Hey Christy, really appreciate the signed snap, a million thanks ! Your show in Kilkenny, back in November, was awesome. Hope to do it again. Stay well !
Thanks to Lar and Rory for the pointers to Aoife Scott…now on the seeking out list for later.
I have a CD on repeat at present…Lisa Knapp’s a sorbing ‘Hidden Seam’ from 2013…Gerry Diver plays a huge part in adding music textures,production etc…so,top stuff there.
Alasdair Roberts guests on Hunt the Hare…his singing and guitar fit right in. I’ve been drawn to alot of his solo work and collaborations…
John…enjoy your theatre trip. I hope I’ve not oversold the play and Nishla Smith’s singing. Several reviews didn’t mention her,but one described her voice drifting across the stage like smoke …I reckon that’s spot on…
Have a good day all
Dave
Christy's reply
re your previous post on Paddy Moloney, great to see Liam óg and Paddy playing together on Rebecca’s link the other day https://youtu.be/6IuSEUrt63M?si=2UVZC7Dhnj4sQMGk
I recorded once with Paddy when both himself and Liam Óg duetted on the outro of “Bright Blue Rose” on 1989 album “Voyage”
a very special studio moment for me
I was driving along the strand road on my way back from me radio show, and turned over to hear Aoife Scott play the beautiful Easter Snow. Thankfully no traffic to hear me singing away.
Was in Birmingham last weekend, my sister Marian has been there over 50 years, married on the Isle of Man, and we celebrated her 70th birthday last week…a great gathering. Wondered on way through some of the places what it was like there for you touring early on…any memories of Brum….more canals than Venice… avoid the tour…missed Naas by a nose…hope to catch a gig soon…Easter greetings to you and all around you..L x
Howya Christy,
It has been a minute since I’ve been on the website.
My Seamus Heaney essay did me well and I gathered a H4 in English. I might show some support for Meehan after learning her greater significance from this group here in the real exam.
I’m close to perfecting Fairytale of New York, your acoustic version of course, I find the riff from C to G challenging but I’m getting there.
Besides myself, I wish you a happy Easter and I would like to acknowledge your continued performances around the country, I hope to see you again some day.
All the best!
-Matty
Hello Christy,
Just sitting here drinking coffee and thinking about a spot of practice.
My fingertips are starting to harden up so I can play for more than two mi uses at a time. Harp calloused are in a different place to mandolin ones. I’d no idea!
3 chords are down, not much fluency yet, its been a week. I’m wondering what the instrument sounds like. Might take a quick recording if I can screw up enough courage. Ist time hearing it can be a shock, can’t it.
Christy
Surprisingly the sun is streaming through the window, corvids are calling and the grass is growing over here at home, so there was only one song to greet the day
Where i come from.
For yellow bog think Common Moor, for Johnny Doyle think young Cornet, for Corner Field think Back Braes, for Milltown bell think Saint Mary’s kirk and for Bog Man think Teri.
Great song, was it crafted by your brother?
It is very moving and the sentiment very personal to all who treasure our roots.
Rory
Christy's reply
the younger brother wrote the first draft and allowed me to alter it to my personal reflection…
there were relatives in the room the other night…sons and nephews of Sonny, Ned and Gary as described in verse two….
its a very special song to me…. each time I sing it I’m right back there in that very special place….those very last visages of the Old World still linger…I think daily of Bridie ,Frank and Nan …(Granny, Grand-aunt and Uncle).. they were amazing people…hardy as snipes , hard working, simple, modest with none of the tawdry sophistications that have emerged since they departed this life….they lie in Milltown Graveyard around the corner from our Mother and Father..a few yeards away lie Sonny Neddy and Gary….
“Its Easter again and we cannot forget
our Brothers and Sisters and all that was said
so practice your pipes and stand proud in the wet
for the eyes of the world are upon you”..
( Smoke & Strong Whiskey…Wally Page)
From time to time,Paddy Moloney is spoken about here. That time again…I found a second hand copy of the CD ‘Long Journey Home’ soundtrack of film…Irish in America…it’s been on repeat for days.
Seeing the album,rang a bell about the project,reading the names was enticing. Paddy’s work and sleeve notes are brilliant.What a guy he was…RIP
YouTube Long Journey Home (soundtrack)is excellent,but the sleeve notes show Paddy’s knowledge and attention to detail.
Hi Christy,
I gather that the 4711er Pat D’Arcy is across piling the mint sauce onto a roast leg of Irish lamb this weekend.
What a fine chap, i can picture our man chasing the 4 legged fluffy ones across the Curragh Kildare searching for supper whilst singing the song of that name. Top man.
His German habitat came to mind yesterday as bbc news warned Scottish football fans to be careful as the beer at this summer’s Euros is stronger than at home. Despite its attempt at warning , it caused 5000 extra Scots to sign up to travel in Joxer’s footsteps…..i bet all the lads in that ring of wagons in Stuttgart 36 years ago did not worry about the strength of the contents of a flagon!
The Box Set has a more rough edged and sparky Joxer, was it the original?
Rory
True that Christy,
Good day in the gairdin today.
Nice having a small piece of earth to mind.
Leave it better than you got it I guess.
Time of year minds me of a night in
The Tallyho Tavern.
Tall bearded guy walks in
Orders twelve waters
Turns to his disciples, winks and says
“I’ve got this”
Happy Easter to all
Bourkey
Christy's reply
Happy returns Bourkey
Way way back in the mists of time
Good Friday was a day like no other
our old Town would be in a shroud
as we all made our way to Calvary
everthing closed, the Town in mourning
one of the two “Dry Days” in the calendar
We’d have to make our way to the Curragh Camp
to the NCO’s mess in McDonagh Barracks
such a fine gathering of thirsty ducks
McGowan gazed at his pint
“tis great stuff ..but its a hoor when it gets in on you”
( he was a Flann man)
the Butcher (Tony) Farrell raised his glass
“I’ll tell Ye lads” sez Tony…”tis Great Friday”
Turlough gone to Heaven, Tony still to the good here in Limbo
A few weeks ago,I mentioned the sudden death of a guy who worked in a city centre record shop.
I didn’t know him well,but read that today was his funeral,open to all…really glad I went.A non denominational service in a Victorian chapel at Southern Cemetery.
Great insights into the many facets of Rae’s life and personality …funny,poignant tributes- music
rom Steely Dan,Bob Marley and spinel tingling
‘Great Dreams of Heavan’ by Ry Cooder.
The only reading was a nod to his love of literature…read in French,with the translation available to all…I thought that you and companeros might be interested in seeking out the words of Victor Hugo….’Tomorrow at Dawn’
All the best
Dave
Christy's reply
We lost Vince Power…he was laid to rest in his native place last Saturday
Christy,
I had the great privilage to see Robert Plant & Saving Grace at the Phil on Tuesday night. Not just a night for old headbangers, the set list included songs by Bert Jansch, Los Lobos, The Carter Family & Lead Belly along with a cover of (the Planxty classic) As I Roved Out, folk/traditional music, but not as we know it. I dont think they have recorded or released any stuff but well worth the ticket price if they ever visit a venue near you.
Dave I’ve got tickets to see A Taste Of Honey next week, to use a Manchester phrase ‘I’m buzzin already’.it will always have a Scouce connection with Liverpool actress Rita Tushingham playing a great role in the original 1961 film. Greetings Ed
Christy's reply
He follows the wind..seeks ou the sweet note , the raw bar….first heard him in Hull back in ’67…Brian and Sally Tozer’s ….the Zeps pounding thru the night
Hi Christy,
To echo what has been said.Another magical
Night in Kilashee.The Chandeliers were responding well to the 900 strong voices as we sang with you.Lovely touch with Kit and Ellie in the front row.They were so chuffed and to get the set list was the icing on the cake for them.
My mam Annie – you absolutely made her night by singing Spancil Hill to her and she said it was the best concert she has ever been at and also being in the front you.Now she doesn’t go to too many at 88 but she was amazed at your energy and of course being able to get through the set without even a note or a lyric in front of you- truly amazing.I’m still working on the St Brendan story and I have a great Kerry song for you that I think you would love and you would totally ace it.I’ll figure out a way through the team to get it to you.Have a great Easter break and again Míle Buiochas for the joy and delight you bring and give to us all.
Christy's reply
Sound Paddy…it was a privilege to see your Mother in the front row last night…I tried to revive “The Crack was 90” but did not have it ready in time…I thought she might like “Spancilhill”….its a remarkable phenomenon to have an 88 year old lady sitting next to two youngsters who’s family came over from Lemington Spa… seeing Kit 6 and Ellie 8 bopping away in the front row was truly inspirational….the power of song and the breadth of audience listening….
The “Crack” was written by Barney Rush from Sallynoggin Co Dublin who also penned “Nancy Spain”
“Is it right or left for Gibraltar”
BBC banned Brendan thinking it was for Mairéad Farrell…..(I wrote “On The Bridge” for Mairéad and her good Companeros in Armagh Gaol)
Fabulous gig in Kilashee last night. A really enjoyable night, with plenty of local songs and Darkness Before the Dawn was beautiful!
A really enjoyable night and great to see you live again Christy, keep gigging. Dóchas
Christy's reply
Down the back Street
up the Front Street
and across by Gandogue Lane
Hello Christy,
Oh it sounds like a wonderful gathering last night. Wish I could have been there. Its been awhile since I’ve been to a gig. New songs too, it’s always great to hear what you’re up to. Me, there’s been some hibernation going on since my Dad died. I seem to very good at sitting and staring into space these days.
Thanks for the tip about Davóg Rynne’s new album. I’ll search it out.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
no Rebecca..its his Father has a new album…Davoc Rynne……Davóg has a new album pending….more info later
Hello Christy,
I have to say thank you so very much for you being there with your music. I was so happy to join the gig in Kilasheen last night. It was georgous and I was overwhelmed…..so fascinating…. like always…. and it so good to feel that you re just in such a good mood…
So I hope we ll all stay alive (like you always say) and I ll be able to come over again in autumn for Bundoran.I have to admit I realized here in Dublin that I m really the countrywoman and not made for big cities . So I m looking forward to Bundoran and the Great Northern this awesome place at the sea and sligo area with all those mystical spots at the foot of Benbulben who always seems to be heading for the sea…
All the best for you and the crew who make this wonderful gift for us happen and go raibh maith agat
Ursula, the happy one
Christy's reply
Ursula,
betimes I was a bit overwhelmed myself…there was emotion in that room last night…powerful to have so many listeners from far flung places….Germany, Belgium, England ,USA, Newfoundland all sitting shoulder to shoulder with listeners from Westmeath, Armagh, Kerry, Wexford, Dublin and Kildare….apologies to all Dubs who called out for “Joxer”…. he went missing, I think he went for a pint and forgot to come back..possibly met a Lady from the Banks of the River Rhine at the bar !!!
Hey Christy, really appreciate the signed snap, a million thanks ! Your show in Kilkenny, back in November, was awesome. Hope to do it again. Stay well !
Hi Christy
Thanks to Lar and Rory for the pointers to Aoife Scott…now on the seeking out list for later.
I have a CD on repeat at present…Lisa Knapp’s a sorbing ‘Hidden Seam’ from 2013…Gerry Diver plays a huge part in adding music textures,production etc…so,top stuff there.
Alasdair Roberts guests on Hunt the Hare…his singing and guitar fit right in. I’ve been drawn to alot of his solo work and collaborations…
John…enjoy your theatre trip. I hope I’ve not oversold the play and Nishla Smith’s singing. Several reviews didn’t mention her,but one described her voice drifting across the stage like smoke …I reckon that’s spot on…
Have a good day all
Dave
re your previous post on Paddy Moloney, great to see Liam óg and Paddy playing together on Rebecca’s link the other day
https://youtu.be/6IuSEUrt63M?si=2UVZC7Dhnj4sQMGk
I recorded once with Paddy when both himself and Liam Óg duetted on the outro of “Bright Blue Rose” on 1989 album “Voyage”
a very special studio moment for me
Lar, Aoife Scott has a lovely song with Matt McGinn entitled ‘time well spent’.
They also did a podcast together entitled ‘see you at yours’.
Rory
There is a ring around the world
It ensnares the little ones
I was driving along the strand road on my way back from me radio show, and turned over to hear Aoife Scott play the beautiful Easter Snow. Thankfully no traffic to hear me singing away.
Was in Birmingham last weekend, my sister Marian has been there over 50 years, married on the Isle of Man, and we celebrated her 70th birthday last week…a great gathering. Wondered on way through some of the places what it was like there for you touring early on…any memories of Brum….more canals than Venice… avoid the tour…missed Naas by a nose…hope to catch a gig soon…Easter greetings to you and all around you..L x
Easter greetings to you John.
Howya Christy,
It has been a minute since I’ve been on the website.
My Seamus Heaney essay did me well and I gathered a H4 in English. I might show some support for Meehan after learning her greater significance from this group here in the real exam.
I’m close to perfecting Fairytale of New York, your acoustic version of course, I find the riff from C to G challenging but I’m getting there.
Besides myself, I wish you a happy Easter and I would like to acknowledge your continued performances around the country, I hope to see you again some day.
All the best!
-Matty
Hello Christy,
Just sitting here drinking coffee and thinking about a spot of practice.
My fingertips are starting to harden up so I can play for more than two mi uses at a time. Harp calloused are in a different place to mandolin ones. I’d no idea!
3 chords are down, not much fluency yet, its been a week. I’m wondering what the instrument sounds like. Might take a quick recording if I can screw up enough courage. Ist time hearing it can be a shock, can’t it.
Happy long weekend to all.
Rebecca
Christy
Surprisingly the sun is streaming through the window, corvids are calling and the grass is growing over here at home, so there was only one song to greet the day
Where i come from.
For yellow bog think Common Moor, for Johnny Doyle think young Cornet, for Corner Field think Back Braes, for Milltown bell think Saint Mary’s kirk and for Bog Man think Teri.
Great song, was it crafted by your brother?
It is very moving and the sentiment very personal to all who treasure our roots.
Rory
the younger brother wrote the first draft and allowed me to alter it to my personal reflection…
there were relatives in the room the other night…sons and nephews of Sonny, Ned and Gary as described in verse two….
its a very special song to me…. each time I sing it I’m right back there in that very special place….those very last visages of the Old World still linger…I think daily of Bridie ,Frank and Nan …(Granny, Grand-aunt and Uncle).. they were amazing people…hardy as snipes , hard working, simple, modest with none of the tawdry sophistications that have emerged since they departed this life….they lie in Milltown Graveyard around the corner from our Mother and Father..a few yeards away lie Sonny Neddy and Gary….
“Its Easter again and we cannot forget
our Brothers and Sisters and all that was said
so practice your pipes and stand proud in the wet
for the eyes of the world are upon you”..
( Smoke & Strong Whiskey…Wally Page)
Hi Christy
From time to time,Paddy Moloney is spoken about here. That time again…I found a second hand copy of the CD ‘Long Journey Home’ soundtrack of film…Irish in America…it’s been on repeat for days.
Seeing the album,rang a bell about the project,reading the names was enticing. Paddy’s work and sleeve notes are brilliant.What a guy he was…RIP
YouTube Long Journey Home (soundtrack)is excellent,but the sleeve notes show Paddy’s knowledge and attention to detail.
Have a good Easter.
Dave
Hi Christy,
I gather that the 4711er Pat D’Arcy is across piling the mint sauce onto a roast leg of Irish lamb this weekend.
What a fine chap, i can picture our man chasing the 4 legged fluffy ones across the Curragh Kildare searching for supper whilst singing the song of that name. Top man.
His German habitat came to mind yesterday as bbc news warned Scottish football fans to be careful as the beer at this summer’s Euros is stronger than at home. Despite its attempt at warning , it caused 5000 extra Scots to sign up to travel in Joxer’s footsteps…..i bet all the lads in that ring of wagons in Stuttgart 36 years ago did not worry about the strength of the contents of a flagon!
The Box Set has a more rough edged and sparky Joxer, was it the original?
Rory
True that Christy,
Good day in the gairdin today.
Nice having a small piece of earth to mind.
Leave it better than you got it I guess.
Time of year minds me of a night in
The Tallyho Tavern.
Tall bearded guy walks in
Orders twelve waters
Turns to his disciples, winks and says
“I’ve got this”
Happy Easter to all
Bourkey
Happy returns Bourkey
Way way back in the mists of time
Good Friday was a day like no other
our old Town would be in a shroud
as we all made our way to Calvary
everthing closed, the Town in mourning
one of the two “Dry Days” in the calendar
We’d have to make our way to the Curragh Camp
to the NCO’s mess in McDonagh Barracks
such a fine gathering of thirsty ducks
McGowan gazed at his pint
“tis great stuff ..but its a hoor when it gets in on you”
( he was a Flann man)
the Butcher (Tony) Farrell raised his glass
“I’ll tell Ye lads” sez Tony…”tis Great Friday”
Turlough gone to Heaven, Tony still to the good here in Limbo
Hi Christy
A few weeks ago,I mentioned the sudden death of a guy who worked in a city centre record shop.
I didn’t know him well,but read that today was his funeral,open to all…really glad I went.A non denominational service in a Victorian chapel at Southern Cemetery.
Great insights into the many facets of Rae’s life and personality …funny,poignant tributes- music
rom Steely Dan,Bob Marley and spinel tingling
‘Great Dreams of Heavan’ by Ry Cooder.
The only reading was a nod to his love of literature…read in French,with the translation available to all…I thought that you and companeros might be interested in seeking out the words of Victor Hugo….’Tomorrow at Dawn’
All the best
Dave
We lost Vince Power…he was laid to rest in his native place last Saturday
Christy,
I had the great privilage to see Robert Plant & Saving Grace at the Phil on Tuesday night. Not just a night for old headbangers, the set list included songs by Bert Jansch, Los Lobos, The Carter Family & Lead Belly along with a cover of (the Planxty classic) As I Roved Out, folk/traditional music, but not as we know it. I dont think they have recorded or released any stuff but well worth the ticket price if they ever visit a venue near you.
Dave I’ve got tickets to see A Taste Of Honey next week, to use a Manchester phrase ‘I’m buzzin already’.it will always have a Scouce connection with Liverpool actress Rita Tushingham playing a great role in the original 1961 film. Greetings Ed
He follows the wind..seeks ou the sweet note , the raw bar….first heard him in Hull back in ’67…Brian and Sally Tozer’s ….the Zeps pounding thru the night
Hi Christy,
To echo what has been said.Another magical
Night in Kilashee.The Chandeliers were responding well to the 900 strong voices as we sang with you.Lovely touch with Kit and Ellie in the front row.They were so chuffed and to get the set list was the icing on the cake for them.
My mam Annie – you absolutely made her night by singing Spancil Hill to her and she said it was the best concert she has ever been at and also being in the front you.Now she doesn’t go to too many at 88 but she was amazed at your energy and of course being able to get through the set without even a note or a lyric in front of you- truly amazing.I’m still working on the St Brendan story and I have a great Kerry song for you that I think you would love and you would totally ace it.I’ll figure out a way through the team to get it to you.Have a great Easter break and again Míle Buiochas for the joy and delight you bring and give to us all.
Sound Paddy…it was a privilege to see your Mother in the front row last night…I tried to revive “The Crack was 90” but did not have it ready in time…I thought she might like “Spancilhill”….its a remarkable phenomenon to have an 88 year old lady sitting next to two youngsters who’s family came over from Lemington Spa… seeing Kit 6 and Ellie 8 bopping away in the front row was truly inspirational….the power of song and the breadth of audience listening….
The “Crack” was written by Barney Rush from Sallynoggin Co Dublin who also penned “Nancy Spain”
“Is it right or left for Gibraltar”
BBC banned Brendan thinking it was for Mairéad Farrell…..(I wrote “On The Bridge” for Mairéad and her good Companeros in Armagh Gaol)
Sorry, I read it wrong.
no prob
Fabulous gig in Kilashee last night. A really enjoyable night, with plenty of local songs and Darkness Before the Dawn was beautiful!
A really enjoyable night and great to see you live again Christy, keep gigging. Dóchas
Down the back Street
up the Front Street
and across by Gandogue Lane
Hello Christy,
Oh it sounds like a wonderful gathering last night. Wish I could have been there. Its been awhile since I’ve been to a gig. New songs too, it’s always great to hear what you’re up to. Me, there’s been some hibernation going on since my Dad died. I seem to very good at sitting and staring into space these days.
Thanks for the tip about Davóg Rynne’s new album. I’ll search it out.
Rebecca
no Rebecca..its his Father has a new album…Davoc Rynne……Davóg has a new album pending….more info later
Hello Christy,
I have to say thank you so very much for you being there with your music. I was so happy to join the gig in Kilasheen last night. It was georgous and I was overwhelmed…..so fascinating…. like always…. and it so good to feel that you re just in such a good mood…
So I hope we ll all stay alive (like you always say) and I ll be able to come over again in autumn for Bundoran.I have to admit I realized here in Dublin that I m really the countrywoman and not made for big cities . So I m looking forward to Bundoran and the Great Northern this awesome place at the sea and sligo area with all those mystical spots at the foot of Benbulben who always seems to be heading for the sea…
All the best for you and the crew who make this wonderful gift for us happen and go raibh maith agat
Ursula, the happy one
Ursula,
betimes I was a bit overwhelmed myself…there was emotion in that room last night…powerful to have so many listeners from far flung places….Germany, Belgium, England ,USA, Newfoundland all sitting shoulder to shoulder with listeners from Westmeath, Armagh, Kerry, Wexford, Dublin and Kildare….apologies to all Dubs who called out for “Joxer”…. he went missing, I think he went for a pint and forgot to come back..possibly met a Lady from the Banks of the River Rhine at the bar !!!
PPS
Should have worn specs to type….tuning up and American Tune!!😂