
Hi Christy,
‘English’ songs is a difficult one, dagrab and i are jointly bemused.
I think of ‘rebellious scots to crush’ and probably shouldn’t.
Local songs are often best, gutteral, coloquial, heartfelt, the songs of suffragette city perhaps for dave, certainly no morris dancing for me…..billy bragg’s ‘a new england’ perhaps for me?
Charlie has a pal going to county kerry this weekend to reconnect with long lost family, he may bump into the queen of the kingdom in your/our very own hilary, i hope he enjoys it , am sure he will love the trip.
Rory
Hello Christy,
Absorbing songs is a pretty good way to spend our lives, I think.
A while ago you mentioned songs that have become part of the national repertoire. I’ve spent quite a lot of time thinking about what you said and I’m still struggling to answer. The problem is that I’m not sure we have a national repertoire here. Generally, people seem to like noise but I’m not sure about them liking actual songs. I’d be really happy to be wrong about this, so if anyone would like to jump in and disagree, please do. I’m talking specifically about England here. I know the Welsh and Scottish love songs and tunes. I just don’t see the same thing going on in England.
The first time I sang Raggle Taggle to my Mum she said she remembered it from her childhood. But I never ever heard her sing a song. At her funeral I was very surprised to hear my Dad singing one of the hymns. I’d never heard him sing before. My Grandma always used to be singing. She had a fine contralto voice that I can still remember. No one else though.
Me, I’ve sung all my life, going round the, supermarket with my Mum as a small child and a larger child. All my early memories of school are of singing. Many later ones too.
Sorry, I don’t know what I’m trying to say and this has got very long I think.
Rebecca
Hi Christy, I’m from Germany, I was in Ireland for the first time in 1992 with a group. One of us had a cassette of Irish music with us. Ride on was the first song, I know it by heart since then, more songs by you followed, which, like your stories, have never let me go. And now I was on a short trip to Dublin for four days. By chance I read that you were performing at the NCH on Saturday and that your concert was completely sold out. I went by anyway and got the last ticket at the box office. For me the concert could have gone on for hours, it was an honour and a pleasure to have been there. Many thanks for that! I’m back in Germany, I’m looking forward to the new album you’re working on. And maybe I’ll be lucky enough to see you live on stage again sometime. Greetings from Leipzig
Translated with http://www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Hi Oma Mone from Leipzig….happy to read that you had a good visit…I’ve enjoyed many good concerts in your country..great listeners….
Hello Christy,
Just thinking this morning about songs with female protagonists and how grateful I am for them. Thankyou for singing songs filled with women and men who are allowed to be rounded people.
I’m a huge fan of the old songs, but often they are pretty vague about what women actually do.
“and I’ve just killed the finest wiman that ever did a woman’s deed”
I’m thinking about Lemon Sevens and its powerfully active main character.
“here’s me head, me arse is coming down the Stafford road
Bag full of cans and red haired lover boy in tow.”
Sorry for mistakes, it’s come straight out of my head.
Rebecca
almost every thing I hear reminds me of a line, a verse,a chorus, a tune….
“around and around the tune would ring,
the melody reverberating,
mesmerising and absurd,
more like an angel than a bird”….( Declan O’Rourke)
Good reading the positive reviews from the NCH gigs and that wonderful mix of long term listeners and those attending first gigs. Love how the songs you sing cross so many generations and styles. Quality will always rise to the top. Great to read your tribute to the crew behind you as well – over the years we’ve been lucky to see what a professional and close knit team you have around you. Looking forward to your visit to the walls – been too long and you’re always a welcome visitor. Stay safe.
we’ll soon set sail for The Foyle..its been too long…good man John
Christy
Myself and the brother went along last night. What a show my man what a show. It’s been a few years since I have seen you actually 4 and it was magic so I wanted to come on here and tell you how good of a night we had. We went for a few stout after which was a perfect end to a great weekend. The new one ‘Lyra’ is absolutely fantastic you HAVE to record it. My mate was at the gig last week and told me to keep an ear out for it, we reckon it’s going to be a big song for you as in one that will be requested like your other famous songs. We loved the lemon 7s too but ‘Lyra’ had the magic my man. FAIR PLAY TO YOU!!
Back in the day Rathcoole was always a good porter stop when we’d be heading back home from Croke Park or Leopardstown….that bloody Motorway has taken a lot of crack out of sporting occasions…there could be 12 of us in the back of the Bedford Van…..
myself and the late Dr.Billy Parkinson were coming hoe on the Bus after making a right few bob in Baldoyle..we decided to get off the bus in Rathcoole for a few scoops thinking we’d catch the last Bus to Newbridge…I’ll leave it up to you to guess what happened after that..