I attended Planxty gig, National Stadium, unsure of year, early 80s, a lineup of Dolores Keane plus an assorted few others. I recall my ‘surprise’ at this apparent new lineup.
John Liverpool, a question for the next ‘Any Questions’ appearance. What happened that sixth oyster?
Christy's reply
I was there the night that Planxty LIne up played the Stadium….its not always that the very best players make a winning team…maybe its time to park the oyster
Well Christy,
We had Sir Matt of the Mournes here and he returns your good wishes.
He did a mighty openair set at our park bandstand today.
Jeez he is some talent and we poured him back onto the boat tonight after 24 hours in Bonnie Scotland.
On his youtube ‘channel’ he put together a handfull of novice singers from Hilltown and helped them to sing and has posted a beautiful Sinead tribute song there on Friday. Nothing Compares, worth a search.
He performed it himself today for the first time, stunningly good.
Rory
Actually Christy, I’ve just realised Nollaig Ní Chathasaigh doesn’t get a mention!
Apologies for the multi posts, didn’t mean to hijack the guestbook!
Christy's reply
when posts are interesting there is never any sense of hi-jacking…
Nollaig was a great Band Player….If Memory serves She also guested on the first Moving Hearts album ..Nollaig played fiddle on “Irish Ways & Irish Laws “( I think !!)
This came to mind straight away Christy, an article from 40 years ago! I think I still have this buried somewhere. An interview with Andy & Liam from 1983. Finbar Boyle carried out a great piece of research on a Planxty family tree up to that point. This is the only reference I can find to it online. Its a twitter link so hopefully it works. Some great info in it that could have been long forgotten.
Going on his research the 3rd coming from ’03 to ’05 would be Planxty (Phase 7)?
Here’s a quick blast of something completely different. https://youtu.be/KTxnVM530lY?si=Sb38eX1RubGx2q2p
Wandering Aeongus from Hawick.
I’m sorry about the wobbly camera and that I’m doing a duet with a coffee maker, it’s a fair view of it.
Can I ask, I don’t know what happens for you but, when you sing a song yourself, you listen to other people in a whole different way.
Your vowels in this song. Some are long and gently sonorous , some are clipped and surrounded by rhythm. Sorry but, do you think this is instinctive for you? I find it very beautiful. To notice it you have to listen very carefully.
Maybe it comes from loving the words?
Sorry if this is a stupid question.
Hello Christy,
Masters of Tradition, wow! Lucky old Bantry. I’ve got to get there next year. You’ve mentioned it before but not in such detail. Wow! https://youtu.be/4hBI4JGLSrc?si=i6ZlPuQiGNxWzB4V
It’s not from Bantry but it’s very recent.
I came across tonight a site for Shrewsbury Folk Festival complete with live relay. I’ve just watched a great set by the Oyster Band, we’re told some of these from the original lineup are ’45 years’ on the go together. We’ll have to consult with Dave in Manchester does he remember them?! Christy did you ever meet them on the circuit? Tomorrow, Severn Stage, 8,30, Billy Bragg. If Billy’s still on top form we’ll get a great show and expect references to Mssrs Johnston, Trump, Suniak and Starmer, favourable or unfavourable, you’ve to gauge yourself.
Christy's reply
Bejasus Ed nothing could be farther from my mind,..just back in from hearing Mick Conneely and David Munnelly at The Bantry Masters of tradition…before that we heard the Brother Luka Bloom and Steve Cooney….over the last few days ,among others,we’ve heard Martin Hayes,Eoghan Ó Ceannabhain, Ultan O’Brien,Kate Ellis,Mick and Ciara O’Brien members of Crash Ensemble, Brian Donnellan, Conal O’Kane, Jimmy Higgins, Scoth,Laura Snowden, Christy McNamara,Sam Amidon, The Begley Clan playing tribute to their late Father Seamus Begley….last nights Finale was Christine Tobin with Cora Venus Lunny, David Power, Steve Hamilton and Phil Robson….I’m buzzin here with me head like a hornets nest…I witnessed a duo three hours ago the likes of which I’ve never before experienced….Mick Conneeley and David Munnelly were the likes of I dont know what….Fiddle and Accordeon, the pure drop, the raw bar, the real deal..call it what you like….fuckin wild tight…. as tight as a bulls arse goin up a hill and then an even higher hill…before them the young brother Luka played a beauty of a set and was joined by Steve Cooney for a song..earlier again Steve played a lovely set including Goodman tunes and sang a song too..the first time Ive heard Steve Cooney sing….I have a feeling it wont be the last …..no space in the head for live relays tonight and, I’m afraid, oysters don’t agree with me
He sure did Gipp…but that recording was Planxty (Phase 5)…the video posted is 5 or 6 years earlier with Planxty (Phase 1)
now here is an interesting question…how many phases of Planxty came to pass…. possibly the only one with a clear rear view mirror is Andy Irvine …but I might have a stab at it myself…
I sometimes wonder how many players passed thru the Planxty van….whats certain is the Band started in 1972 with the same 4 who played the last gig in London in 2005…….
So I was taking a gander at the upcoming venues and potential listening and visiting joys. Sold out?? I regulated my aeration and then wondered if you look at the list of sell outs and feel unfettered joy, or do you think god blind me that’s hard work?
Anyway I think it’s fab you’ve sold out. I will keep my nose to the grind stone and plan my life slightly more efficiently. My regards to you and to the lads.
Anuk
Christy's reply
if you signed up for newsletter you could keep your nose off the grindstone…always good to see your name coming up..Shine on
Hi Christy,
As i met a lovely family today i was taking some names ‘barry’ i said , is that with a ‘y’ or an ‘ie’?
‘As in Kevin’ , was her reply.
As i later bade farewell i left with the words to her ‘another martyr for old Ireland’, she smiled knowingly.
I thought of you.
Rory
Christy's reply
“Just before he faced the hangman
in his Mountjoy Prison cell
English Soldiers tortured Barry
because he would not tell
the names of his brave comrades,
and other things they wished to know
turn informer or we’ll kill you,
Kevin Barry answered NO”
a verse from the first song I ever learned from our Mother…I sang it as a boy soprano at concerts around Newbridge and The Curragh back in the mid to late 1950s … before my voice “broke” at 13 years….much much later it was truly uplifting to hear “Kevin Barry” sung by both Paul Robeson and Leonard Cohen …as far as I can remember, the only time I’ve sung it since boyhood was in Barrowland, Glasgow …….that home away from home…Mags McIvor’s, where the shooting stars light up the fresco
Apologies Christy and Fellow Guest Bookers! A rambling post on the way! Looking through recent posts! Diane Hamilton! A true Fairy Godmother to our music, well worth researching for anyone who isn’t familiar!
She’ll be remembered in a small way at the Sean Corcoran festival next month as the bouzouki she presented to Andy Irvine in the late 70s, that he passed on to Sean has been found and restored and will be played by Andy at the gig that night!. There’s also a very strong rumour that Donal Lunnys Blarge from then will also be making an appearance. Here’s both instruments about 3 weeks before “After the Break” was recorded. The 2 lads give Matt a run for his money on East at Glendart here! Bouzouki jig playing at its finest! Follied be drum and pipes, Mana! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7DKwfrj5ciQ
Christy's reply
Sean Corcoran R.I.P. A lovely man of life and song.Remembered from way back to the Traditional Club that ran every Wednesday Night in Slattery’s of Capel St., Dublin.
Its Liam Óg that leads us out across Glendart…(Matt landed into Planxty some years later)….a pleasure to catch sight again of the band in full flight …blarge bouzouki and bódhrán all sailing in the wake of our maestro
Hi Christy I know it’s a definite long shot, but it’s worth a try, my names Evan and my family have been big supporters for you throughout the year, you were friends with my grand father back in the day, his name is John McGrath And he always spoke of you and that has passed down to his grandchildren like myself and especially my brother Christopher (34) . He has loved your music for as long as I can remember. Through some of our lowest points in our family your music has always been there to keep all of us especially my brother and mam as they can relate to your music a lot. My brother recently had his first child and are having his baptism in September, I know it’s a long shot but I would love for you to play at the reception for him and his child, you don’t realise how much it would mean to me and my family especially because I never got to meet my grandfather as he died when I was too young to remember, of course we will pay but we’re not a rich family but I will happily pay as much as I possibly can for even the slightest chance, if at all you can think about it can you please email me at sullivanevan74@gmail.com my mothers favourite song is north and south, and my brothers and my own favourite song is black is the colour for my nana
Christy's reply
I’ve had to confine Christening Ceremonies to Family occasions…we have been over run here of late with new arrivals to our Clan….we’ve had three in the last few months….I’m exhausted from Christening Ceremonies ..
plus experience tells me that the last thing a baby infant wants to hear is a 78 year old bald stranger catterwaiing some auld ballad when all the child wants is sight of a full breast or a fresh nappy….Thanks for the invite Sullivanevan 74 … I hope ye wet the Baby’s head with spiritual fun and celebration….
Hello Christy,
Something I’ve noticed recently. Songs seem to be forming into groups. Like they’re turning into trios or duos.
So far I’ve got
Caledonia
Curragh of Kildare
Wandering Aeongus
Forming a trio
Scarborough fair
Spancil Hill
Raggle taggle
a short interlude
Musgrave
This group takes 20 minutes to sing
Contender
Foxy devil
Often it’s because they share a key or a similar melodic shape? But not always.
Not sure what’s going on, maybe nothing, but I noticed it and I like it.
I listened to Harry’s song about No Man’s Land. I really like it. If he puts it onto bandcamp we’d be able to listen to all of it. I’d like to hear all of it.
Thanks Christy, I’m going to have a look for that album Eist, and see if I can track down a copy. I listen to Roisin Elsafty a lot. I’ve also got a copy of Lark in the Clear Air album on its way here. I listen for 3 hours every afternoon as I finish work. I’m back in the workroom now. Looking for gigs.
Morning Christy,
We in Hawick are lucky enough to have Matt McGinn from the Mournes coming to play on Sunday, at our park bandstand. There was great clamour for him to return after last year’s show, so am looking forward to him coming.
He does a great version of John O’ Dreams.
On the box set you and a chap ( possibly Declan?) try to get the ending ‘right’ in a fortunately captured debate on disc of John O’ Dreams.
It is a gem of a song.
Cheers
Rory
Christy's reply
When I get back to base I’ll have a listen to that track…If memory serves ,I think the Guitar player may have been the late Jimmy Faulkner….
please give my best wishes to Sir Matt from Hilltown…
Hi Christy. My name is Harry, last year I went to your concert in Leisureland and you gave me a letter and told me to keep practicing my guitar. Around christmas we were learning about World War 1 in school. During that time for an English lesson we had to write a poem themed around No mans land, I wrote my poem and didn’t think much of it until a few days later when were told do something unique for our project on the war so I turned it into a song. The project went well and a few months later I recorded it. Now I have put it on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/3hdHuHGfBYhd9bdeRq5Q5F?si=74c233f3e91043c4 (you can listen to it if you want to). I’m going to see you in Leisureland friday the 1st. I hope you like the song.
From Harry
Christy's reply
Great Song Harry..thanks for sharing it here…you sing it really well..great voice …glad to hear that you are keeping up the good work…see you in Salthill
Fascinating to read from those sleeve notes. Time was I would have thought that song, Tri-Cornered Hat, was a Steeleye Span song titled ‘All Around My Hat’. Ironic the way a song can get more fame or a bigger audience once a group has a hit. The story is supposed to be that Diane Hamilton came to Ireland bearing various addresses including Liam Clancy, the younger brother of the three lads by then living in New York. She duly arrived to Carrick meeting Peg Clancy and Liam. Herself and Liam took off north to meet Sarah Makem and to collect songs from her vast song collection. Liam accompanied her back to the States. So the history was in the making. Eventually Tommy was to make the trip Stateside. Eventually, because the lads informed their mother how ‘cold’ they were, a parcel of four white Aran jumpers crossed the broad Atlantic. Some early tour manager of the foursome spotted the Aran ganseys and decided ‘thats it.’ They never looked back.
Christy's reply
The Tri-Coloured Ribbon was massive in our house decades before Steeleye. But in fairness to them, they made it their own for a while…..its our Mother singing it that still resounds in my head….Nancy Power from The Yellow Furze
I attended Planxty gig, National Stadium, unsure of year, early 80s, a lineup of Dolores Keane plus an assorted few others. I recall my ‘surprise’ at this apparent new lineup.
John Liverpool, a question for the next ‘Any Questions’ appearance. What happened that sixth oyster?
I was there the night that Planxty LIne up played the Stadium….its not always that the very best players make a winning team…maybe its time to park the oyster
Well Christy,
We had Sir Matt of the Mournes here and he returns your good wishes.
He did a mighty openair set at our park bandstand today.
Jeez he is some talent and we poured him back onto the boat tonight after 24 hours in Bonnie Scotland.
On his youtube ‘channel’ he put together a handfull of novice singers from Hilltown and helped them to sing and has posted a beautiful Sinead tribute song there on Friday. Nothing Compares, worth a search.
He performed it himself today for the first time, stunningly good.
Rory
case dismissed for lack of evidence
Actually Christy, I’ve just realised Nollaig Ní Chathasaigh doesn’t get a mention!
Apologies for the multi posts, didn’t mean to hijack the guestbook!
when posts are interesting there is never any sense of hi-jacking…
Nollaig was a great Band Player….If Memory serves She also guested on the first Moving Hearts album ..Nollaig played fiddle on “Irish Ways & Irish Laws “( I think !!)
I’m with you on them oysters Christy ,one night I bought six of them, they cost me a fortune and only five of them worked???
Coincidentally, this was only recently released by RTE and as far as I’m aware is the only footage out there of the Phase 6 line up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txe1JgTdNwA
This came to mind straight away Christy, an article from 40 years ago! I think I still have this buried somewhere. An interview with Andy & Liam from 1983. Finbar Boyle carried out a great piece of research on a Planxty family tree up to that point. This is the only reference I can find to it online. Its a twitter link so hopefully it works. Some great info in it that could have been long forgotten.
Going on his research the 3rd coming from ’03 to ’05 would be Planxty (Phase 7)?
https://twitter.com/TonerQuinn/status/1256272445994139649
Here’s a quick blast of something completely different.
https://youtu.be/KTxnVM530lY?si=Sb38eX1RubGx2q2p
Wandering Aeongus from Hawick.
I’m sorry about the wobbly camera and that I’m doing a duet with a coffee maker, it’s a fair view of it.
Can I ask, I don’t know what happens for you but, when you sing a song yourself, you listen to other people in a whole different way.
Your vowels in this song. Some are long and gently sonorous , some are clipped and surrounded by rhythm. Sorry but, do you think this is instinctive for you? I find it very beautiful. To notice it you have to listen very carefully.
Maybe it comes from loving the words?
Sorry if this is a stupid question.
Hello Christy,
Masters of Tradition, wow! Lucky old Bantry. I’ve got to get there next year. You’ve mentioned it before but not in such detail. Wow!
https://youtu.be/4hBI4JGLSrc?si=i6ZlPuQiGNxWzB4V
It’s not from Bantry but it’s very recent.
Rebecca
Jayney. Sounds like a great weekend. A whole new generation coming up.
I came across tonight a site for Shrewsbury Folk Festival complete with live relay. I’ve just watched a great set by the Oyster Band, we’re told some of these from the original lineup are ’45 years’ on the go together. We’ll have to consult with Dave in Manchester does he remember them?! Christy did you ever meet them on the circuit? Tomorrow, Severn Stage, 8,30, Billy Bragg. If Billy’s still on top form we’ll get a great show and expect references to Mssrs Johnston, Trump, Suniak and Starmer, favourable or unfavourable, you’ve to gauge yourself.
Bejasus Ed nothing could be farther from my mind,..just back in from hearing Mick Conneely and David Munnelly at The Bantry Masters of tradition…before that we heard the Brother Luka Bloom and Steve Cooney….over the last few days ,among others,we’ve heard Martin Hayes,Eoghan Ó Ceannabhain, Ultan O’Brien,Kate Ellis,Mick and Ciara O’Brien members of Crash Ensemble, Brian Donnellan, Conal O’Kane, Jimmy Higgins, Scoth,Laura Snowden, Christy McNamara,Sam Amidon, The Begley Clan playing tribute to their late Father Seamus Begley….last nights Finale was Christine Tobin with Cora Venus Lunny, David Power, Steve Hamilton and Phil Robson….I’m buzzin here with me head like a hornets nest…I witnessed a duo three hours ago the likes of which I’ve never before experienced….Mick Conneeley and David Munnelly were the likes of I dont know what….Fiddle and Accordeon, the pure drop, the raw bar, the real deal..call it what you like….fuckin wild tight…. as tight as a bulls arse goin up a hill and then an even higher hill…before them the young brother Luka played a beauty of a set and was joined by Steve Cooney for a song..earlier again Steve played a lovely set including Goodman tunes and sang a song too..the first time Ive heard Steve Cooney sing….I have a feeling it wont be the last …..no space in the head for live relays tonight and, I’m afraid, oysters don’t agree with me
Didn’t Matt lead it on the LP Christy and then Liam comes in on Brian O’Lynn?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=erB6qjseXp0
He sure did Gipp…but that recording was Planxty (Phase 5)…the video posted is 5 or 6 years earlier with Planxty (Phase 1)
now here is an interesting question…how many phases of Planxty came to pass…. possibly the only one with a clear rear view mirror is Andy Irvine …but I might have a stab at it myself…
I sometimes wonder how many players passed thru the Planxty van….whats certain is the Band started in 1972 with the same 4 who played the last gig in London in 2005…….
So I was taking a gander at the upcoming venues and potential listening and visiting joys. Sold out?? I regulated my aeration and then wondered if you look at the list of sell outs and feel unfettered joy, or do you think god blind me that’s hard work?
Anyway I think it’s fab you’ve sold out. I will keep my nose to the grind stone and plan my life slightly more efficiently. My regards to you and to the lads.
Anuk
if you signed up for newsletter you could keep your nose off the grindstone…always good to see your name coming up..Shine on
Hi Christy,
As i met a lovely family today i was taking some names ‘barry’ i said , is that with a ‘y’ or an ‘ie’?
‘As in Kevin’ , was her reply.
As i later bade farewell i left with the words to her ‘another martyr for old Ireland’, she smiled knowingly.
I thought of you.
Rory
“Just before he faced the hangman
in his Mountjoy Prison cell
English Soldiers tortured Barry
because he would not tell
the names of his brave comrades,
and other things they wished to know
turn informer or we’ll kill you,
Kevin Barry answered NO”
a verse from the first song I ever learned from our Mother…I sang it as a boy soprano at concerts around Newbridge and The Curragh back in the mid to late 1950s … before my voice “broke” at 13 years….much much later it was truly uplifting to hear “Kevin Barry” sung by both Paul Robeson and Leonard Cohen …as far as I can remember, the only time I’ve sung it since boyhood was in Barrowland, Glasgow …….that home away from home…Mags McIvor’s, where the shooting stars light up the fresco
Apologies Christy and Fellow Guest Bookers! A rambling post on the way! Looking through recent posts! Diane Hamilton! A true Fairy Godmother to our music, well worth researching for anyone who isn’t familiar!
She’ll be remembered in a small way at the Sean Corcoran festival next month as the bouzouki she presented to Andy Irvine in the late 70s, that he passed on to Sean has been found and restored and will be played by Andy at the gig that night!. There’s also a very strong rumour that Donal Lunnys Blarge from then will also be making an appearance. Here’s both instruments about 3 weeks before “After the Break” was recorded. The 2 lads give Matt a run for his money on East at Glendart here! Bouzouki jig playing at its finest! Follied be drum and pipes, Mana!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7DKwfrj5ciQ
Sean Corcoran R.I.P. A lovely man of life and song.Remembered from way back to the Traditional Club that ran every Wednesday Night in Slattery’s of Capel St., Dublin.
Its Liam Óg that leads us out across Glendart…(Matt landed into Planxty some years later)….a pleasure to catch sight again of the band in full flight …blarge bouzouki and bódhrán all sailing in the wake of our maestro
Hi Christy I know it’s a definite long shot, but it’s worth a try, my names Evan and my family have been big supporters for you throughout the year, you were friends with my grand father back in the day, his name is John McGrath And he always spoke of you and that has passed down to his grandchildren like myself and especially my brother Christopher (34) . He has loved your music for as long as I can remember. Through some of our lowest points in our family your music has always been there to keep all of us especially my brother and mam as they can relate to your music a lot. My brother recently had his first child and are having his baptism in September, I know it’s a long shot but I would love for you to play at the reception for him and his child, you don’t realise how much it would mean to me and my family especially because I never got to meet my grandfather as he died when I was too young to remember, of course we will pay but we’re not a rich family but I will happily pay as much as I possibly can for even the slightest chance, if at all you can think about it can you please email me at sullivanevan74@gmail.com my mothers favourite song is north and south, and my brothers and my own favourite song is black is the colour for my nana
I’ve had to confine Christening Ceremonies to Family occasions…we have been over run here of late with new arrivals to our Clan….we’ve had three in the last few months….I’m exhausted from Christening Ceremonies ..
plus experience tells me that the last thing a baby infant wants to hear is a 78 year old bald stranger catterwaiing some auld ballad when all the child wants is sight of a full breast or a fresh nappy….Thanks for the invite Sullivanevan 74 … I hope ye wet the Baby’s head with spiritual fun and celebration….
with regrets
Hello Christy,
Something I’ve noticed recently. Songs seem to be forming into groups. Like they’re turning into trios or duos.
So far I’ve got
Caledonia
Curragh of Kildare
Wandering Aeongus
Forming a trio
Scarborough fair
Spancil Hill
Raggle taggle
a short interlude
Musgrave
This group takes 20 minutes to sing
Contender
Foxy devil
Often it’s because they share a key or a similar melodic shape? But not always.
Not sure what’s going on, maybe nothing, but I noticed it and I like it.
I listened to Harry’s song about No Man’s Land. I really like it. If he puts it onto bandcamp we’d be able to listen to all of it. I’d like to hear all of it.
Rebecca
Thanks Christy, I’m going to have a look for that album Eist, and see if I can track down a copy. I listen to Roisin Elsafty a lot. I’ve also got a copy of Lark in the Clear Air album on its way here. I listen for 3 hours every afternoon as I finish work. I’m back in the workroom now. Looking for gigs.
Rebecca
Morning Christy,
We in Hawick are lucky enough to have Matt McGinn from the Mournes coming to play on Sunday, at our park bandstand. There was great clamour for him to return after last year’s show, so am looking forward to him coming.
He does a great version of John O’ Dreams.
On the box set you and a chap ( possibly Declan?) try to get the ending ‘right’ in a fortunately captured debate on disc of John O’ Dreams.
It is a gem of a song.
Cheers
Rory
When I get back to base I’ll have a listen to that track…If memory serves ,I think the Guitar player may have been the late Jimmy Faulkner….
please give my best wishes to Sir Matt from Hilltown…
Hi Christy. My name is Harry, last year I went to your concert in Leisureland and you gave me a letter and told me to keep practicing my guitar. Around christmas we were learning about World War 1 in school. During that time for an English lesson we had to write a poem themed around No mans land, I wrote my poem and didn’t think much of it until a few days later when were told do something unique for our project on the war so I turned it into a song. The project went well and a few months later I recorded it. Now I have put it on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/3hdHuHGfBYhd9bdeRq5Q5F?si=74c233f3e91043c4 (you can listen to it if you want to). I’m going to see you in Leisureland friday the 1st. I hope you like the song.
From Harry
Great Song Harry..thanks for sharing it here…you sing it really well..great voice …glad to hear that you are keeping up the good work…see you in Salthill
Fascinating to read from those sleeve notes. Time was I would have thought that song, Tri-Cornered Hat, was a Steeleye Span song titled ‘All Around My Hat’. Ironic the way a song can get more fame or a bigger audience once a group has a hit. The story is supposed to be that Diane Hamilton came to Ireland bearing various addresses including Liam Clancy, the younger brother of the three lads by then living in New York. She duly arrived to Carrick meeting Peg Clancy and Liam. Herself and Liam took off north to meet Sarah Makem and to collect songs from her vast song collection. Liam accompanied her back to the States. So the history was in the making. Eventually Tommy was to make the trip Stateside. Eventually, because the lads informed their mother how ‘cold’ they were, a parcel of four white Aran jumpers crossed the broad Atlantic. Some early tour manager of the foursome spotted the Aran ganseys and decided ‘thats it.’ They never looked back.
The Tri-Coloured Ribbon was massive in our house decades before Steeleye. But in fairness to them, they made it their own for a while…..its our Mother singing it that still resounds in my head….Nancy Power from The Yellow Furze