god dam it – i spent last 20 min typing message and got logged out – have to start again. Ah sure – here goes_. Hi Ya Christy.13 months smooth sailing away from the deamon now. Christy i have a question for ya – its a personal one/ financial- so tell me to ……. off if i step over the mark. Its about the music industry today and the way it has turned into the KARAOKEE industry. I myself know several musicians in this here island that are just amazing- sheere talent- earnt the hard way- with time dedication and effort —- and they are busking on the streets. What has happened to the music industrty- it is gone in my mind- replaced with the KARAOKEE industry. I see a media overdose of pointless talentless esthetics- being plugged every which way possible and even worse society itself is buying into it – is society that gullable?- i know i have to be PC here but its got to the stage where too many people are starting to say the same – to hear linda martin saying “jedward are such talented singers” – jesus H – but then i started thinking about the illegal downloas of music – and tried to put this into the equation – for me it must of wiped out the revenue of the music industry- it would explain many things – and thats the question i have for you – you made it man , the hard way – BEFORE illegal downloads- and i dare to ask you Christy(and tell me to ….. off at any time man) has the advent of illegal downloads , in your experience , had a big impact, no , clataclismic impact on revenue – after just reading the previous i will ask it in another way – have you seen the effect in other bands- Christy Im asking because I just cant understand what has happened – to be gigging, playing live, then to be asked to stop wile the X Factor results are being read out on the TV – jasus man its a lost cause.I feel nothing but sadness for the Irish – they have seen what the church are, they have seen what the banks think of them – the Irish are an abonded race- on the edge of europe and the abyss- Ive been doing research into our history- Christy , dont know if you have , but take a look at our history pre-vatican- St Patrick was a roman TAX collector, and the Irish began to drink when they realised they(their culture) was being wiped out – our political system was given to us by the british- i rekon its time the Irish started looking at themselvs in a very deep manner – what is it to be Irish etc etc – a sweet jesus im ranting – ill head man – Christy you are an Inspiration to so many – all the best man – adrian
Christy's reply
go easy on yourself Adrian…stop frettin about such things…they will all pass and we’ll still have the ballads, the jigs and reels, the poets and the playwriters, there is deep rooted culture here since long before XFactor and it will outlive all the auld abberations that clog the airwaves these days…the philistines did’nt all come down in the last shower and its only the good stuff that survives…keep your ear to the ground
IAN PROWSE who Christy sings his amazing song (Does this train stop on Merseyiside)will be giving a free talk tommorow night 6-8p.m the talk is on the amazing History of Irish Music and Christ Moore. This is part of the 50 anniversay of the beatles st patrick night rock gala 1962. CHRISTY a while back you said it will be a rear old gig. we have got the cream together like ian. all giving there time for nothing supporting the youth centre and liverpools wonderfull music and amazing irish and world heritage.
the event is free please come down to this magic place of laughter and jamm butty mines.
251 east prescot road liverpool L145NA MY CONTACT IS 07912297834 FOR MORE INFO
THANKS
PHIL WINDEVER
Juergen and me are in Killarney now, on our way we passed lots of places we know the sound of their names from your singing and telling. Just had a great meal at Jack’s Seafood Restaurant in Cromane. We are looking forward to the gig tomorrow and hope you do too.
Christy's reply
it was lovely to see you both last night..thank you for all your support and encouragement
hi Christy… ..
i just wanted to ask u if u have got any plans for galway? or any were near?
I d like to wish you a happy saint patrick s day to you and your family
beanachtaí na féile Pádaig duit agus do do chlann
le grá
red shoe
Christy's reply
I hear rumour of gigs in Galway at the end of September
Comhaltas Schools Outreach (CSO) is an initiative that promotes the teaching and understanding of traditional Irish music in national schools around the country. Backed by the traditional music organisation, Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann, and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, CSO gives children a deeper understanding of our rich Irish culture and works with schools and class teachers to achieve this.
CSO is a good idea for many reasons:
Firstly, it teaches children to play music in a friendly group setting, and in an enjoyable way. It will plant the roots, in many children, for the growth of a life long interest that will take them around the country and beyond as they get involved in different musical events, and make friends with their peers and build their confidence and esteem.
Secondly, it creates employment for the many talented and skilled musicians throughout this country who, following the downturn in our economy, now find themselves with little or no employment. CSO puts these musicians’ talents to good use, while at the same time, keeping the service affordable to schools, at just €1 per child per week.
Our main focus is to target schools in areas that may not be rich in our culture but who have teachers who are interested in developing their students’ awareness of it. Down through the years I have seen that the interest and passion of teachers for traditional music has greatly influenced their own students interest in it. Many of these children have not come from a musical background but soon discover a grá for the ceol and a great love for our Irish culture.
Re On The Blanket, I have watched it twice and it was a bit slow loading each time, it maybe my pc but about 2 minutes is not too long to wait for a real treat. It will probably sort itself out, all other library material is instant. Library is a superb edition to a wonderful site. Thanks Christy. RyanL
Hi christy
My family and I were at the TLT on Friday night. When you came out you played a song for a young child that was sitting in the back row. That was my daughter Róisín. She was delighted. We really enjoyed the gig. We enjoyed it so much that we went back on Saturday night. Two super shows even though they were completely different. I really enjoyed hearing you singing ‘Mattie’ on Saturday night. We hope to get to see you a couple of more times this year, please God. God Bless. John
Christy's reply
before the gig on Friday I peeped through the curtain, there was a light shining down on Róisín and it was lovely to see one so young sitting there and anticipating whatever was to come.In an inst it brought me back to my own young days, to the magic and the mystery of going to a show….thanks for the thumbs up on both gigs…they were very different for us too
Hi Christy, Old fan-literally, ex Drumcondra,- and missed out seeing you when we flew from South Africa to Ireland during the Iceland volcano year (2010 I think) -you were playing in Thurles if I remember-some friends went and had our two empty seats to keep them company for the night, but loved the show, and why not. Anyway, me question is this-when will you play in South Africa, and before you announce the date please email me so that I get my booking in ahead of the posse! Paul & Lanie Farrelly
Christy's reply
we have no plans for any long haul gigs, my wings have been clipped…we do hope to do a gig on the net this year…if thats of any interest sign up for the newsletter and we’ll keep you posted
Good day Christy, hope you’re keeping well. Was just wondering about the On the Blanket video, it doesnt seem to be appearing. Has it been removed? Thanks for your help. Kevin.
Christy's reply
seems to be working ok here, anyone else having a problem ?…click library and then click blanket
Hi Christy, thanks for your quick reply. I didn’t realise Feargal had got in touch, lack of communication. Thanks anyway, hopefully we’ll see you in Holland again.
All the best,
Ciaran.
Christy's reply
no sweat Ciarán, hope ye have a great re-union and commemoration for your father
Ref Gerry Diver : that’s exactly why i have kept my CD untouched until the big day tomorrow when i’ll listen with all required and deserved focus on the big airplane over the water… no messing, no phone ringing, no bing nor click… it’s ready on the Ipod. If you’re in Paris for Paddy’s day give me a shout.
Christy, I reckon it would be easier to get into Sing Sing than this site. Well done. Just to follow on the Nic Jones thread. I too am a huge fan of the singing and playing of Nic and cannot comprehend why people would deprive this truely talented muscian of his just rewards. I have two wonderful cds of Nics music that were released in 1998 & 2001 that contain a collection of club,concert and studio recordings. (basically excellent bootlegs realeased with Nic and his families consent). The first is “In search of Nic Jones”1998 and “Unearthed”2001. The only contact on these cds is Mollie music, 52 Newland Park Drive, York, yo10 3hp. There is also some footage of Nic and his son playing live from May 2011 on youtube (sorry can’t do the blue line magic) but you can google it…To Henry, I had compleatly forgotten those gigs at the Country Club all those years ago, think they were on between 7&9 on Sundays, Stokers Lodge and Stocktons Wing as well. Great Gigs for sure….Christy just after you left Planxty you did a solo gig just across the road from the Country Club in Old Christians RFC. It was a wet Tuesday night,small club, small crowd, and you sang (1913 massacre) which changed my life forever. That one 3 minute song gave me an entry into the world of Woody Guthrie, the Watersons, Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, and many many more. Christy, I hope that every night you do a gig you get to effect even just one person as you did me all those years ago. Thank you, Mr Moore…RyanL
Christy's reply
I first heard songs from Woody back in 1968….Tony Small from Galway played his songs to me in Finsbury Park, Josh McCrea sang Woody to me in Kircaldy,Fife and Ralph McTell told me about his life and music. I was soon smitten. Returning to Ireland to form Planxty I learned that Andy Irvine was a Guthrie man… I always remember a great photo of Woody on Andy’s wall….he had actually communicated with Woody earlier on and had heard back too…I have a hazy memory of that gig…back then I used to sing Woody’s songs in a terrible “American” accent…I get weak with embarrassment when I hear it now. Thankfully, I managed to drop that affectation but I have picked up others along the way!
Hi All. Mike Kelly’s comment perplexed me….. then I checked,,,,,the sound was low as the gig opened with Nancy Spain,,,,so CM sang it again after ten minutes,,, way to go..,,Just three more sleeps,, safe travelling all,, beidh fior failte roibh ar ais….. H
Christy's reply
I was curious about that myself but you have cleared it up
As I sit beside the fireside,
My day’s work it being through
My memories do wander back
When I was a lad like you
My poor old heart it skips a beat
When I think of the thrill
Of those happy days
When a youth like you
I spent round sweet Old Mill
While working for a farmer
At the age of fifteen years
I was approaching manhood then
And of life I had no fears
I started working with the dawn
As I remember still
And then to the creamery
That stands in sweet Old Mill
So with horse and cars
And donkeys too
We lined up in a queue
And though the times were simple then
And the tractors they were few
The hurling and the football games
Were explained with a certain will
As we slowly moved along that line
Each day in sweet Old Mill
So now to conclude my story
And bid you all adieu
And leave you with one thought in mind
Of a comrade loyal and true
God be with you, Noel my friend
Your memory haunts me still
And those happy days we worked side by side
In the fields around Sweet Old Mill
Christy's reply
thanks for sharing JP…I’ve not seen this song before
Hi Christy, Im really looking forward to Friday night at the inec. It will be great to see and hear you and Declan again. It will be hard to beat last years concert it was yer best yet and I have been to nearly all yer concerts at the inec. It was some song list alright you even sang Nancy Spain twice! You sang my favourite song Smoke and Strong Whiskey. If you can do it again it would be great but if not would there be any chance of singing Viva La Quinta Brigada or Companeros.They are two brilliant songs but I never heard you sing them live. Thanks Christy. Cant wait for Friday night, see you then please God,
Mike Kelly.
Christy's reply
will do our best to raise the rafters…you have picked a few right ones there Mike
I see you’re well booked for 2012, when is Holland on the map again?
I wanted to ask a favour without putting you on the spot, a no is fine! On the 15th april this year it will be 40 years since our father gave his life for what he believed in. On the day we’re holding an event to honor who he was and what he stood for. It has been well organized and will be attended bij hundreds. We have bus loads from Cork, Derry, Cavan you name it.
The McCann family would be honoerd with your presence on the night to sing the Joe McCann song in his honor. If you still know the words after so many years. Once again it’s short notice and alot to ask, so no hard feelings if it’s not possible. If you don’t try you’ll never know….
All the best and good luck with the gigs.
Ciaran McCann.
Christy's reply
Hi Ciaran, Thanks for your mail…I heard from Fergal who invited me to attend your Father’s 40th Commemoration. I will not be able to attend due to prior commitments
This is the Day the Kerry People like and so do I,,,,,,,,H
how the rain put a shine on the chestnut spikes
Hi Christy,
Hope life is treating you boys well since the turn of the year. Have a fabulous Paddy’s weekend. Keep her lit
we’re stickin to the ground hurlin
god dam it – i spent last 20 min typing message and got logged out – have to start again. Ah sure – here goes_. Hi Ya Christy.13 months smooth sailing away from the deamon now. Christy i have a question for ya – its a personal one/ financial- so tell me to ……. off if i step over the mark. Its about the music industry today and the way it has turned into the KARAOKEE industry. I myself know several musicians in this here island that are just amazing- sheere talent- earnt the hard way- with time dedication and effort —- and they are busking on the streets. What has happened to the music industrty- it is gone in my mind- replaced with the KARAOKEE industry. I see a media overdose of pointless talentless esthetics- being plugged every which way possible and even worse society itself is buying into it – is society that gullable?- i know i have to be PC here but its got to the stage where too many people are starting to say the same – to hear linda martin saying “jedward are such talented singers” – jesus H – but then i started thinking about the illegal downloas of music – and tried to put this into the equation – for me it must of wiped out the revenue of the music industry- it would explain many things – and thats the question i have for you – you made it man , the hard way – BEFORE illegal downloads- and i dare to ask you Christy(and tell me to ….. off at any time man) has the advent of illegal downloads , in your experience , had a big impact, no , clataclismic impact on revenue – after just reading the previous i will ask it in another way – have you seen the effect in other bands- Christy Im asking because I just cant understand what has happened – to be gigging, playing live, then to be asked to stop wile the X Factor results are being read out on the TV – jasus man its a lost cause.I feel nothing but sadness for the Irish – they have seen what the church are, they have seen what the banks think of them – the Irish are an abonded race- on the edge of europe and the abyss- Ive been doing research into our history- Christy , dont know if you have , but take a look at our history pre-vatican- St Patrick was a roman TAX collector, and the Irish began to drink when they realised they(their culture) was being wiped out – our political system was given to us by the british- i rekon its time the Irish started looking at themselvs in a very deep manner – what is it to be Irish etc etc – a sweet jesus im ranting – ill head man – Christy you are an Inspiration to so many – all the best man – adrian
go easy on yourself Adrian…stop frettin about such things…they will all pass and we’ll still have the ballads, the jigs and reels, the poets and the playwriters, there is deep rooted culture here since long before XFactor and it will outlive all the auld abberations that clog the airwaves these days…the philistines did’nt all come down in the last shower and its only the good stuff that survives…keep your ear to the ground
IAN PROWSE who Christy sings his amazing song (Does this train stop on Merseyiside)will be giving a free talk tommorow night 6-8p.m the talk is on the amazing History of Irish Music and Christ Moore. This is part of the 50 anniversay of the beatles st patrick night rock gala 1962. CHRISTY a while back you said it will be a rear old gig. we have got the cream together like ian. all giving there time for nothing supporting the youth centre and liverpools wonderfull music and amazing irish and world heritage.
the event is free please come down to this magic place of laughter and jamm butty mines.
251 east prescot road liverpool L145NA MY CONTACT IS 07912297834 FOR MORE INFO
THANKS
PHIL WINDEVER
next time give us more then 24 hours notice
Juergen and me are in Killarney now, on our way we passed lots of places we know the sound of their names from your singing and telling. Just had a great meal at Jack’s Seafood Restaurant in Cromane. We are looking forward to the gig tomorrow and hope you do too.
it was lovely to see you both last night..thank you for all your support and encouragement
hi Christy… ..
i just wanted to ask u if u have got any plans for galway? or any were near?
I d like to wish you a happy saint patrick s day to you and your family
beanachtaí na féile Pádaig duit agus do do chlann
le grá
red shoe
I hear rumour of gigs in Galway at the end of September
http://www.schoolsoutreach.ie
Comhaltas Schools Outreach (CSO) is an initiative that promotes the teaching and understanding of traditional Irish music in national schools around the country. Backed by the traditional music organisation, Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann, and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, CSO gives children a deeper understanding of our rich Irish culture and works with schools and class teachers to achieve this.
CSO is a good idea for many reasons:
Firstly, it teaches children to play music in a friendly group setting, and in an enjoyable way. It will plant the roots, in many children, for the growth of a life long interest that will take them around the country and beyond as they get involved in different musical events, and make friends with their peers and build their confidence and esteem.
Secondly, it creates employment for the many talented and skilled musicians throughout this country who, following the downturn in our economy, now find themselves with little or no employment. CSO puts these musicians’ talents to good use, while at the same time, keeping the service affordable to schools, at just €1 per child per week.
Our main focus is to target schools in areas that may not be rich in our culture but who have teachers who are interested in developing their students’ awareness of it. Down through the years I have seen that the interest and passion of teachers for traditional music has greatly influenced their own students interest in it. Many of these children have not come from a musical background but soon discover a grá for the ceol and a great love for our Irish culture.
Re On The Blanket, I have watched it twice and it was a bit slow loading each time, it maybe my pc but about 2 minutes is not too long to wait for a real treat. It will probably sort itself out, all other library material is instant. Library is a superb edition to a wonderful site. Thanks Christy. RyanL
On The Blanket video working ok here, Just checked it again now.
Library is a great idea.
thanks marty, its all a bit of a puzzle but we’ll get to the bottom of it somehow
Hi christy
My family and I were at the TLT on Friday night. When you came out you played a song for a young child that was sitting in the back row. That was my daughter Róisín. She was delighted. We really enjoyed the gig. We enjoyed it so much that we went back on Saturday night. Two super shows even though they were completely different. I really enjoyed hearing you singing ‘Mattie’ on Saturday night. We hope to get to see you a couple of more times this year, please God. God Bless. John
before the gig on Friday I peeped through the curtain, there was a light shining down on Róisín and it was lovely to see one so young sitting there and anticipating whatever was to come.In an inst it brought me back to my own young days, to the magic and the mystery of going to a show….thanks for the thumbs up on both gigs…they were very different for us too
Hi Christy, I hope you are well. I haven’t been able to access On the Blanket video either. : ( xox
shite and onions…we’ll try and suss it out….we send greetings to The Clyde where we love play..
Hi Christy, Old fan-literally, ex Drumcondra,- and missed out seeing you when we flew from South Africa to Ireland during the Iceland volcano year (2010 I think) -you were playing in Thurles if I remember-some friends went and had our two empty seats to keep them company for the night, but loved the show, and why not. Anyway, me question is this-when will you play in South Africa, and before you announce the date please email me so that I get my booking in ahead of the posse! Paul & Lanie Farrelly
we have no plans for any long haul gigs, my wings have been clipped…we do hope to do a gig on the net this year…if thats of any interest sign up for the newsletter and we’ll keep you posted
Good day Christy, hope you’re keeping well. Was just wondering about the On the Blanket video, it doesnt seem to be appearing. Has it been removed? Thanks for your help. Kevin.
seems to be working ok here, anyone else having a problem ?…click library and then click blanket
Hi Christy, thanks for your quick reply. I didn’t realise Feargal had got in touch, lack of communication. Thanks anyway, hopefully we’ll see you in Holland again.
All the best,
Ciaran.
no sweat Ciarán, hope ye have a great re-union and commemoration for your father
Ref Gerry Diver : that’s exactly why i have kept my CD untouched until the big day tomorrow when i’ll listen with all required and deserved focus on the big airplane over the water… no messing, no phone ringing, no bing nor click… it’s ready on the Ipod. If you’re in Paris for Paddy’s day give me a shout.
have a safe and fruitful journey..
Christy, I reckon it would be easier to get into Sing Sing than this site. Well done. Just to follow on the Nic Jones thread. I too am a huge fan of the singing and playing of Nic and cannot comprehend why people would deprive this truely talented muscian of his just rewards. I have two wonderful cds of Nics music that were released in 1998 & 2001 that contain a collection of club,concert and studio recordings. (basically excellent bootlegs realeased with Nic and his families consent). The first is “In search of Nic Jones”1998 and “Unearthed”2001. The only contact on these cds is Mollie music, 52 Newland Park Drive, York, yo10 3hp. There is also some footage of Nic and his son playing live from May 2011 on youtube (sorry can’t do the blue line magic) but you can google it…To Henry, I had compleatly forgotten those gigs at the Country Club all those years ago, think they were on between 7&9 on Sundays, Stokers Lodge and Stocktons Wing as well. Great Gigs for sure….Christy just after you left Planxty you did a solo gig just across the road from the Country Club in Old Christians RFC. It was a wet Tuesday night,small club, small crowd, and you sang (1913 massacre) which changed my life forever. That one 3 minute song gave me an entry into the world of Woody Guthrie, the Watersons, Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, and many many more. Christy, I hope that every night you do a gig you get to effect even just one person as you did me all those years ago. Thank you, Mr Moore…RyanL
I first heard songs from Woody back in 1968….Tony Small from Galway played his songs to me in Finsbury Park, Josh McCrea sang Woody to me in Kircaldy,Fife and Ralph McTell told me about his life and music. I was soon smitten. Returning to Ireland to form Planxty I learned that Andy Irvine was a Guthrie man… I always remember a great photo of Woody on Andy’s wall….he had actually communicated with Woody earlier on and had heard back too…I have a hazy memory of that gig…back then I used to sing Woody’s songs in a terrible “American” accent…I get weak with embarrassment when I hear it now. Thankfully, I managed to drop that affectation but I have picked up others along the way!
Hi All. Mike Kelly’s comment perplexed me….. then I checked,,,,,the sound was low as the gig opened with Nancy Spain,,,,so CM sang it again after ten minutes,,, way to go..,,Just three more sleeps,, safe travelling all,, beidh fior failte roibh ar ais….. H
I was curious about that myself but you have cleared it up
SWEET OLD MILL. – Tony Geoghegan
As I sit beside the fireside,
My day’s work it being through
My memories do wander back
When I was a lad like you
My poor old heart it skips a beat
When I think of the thrill
Of those happy days
When a youth like you
I spent round sweet Old Mill
While working for a farmer
At the age of fifteen years
I was approaching manhood then
And of life I had no fears
I started working with the dawn
As I remember still
And then to the creamery
That stands in sweet Old Mill
So with horse and cars
And donkeys too
We lined up in a queue
And though the times were simple then
And the tractors they were few
The hurling and the football games
Were explained with a certain will
As we slowly moved along that line
Each day in sweet Old Mill
So now to conclude my story
And bid you all adieu
And leave you with one thought in mind
Of a comrade loyal and true
God be with you, Noel my friend
Your memory haunts me still
And those happy days we worked side by side
In the fields around Sweet Old Mill
thanks for sharing JP…I’ve not seen this song before
Hi Christy, Im really looking forward to Friday night at the inec. It will be great to see and hear you and Declan again. It will be hard to beat last years concert it was yer best yet and I have been to nearly all yer concerts at the inec. It was some song list alright you even sang Nancy Spain twice! You sang my favourite song Smoke and Strong Whiskey. If you can do it again it would be great but if not would there be any chance of singing Viva La Quinta Brigada or Companeros.They are two brilliant songs but I never heard you sing them live. Thanks Christy. Cant wait for Friday night, see you then please God,
Mike Kelly.
will do our best to raise the rafters…you have picked a few right ones there Mike
Hi Christy,
I see you’re well booked for 2012, when is Holland on the map again?
I wanted to ask a favour without putting you on the spot, a no is fine! On the 15th april this year it will be 40 years since our father gave his life for what he believed in. On the day we’re holding an event to honor who he was and what he stood for. It has been well organized and will be attended bij hundreds. We have bus loads from Cork, Derry, Cavan you name it.
The McCann family would be honoerd with your presence on the night to sing the Joe McCann song in his honor. If you still know the words after so many years. Once again it’s short notice and alot to ask, so no hard feelings if it’s not possible. If you don’t try you’ll never know….
All the best and good luck with the gigs.
Ciaran McCann.
Hi Ciaran, Thanks for your mail…I heard from Fergal who invited me to attend your Father’s 40th Commemoration. I will not be able to attend due to prior commitments