Hello Christy,
I’ve got to agree with Pat. So much creativity here and I’m in awe of the way the words behave for you. No idea what but feels like for you, but, from here, it’s awesome, in the old meaning of the word.
I’m grateful to anyone who takes the time to listen to me, and want to thank Pat for saying that he does. Sometimes I feel that posting my stuff here is an imposition, but the need to share drives me on.
That harp of mine is a real thing to live with. It sits in a dark corner and its bright wood shines solidly. When I cough or sneeze or yawn its ridiculous resonance sings straight back at me across the room. When you pull a string and release it the whole thing vibrates and the bottom octave turns into a drone. It’s like a living thing and I love it. Even when its blasted strings break and snap like gun fire. Then it can be a real bastard.
Anyway, better stop rambling and get up and think about doing some work.
Dear Christy,
I was up and down to the Granite City today and during the trip i thrice listened to The Poet and The Piper.
I have gone on about it before but it is a treasure.
Anyway the first item is The Given Note, a remarkable poem melded in to Liam’s mystical playing,haunting pipes sounding almost North Scottish but yet definitively West Irish .
I found the tune on youtube Port Na Bpucai, Tony MacMahon, it’s origin being enthrallingly explained and brilliantly played on accordion.
Rory
Christy's reply
Liam & Tony both riffing in far distant universe tonight..somewhere out there with legions of magical players from time immemorial…may the sacred duende be with them wherever they may be
Günter, lovely to hear you mention the 4711 story and house. I live near Cologne and stroll down Glockengasse often, past the 4711 house. As a child I bought my mammy 4711, ‘cos it was the only perfume I knew, never asked her if she liked it!
So Christy there are people in the world who have the cheek to look down on a song? You know I listen to Rebecca making her harp sing, I read and listen to so many of your posters sharing their contributions, songs, lyrics, and I am in wonder and marvel at them all. Having tried at times to express an idea lyrically, not very successfully I have nothing but respect for those who succeed, no matter the idea or topic. And to pen a beauty which has humour, fun, local social and economic history and geography, and has internal, external and all over the place rhyme, and is such a beautiful picture of Irish rural life, well great credit to Tom Tuohy.
Funk the begrudgers!
Years ago I told you I was on the way to see you in Frankfurt….you said watch out for the Honda 50 on the Autobahn! Great stuff.
Christy's reply
Morra Pat,
for every songwriter in the world there are at least 7 critics who have never written a song…some of them critters are complete experts… a few of them are professional critters… some of that few look in the mirror and see an absolute genius looking back at them…I believe we should let them at it, never take them seriously…..knock a bit of crack out them…
I’ll stick with the writers…Tom Tuohy et al
PS…I loved Franfurt..that old Alte Opera was a classy joint to play
Hello Christy,
The clip was from 9th January this year at Vicar Street. I have a couple of others from that gig.
Here’s that amazing ancient song that drives a bodhran https://youtu.be/KKbS7km8Ajs?si=YiaBKyl_M3gF6B16
Please can I thank you, Danny and Guenter. Loved finding out the background to 4711.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
smells good , that Cologne gear…just splashed a drop on myself…mmmm
Great to read the international chat here,I’m keeping it going!
Recently, I left the suffragettes behind ,for five days in Berlin( sounds like a film title)in many ways,exploring that fab city is like being on a giant film set…
Whilst there,a mutual friend introduced me to a great Berlin based artist. http://www.anjaehrenberg.com. I hope her work is of interest to songsters here…in particular, ‘Ein Verborgenes Leben’, an artbook documenting 2020 COVID lockdown. Anja is due to update her website,but recent works are accessible via Instagram…
As if Anja’s art wasn’t enough of a fascinating topic,chat turned to music…Dylan,Baez and Cohen being her favourites…I’ve now pointed her in your direction!
This rambling reminds me ..I’m overdue a return to your uplifting lockdown sessions…like Anja’s art,it’s important to document such a strange period of time.
Thanks Christy: yes j remember the little bottles of 4711 perfume !
& Bognia makes sense now
I don’t know which perfume or even talc Mum wore but I know that many years after her passing I was stopped short in the street by the waft of the same smell of a woman passing by…
Brian Wilson: I really enjoyed “Love and Mercy” movie/documentary –
BTW I’m still enjoying the Billy the Kid series on Stan & j see new series of Shetland starts next week on BBC First -new lead role
Thanks Christy – you know, if I ever get to your show, I wouldn’t care what you sang & played : we fans appreciate ‘em all..
Many thanks for the patience & indulging us here – I know you’d be tuckered out after a full on performance & travel etc
The missus might be busy elsewhere tomorrow so bloody very good chance the volume goes up & more Moore blasting out the door
Spin dem discs I will!
Muchos thankios
Danny Harris
My granddad was born in Cologne. He often told me, that the town was occupied by french troups in the 18th century. They numbered all buildings. By chance 4711 was the house number of the Eau de Cologne firm. They used it to give their product a name.
And I do always have a CM-Song on my lips when visiting my eldest daughter. From her balcony I can see the cyan coloured top of the 4711 admin building. Student flats today. Günter
Christy's reply
Good day Gunter….this is what I hoped for when setting up this platform….three songsters having a chat…one in Germany,one in Australia , one in Ireland…just a simple chat
G’day you mob:
For my edificatin’:
Please explain 4711ers & Bognia?
To an old Aussie bushie like me them there terms is a plurry mystery…
Hey, I’m extending my on air time on community radio (started off playing 60s stuff), graduated to panel operation (who said old dog, new tricks? Pfffttt!)
Working on another programme where I can be a bit more eclectic: Christy, Clifford T Ward, Danny O’Keeffe, Bob Lind, Buffy St. Marie and so on…
Sent my grandson your Little Honda 50 & he loves it too..when do you join the Beach Boys??
Me here ok, hoping likewise in in the Christy orb
Danny Harris – not so rapid or nifty
Christy's reply
4711ers
My maternal Granny was Ellie Power (nee Sheeran) from Cotton Mills, nr Yellow Furze on the southern bank of the River Boyne….Ellie (almost) always had a waft of Eau De Cologne about her and 4711 was her chosen brand….when I think of “Goggie” I think of 4711,Silvermints, Jelly Sweets, Lester Piggott, Uncle Jimmy, copious tears, loving ways tempered with sadness and solitude….one day I logged on to this rest room, post number 4711 lay before me … I christened the gathered friends here as 4711ers
Bognia
This Island of ours has had many names…Ireland, Hibernia, Eire, Eireann, Granuaile, Róisín Dubh, to name but 6…being a proud Bogman myself I decided to add another name to my Native place…it was during the last Balkan war
Beach Boys
Back in the mid 60s I worked for awhile in the EMI record pressing plant in Hayes, Middlesex, Engerland….Every night, for weeks on end, 12 hour shifts, we were pressing “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys…
40 years later we went to hear Brian Wilson here in Dublin…one of the greatest concerts I’ve ever witnessed*…first half he played all the hits…second half him and his incredible Band played the entire “Pet Sounds” album note perfect..
I sometimes detect a condescending , snobby attitude towards Tom Tuohy’s class ballad “My Little Honda 50” ..all I think is fuck ’em….delighted to hear that your Grandson loves this song…So Do I
We had loads of trick or treaters last night. All dressed up with their mums and dads guarding them. One of my favourite times of year. I going to buy a pointy hat for next year.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
betimes I hear wonderful sounds when certain listeners communicate their feelings as best they can…I dont recognise the venue from your clip but I have clear and fond recall of the beautiful voice that emanated from the room as I covered Joni Mitchell’s emotional song
I had fears that you’d be thinking “here’s this fella ramashun on in here about Planxty lineups.”
“They had woodcock and pheasant/they had partridge and pear/every sort of dainty/no scarcity was there.”.
Great lines of a great song. That’s fifty (50) years ago this week. Holy moly.
Christy's reply
Have no such fears Ed…
This platform was created for anyone interested in rawmaishing about the ballads…in bygone days I’d encounter rawmaishers in lock-in, taverns, winelodges, hooleys, wakes, terraces, kips,sheebeens, fleadh ceols, apres gigs,mirrors, authentic Irisch bars…these sober days and nights I meets them here on ledge 4711,
Hi Christy. In the early days of Planxty (in Manchester at least) “the three drunken maidens” were always followed by the foxhunters reel. I remember you used to sing “the lish young buy a broom” maybe learnt from Tim Hart and Ian Campbell’s “old man’s tale”. I guess some have to bow out so others get their chance. Cliffs and Spancill still refusing to make way. Cheers
Christy's reply
spot on John…I’ve corrected that..thank you….
“The Lish” was in the set briefly …I think Andy learned from Tim & Maddy
“Sweet Thames”and “Only Our Rivers” have turned up in the set a few timeslately….”Follow Me Up” made an appearance at a Liam O’Flynn tribute gig in Naas last month
Well Christy, just home on a flying visit for a family wedding. Met a Newbridge fella who asked me to mention Mags Hall of the Barracks to you. Also had the pleasure if listening to a beautiful piper, Conal Duffy. Any of the names ring any bells?
Still they keep on ringing that bell!
Christy's reply
I remember Mags and the Hall family very well….one of her brothers was in my class the National School..
always a joy to hear some Uilleann Pipe Music
Thank you for pointing me towards Jem Finer and the exploratorium interview.
I listened yesterday. Love the way he thinks about things, his love of organised noise.
It’s sent me off in a couple of directions..
Longplayer, I woke up thinking about. Even the score is a thing of beauty.
Also the star sonifications. Nasa has produced lots of these.
I thought my mind had expanded right out there, listening yesterday.
I hope the new music is going well. Trying to keep this short so it doesn’t take up too much of your time. No doubt you’ll be hearing more of my sound nerd ramblings over the next few days.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Our Dearly Departed Companero all dressed up in his Sunday best
Hi Christy, well another busy jazz festival has come to an end here in cork….so we are eagerly awaiting your gig here next Monday at the opera house ….my daughter katlyn (26) is coming along to her 2nd Christy gig …..if it possible to include the voyage in the set this this will be her wedding song that’s set for July 25 … if it doesn’t make the cut that’s no problem…..looking forward also meeting up with Hilary and Dave and possibly a few more 4711ers …… so safe travels to you and all the crew and we see you on the banks of the Lee….. kind regards Tony
Christy's reply
Sound Tony…
so many requests for call outs these days
will pick two out of the hat
if I did them all there would be no time left for the songs
Magic Nights
Hi Christy,
Son Charlie says he feels that Smoke and Strong Whiskey is a small version of the Box Set.
That is an interesting take.
It is certainly a braw album, and the cover is braw too.
Rory
Christy's reply
Charlie could be right..that was the divil of an album to complete..there were many stops and starts, falling outs and falling back in again…I’ve not listened to it for yonks…there are aspects of it that hurt my ears…a few instruments that have not aged well……I like that sleeve too
It certainly is one of the more bizzare sleeves out there Christy, not meaning to sound facetious but probably would have been more suited to Richard Harris’s release of MacArthur Park! Really surprised to hear Jim Fitzpatrick didn’t create that original sleeve, as he’s very much associated with it. Its a fine piece of art. I also like the stuff Pat Musick did. Agree on the black album shot, it’s a classic, his 4 head shots on the back are also iconic, he caught you all in the moment!
Christy's reply
Pat Musick did two Planxty Sleeves before returning to America where her Art has received great acclaim..
Like wise Willie Matthews who lived in Dublin during the Mulligan era…he created a number of sleeves including 1977s “Iron Behind The Velvet” and “Live in Dublin” ..both on the Tara label but now domiciled in Claddagh (at Universal). Willie also returned to the USA where his Art is also acclaimed….
I’m immersed in new work here at the moment …. these rambles back thru the archive both distract and inspire
Amazing stuff here last few posts about early Planxty days, fair play Christy / Ed Et al! A question I always meant to ask Christy, what was the reason for the different album cover on the German release of The Well Below The Valley?
Imagine our disgust when we arrived in Hamburg to be met by this fuckin AWFUL sleeve..it set Hiberno/German/Planxty relations back for about 5 hours until the Schnappes & Appelkorn kicked in at both Sviebel & Fasan’s Kneipe…my curses still aimed at whoever commissioned, designed and signed off on that grossen schisser of an album sleeve….the original sleeve was designed and painted by Rai Uhlemann & Francis Drake ( but for some ‘possibly’ unknown reason attributed to Jim Fitzpatrick by Polydor) The original sleeve was a work of inspired beauty..whatever team of cretins replaced it should have stale cake thrown at them….back then ,the Band were not even consulted on these sleeves..that said the first Planxty Sleeve remains a classic..Tom from Sunday World took the shot at an early Planxty gig in Dublin’s National Stadium in 1972…an iconic image, for me at least
Hello Christy,
I was singing Shane’s Lullaby of London yesterday. What a song! There’s no one else like him is there. It’s so short though, over almost before it’s started. He’s a devil to learn tunes from.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Agreed..
no one like Shane…his songs brimful of poetic lyricism…
but its usually overlooked that many (if not all) all the unique melodies were written by Jem Finer…
Shane scribed the yarns while Jem weaved the magic carpet
google Jem Finer Interview Exploratorium
Hello Christy,
I’ve got to agree with Pat. So much creativity here and I’m in awe of the way the words behave for you. No idea what but feels like for you, but, from here, it’s awesome, in the old meaning of the word.
I’m grateful to anyone who takes the time to listen to me, and want to thank Pat for saying that he does. Sometimes I feel that posting my stuff here is an imposition, but the need to share drives me on.
That harp of mine is a real thing to live with. It sits in a dark corner and its bright wood shines solidly. When I cough or sneeze or yawn its ridiculous resonance sings straight back at me across the room. When you pull a string and release it the whole thing vibrates and the bottom octave turns into a drone. It’s like a living thing and I love it. Even when its blasted strings break and snap like gun fire. Then it can be a real bastard.
Anyway, better stop rambling and get up and think about doing some work.
Hugs to all.
Rebecca
Dear Christy,
I was up and down to the Granite City today and during the trip i thrice listened to The Poet and The Piper.
I have gone on about it before but it is a treasure.
Anyway the first item is The Given Note, a remarkable poem melded in to Liam’s mystical playing,haunting pipes sounding almost North Scottish but yet definitively West Irish .
I found the tune on youtube Port Na Bpucai, Tony MacMahon, it’s origin being enthrallingly explained and brilliantly played on accordion.
Rory
Liam & Tony both riffing in far distant universe tonight..somewhere out there with legions of magical players from time immemorial…may the sacred duende be with them wherever they may be
Günter, lovely to hear you mention the 4711 story and house. I live near Cologne and stroll down Glockengasse often, past the 4711 house. As a child I bought my mammy 4711, ‘cos it was the only perfume I knew, never asked her if she liked it!
So Christy there are people in the world who have the cheek to look down on a song? You know I listen to Rebecca making her harp sing, I read and listen to so many of your posters sharing their contributions, songs, lyrics, and I am in wonder and marvel at them all. Having tried at times to express an idea lyrically, not very successfully I have nothing but respect for those who succeed, no matter the idea or topic. And to pen a beauty which has humour, fun, local social and economic history and geography, and has internal, external and all over the place rhyme, and is such a beautiful picture of Irish rural life, well great credit to Tom Tuohy.
Funk the begrudgers!
Years ago I told you I was on the way to see you in Frankfurt….you said watch out for the Honda 50 on the Autobahn! Great stuff.
Morra Pat,
for every songwriter in the world there are at least 7 critics who have never written a song…some of them critters are complete experts… a few of them are professional critters… some of that few look in the mirror and see an absolute genius looking back at them…I believe we should let them at it, never take them seriously…..knock a bit of crack out them…
I’ll stick with the writers…Tom Tuohy et al
PS…I loved Franfurt..that old Alte Opera was a classy joint to play
Hello Christy,
The clip was from 9th January this year at Vicar Street. I have a couple of others from that gig.
Here’s that amazing ancient song that drives a bodhran
https://youtu.be/KKbS7km8Ajs?si=YiaBKyl_M3gF6B16
Please can I thank you, Danny and Guenter. Loved finding out the background to 4711.
Rebecca
smells good , that Cologne gear…just splashed a drop on myself…mmmm
Hi Christy
Great to read the international chat here,I’m keeping it going!
Recently, I left the suffragettes behind ,for five days in Berlin( sounds like a film title)in many ways,exploring that fab city is like being on a giant film set…
Whilst there,a mutual friend introduced me to a great Berlin based artist. http://www.anjaehrenberg.com. I hope her work is of interest to songsters here…in particular, ‘Ein Verborgenes Leben’, an artbook documenting 2020 COVID lockdown. Anja is due to update her website,but recent works are accessible via Instagram…
As if Anja’s art wasn’t enough of a fascinating topic,chat turned to music…Dylan,Baez and Cohen being her favourites…I’ve now pointed her in your direction!
This rambling reminds me ..I’m overdue a return to your uplifting lockdown sessions…like Anja’s art,it’s important to document such a strange period of time.
All the best
Dave
& thanks to you to Guenter
Thanks Christy: yes j remember the little bottles of 4711 perfume !
& Bognia makes sense now
I don’t know which perfume or even talc Mum wore but I know that many years after her passing I was stopped short in the street by the waft of the same smell of a woman passing by…
Brian Wilson: I really enjoyed “Love and Mercy” movie/documentary –
BTW I’m still enjoying the Billy the Kid series on Stan & j see new series of Shetland starts next week on BBC First -new lead role
Thanks Christy – you know, if I ever get to your show, I wouldn’t care what you sang & played : we fans appreciate ‘em all..
Many thanks for the patience & indulging us here – I know you’d be tuckered out after a full on performance & travel etc
The missus might be busy elsewhere tomorrow so bloody very good chance the volume goes up & more Moore blasting out the door
Spin dem discs I will!
Muchos thankios
Danny Harris
lookin at “Last Stop Larrimah” here
My granddad was born in Cologne. He often told me, that the town was occupied by french troups in the 18th century. They numbered all buildings. By chance 4711 was the house number of the Eau de Cologne firm. They used it to give their product a name.
And I do always have a CM-Song on my lips when visiting my eldest daughter. From her balcony I can see the cyan coloured top of the 4711 admin building. Student flats today. Günter
Good day Gunter….this is what I hoped for when setting up this platform….three songsters having a chat…one in Germany,one in Australia , one in Ireland…just a simple chat
G’day you mob:
For my edificatin’:
Please explain 4711ers & Bognia?
To an old Aussie bushie like me them there terms is a plurry mystery…
Hey, I’m extending my on air time on community radio (started off playing 60s stuff), graduated to panel operation (who said old dog, new tricks? Pfffttt!)
Working on another programme where I can be a bit more eclectic: Christy, Clifford T Ward, Danny O’Keeffe, Bob Lind, Buffy St. Marie and so on…
Sent my grandson your Little Honda 50 & he loves it too..when do you join the Beach Boys??
Me here ok, hoping likewise in in the Christy orb
Danny Harris – not so rapid or nifty
4711ers
My maternal Granny was Ellie Power (nee Sheeran) from Cotton Mills, nr Yellow Furze on the southern bank of the River Boyne….Ellie (almost) always had a waft of Eau De Cologne about her and 4711 was her chosen brand….when I think of “Goggie” I think of 4711,Silvermints, Jelly Sweets, Lester Piggott, Uncle Jimmy, copious tears, loving ways tempered with sadness and solitude….one day I logged on to this rest room, post number 4711 lay before me … I christened the gathered friends here as 4711ers
Bognia
This Island of ours has had many names…Ireland, Hibernia, Eire, Eireann, Granuaile, Róisín Dubh, to name but 6…being a proud Bogman myself I decided to add another name to my Native place…it was during the last Balkan war
Beach Boys
Back in the mid 60s I worked for awhile in the EMI record pressing plant in Hayes, Middlesex, Engerland….Every night, for weeks on end, 12 hour shifts, we were pressing “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys…
40 years later we went to hear Brian Wilson here in Dublin…one of the greatest concerts I’ve ever witnessed*…first half he played all the hits…second half him and his incredible Band played the entire “Pet Sounds” album note perfect..
I sometimes detect a condescending , snobby attitude towards Tom Tuohy’s class ballad “My Little Honda 50” ..all I think is fuck ’em….delighted to hear that your Grandson loves this song…So Do I
Ride On Hazzo…keep spinning those discs
Hello Christy,
Just looking through videos I’ve taken at gigs. This one popped up.
https://youtu.be/dU7Q6-bCbuk?si=qrUYh7dvAtfqC_Kz
We had loads of trick or treaters last night. All dressed up with their mums and dads guarding them. One of my favourite times of year. I going to buy a pointy hat for next year.
Rebecca
betimes I hear wonderful sounds when certain listeners communicate their feelings as best they can…I dont recognise the venue from your clip but I have clear and fond recall of the beautiful voice that emanated from the room as I covered Joni Mitchell’s emotional song
I had fears that you’d be thinking “here’s this fella ramashun on in here about Planxty lineups.”
“They had woodcock and pheasant/they had partridge and pear/every sort of dainty/no scarcity was there.”.
Great lines of a great song. That’s fifty (50) years ago this week. Holy moly.
Have no such fears Ed…
This platform was created for anyone interested in rawmaishing about the ballads…in bygone days I’d encounter rawmaishers in lock-in, taverns, winelodges, hooleys, wakes, terraces, kips,sheebeens, fleadh ceols, apres gigs,mirrors, authentic Irisch bars…these sober days and nights I meets them here on ledge 4711,
Hi Christy. In the early days of Planxty (in Manchester at least) “the three drunken maidens” were always followed by the foxhunters reel. I remember you used to sing “the lish young buy a broom” maybe learnt from Tim Hart and Ian Campbell’s “old man’s tale”. I guess some have to bow out so others get their chance. Cliffs and Spancill still refusing to make way. Cheers
spot on John…I’ve corrected that..thank you….
“The Lish” was in the set briefly …I think Andy learned from Tim & Maddy
“Sweet Thames”and “Only Our Rivers” have turned up in the set a few timeslately….”Follow Me Up” made an appearance at a Liam O’Flynn tribute gig in Naas last month
Hi christy hope your keeping well . Is there a pre sale link for tickets going on sale this week to killarney and derry gigs
I dont know the story on that…
Well Christy, just home on a flying visit for a family wedding. Met a Newbridge fella who asked me to mention Mags Hall of the Barracks to you. Also had the pleasure if listening to a beautiful piper, Conal Duffy. Any of the names ring any bells?
Still they keep on ringing that bell!
I remember Mags and the Hall family very well….one of her brothers was in my class the National School..
always a joy to hear some Uilleann Pipe Music
Hello Christy,
Here’s a pic that I hope you like.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0XF3xdwTzh1sAs6tFdC9WxmRCpTXjHnb6ncYqpNRY7VkFmTHXtYLY8ZkfkSRy8txrl&id=847680135
Thank you for pointing me towards Jem Finer and the exploratorium interview.
I listened yesterday. Love the way he thinks about things, his love of organised noise.
It’s sent me off in a couple of directions..
Longplayer, I woke up thinking about. Even the score is a thing of beauty.
Also the star sonifications. Nasa has produced lots of these.
I thought my mind had expanded right out there, listening yesterday.
I hope the new music is going well. Trying to keep this short so it doesn’t take up too much of your time. No doubt you’ll be hearing more of my sound nerd ramblings over the next few days.
Rebecca
Our Dearly Departed Companero all dressed up in his Sunday best
Hi Christy, well another busy jazz festival has come to an end here in cork….so we are eagerly awaiting your gig here next Monday at the opera house ….my daughter katlyn (26) is coming along to her 2nd Christy gig …..if it possible to include the voyage in the set this this will be her wedding song that’s set for July 25 … if it doesn’t make the cut that’s no problem…..looking forward also meeting up with Hilary and Dave and possibly a few more 4711ers …… so safe travels to you and all the crew and we see you on the banks of the Lee….. kind regards Tony
Sound Tony…
so many requests for call outs these days
will pick two out of the hat
if I did them all there would be no time left for the songs
Magic Nights
Hi Christy,
Son Charlie says he feels that Smoke and Strong Whiskey is a small version of the Box Set.
That is an interesting take.
It is certainly a braw album, and the cover is braw too.
Rory
Charlie could be right..that was the divil of an album to complete..there were many stops and starts, falling outs and falling back in again…I’ve not listened to it for yonks…there are aspects of it that hurt my ears…a few instruments that have not aged well……I like that sleeve too
It certainly is one of the more bizzare sleeves out there Christy, not meaning to sound facetious but probably would have been more suited to Richard Harris’s release of MacArthur Park! Really surprised to hear Jim Fitzpatrick didn’t create that original sleeve, as he’s very much associated with it. Its a fine piece of art. I also like the stuff Pat Musick did. Agree on the black album shot, it’s a classic, his 4 head shots on the back are also iconic, he caught you all in the moment!
Pat Musick did two Planxty Sleeves before returning to America where her Art has received great acclaim..
Like wise Willie Matthews who lived in Dublin during the Mulligan era…he created a number of sleeves including 1977s “Iron Behind The Velvet” and “Live in Dublin” ..both on the Tara label but now domiciled in Claddagh (at Universal). Willie also returned to the USA where his Art is also acclaimed….
I’m immersed in new work here at the moment …. these rambles back thru the archive both distract and inspire
Amazing stuff here last few posts about early Planxty days, fair play Christy / Ed Et al! A question I always meant to ask Christy, what was the reason for the different album cover on the German release of The Well Below The Valley?
https://www.discogs.com/release/5055957-Planxty-The-Well-Below-The-Valley
Imagine our disgust when we arrived in Hamburg to be met by this fuckin AWFUL sleeve..it set Hiberno/German/Planxty relations back for about 5 hours until the Schnappes & Appelkorn kicked in at both Sviebel & Fasan’s Kneipe…my curses still aimed at whoever commissioned, designed and signed off on that grossen schisser of an album sleeve….the original sleeve was designed and painted by Rai Uhlemann & Francis Drake ( but for some ‘possibly’ unknown reason attributed to Jim Fitzpatrick by Polydor) The original sleeve was a work of inspired beauty..whatever team of cretins replaced it should have stale cake thrown at them….back then ,the Band were not even consulted on these sleeves..that said the first Planxty Sleeve remains a classic..Tom from Sunday World took the shot at an early Planxty gig in Dublin’s National Stadium in 1972…an iconic image, for me at least
Hello Christy,
I was singing Shane’s Lullaby of London yesterday. What a song! There’s no one else like him is there. It’s so short though, over almost before it’s started. He’s a devil to learn tunes from.
Rebecca
Agreed..
no one like Shane…his songs brimful of poetic lyricism…
but its usually overlooked that many (if not all) all the unique melodies were written by Jem Finer…
Shane scribed the yarns while Jem weaved the magic carpet
google Jem Finer Interview Exploratorium