Thats really interesting about the extended version of Sweet Thames Christy. Makes sense now, always one of my favourite songs having lived 4 great years in London. Always thought it could have done with a few more verses and to my shame I’ve never checked out Ewan MacColls version, lve just found these lyrics. Might have to have a go at it meself now. Was it shortened because of the time constraints on vinyl? https://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/ewan-maccoll/sweet-thames-flow-softly
Also couldn’t agree more on the pipes / harmonica combo always thought it was magic and cant understand why its not used more. It also works beautifully on the interlude on the Billy Grey version from The Woman I Loved so Well.
Christy's reply
I felt the shortened version was more engaging…Planxty were never time constrained ( Lord Baker…Little Musgrave)……that section of Billy Grey was wonderful in the making….45 years ago I remember it like it was last night…..Donal wrote the parts and we got them down with love and laughter
It sounds like it was a wonderful evening at the TLT, Christy.
PS. Regarding the quote, I love your rendition of Sweet Thames Flow Softly
All the best,
Anne
Christy's reply
I remember the moment I first heard this song..1967, my buddy Derek McEwan had all the MacColl & Seeger’s Radio Ballads on Vinyl….one was “Romeo & Juliet”..twas there I heard “Sweet Thames Flow Softly”….I think the original lyric was 5 or 6 verses which I reduced for the Planxty cover version in 1972..when we made that recording Uileann Pipes and Harmonica were first played together..at the time it sounded like a match made in heaven
Hello Christy,
Thank goodness Tom Munnelly was able to make the recordings of John Reilly that he did. I have a copy of the Bonny Green Tree 1978 vinyl. I cherish it. It’s very difficult to argue against an actual record. It seems careless to say things about songs without doing some research first.
Seamus was an outstanding musician, scholar, archivist, collector and (betimes) raconteur..he was held in very high esteem in most quarters….he never recieved either recognition or reward for his life’s work…I believe he struggled with the social/political/ commercial mores of this world…he sometimes appeared ill at ease in social intercourse…..I feel very fortunate to have known him slightly, to have witnessed his artistry
Thanks for your thoughtful reply, Christy. To slightly plagiarize someone’s work, allow me to lament my loss through these words… Oh, oh, I wish I had a home in Derry, Longford, or any of the other 30 counties. Well, this just gives me an extra motive to cross the Atlantic pond to visit this beautiful country again.
I very much enjoyed your lockdown sessions. When you have a chance please check out John McCutcheon’s Cabin Fever, a collection of songs he wrote during our lockdown in the US; he has since returned playing at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley every year, and he plays a mean dulcimer too.
Have a great summer. Take care. I’ll be on the road to explore Killarney and Galway the next few days. Signing off now, see you soon in the not so distant future.
Christy's reply
in Killarney….we visited Kells Bay Gardens last month….between Killorglin and Cahirciveen….lovely trails to walk (but be warned..the cafe stops serving food at 3 minutes to 4 o’clock..) hard to find and difficult to access but that made it all the more special
Hello Christy – I just wanted to say thank you for such a lovely gig last night in the Tommy Leddy Theatre. You and your wonderful team always make sure everyone has a good time and the 2 hours just flew in. I loved the new songs and the set was just perfect. It’s a beautiful room and the sound, light and smoke was great. Really nice to see the bodhran get an outing too.
Thank you
Christy's reply
Good man Kevin…
just logging last night’s set, so I’ll stick it here as well..I love that TLT…the surroundings so unique….the room feels acoustically perfect…
Chicago
Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Pagan Ritual
Beeswing
Go Move Shift
Bright Blue Rose
Lingo Politico
Shovel
Snowflakes
McIlhatton
Only Our Rivers
North & South
Well Below Valley
Raggle Taggle
Voyage
Delerium Tremens
Lemon Sevens
Honda 50
Lyra McKee
Ordinary man
Black is The Colour
Lisdoonvarna
Amsterdam
Joxer
If I Get an Encore
Nancy Spain
Sonny’s Dream
….I hour 46 minutes
Thanks for checkin in…good to see you again….right there in the front row !!
Hello Christy,
I’m loving this one this morning. Maybe it’s the oldest feminist song? https://youtu.be/-mjWhMn-VnU
Rebecca
Christy's reply
been singing this song for 51 years now…its timeless…its ancient, its contemporary, it always stills the night….John Reilly’s voice still reverberates, beneath the wall, beneath the tree, where the angels lie….at the Well Below The Valley..
I heard an Irish Woman sing it on TV recently…she described it as a song she had collected !!… it was Tom Munnelly who saved this song….Tom recognised the importance of John’s repertoire and , Thanks Be, managed to record John who died shortly afterwards
There you go Christy… Berkeley, my neck of the Woods and my alma mater; there is a fantastic non-profit venue here to promoting traditional music, Freight & Salvage, I’m sure they will love to have you there. And perhaps you played at the Greek Theater on the university campus? I just received words that the Redwoods, Napa Valley, Yosemite await your presence.
Christy's reply
Dear Petel…its all road work these times…dont/cant fly no more….the USA is far far away from me these past decades….last gig there was Randall’s Island NY about 25 years ago..or maybe The Abbey Tavern in Chicago….my work works here…it does not travel for me anymore…I appreciate that many listeners travel a long way, I thank you for your good listening and your great feedback….but I reckon the work will remain here for whatever time thats left….it works best on the home turf …..theres 32 counties in Ireland…Longford ,Westmeath and Roscommon…..
“I’m gonna saddle up my old gray mare
ride thru the night without a worry or a care
I’m a messenger boy
bringin my love to you”
………..(Christie Hennessy)
Wonderful gig tonight Christy. Every song was a joy to hear. I was especially moved by ‘North and South’. I’ve been going to your gigs since Lisdoon – this was the third one this year.
Driving up from Crumlin I was listening to the songs of Martyn Wyndaham Read who I met recently at the Fastnet Folk festival. He asked me to tell you he was asking for you. A lovely man.
Christy's reply
Martyn and I travelled the same road back in the late 1960s…we knocked about together and tried a few different brews….top man and special singer
Hi Christy,
Attended your concert at TLT, still over the moon to have finally seen you live on stage, I don’t think we could get a better song set than what you gave us tonight and you delivered it beautifully. Loved the pairings you are doing with some of your songs, the transition from one into the other is seamless; the bodhran was a special treat too. Please come to San Francisco and tour the US, we love acoustic music too.
Christy's reply
Had some great nights in San Francisco….heard some great songs over there…Floyd Westerman, Jackson Brown….played Sausalito, LA, Culver City, Great American and ,I think, Berklee….hope your trip goes well, thanks for feedback
Hi Christy,
An old friend of mine passed away recently, and while we were awaiting the day of the funeral I leaned towards your music as I do. I felt quite emotional listening to the songs such as Bright Blue Rose and the Time has come especially the cover sang at the funeral of Martin McGuinness. And I cannot begin describe the emotion I began to feel when the priest introduced Ride On to be sung by his brother. I smiled and cried. The song was beautiful. Thank you Christy, can’t wait for Lyrath in November. ❤️
Many congratulations on your 6000th gig tonight, Christy. Thank you for giving us so much of your music and yourself. I wish I could be there to join in the celebrations. I’m looking forward to seeing you at your 6004th in Dun Laoghaire on 18th August.
Christy's reply
Flow Sweet River Flow
7.45 in TLT Theatre in Drogheda, County Louth….just finished final prep for 2nd gig in this beautiful theatre…. a blast of the Divine Mysteries, a bit of hard stretching, the vocals warmed up for take off…just heard that we have some of The Imlach Clan from Lanarkshire in tonight….memories of Hamish come flooding back…our first meeting at the MSG Manchester back in 1966… he took me on the road with him…let me change his strings , got me some support slots… brought me to Scotland where I so often stayed with his Wife Wilma and their young Family… its truly wonderful to have two of his daughters and their “Fellas” here tonight…they have flown in for the gig…
Hello Christy,
Thankyou. I hadn’t thought about it like that.
Here is something very beautiful for this Saturday morning of gig 6000. https://youtu.be/C_izA_a3z7w
Hi Christy,
I have attached the audio and lyrics via email to Paddy Doherty. I hope you get a chance to listen to it.
Thanks, Micheál .
Here is the following song I wrote :
Some day I would to sing it with you if you were interested.
The Dublin Melody
By Micheál O’Reilly
In the town of Dublin, where the rivers flow,
There’s a pub on every corner, where the music goes.
With a pint of Guinness and a fiddle tune,
We’ll dance till dawn, under the moon.
Chorus:
So Hey ho, let the music flow,
Raise your glasses high, and let the good times roll.
Hey ho, we’ll never let go,
Of the joy and the laughter, that comes from the soul.
Verse 2:
From Galway bay to the hills of Donegal,
The sound of the bodhrán echoes like a call.
With a voice like thunder and a heart of gold,
Christy Moore’s songs will never grow old.
Chorus:
So Hey ho, let the music flow,
Raise your glasses high, and let the good times roll.
Hey ho, we’ll never let go,
Of the joy and the laughter, that comes from the soul.
Verse 3:
Oh the songs of Ireland, never fade away,
As long as hearts fight another day,
From the fields of athenry to the dirty old town,
The spirit of the people, will never be down
Chorus:
So Hey ho, let the music flow,
Raise your glasses high, and let the good times roll.
Hey ho, we’ll never let go,
Of the joy and the laughter, that comes from the soul.
Outro:
So come raise your voice, and sing with me,
For the love of the music, and the land of the free.
With a pint of Guinness and a fiddle tune,
We’ll dance till dawn, under the moon.
As for footie nowadays. Did we discuss this before? The huge money involved. A big rump of clubs not even English-owned. When you think the money some of these lads are getting compared to the wages of the already mentioned Best, Law, Charlton et al.
That song ‘Kilkelly Ireland’ is heart-breaking. I think I know that Mick Moloney version. Those letters are all kept, I believe. Library of Congress has them.
If you know or dont know Bury (you’ve mentioned them previously) went out of senior football. About two or three seasons ago, they folded mid-season. Good news: they’re back. Football is back being played in Gigg Lane. Division? I dont know.
Christy's reply
I spent two very happy years in the hills near Bury…stayed with my Aunt Kathleen in the parish of Birtle, still have family connections in those parts….
The footie will soon be back.
I’m minded of this tale – true story.
When John Barnes was signed by Liverpool he was wondering what revolutionary tactics he was going to pick up at training.
So he asked Kenny Dalglish, who was the manager then,
if there was anything he wanted him to do.
Kenny looked at him and asked what color of bib he had
for the five-a-side. Barnes said yellow, so Kenny told him to pass the ball to the other players with yellow bibs.
Things were so much simpler back then.
Christy's reply
back in the day I visited numerous grounds..anywhere I gigged I’d catch a match..(no soundchecks or rehearsals back then) Old Trafford, Maine Rd, Gigg Lane, Goodison, Anfield, Craven Cottage, White Hart Lane, Highbury, Parkhead, St James, Roker,Easter Road,The Shay, Elland Road, Bramall Lane,.and many other clubs who’s grounds I cant recall, Hartlepool, Lincoln,Bristol City, Coventry,Raith Rovers, Dunfermline,
happy carefree football days, meat pies and pints afterwards, before heading to whatever Folk Club I was playing that night….
thats a good one with Dalglish and Barnes…..two great players in their different eras…
I’m still following Stepney, Dunne, Brennan,Crerand, Foulkes, Aston, Best,Law,Charlton, Sadler, Stiles…and whoever else was there then…
I know its “auld fella spake” but there is no comparison…
Hi Christy, did you ever play the greyfriars folk club in uddingston? Think it was in an old Byre or a disused church building. 50 years or so ago.
My friend sheila helped set it up and run it, billy connolly played often there in the years after it was set up in early 70s , i recall you beaming in to a chat show celebrating The Big Yin some years ago….and this weekend back home with the weatherv we need him to sing If It Wasnae For Yer Wellies..
Rory
Christy's reply
Played the Mucky Byre, The Elbow Room, The Traverse, The Police Club, The Forum East Kilbride was a fave…dont recall Uddingston..but that dont mean I did’nt play it…. Billy and Gerry saved my life in Port Glasgow..the club was a blue nose kip
From that first (often called the ‘Black Album) Planxty album. McEwen’s lines from that song owe a small bit to TS Elliot’s “Wasteland”.
Maybe be they do Ed, maybe they dont…who gives a shit
Thats really interesting about the extended version of Sweet Thames Christy. Makes sense now, always one of my favourite songs having lived 4 great years in London. Always thought it could have done with a few more verses and to my shame I’ve never checked out Ewan MacColls version, lve just found these lyrics. Might have to have a go at it meself now. Was it shortened because of the time constraints on vinyl?
https://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/ewan-maccoll/sweet-thames-flow-softly
Also couldn’t agree more on the pipes / harmonica combo always thought it was magic and cant understand why its not used more. It also works beautifully on the interlude on the Billy Grey version from The Woman I Loved so Well.
I felt the shortened version was more engaging…Planxty were never time constrained ( Lord Baker…Little Musgrave)……that section of Billy Grey was wonderful in the making….45 years ago I remember it like it was last night…..Donal wrote the parts and we got them down with love and laughter
It sounds like it was a wonderful evening at the TLT, Christy.
PS. Regarding the quote, I love your rendition of Sweet Thames Flow Softly
All the best,
Anne
I remember the moment I first heard this song..1967, my buddy Derek McEwan had all the MacColl & Seeger’s Radio Ballads on Vinyl….one was “Romeo & Juliet”..twas there I heard “Sweet Thames Flow Softly”….I think the original lyric was 5 or 6 verses which I reduced for the Planxty cover version in 1972..when we made that recording Uileann Pipes and Harmonica were first played together..at the time it sounded like a match made in heaven
Hello Christy,
Thank goodness Tom Munnelly was able to make the recordings of John Reilly that he did. I have a copy of the Bonny Green Tree 1978 vinyl. I cherish it. It’s very difficult to argue against an actual record. It seems careless to say things about songs without doing some research first.
Here’s something that I hope will make you smile. It tickled me.
Also from 1978.
https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0704/976264-uileann-piper-seamus-ennis/
Rebecca
Seamus was an outstanding musician, scholar, archivist, collector and (betimes) raconteur..he was held in very high esteem in most quarters….he never recieved either recognition or reward for his life’s work…I believe he struggled with the social/political/ commercial mores of this world…he sometimes appeared ill at ease in social intercourse…..I feel very fortunate to have known him slightly, to have witnessed his artistry
Thanks for your thoughtful reply, Christy. To slightly plagiarize someone’s work, allow me to lament my loss through these words… Oh, oh, I wish I had a home in Derry, Longford, or any of the other 30 counties. Well, this just gives me an extra motive to cross the Atlantic pond to visit this beautiful country again.
I very much enjoyed your lockdown sessions. When you have a chance please check out John McCutcheon’s Cabin Fever, a collection of songs he wrote during our lockdown in the US; he has since returned playing at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley every year, and he plays a mean dulcimer too.
Have a great summer. Take care. I’ll be on the road to explore Killarney and Galway the next few days. Signing off now, see you soon in the not so distant future.
in Killarney….we visited Kells Bay Gardens last month….between Killorglin and Cahirciveen….lovely trails to walk (but be warned..the cafe stops serving food at 3 minutes to 4 o’clock..) hard to find and difficult to access but that made it all the more special
Hello Christy – I just wanted to say thank you for such a lovely gig last night in the Tommy Leddy Theatre. You and your wonderful team always make sure everyone has a good time and the 2 hours just flew in. I loved the new songs and the set was just perfect. It’s a beautiful room and the sound, light and smoke was great. Really nice to see the bodhran get an outing too.
Thank you
Good man Kevin…
just logging last night’s set, so I’ll stick it here as well..I love that TLT…the surroundings so unique….the room feels acoustically perfect…
Chicago
Brigada
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Pagan Ritual
Beeswing
Go Move Shift
Bright Blue Rose
Lingo Politico
Shovel
Snowflakes
McIlhatton
Only Our Rivers
North & South
Well Below Valley
Raggle Taggle
Voyage
Delerium Tremens
Lemon Sevens
Honda 50
Lyra McKee
Ordinary man
Black is The Colour
Lisdoonvarna
Amsterdam
Joxer
If I Get an Encore
Nancy Spain
Sonny’s Dream
….I hour 46 minutes
Thanks for checkin in…good to see you again….right there in the front row !!
6000th gig and you were on top form. What a brilliant night. Thank you Christy. So lovely to catch up. On our way to see Eilish now ❤️❤️
“got a pair o’ sand shoes ?”
“you’re one in a million”…. “and so’s your chances !”
Hello Christy,
I’m loving this one this morning. Maybe it’s the oldest feminist song?
https://youtu.be/-mjWhMn-VnU
Rebecca
been singing this song for 51 years now…its timeless…its ancient, its contemporary, it always stills the night….John Reilly’s voice still reverberates, beneath the wall, beneath the tree, where the angels lie….at the Well Below The Valley..
I heard an Irish Woman sing it on TV recently…she described it as a song she had collected !!… it was Tom Munnelly who saved this song….Tom recognised the importance of John’s repertoire and , Thanks Be, managed to record John who died shortly afterwards
There you go Christy… Berkeley, my neck of the Woods and my alma mater; there is a fantastic non-profit venue here to promoting traditional music, Freight & Salvage, I’m sure they will love to have you there. And perhaps you played at the Greek Theater on the university campus? I just received words that the Redwoods, Napa Valley, Yosemite await your presence.
Dear Petel…its all road work these times…dont/cant fly no more….the USA is far far away from me these past decades….last gig there was Randall’s Island NY about 25 years ago..or maybe The Abbey Tavern in Chicago….my work works here…it does not travel for me anymore…I appreciate that many listeners travel a long way, I thank you for your good listening and your great feedback….but I reckon the work will remain here for whatever time thats left….it works best on the home turf …..theres 32 counties in Ireland…Longford ,Westmeath and Roscommon…..
“I’m gonna saddle up my old gray mare
ride thru the night without a worry or a care
I’m a messenger boy
bringin my love to you”
………..(Christie Hennessy)
Wonderful gig tonight Christy. Every song was a joy to hear. I was especially moved by ‘North and South’. I’ve been going to your gigs since Lisdoon – this was the third one this year.
Driving up from Crumlin I was listening to the songs of Martyn Wyndaham Read who I met recently at the Fastnet Folk festival. He asked me to tell you he was asking for you. A lovely man.
Martyn and I travelled the same road back in the late 1960s…we knocked about together and tried a few different brews….top man and special singer
Hi Christy,
Attended your concert at TLT, still over the moon to have finally seen you live on stage, I don’t think we could get a better song set than what you gave us tonight and you delivered it beautifully. Loved the pairings you are doing with some of your songs, the transition from one into the other is seamless; the bodhran was a special treat too. Please come to San Francisco and tour the US, we love acoustic music too.
Had some great nights in San Francisco….heard some great songs over there…Floyd Westerman, Jackson Brown….played Sausalito, LA, Culver City, Great American and ,I think, Berklee….hope your trip goes well, thanks for feedback
Hi Christy,
An old friend of mine passed away recently, and while we were awaiting the day of the funeral I leaned towards your music as I do. I felt quite emotional listening to the songs such as Bright Blue Rose and the Time has come especially the cover sang at the funeral of Martin McGuinness. And I cannot begin describe the emotion I began to feel when the priest introduced Ride On to be sung by his brother. I smiled and cried. The song was beautiful. Thank you Christy, can’t wait for Lyrath in November. ❤️
See you in The Marble City
Many congratulations on your 6000th gig tonight, Christy. Thank you for giving us so much of your music and yourself. I wish I could be there to join in the celebrations. I’m looking forward to seeing you at your 6004th in Dun Laoghaire on 18th August.
Flow Sweet River Flow
7.45 in TLT Theatre in Drogheda, County Louth….just finished final prep for 2nd gig in this beautiful theatre…. a blast of the Divine Mysteries, a bit of hard stretching, the vocals warmed up for take off…just heard that we have some of The Imlach Clan from Lanarkshire in tonight….memories of Hamish come flooding back…our first meeting at the MSG Manchester back in 1966… he took me on the road with him…let me change his strings , got me some support slots… brought me to Scotland where I so often stayed with his Wife Wilma and their young Family… its truly wonderful to have two of his daughters and their “Fellas” here tonight…they have flown in for the gig…
Hello Christy,
Thankyou. I hadn’t thought about it like that.
Here is something very beautiful for this Saturday morning of gig 6000.
https://youtu.be/C_izA_a3z7w
Rebecca
The Flower of Caherlistrane
I cried for reggae
mé féin freisin
Hi Christy,
I have attached the audio and lyrics via email to Paddy Doherty. I hope you get a chance to listen to it.
Thanks, Micheál .
Here is the following song I wrote :
Some day I would to sing it with you if you were interested.
The Dublin Melody
By Micheál O’Reilly
In the town of Dublin, where the rivers flow,
There’s a pub on every corner, where the music goes.
With a pint of Guinness and a fiddle tune,
We’ll dance till dawn, under the moon.
Chorus:
So Hey ho, let the music flow,
Raise your glasses high, and let the good times roll.
Hey ho, we’ll never let go,
Of the joy and the laughter, that comes from the soul.
Verse 2:
From Galway bay to the hills of Donegal,
The sound of the bodhrán echoes like a call.
With a voice like thunder and a heart of gold,
Christy Moore’s songs will never grow old.
Chorus:
So Hey ho, let the music flow,
Raise your glasses high, and let the good times roll.
Hey ho, we’ll never let go,
Of the joy and the laughter, that comes from the soul.
Verse 3:
Oh the songs of Ireland, never fade away,
As long as hearts fight another day,
From the fields of athenry to the dirty old town,
The spirit of the people, will never be down
Chorus:
So Hey ho, let the music flow,
Raise your glasses high, and let the good times roll.
Hey ho, we’ll never let go,
Of the joy and the laughter, that comes from the soul.
Outro:
So come raise your voice, and sing with me,
For the love of the music, and the land of the free.
With a pint of Guinness and a fiddle tune,
We’ll dance till dawn, under the moon.
Thank You Micheál
As for footie nowadays. Did we discuss this before? The huge money involved. A big rump of clubs not even English-owned. When you think the money some of these lads are getting compared to the wages of the already mentioned Best, Law, Charlton et al.
Paul Pogba or Bobby Charlton ?….I rest my case
That song ‘Kilkelly Ireland’ is heart-breaking. I think I know that Mick Moloney version. Those letters are all kept, I believe. Library of Congress has them.
If you know or dont know Bury (you’ve mentioned them previously) went out of senior football. About two or three seasons ago, they folded mid-season. Good news: they’re back. Football is back being played in Gigg Lane. Division? I dont know.
I spent two very happy years in the hills near Bury…stayed with my Aunt Kathleen in the parish of Birtle, still have family connections in those parts….
The footie will soon be back.
I’m minded of this tale – true story.
When John Barnes was signed by Liverpool he was wondering what revolutionary tactics he was going to pick up at training.
So he asked Kenny Dalglish, who was the manager then,
if there was anything he wanted him to do.
Kenny looked at him and asked what color of bib he had
for the five-a-side. Barnes said yellow, so Kenny told him to pass the ball to the other players with yellow bibs.
Things were so much simpler back then.
back in the day I visited numerous grounds..anywhere I gigged I’d catch a match..(no soundchecks or rehearsals back then) Old Trafford, Maine Rd, Gigg Lane, Goodison, Anfield, Craven Cottage, White Hart Lane, Highbury, Parkhead, St James, Roker,Easter Road,The Shay, Elland Road, Bramall Lane,.and many other clubs who’s grounds I cant recall, Hartlepool, Lincoln,Bristol City, Coventry,Raith Rovers, Dunfermline,
happy carefree football days, meat pies and pints afterwards, before heading to whatever Folk Club I was playing that night….
thats a good one with Dalglish and Barnes…..two great players in their different eras…
I’m still following Stepney, Dunne, Brennan,Crerand, Foulkes, Aston, Best,Law,Charlton, Sadler, Stiles…and whoever else was there then…
I know its “auld fella spake” but there is no comparison…
Hi Christy, did you ever play the greyfriars folk club in uddingston? Think it was in an old Byre or a disused church building. 50 years or so ago.
My friend sheila helped set it up and run it, billy connolly played often there in the years after it was set up in early 70s , i recall you beaming in to a chat show celebrating The Big Yin some years ago….and this weekend back home with the weatherv we need him to sing If It Wasnae For Yer Wellies..
Rory
Played the Mucky Byre, The Elbow Room, The Traverse, The Police Club, The Forum East Kilbride was a fave…dont recall Uddingston..but that dont mean I did’nt play it…. Billy and Gerry saved my life in Port Glasgow..the club was a blue nose kip