Hi Christy
Tuesday night in Vicar Street was absolutely amazing! The setlist was perfect, every single one of our favourites were there but sure all of your tunes are loved and the new ones are favourites already. When the audience joined in, they sounded beautiful. Thank you for the call-out. It meant so much and thank you again for being part of this family’s so many special memories.
Mary (aka 4711er Valentine)
PS – Looking forward to hearing you chat with Joe and Dion.
Christy's reply
Great to have Ye all in Vicar St the other night….thank you for your support and feedback …its always uplifting when different generations of a Family gather together to hear the songs…and to sing them……
Free State Podcast looms….Joe Sings…and talks occasionally
Howya Christy! Happy New Year to you and all the gang, hope things are well. I recently put pen to paper and wrote a song that I think you’ll like and I’d love to send it over to you to see what you make of it. I think it’s gas, but need a second opinion. Drop me a line at my email and I’ll send it over! Email is drogers@tcd.ie – ya, never know – you might get a right laugh out of it!
Raging I won’t get to see you in Vicar Street on Sunday – I’m heading back to work in Denmark, but I’ll catch you another time. Enjoy the gigs and thanks for all the tunes horse, Keep it Up!
Don
Hello Christy,
I think that the very best person to choose the songs for your gigs is you. I’m touched with the reply to my last comment and want you to know that whatever songs you choose to sing, they are cherished. If songs don’t turn up, there is a reason for that. It is enough.
Thankyou to Hilary for the link to the programme on Mary O’Hara!
I saw something about a play called Six Characters in search of an Author. It’s about what happens when six characters, whose story was unfinished try to get it performed. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Characters_in_Search_of_an_Author
It got me thinking about the relationship between people in songs and the singers that sing them. If a song is very old the only time they come alive may be when the song is sung. Hopefully they jump from the performance into the listeners’ minds, and live that way too.
Yes indeed…we’ve been treated to many great music programmes over the period…TG4 once again leading the way…. Don Coutts film “Come all you Dreamers” is being screened again this coming Sunday
“Come all You Dreamers
Hear the sound of The Barrows Humming
Come all You Dreamers
To Barrowland
hear Mags McIvor
and the sound of The Gay Birds singing
Come all you Dreamers
To Barrowland”
Myself and the late Wally Page wrote this song 15 years ago.It was requested by some Glasgow visitors to Vicar St last Tuesday.Lovely to hear some voices sing it in Dublin….In Glasgow it rings out as people express their love for that wonderful Glasgow venue….one of the great venues of the world….you can have Albert & Carnegie..I’ll take Barrowland any night of the week….The Hall was first opened by Mags McIvor in the 1890s…it was a tea room for the vendors who worked the market there…it was extended by Mags to a larger room where Socials and Dances took place…all this before the Ballroom was built…..The Gay Birds were the resident Band ther in the 1930s and 40s ( all dates are approximate..corrections welcomed )
“The Lassies of The Broomielaw
on their Cuban heels are dancin
here’s Our Lady ‘O The Clyde
and there goes Jinky Johnson
come to rock & roll at the Church of Céilí
to waltz beneath the carousel of healing
to jitterbug
and boogie the night away”
Hi C. Adam and I were both at that gig in Salford, we tore over for a 24 four trip, t was like a Who’s Who’s of Folk presented by Michael Harding, perhaps his last time hosting ? It was a great to see Kevin Littlewood being recognised and wonderful to see the Dubliners receiving an award. Imagine over 12 years next month !! Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Ewan MacColl grew up in Salford which inspired “Dirty Old Town”.
I remember a Saturday Night Folk Club there run by Des & Irene English. Des was a lovely singer. He used to sing a song about Brendan Behan.
“Word has come from Dublin City
to tell me poor Brendan is dead”
I never heard it since…know nothing about it…. I met Des through The Grehan Sisters from Boyle in County Roscommon…they were a mighty powerhouse trio who won the hearts of songsters everywhere they played…
Great song chatter adin’.. I’m reminded of Kevin Littlewood’s “On Morecambe May”. Came across this clip from 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, which I had not seen before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NySDO1epzAM
Christy's reply
never saw that before Kevin
twas a lovely night
great reminder
myself and Declan covered many miles together..always a joy to play with him
Barney McKenna got an award that night and gave an acceptance speech “as gaeilge”..that was pure class…Ralph McTell was There too…also Ian Cambell who got the Hall of Fame…he wrote “The Sun is Burning” and ‘The Old Man’s Song”..his family were predominant in the Folk Scene “over” in the 60s and 70’s…a powerful song writer.. I used to stay with his parents Dave & Winnie when I played their club in Digbeth
Just back from Ireland and my 5th CM concert in 40 years, (UCD,UCD,The Gaiety, The Point and now Vicar St). Hard to believe.
I don’t always agree with you Christy but I appreciate your passion and point of view and have to say was pleasantly surprised on the 29th when you spoke about the immigrant-Ireland for the Irish. Makes you wonder if a singer in Brazil will bring out a version of ‘don’t forget your shovel if you want to go to work (in Ireland).
Keep the faith.
Christy's reply
Thanks AJC
as I get older, I find that I dont always agree with myself
Hi Christy,
Today was a trip to Greenock for work, back now but the whirring box set gave me a peaceful listen on the road to an old favourite ‘Farewell to Pripchat ( pripyat)’.
It reminded me of what a lovely song it is, haunting in melody, memory and lyric.
Cheers
Rory
Christy's reply
I first heard that song sung by Tim Dennehy (who wrote it) in Tom Malone’s Pub in Miltown-Malbay, County Clare circa 1990..Tim has written and sings many fine songs…it was a lovely night, a perfect lock-in, topped off when Mrs Malone came out with a tray of fried mackerel and a basket of well buttered fresh bread..no michelin star required..twas bliss
Hello Christy,
Oh goody! Glad to hear Myra, Bill and their collective cabooses are limbering up. Its a fab song. I’ve a feeling the tune is on the cd that comes with the Beauty an Oileian book, if I’m remembering right? So it must have plenty of history to it.
16 Jolly ravers raving away too.
just to let you know..
sometimes I have an intention to sing a song but when the night starts I simply cannot find a way in….I wanted to sing 16 Fishermen and Merseyside last Tue night…I practiced and prepared but, as the gig emerged, I could not find a way to bring them…thats the way it is…if it feels right on the night I play them , if it dont I leave ’em out…first things first…I have one new song That I’ve been trying to gig since November..just cant get it in…but when the time is right, the time’ll be right
Hi Christy,
a very Happy New Year!
Sounds as if you and many songsters had a very good start with a great gig incuding some rare gems like Stardust on the set list! With the current inquests important to keep it alive!
I’m looking forward to the gig one on Sunday. This time I come over with my brother Thomas and his wife Christina from Langenfeld. Would be too great if you could sing Ordinary Man for them or Joxer (with another German’s daughter from the banks of the river Rhein present at Vicar St 😊 ).
All the best to you
Birgit
Christy's reply
welcome back Birgit..hope brother and wife have a good trip to Dublin
Hi Christy,
What a set list.
Good to see Missing You, Brown Eyes, Barrowlands
and Natives back in the hat.
40th anniversary of Ride On this year.
You must have known ye were recording something special.
Six from it still featuring strongly.
Great way to start the gigs with Chicago and Brigada.
Lot of feckin sleeps till the NCH In May
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
probably more than any recording before or since I have clear recall of recording the “Ride On” album….at the time I felt there was a bit of magic in the air, similar to the air in Prosperous , Co Kildare 14 years previously…I was ensconced in Muckross Co Kerry with Donal Lunny and Declan Sinnott…we had set up in a (modern) traditional cottage….I still recall what were magic moments for me….Donal & Declan were in top form…it was a special time in my recording experience….
and you are right about the number of tracks from that album that still survive..nor do I ever tire of playing them….6 tracks from the 1984 “Ride On” Album last Tue night in Vicar St and 3 tracks from 2022 album “Flying Into Mystery”
ps Looking back over that set list from last Tuesday,I’m nearly sure I sang “Lyra McKee” on Tue night..must check that up
pps yes..I did sing “Lyra McKee”… so there were 2 songs from the next album !!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! As I reflect on the past year it was such a pleasure to see yet another (!!!) of your two gigs in December at Vicar St and in Tullamore. It was such an honor to hear you play “Missing You” in Tullamore and I see it continues to make the set list, as with “Natives”! Beautiful! I look forward to another visit and more shows this year!
Thanks a million!
Here is to a great 2024 to you (and “yours”) Christy, Hilary, and all!
Christy's reply
Joe…your request caused me to revisit “Missing You”…Thanks for that…when I recorded that song in 1986 Elvis Costello sang with me…what a pair of lungs on that lad…sound man too
Happy New Year Christy, hope you are keeping well. Looking forward to the gig this coming Sunday. Any chance you would consider having a stab at the Good Ship Kangaroo?
Christy's reply
its been exactly 20 years since Gareth…
The Barbican Theatre London 2004…
The very last Planxty Gig…
cant guarantee it nor do I preclude the possibility of Bess Cronin’s old ballad being refloated
I had the enormous pleasure of seeing you at Vicar St for the 3rd time last night – what a gig. Great to hear so many people singing along, and everyone there mad for a show. Great repertoire including a few I’d not heard before – loved the line about Bertie and Charlie. I’d love if you could post the set list here if possible
Thank you,
Oscar
Christy's reply
1.City of Chicago
2.Quinte Brigada
3.Johnny Boy
4.Ride On
5.The Night we went to hear Bob Dylan
6.Lisdoonvarna
7.January Man
8.Lingo Politico
9.Natives
10.Snowflakes
11.Welcome to `the Cabaret
12.Come all You Dreamers (Barrowland)
13.Missing You
14.Ruby Walsh
15.Brown Eyes
16.Stardust ( they never came home)
17.McIlhatton
18.On The Mainland
19. Back Home In Derry
20.Beeswing
21.Ringing The Bell
22.DTs
23.Nancy Spain
24.Joxer in Stuttgart
25.The TIme Has Come
26. Voyage
ps…also sang “Lyra McKee” a new song from James Cramer
1hour 50 minutes
Oíche Mhaith
Christy! You are a star man altogether! You gave Andy and Nathalie a shout out last night, and helped them celebrate their wedding with you and a thousand or so others. Thanks a million, means a lot at this particular time.
Great Show last nicht at Vicar Street. Good to see a streng and humorous Christy in such a good shape. I will attend the next gig on sunday too, hopefully with the “Ordinary man” and maybe even with “Victor Jara”.
Hi Christy, just a quick note to say thank you for a fantastic show again tonight in vicar street and the shout out made it even extra special … have a great new year and hopefully we see you very soon .. safe travels , Tony and Fiona …
Christy's reply
I dont know how much longer this 58 year Fleadh is going to last … a lot of songs and music to remember ….many Bands, Duos and Trios spring to mind…. but something new has been happening of late….I wont even be trying to analyse it but, whatever it is ….I’m savouring every moment….the current gatherings are truly inspiring…..I dont have to work to gain the audience..they come to listen, you allow me the freedom to go wherever the night takes us
Hi christy,
We came from landlocked Hawick to the beach at Eyemouth. Naturally all pubs, eateries , hairdressers etc have nautical names.
Made me think of Wally Page’s great ’16 jolly ravers’. Am in the mood to eat a veggie fry off the back of a neck now.
Rory
Christy's reply
on the strength of this its back on the menu..been practicing it tonight…cant figure out why it disappeared off the set …..same with Prowsie’s Merseyside….they are both on the re-entry list…..Burning Times & Natives too…Myra’s Caboose straining for inclusion and a few new ones coming to the boil….
“they go down singin shanties
to the Dance floor all at sea”
Hi Christy
Tuesday night in Vicar Street was absolutely amazing! The setlist was perfect, every single one of our favourites were there but sure all of your tunes are loved and the new ones are favourites already. When the audience joined in, they sounded beautiful. Thank you for the call-out. It meant so much and thank you again for being part of this family’s so many special memories.
Mary (aka 4711er Valentine)
PS – Looking forward to hearing you chat with Joe and Dion.
Great to have Ye all in Vicar St the other night….thank you for your support and feedback …its always uplifting when different generations of a Family gather together to hear the songs…and to sing them……
Free State Podcast looms….Joe Sings…and talks occasionally
Howya Christy! Happy New Year to you and all the gang, hope things are well. I recently put pen to paper and wrote a song that I think you’ll like and I’d love to send it over to you to see what you make of it. I think it’s gas, but need a second opinion. Drop me a line at my email and I’ll send it over! Email is drogers@tcd.ie – ya, never know – you might get a right laugh out of it!
Raging I won’t get to see you in Vicar Street on Sunday – I’m heading back to work in Denmark, but I’ll catch you another time. Enjoy the gigs and thanks for all the tunes horse, Keep it Up!
Don
bang it up here Don
Hello Christy,
I think that the very best person to choose the songs for your gigs is you. I’m touched with the reply to my last comment and want you to know that whatever songs you choose to sing, they are cherished. If songs don’t turn up, there is a reason for that. It is enough.
Thankyou to Hilary for the link to the programme on Mary O’Hara!
I saw something about a play called Six Characters in search of an Author. It’s about what happens when six characters, whose story was unfinished try to get it performed.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Characters_in_Search_of_an_Author
It got me thinking about the relationship between people in songs and the singers that sing them. If a song is very old the only time they come alive may be when the song is sung. Hopefully they jump from the performance into the listeners’ minds, and live that way too.
Rebecca
“Green Grows The Lily O
right among The Bushes O”
Hi Christy, following your comment about the song about Brendan Behan – I wonder if this is it? https://kinglaoghaire.com/lyrics/lament-for-brendan-behan/
Hi All. In fairness there were some great music programmes in Irish TV over the Christmas. This may be on interest to Rebecca or to anyone with an interest in the River of Sound, Bob Dylan and the Clancys are referenced also. I believe Mary is still living out in Aran https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/home/?pid=5708044393001&title=Mary%20O%27Hara%20&series=Mary%20O%27Hara%20&genre=Faisneis&pcode=479583 Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Yes indeed…we’ve been treated to many great music programmes over the period…TG4 once again leading the way…. Don Coutts film “Come all you Dreamers” is being screened again this coming Sunday
“Come all You Dreamers
Hear the sound of The Barrows Humming
Come all You Dreamers
To Barrowland
hear Mags McIvor
and the sound of The Gay Birds singing
Come all you Dreamers
To Barrowland”
Myself and the late Wally Page wrote this song 15 years ago.It was requested by some Glasgow visitors to Vicar St last Tuesday.Lovely to hear some voices sing it in Dublin….In Glasgow it rings out as people express their love for that wonderful Glasgow venue….one of the great venues of the world….you can have Albert & Carnegie..I’ll take Barrowland any night of the week….The Hall was first opened by Mags McIvor in the 1890s…it was a tea room for the vendors who worked the market there…it was extended by Mags to a larger room where Socials and Dances took place…all this before the Ballroom was built…..The Gay Birds were the resident Band ther in the 1930s and 40s ( all dates are approximate..corrections welcomed )
“The Lassies of The Broomielaw
on their Cuban heels are dancin
here’s Our Lady ‘O The Clyde
and there goes Jinky Johnson
come to rock & roll at the Church of Céilí
to waltz beneath the carousel of healing
to jitterbug
and boogie the night away”
Hi C. Adam and I were both at that gig in Salford, we tore over for a 24 four trip, t was like a Who’s Who’s of Folk presented by Michael Harding, perhaps his last time hosting ? It was a great to see Kevin Littlewood being recognised and wonderful to see the Dubliners receiving an award. Imagine over 12 years next month !! Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Ewan MacColl grew up in Salford which inspired “Dirty Old Town”.
I remember a Saturday Night Folk Club there run by Des & Irene English. Des was a lovely singer. He used to sing a song about Brendan Behan.
“Word has come from Dublin City
to tell me poor Brendan is dead”
I never heard it since…know nothing about it…. I met Des through The Grehan Sisters from Boyle in County Roscommon…they were a mighty powerhouse trio who won the hearts of songsters everywhere they played…
Great song chatter adin’.. I’m reminded of Kevin Littlewood’s “On Morecambe May”. Came across this clip from 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, which I had not seen before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NySDO1epzAM
never saw that before Kevin
twas a lovely night
great reminder
myself and Declan covered many miles together..always a joy to play with him
Barney McKenna got an award that night and gave an acceptance speech “as gaeilge”..that was pure class…Ralph McTell was There too…also Ian Cambell who got the Hall of Fame…he wrote “The Sun is Burning” and ‘The Old Man’s Song”..his family were predominant in the Folk Scene “over” in the 60s and 70’s…a powerful song writer.. I used to stay with his parents Dave & Winnie when I played their club in Digbeth
Just back from Ireland and my 5th CM concert in 40 years, (UCD,UCD,The Gaiety, The Point and now Vicar St). Hard to believe.
I don’t always agree with you Christy but I appreciate your passion and point of view and have to say was pleasantly surprised on the 29th when you spoke about the immigrant-Ireland for the Irish. Makes you wonder if a singer in Brazil will bring out a version of ‘don’t forget your shovel if you want to go to work (in Ireland).
Keep the faith.
Thanks AJC
as I get older, I find that I dont always agree with myself
5 gigs in 40 years…thats solid AJ, fair play, keep coming back..
I’ve already heard a man from Brazil sing that song here .. and he’s workin all the hours he can get…..likes it here too….I dont blame him
Hi Christy,
Today was a trip to Greenock for work, back now but the whirring box set gave me a peaceful listen on the road to an old favourite ‘Farewell to Pripchat ( pripyat)’.
It reminded me of what a lovely song it is, haunting in melody, memory and lyric.
Cheers
Rory
I first heard that song sung by Tim Dennehy (who wrote it) in Tom Malone’s Pub in Miltown-Malbay, County Clare circa 1990..Tim has written and sings many fine songs…it was a lovely night, a perfect lock-in, topped off when Mrs Malone came out with a tray of fried mackerel and a basket of well buttered fresh bread..no michelin star required..twas bliss
Hello Christy,
Oh goody! Glad to hear Myra, Bill and their collective cabooses are limbering up. Its a fab song. I’ve a feeling the tune is on the cd that comes with the Beauty an Oileian book, if I’m remembering right? So it must have plenty of history to it.
16 Jolly ravers raving away too.
A Secret Stream Volume 2 Songbook is out and winging it’s papery way here.
It’s full of unpublished English folk songs!
https://www.grannysattic.org.uk/product/a-secret-stream-volume-2-songbook/
Rebecca
just to let you know..
sometimes I have an intention to sing a song but when the night starts I simply cannot find a way in….I wanted to sing 16 Fishermen and Merseyside last Tue night…I practiced and prepared but, as the gig emerged, I could not find a way to bring them…thats the way it is…if it feels right on the night I play them , if it dont I leave ’em out…first things first…I have one new song That I’ve been trying to gig since November..just cant get it in…but when the time is right, the time’ll be right
Hi Christy,
a very Happy New Year!
Sounds as if you and many songsters had a very good start with a great gig incuding some rare gems like Stardust on the set list! With the current inquests important to keep it alive!
I’m looking forward to the gig one on Sunday. This time I come over with my brother Thomas and his wife Christina from Langenfeld. Would be too great if you could sing Ordinary Man for them or Joxer (with another German’s daughter from the banks of the river Rhein present at Vicar St 😊 ).
All the best to you
Birgit
welcome back Birgit..hope brother and wife have a good trip to Dublin
Hi Christy,
What a set list.
Good to see Missing You, Brown Eyes, Barrowlands
and Natives back in the hat.
40th anniversary of Ride On this year.
You must have known ye were recording something special.
Six from it still featuring strongly.
Great way to start the gigs with Chicago and Brigada.
Lot of feckin sleeps till the NCH In May
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
probably more than any recording before or since I have clear recall of recording the “Ride On” album….at the time I felt there was a bit of magic in the air, similar to the air in Prosperous , Co Kildare 14 years previously…I was ensconced in Muckross Co Kerry with Donal Lunny and Declan Sinnott…we had set up in a (modern) traditional cottage….I still recall what were magic moments for me….Donal & Declan were in top form…it was a special time in my recording experience….
and you are right about the number of tracks from that album that still survive..nor do I ever tire of playing them….6 tracks from the 1984 “Ride On” Album last Tue night in Vicar St and 3 tracks from 2022 album “Flying Into Mystery”
ps Looking back over that set list from last Tuesday,I’m nearly sure I sang “Lyra McKee” on Tue night..must check that up
pps yes..I did sing “Lyra McKee”… so there were 2 songs from the next album !!
Christy,
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! As I reflect on the past year it was such a pleasure to see yet another (!!!) of your two gigs in December at Vicar St and in Tullamore. It was such an honor to hear you play “Missing You” in Tullamore and I see it continues to make the set list, as with “Natives”! Beautiful! I look forward to another visit and more shows this year!
Thanks a million!
Here is to a great 2024 to you (and “yours”) Christy, Hilary, and all!
Joe…your request caused me to revisit “Missing You”…Thanks for that…when I recorded that song in 1986 Elvis Costello sang with me…what a pair of lungs on that lad…sound man too
Happy New Year Christy, hope you are keeping well. Looking forward to the gig this coming Sunday. Any chance you would consider having a stab at the Good Ship Kangaroo?
its been exactly 20 years since Gareth…
The Barbican Theatre London 2004…
The very last Planxty Gig…
cant guarantee it nor do I preclude the possibility of Bess Cronin’s old ballad being refloated
Happy 2024 to all you songsters out there
Ship Ahoy !
Dia dhuit Christy,
I had the enormous pleasure of seeing you at Vicar St for the 3rd time last night – what a gig. Great to hear so many people singing along, and everyone there mad for a show. Great repertoire including a few I’d not heard before – loved the line about Bertie and Charlie. I’d love if you could post the set list here if possible
Thank you,
Oscar
1.City of Chicago
2.Quinte Brigada
3.Johnny Boy
4.Ride On
5.The Night we went to hear Bob Dylan
6.Lisdoonvarna
7.January Man
8.Lingo Politico
9.Natives
10.Snowflakes
11.Welcome to `the Cabaret
12.Come all You Dreamers (Barrowland)
13.Missing You
14.Ruby Walsh
15.Brown Eyes
16.Stardust ( they never came home)
17.McIlhatton
18.On The Mainland
19. Back Home In Derry
20.Beeswing
21.Ringing The Bell
22.DTs
23.Nancy Spain
24.Joxer in Stuttgart
25.The TIme Has Come
26. Voyage
ps…also sang “Lyra McKee” a new song from James Cramer
1hour 50 minutes
Oíche Mhaith
Christy! You are a star man altogether! You gave Andy and Nathalie a shout out last night, and helped them celebrate their wedding with you and a thousand or so others. Thanks a million, means a lot at this particular time.
anything to aid the bliss
Hello Christy,
Good morning! I hope your work is going well.
Rebecca
still mixin the mortar here
Great Show last nicht at Vicar Street. Good to see a streng and humorous Christy in such a good shape. I will attend the next gig on sunday too, hopefully with the “Ordinary man” and maybe even with “Victor Jara”.
Noted Mow
Hi Christy, just a quick note to say thank you for a fantastic show again tonight in vicar street and the shout out made it even extra special … have a great new year and hopefully we see you very soon .. safe travels , Tony and Fiona …
I dont know how much longer this 58 year Fleadh is going to last … a lot of songs and music to remember ….many Bands, Duos and Trios spring to mind…. but something new has been happening of late….I wont even be trying to analyse it but, whatever it is ….I’m savouring every moment….the current gatherings are truly inspiring…..I dont have to work to gain the audience..they come to listen, you allow me the freedom to go wherever the night takes us
Hi christy,
We came from landlocked Hawick to the beach at Eyemouth. Naturally all pubs, eateries , hairdressers etc have nautical names.
Made me think of Wally Page’s great ’16 jolly ravers’. Am in the mood to eat a veggie fry off the back of a neck now.
Rory
on the strength of this its back on the menu..been practicing it tonight…cant figure out why it disappeared off the set …..same with Prowsie’s Merseyside….they are both on the re-entry list…..Burning Times & Natives too…Myra’s Caboose straining for inclusion and a few new ones coming to the boil….
“they go down singin shanties
to the Dance floor all at sea”