Morning Christy
A warming start to the day via ‘Cold Blow and the Rainy Night’
A great mix of Planxty songs and tunes,with Johnny Moynihan in the gang and ace production by Phil Coulter…Fascinating to hear the title song and compare it to Steeleye/Carthy versions…always interesting as trad songs evolve and shape shift.
Finishing up in Canada now,always a treat to listen to such a great outfit.
Have a good day
Dave
Christy's reply
P. stands for Paddy I suppose…
J. for my love John
Big screens…fair play…a first for Mullingar! The town played a part in my day as well.Escaping from an icey wind,browsing magazines,I spotted Dolores Keane on the cover of ‘Ireland’s Eye’…not seen one for awhile and I’m glad I found this edition. Numerous interesting articles,including a Ewan MacColl/ Dirty Old Town background piece.
The interview with Dolores Keane is honest and poignant.A great read…reminding me,once again,what a superb voice we’re blessed to hear.
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
I must keep an eye out for that edition…between Ireland’s Eye, Uncut, Rock ‘n Reel,The Phoenix,The Field, Private Eye, The Leinster Leader, The Far East & The Messenger I’ve not got a minute to myself…..
I am standing on the threshold of another trembling world. May God have mercy on my soul.
On this day in history.
A poet , a singwriter and a writer began his final journey.
Rory
Christy's reply
He was a poet and a soldier
He died courageously
We gave him 30,000 votes
He was the Peoples own MP…..(from a song by Bruce Scott)
There is no denying Mullingar was hopping again and why not ? CM twice in a week !! There was a gloriously happy vibe in the room, having CM centre stage and then 2 giant screens on either side of the stage certainly added to the gig. The images were very sharp and the Album cover looked magnificent !! We have a lot to be grateful.for, as this tour rolls on in all its splendour. GRMMA Beir bua agus beannacht.H
Christy's reply
there I was last night about to segue into Bright Blue Rose when thon Glasgow youth steered me away to Come all Dreamers…
hope everyone got home safe before the snow descended…the Weather Forecast Team must have been on the sherry for the last few days…
Hello Christy,
Big screens? That sounds fun! I’m imagining cameras like the ones used for your gig in the National Concert Hall during lockdown? It worked beautifully then. Trouble is, I’ve already extended it in my head. Any chance of broadcasting a gig on the Web? Pretty please! Missing the gigs here and there must be lots of us feeling the same.
I got to reading some Paula Meehan yesterday, after she was mentioned here, thanks Matty. The one written from the point of view of a statue in a shrine made me cry. The bit about the young girl, in particular. There’s a book on its way here.
I’m also enjoying hoe Joni Mitchell settled on her low notes in the late 60s.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
broadcasting on the web is outside my department…I will forward your query to the relevant department….they have been uncontactable in recent months…they are partial to the sauce ..last I heard they were still at the Christmas party and were falling around Copper Jacks in a most unsightly fashion…I’d sack the lot of them if I had my way but HR tell me that they are copperfastened by contract and I could end up in the European Court if I try to jettison the feckin gougers…
Paula Meehan is our Ireland Professor of Poetry…a solid native of Old Dublin….Paula is heart of the rowl,…. rare auld stock….beautiful to read
Christy,
Agree, Mullingar is one of the highlights, ….. but it takes 2 to Tango, there’s a warm embrace for you and the Songs.
The Screens are a wonderful addition, and being operated remotely avoids any sense of intrusion on you or the audience. Some of the up close shots of your Guitar added a whole new dimension, and of course yourself . …. Just one thing, can’t be having any Blotches on your make up as it will show up on the Big Screen 😂.
Christy's reply
I could not see the screens but I sensed that they were having a positive effect upon the gig….great to hear about the close ups..it was the operators first time to see the gig..from what I hear they did a good job..
I have hired a make up consultatnt to insure that close up facials do not reveal blotches, quadruple chins, inappropiate hairs peeping out of nostrils and earholes..if only such rebel hairs could be redirected upwards….seriously contemplating an Elton /Wayne hair transplant…. but even thinking about it gives me an awful pain in my arse
Yes, we get a ticket, sat in 2nd Row and stayed in the Hotel.
Thanks for that great Night. You are unbelievable.
When i looked out of the Window this morning, first Thing do to whas,to hear Easter Snow.
All the best for you.
Christy's reply
it seems to be melting back into the clay…the birds are starting to sings
Hi Christy,
Another high energy brilliant Gig in The Park. That room really has something special about it, when it is filled with fans like tonight. People there from around the World.The big screens were a surprise innovation…. I was just thinking how would Marty’s tan look on them. Fair play to you, as you performed as if they were not there.
Until the next time, sincere thanks.
Ride on,
Patsy
Christy's reply
Mullingar has always welcomed travelling troubadours….across the decades I’ve played many nooks and crannies around the town ….ballad lounges, halls great and small,Fleadh Ceoils and various function rooms….since The Park Hotel opened its doors 20 years ago that great room has been the scene of manys the crackin gig, …last night the Westmeath warblers raised the roof once again…the chandeliers shook betimes but utter silence reigned for certain songs…we decided to try the screens out last night..its a big room , I felt that distant listeners needed better visible access to the baldy auld fella on the stage….from my perspective, I felt the screens were a success,…… any feedback ?
Hi Christy
our tribute to Rosa Luxemburg, Feathers for Rosa is opening next week at the New Theatre, Dublin, on her birthday, 5th March it runs for 3 nights and admission is free. Music, performance, a painting exhibition,poetry and film celebrate the legacy of this remarkable woman…Very best wishes, Nollaig
Happy to be back in Ireland and get the chance to see you tonight.
Not easy to get a Ticket 🙂
All the best to you ans all around you.
Carsten from Germany
We’ve often riffed about the power and legacy of Woody Guthrie’s music.Recently,I’ve been reading about his time with Pete Seeger etc al in ‘The Almanac Singers’.
80 plus years on,their music resonates (esp in current right wing times) and their repoertoire is a rich source for many cover versions.
Lots of online info about the Woody era. For wider reading/in depth study etc, the US Smithsonian files take some beating. A member of The Almanac Singers was Sis Cunningham. I knew nothing about her,but am enlightened via an excellent profile at http://www.folkways.si
Broadside magazine archives always worth visiting as well…so much great history and layers of song…doing it’s best to keep our spirits high in troubled times.
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
I still recall hearing “Sacco & Vanzetti” in Finsbury Park back in 1967….later on heard “The Ludlow Massacre”, “The 1913 massacre”, “Pretty Boy Floyd” and Dylan’s “Tribute to Woody”…. I heard Tony Small, Ralph McTell and Owen Hand singing Woody songs…. around the same time I heard Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger…all these Folksingers cast new influences across me….and on it goes…listening,hearing, observing, learning, sharing…..and inevitably…
Evening Christy,
I’m giving Tom Robinson a listen as I type this, I won’t make it to lisdoonvarna for him but he’s a fine singer from just a quick listen I gave him.
We’re covering Paula Meehan in the school at the minute, powerful poet, the poetry is interesting to me recently, covering Heaney and Ní Chuilleanáin also, you’d take pride in the literature of our land wouldnt you? While mentioning the poets, I stumbled across a songwriter, Tipperary man I believe , if you wanted to give a listen to this man I’ll leave the link aside here.
As always hope you’re keeping well and I’ll look forward to a summer of strumming after the leaving cert, all the best.
Matty
Very happy to read that Paula Meehan is on the Leaving Cert syllabus..60 years ago the Poetry syllabus was almost entirely anglo. ….I’ve had the good fortune to befriend Paula over the years..she is a remarkable woman…I covered a writing of Paula’s a few years back …. an album called Folktale in 2011
Interesting news about an Irish Studies conference to be held at Manchester’s Irish World Heritage Centre on 9/3/24…diverse topics,book stall and music…full info at http://www.mieg.co.uk
From time to time,I’ve rambled here about a variety of second hand albums acquired. Another gem today,’The Fire Aflame’ featuring Matt Molloy,Sean Keane and Liam Og…beautiful sounds and added to my growing pile of recordings featuring Liam…always a buzz to find a new one.
Most of my finds are at Vinyl Exchange in the Northern Quarter. For years I’ve wandered in and often swapped music yarns with Rae,the manager. In case he/the shop is familiar to any readers here,there’s very sad news that he recently passed away. Suddenly and on his 64th birthday…tragic loss- such a great bloke…
All the best and bon voyage for gig travels
Dave
.
Christy's reply
Sad to lose such a friend….those who cherish, gather and share old vinyl are usually worth meeting…always a pleasure to loiter among their racks
Hello Christy,
Did a bit more recording for Martin Leahy this afternoon. I’m hoping that sometime I’m going to start feeling comfortable whispering in a mic in my kitchen, without a harp protecting me…
Picked up a couple of LPs from oxfam online.
The lark in the clear air
It’s all played on instruments you can fit in your pocket
Micho Russell, music from Clare
“Micho Russell, Dr Bill, Willie Clancey and Noel Hill…”
Looking forward to giving them a whirl later.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
Good luck with that…..I recorded with Martin a few years back…a sound man
Hi Christy, busy working on our setlists for this years St Patrick’s celebrations.
We have 2 gigs over that weekend. Really looking forward to paying tribute to you on St Patrick’s Day itself.
Apart from the big favourites such as Ride On and Lisdoonvarna, etc there’s one song that is always in our set without fail and that is The Two Conneeleys.
Hope to see you again soon,
More Christy (Tribute Duo)
Also known as the man with the Christy tattoo !
All the very best to you, hope you’re well, take care
Hi Christy, just a note for tell you about the impact you’re having on our wee ones! We brought our kids (8 and 5) to see you back in November and they had (as did we) the best time. Our 5 year old has declared it one of the greatest days of his life getting to hear you sing his favourite songs (Black is the Colour and Beeswing) and you being so kind to give him the set list before the encore was something none of us will ever forget. It’s framed in his room alongside other memorabilia from you. And he sleeps in his CM tour t-shirt!
He doesn’t know yet but for his 6th birthday on 9 March we’re giving him tickets to see you again in the Killashee on March 27! We cannot wait to see his face on his birthday morning, and see you again then. A trip home is always lovely but this one will be even better!
All the best from our family to yours, and see you on the 27th!
Hi folks,
I saw you briefly at Kilkenny recently Hilary, a great gig, looking forward to many more.
Not sure my interest in passports has been piqued but would love to see Christy’s passports being flashed at a watchtower overlooking Newry on his way to the stranraer ferry for a gig at the easy place down gallowgate with a set list only of rebel songs , scots anthems and traveller music ….and then i woke up.
I’d maybe even give up my plea for the barras in exchange for an intimate gig in the Seamus Heaney Homeplace after a dash across the border near aughnacloy, or via groarty road into the brandywell stand.
Rory
Christy's reply
I’ve heard great reports about The Seamus Heaney Centre….people travel from distant places to celebrate the life and work of the great man….
If I ever get the chance to sing again in Bellaghy my loyalty must be with the GAA Hall…I had two great concerts there in the 1980’s…stayed with the finest of people…
with regard to Mags McIvor’s…should I ever get to play foreign again, my first stop will be Gallogate
“Come All You Dreamers”
Christy it’s only 6 weeks to go till the Grand National, just wondering how the diet is going, you need to lay off the rasher and fried egg sandwiches if you’r going to make your starting weight. Ride On, John
Christy's reply
currently sleeping in a sauna….I’ve not eaten for a week… my jocks continually around my ankles…I’m gonna get a ride at Aintree this year even if it kills me….I’m dreaming of Workman, Mr What and Foinavon
Hello Christy,
Here’s something following on from Dave’s recent post
https://folkways.si.edu/the-best-of-broadside-1962-1988-anthems-of-the-american-underground-from-the-pages-of-broadside-magazine/folk/music/album/smithsonian
The Paula Meehan book Solace of Artemis has arrived and I’ve found myself deep diving into it. One about music. I’ll see if I can find it.
Rebecca
come gather round me people and a story I will tell
Morning Christy
A warming start to the day via ‘Cold Blow and the Rainy Night’
A great mix of Planxty songs and tunes,with Johnny Moynihan in the gang and ace production by Phil Coulter…Fascinating to hear the title song and compare it to Steeleye/Carthy versions…always interesting as trad songs evolve and shape shift.
Finishing up in Canada now,always a treat to listen to such a great outfit.
Have a good day
Dave
P. stands for Paddy I suppose…
J. for my love John
Hello Christy,
Tom Robinson was so happy to read your kind words. Hope this Facebook link works https://www.facebook.com/share/cLRHXQKJbXY4tZdq/?mibextid=WC7FNe
All the best,
Anne
come all you Clare songsters and flock to hear this great singer
Hi Christy
Big screens…fair play…a first for Mullingar! The town played a part in my day as well.Escaping from an icey wind,browsing magazines,I spotted Dolores Keane on the cover of ‘Ireland’s Eye’…not seen one for awhile and I’m glad I found this edition. Numerous interesting articles,including a Ewan MacColl/ Dirty Old Town background piece.
The interview with Dolores Keane is honest and poignant.A great read…reminding me,once again,what a superb voice we’re blessed to hear.
All the best
Dave
I must keep an eye out for that edition…between Ireland’s Eye, Uncut, Rock ‘n Reel,The Phoenix,The Field, Private Eye, The Leinster Leader, The Far East & The Messenger I’ve not got a minute to myself…..
I am standing on the threshold of another trembling world. May God have mercy on my soul.
On this day in history.
A poet , a singwriter and a writer began his final journey.
Rory
He was a poet and a soldier
He died courageously
We gave him 30,000 votes
He was the Peoples own MP…..(from a song by Bruce Scott)
There is no denying Mullingar was hopping again and why not ? CM twice in a week !! There was a gloriously happy vibe in the room, having CM centre stage and then 2 giant screens on either side of the stage certainly added to the gig. The images were very sharp and the Album cover looked magnificent !! We have a lot to be grateful.for, as this tour rolls on in all its splendour. GRMMA Beir bua agus beannacht.H
there I was last night about to segue into Bright Blue Rose when thon Glasgow youth steered me away to Come all Dreamers…
hope everyone got home safe before the snow descended…the Weather Forecast Team must have been on the sherry for the last few days…
Hello Christy,
Big screens? That sounds fun! I’m imagining cameras like the ones used for your gig in the National Concert Hall during lockdown? It worked beautifully then. Trouble is, I’ve already extended it in my head. Any chance of broadcasting a gig on the Web? Pretty please! Missing the gigs here and there must be lots of us feeling the same.
I got to reading some Paula Meehan yesterday, after she was mentioned here, thanks Matty. The one written from the point of view of a statue in a shrine made me cry. The bit about the young girl, in particular. There’s a book on its way here.
I’m also enjoying hoe Joni Mitchell settled on her low notes in the late 60s.
Rebecca
broadcasting on the web is outside my department…I will forward your query to the relevant department….they have been uncontactable in recent months…they are partial to the sauce ..last I heard they were still at the Christmas party and were falling around Copper Jacks in a most unsightly fashion…I’d sack the lot of them if I had my way but HR tell me that they are copperfastened by contract and I could end up in the European Court if I try to jettison the feckin gougers…
Paula Meehan is our Ireland Professor of Poetry…a solid native of Old Dublin….Paula is heart of the rowl,…. rare auld stock….beautiful to read
Christy,
Agree, Mullingar is one of the highlights, ….. but it takes 2 to Tango, there’s a warm embrace for you and the Songs.
The Screens are a wonderful addition, and being operated remotely avoids any sense of intrusion on you or the audience. Some of the up close shots of your Guitar added a whole new dimension, and of course yourself . …. Just one thing, can’t be having any Blotches on your make up as it will show up on the Big Screen 😂.
I could not see the screens but I sensed that they were having a positive effect upon the gig….great to hear about the close ups..it was the operators first time to see the gig..from what I hear they did a good job..
I have hired a make up consultatnt to insure that close up facials do not reveal blotches, quadruple chins, inappropiate hairs peeping out of nostrils and earholes..if only such rebel hairs could be redirected upwards….seriously contemplating an Elton /Wayne hair transplant…. but even thinking about it gives me an awful pain in my arse
Yes, we get a ticket, sat in 2nd Row and stayed in the Hotel.
Thanks for that great Night. You are unbelievable.
When i looked out of the Window this morning, first Thing do to whas,to hear Easter Snow.
All the best for you.
it seems to be melting back into the clay…the birds are starting to sings
Hi Christy,
Another high energy brilliant Gig in The Park. That room really has something special about it, when it is filled with fans like tonight. People there from around the World.The big screens were a surprise innovation…. I was just thinking how would Marty’s tan look on them. Fair play to you, as you performed as if they were not there.
Until the next time, sincere thanks.
Ride on,
Patsy
Mullingar has always welcomed travelling troubadours….across the decades I’ve played many nooks and crannies around the town ….ballad lounges, halls great and small,Fleadh Ceoils and various function rooms….since The Park Hotel opened its doors 20 years ago that great room has been the scene of manys the crackin gig, …last night the Westmeath warblers raised the roof once again…the chandeliers shook betimes but utter silence reigned for certain songs…we decided to try the screens out last night..its a big room , I felt that distant listeners needed better visible access to the baldy auld fella on the stage….from my perspective, I felt the screens were a success,…… any feedback ?
Hi Christy
our tribute to Rosa Luxemburg, Feathers for Rosa is opening next week at the New Theatre, Dublin, on her birthday, 5th March it runs for 3 nights and admission is free. Music, performance, a painting exhibition,poetry and film celebrate the legacy of this remarkable woman…Very best wishes, Nollaig
Thank you Nollaig…
Happy to be back in Ireland and get the chance to see you tonight.
Not easy to get a Ticket 🙂
All the best to you ans all around you.
Carsten from Germany
Hope you got a ticket
Hi Christy
We’ve often riffed about the power and legacy of Woody Guthrie’s music.Recently,I’ve been reading about his time with Pete Seeger etc al in ‘The Almanac Singers’.
80 plus years on,their music resonates (esp in current right wing times) and their repoertoire is a rich source for many cover versions.
Lots of online info about the Woody era. For wider reading/in depth study etc, the US Smithsonian files take some beating. A member of The Almanac Singers was Sis Cunningham. I knew nothing about her,but am enlightened via an excellent profile at http://www.folkways.si
Broadside magazine archives always worth visiting as well…so much great history and layers of song…doing it’s best to keep our spirits high in troubled times.
All the best
Dave
I still recall hearing “Sacco & Vanzetti” in Finsbury Park back in 1967….later on heard “The Ludlow Massacre”, “The 1913 massacre”, “Pretty Boy Floyd” and Dylan’s “Tribute to Woody”…. I heard Tony Small, Ralph McTell and Owen Hand singing Woody songs…. around the same time I heard Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger…all these Folksingers cast new influences across me….and on it goes…listening,hearing, observing, learning, sharing…..and inevitably…
Evening Christy,
I’m giving Tom Robinson a listen as I type this, I won’t make it to lisdoonvarna for him but he’s a fine singer from just a quick listen I gave him.
We’re covering Paula Meehan in the school at the minute, powerful poet, the poetry is interesting to me recently, covering Heaney and Ní Chuilleanáin also, you’d take pride in the literature of our land wouldnt you? While mentioning the poets, I stumbled across a songwriter, Tipperary man I believe , if you wanted to give a listen to this man I’ll leave the link aside here.
As always hope you’re keeping well and I’ll look forward to a summer of strumming after the leaving cert, all the best.
Matty
Paddy Fitzpatrick:
https://youtu.be/r9W60UeEOVk?si=GT1_9kJQLf7ERD7R
Very happy to read that Paula Meehan is on the Leaving Cert syllabus..60 years ago the Poetry syllabus was almost entirely anglo. ….I’ve had the good fortune to befriend Paula over the years..she is a remarkable woman…I covered a writing of Paula’s a few years back …. an album called Folktale in 2011
Hi Christy
Interesting news about an Irish Studies conference to be held at Manchester’s Irish World Heritage Centre on 9/3/24…diverse topics,book stall and music…full info at http://www.mieg.co.uk
From time to time,I’ve rambled here about a variety of second hand albums acquired. Another gem today,’The Fire Aflame’ featuring Matt Molloy,Sean Keane and Liam Og…beautiful sounds and added to my growing pile of recordings featuring Liam…always a buzz to find a new one.
Most of my finds are at Vinyl Exchange in the Northern Quarter. For years I’ve wandered in and often swapped music yarns with Rae,the manager. In case he/the shop is familiar to any readers here,there’s very sad news that he recently passed away. Suddenly and on his 64th birthday…tragic loss- such a great bloke…
All the best and bon voyage for gig travels
Dave
.
Sad to lose such a friend….those who cherish, gather and share old vinyl are usually worth meeting…always a pleasure to loiter among their racks
Hello Christy,
Did a bit more recording for Martin Leahy this afternoon. I’m hoping that sometime I’m going to start feeling comfortable whispering in a mic in my kitchen, without a harp protecting me…
Picked up a couple of LPs from oxfam online.
The lark in the clear air
It’s all played on instruments you can fit in your pocket
Micho Russell, music from Clare
“Micho Russell, Dr Bill, Willie Clancey and Noel Hill…”
Looking forward to giving them a whirl later.
Rebecca
Good luck with that…..I recorded with Martin a few years back…a sound man
Hi Christy, busy working on our setlists for this years St Patrick’s celebrations.
We have 2 gigs over that weekend. Really looking forward to paying tribute to you on St Patrick’s Day itself.
Apart from the big favourites such as Ride On and Lisdoonvarna, etc there’s one song that is always in our set without fail and that is The Two Conneeleys.
Hope to see you again soon,
More Christy (Tribute Duo)
Also known as the man with the Christy tattoo !
All the very best to you, hope you’re well, take care
Give it a good lash
Hi Christy, just a note for tell you about the impact you’re having on our wee ones! We brought our kids (8 and 5) to see you back in November and they had (as did we) the best time. Our 5 year old has declared it one of the greatest days of his life getting to hear you sing his favourite songs (Black is the Colour and Beeswing) and you being so kind to give him the set list before the encore was something none of us will ever forget. It’s framed in his room alongside other memorabilia from you. And he sleeps in his CM tour t-shirt!
He doesn’t know yet but for his 6th birthday on 9 March we’re giving him tickets to see you again in the Killashee on March 27! We cannot wait to see his face on his birthday morning, and see you again then. A trip home is always lovely but this one will be even better!
All the best from our family to yours, and see you on the 27th!
remind me of your Kids names
Hi folks,
I saw you briefly at Kilkenny recently Hilary, a great gig, looking forward to many more.
Not sure my interest in passports has been piqued but would love to see Christy’s passports being flashed at a watchtower overlooking Newry on his way to the stranraer ferry for a gig at the easy place down gallowgate with a set list only of rebel songs , scots anthems and traveller music ….and then i woke up.
I’d maybe even give up my plea for the barras in exchange for an intimate gig in the Seamus Heaney Homeplace after a dash across the border near aughnacloy, or via groarty road into the brandywell stand.
Rory
I’ve heard great reports about The Seamus Heaney Centre….people travel from distant places to celebrate the life and work of the great man….
If I ever get the chance to sing again in Bellaghy my loyalty must be with the GAA Hall…I had two great concerts there in the 1980’s…stayed with the finest of people…
with regard to Mags McIvor’s…should I ever get to play foreign again, my first stop will be Gallogate
“Come All You Dreamers”
Christy it’s only 6 weeks to go till the Grand National, just wondering how the diet is going, you need to lay off the rasher and fried egg sandwiches if you’r going to make your starting weight. Ride On, John
currently sleeping in a sauna….I’ve not eaten for a week… my jocks continually around my ankles…I’m gonna get a ride at Aintree this year even if it kills me….I’m dreaming of Workman, Mr What and Foinavon