Johnny Duhan
G D C G
I am a sailor,you’re my first mate
D C D
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
C D C G
Hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail
D C G
For the hearts treasure together we set sail.
G D C G
With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
D C D
Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
C D C G
Sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
D C G
Working together we learned how to cope.
CHORUS
Bm C Bm C
Life is an ocean and love is a boat
Am C D
In troubled water that keeps us afloat
C D Bm C
When we started the voyage,there was just me and you
Am D G
Now gathered round us we have our own crew.
G D C G
Together we’re in this relationship
D C D
We built it with care to last the whole trip
C D C G
Our true destination’s not marked on any charts
D C G
We’re navigating to the shores of the heart.
CHORUSx2
Barry Moore
A daffodil is born and rises in the spring
It opens out its beauty to hear the cricket sing
But as quick as it does grow it decays away so soon
Before the summer sunshine has reached its golden noon
A stream it does rise in the mountains so tall
It swells into a river as gently it does fall
It meanders to country through city and through town
And in the boundless ocean the river it is drowned
On the seas the winds do rage and the waves grow so high
As they turn into white horses leaping towards the sky
But soon the waves grow gentle no longer do they roar
As they make their lonesome passageway up to the pebble shore
If I were like a daffodil so fair upon the ground
Or like a gentle river with its sweet and mellow sound
Like a wave up to the shore like a river into the sea
I’d lay down in my resting place contented I would be
Christy Moore
How’s it going there everybody?
You’re very welcome to this evening’s cabaret
I want to thank you for the trouble you’re after taking
To come and hear me play
I know the effort that you make and all the trouble that you have to take
When you decide you’re gonna go and see a show
Your wife says Oh not Christy Moore, we’ve seen him loads of times before
And we’re going to miss Gay Byrne on the Late Late Show
Well there’s people here upon my word from every corner of the world
Portarlington Portlaoise and Tullamore
From Two Mile House and Poulaphouca
From Blacktrench Cutbush and Boolea
Such a crowd I’ve never seen before
Well you are welcome welcome everyone
Special branch you’re on the run
Fine Gael, Fianna Fail or Sinn Fein
When the elections are all over
We’ll all be pushing up clover
And everyone in the graveyard votes the same
My belly thought my throat was cut
And all the restaurants were shut as I was driving out through Kinnegad
So I drove on to Mother Hubbard’s where I saw a swarm of truckers
And I said to myself this place doesn’t look too bad
In came a 40ft lorry leaking lines of slurry
And the king of the road jumped down and he said to me
Hey John, don’t I know your face
Are you Paddy Reilly or Brendan Grace?
Are you Mary Black or Freddy White says he
Wait til I tell you what happened to me today
I was coming up the dual carriageway
Half a mile the far side on Naas
The Irish Army, they were all over the place
So I pulled in and rolled my window down
The saighdiuiri they surrounded my car I thought it was the third world war
Some of the boys were throwin Shi’ite shapes
I said brigadier general what appears to be the trouble
He said “Don’t forget your shovel”
Have you any auld autographs or tapes?
I do.. what about the leb?
Traditonal With New Words By Christy Moore
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
A gentleman was passing by
And he asked for a drink as he was dry
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
My cup is full up to the brim
And if I were to stoop I might fall in
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
If your true love was passing by
You’d fill him a drink if he was dry
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
She swore by grass, she swore by corn
Her true love had never been born
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
He said to her you’re swearing wrong
Six fine children you’ve had born
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
If you be a man of noble fame
You’ll tell to me the father of them
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
There’s one of them by your brother John
At the well below the valley-o
One of them by your Uncle Don
At the well below the valley-o
Two of them by your father dear
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
If you be a man of noble fame
You’ll tell to me what did happen to them
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
There’s one of them buried beneath the tree
At the well below the valley-o
Another two buried beneath the stone
At the well below the valley-o
Two of them outside the graveyard wall
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
If you be a man of noble fame
You’ll tell to me what will happen myself
At the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
You’ll be seven years a-ringing a bell
At the well below the valley-o
And seven years a-burning in hell
At the well below the valley-o
I’ll be seven years a-ringing a bell
But the Lord above may save my soul
From burning in hell at the well below the valley-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
Green grows the lily-o
Right among the bushes-o
Christy Moore
One day as I was walking past the bridge in Dolphin’s Barn
By the old canal I saw some children round a car
In the back they were shooting up smack
I had a bird’s eye view
When I called for help
Told me there’s nothing we can do.
Both sides of the river clearly to be seen
Down along O’Connell Street and up to Stephen’s Green
Heroin sold openly there was no need to hide
The drug squad were outnumbered
It seemed like their hands were tied.
John Whacker Humphries is a family man
Him and his wife, they give their children everything they can
Faced with the scourge of heroin, they’d not accept defeat
They joined concerned parents
To put the dealers off the street.
They called on dealers houses and ordered them to quit
Time and time again they warned, we’ve had enough of it
Dirty needles in our doorways
Junkies hanging all about
Keep on dealing heroin and you’re going to be moved out.
From St. Theresa’s gardens to the flats in Ballymun
Concerned parents action had the dealers on the run
They swore they’d stand together until the drugs were stopped
And I will never understand why they got their knuckles rapped.
They were rounded up and charged
With crimes against the state
Brought before the Green Street court to decide their fate
Denied a trial by jury and there was no bail
The concerned parents were taken off to jail.
Sitting in the gallery among family, friends and wives
I strained to hear who told the truth and who was telling lies
Dealers, junkies and police on the prosecution side
I swear to God that’s what I saw before my very eyes.
Whacker Humphries took the dealers on
And he fought them tooth and nail
A squad of well armed soldiers brought him to the portlaoise jail
He tried to protect his children, found guilty of a crime
One man gets a pension, another man gets time.
This morning I went walking out by Dolphin’s Barn
I heard a small bird whisper; mind you don’t come to any harm.
Trad. with new words & music by C. Moore
What put the blood on your right shoulder? Son, come tell it unto me
That is the blood of a hare mama You may pardon me
The blood of a hare never ran so red, Son come tell it unto me
That is the blood of my youngest brother, You may pardon me
What came between you and your youngest brother? Son come tell it unto me
It was all from the cutting of a hazel rod – That never will grow into a tree
What will you do when your Daddy finds out? Son come tell it unto me
I will leave my foot down on a shipboard and sail far across the sea
What will you do with your darling wife? Son come tell it unto me
She will leave her foot down on a shipboard and sail right after me
What will you do with your two fine children? Son come tell it unto me
Ill give one to my mammy and the other to my daddy to keep them company
What will you do with your house and your land? Son come tell it unto me
I will leave them there for the birds of the air to mourn and sing for me
From The Clancy Brothers
As I was going over the Cork and Kerry mountain
I met with Colonel Packenham and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol then produced my rapier
Saying stand and deliver for I am a bold deceiver
Musha ring dum a doo dum da
Whack fol de daddy o
Whack fol de daddy o
There’s whiskey in the jar
He counted out his money and it made a pretty penny
I put it in my pocket and I brought it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore she never would deceive me
But the devil take that woman for she never could lie easy
I went up to my chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and silver and sure it was no wonder
But Jenny drew me pistols and filled them up with water
And sent for Captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter
Early the next morning before I rose to travel
On came the special horsemen and likewise Captain Farrell
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier
But I couldn’t shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken
If ever you go hunting in the morning bright and early
Through the hills of Dublin or the mountains of Tipperary
Keep one hand on your pistol and the other on your money
And keep your eyes well peeled for that darling sporting Jenny
Author Unknown Oh whiskey you’re the Devil, you’re leading me astray
Over hill and mountains and to Amerikay
You’re sweeter, stronger, dacenter, you’re spunkier then tay
Oh whiskey you’re me darling, drunk or sober
Well now me boys we’re on for marching
Off to Portugal or Spain
The Drums are beating, banners flying
The devil a home we’ll come tonight
Love fare thee well
With me skiddery eye dill do dill dump ee da
With me skiddery eye dill do dill dump ee da
Me right fol tooraladdy oh
There’s whiskey in the jar
The French are fighting boldly
Men are dying hot and coldly
Give every man a flask of powder
His firelock on his shoulder
Says the mother do not wrong me
Don’t take my daughter from me
For if you do I will torment you
And after death my death will haunt you
As I walked past Portlaoise Prison
“I’m innocent”, a voice was heard to say
“My frame-up is almost completed.
My people all look the other way.”
Seven years ago his torture started
A forced confession he was made to sign.
Young Irish men specially trained and chosen
Were on the heavy gang that made him run the line.
Others in the Bridewell heard him screaming
Even prison doctors could see
His injuries were not self-inflicted
Those who tipped the scales did not agree.
CHORUS
Give the Wicklow Boy his freedom
Give him back his liberty
Ore are we going to leave him in chains
While those who framed him up hold the key?
Deprived of human rights by his own people
Sickened by injustice he jumped bail,
In the Appalachian Mountains found a welcome
Till his co-accused were both released from jail.
He came back expecting to get justice
Special Branch took him from the plane
For five years we’ve deprived him of his freedom
The guilty jeer the innocent again.
CHORUS
The people versus Kelly was the title
Of the farce we staged at his appeal.
Puppets in well rehearsed collusion,
I often wonder how these men must feel.
As I walked past Portlaoise Prison
Through concrete and steel a whisper came
“My frame-up is almost completed.
I’m innocent, Nicky Kelly is my name.”
CHORUS
m.hanly/j.moynihan/c.moore
I see a dark cloud rising outside Wexford town,
I see a hard rain on Ireland pouring down.
There’ll be no time to shelter. Let’s all make a stand.
O’Malley’s* plan we’ll have to ban or he’ll destroy the land.
CHORUS
It’s the workers are being used again,
The workers are being used again.
They want four nuclear stations, and who knows how many more?
If we are to stop them, we must defend Carnsore.
So men and women of Ireland, it’s time to show your hand.
The lessons of France and the USA must make us understand.
CHORUS
Two thousand jobs are promised, believe that if you can.
O’Malley’s boys with all their ploys, they canvassed around the land,
In Carnsore, Easkey or Kilrush the ESB would build –
Should one go wrong, despite their talk, thousands could be killed.
CHORUS
We never see their faces, these multi-national czars.
Our lands they rape from cape to cape, our seas they fill with tars.
The Westinghouse industrialist confessed to bribery,
I wonder if our leaders from corruption will be free.
CHORUS
It was in 1968 Jack Lynch went back to Cork,
To open Whiddy Island where a handful of men got work.
The multi-national oil tycoons, they all turned out in style,
Ten years later fifty French lay slaughtered in the oil.
CHORUS
And when it comes to dumping waste, here’s what they plan to do.
They’ll bury it in South Armagh and down in Wicklow too,
A nuclear waste triangle right at your front door
With poison manufactured at Windscale and Carnsore.
CHORUS
They’ve tested round the valleys where the Finn goes sparkling down
To join the Shrule at bonny Lifford town,
But if there’s radioactive waste where the stream goes running by
As down the Foyle the waters boil, you’ll know the reason why.
CHORUS
So gather round you people, the fight has just begun,
We fought before, we know the score, this fight must be won.
Remember we’ve the sun up there, waiting for to turn
The wind, the tide, the ocean wide, there’s energy to burn.
CHORUS
(* – Dessie O’ Malley was the then Minister for Energy in Ireland)
its all a bit vague by now. I joined the anti-nuclear movement in the late 70s.The first action was a festival in Carnsore which was very successful in that it brought the nuclear issue on to the front page.Out of that grew the anti-nuclear roadshow and this is my first memory of this song. Mick Hanly wrote the original and I recall further writing on the bus by johnny moynihan and I.This was an exciting and formative time for many people. We discovered the power that exists when people come together, with determination, to try and effect change.This collective, though relatively short lived, sowed seeds that are still growing 30 years on in many different areas of Irish society. Many of us are still on the bus.
This song was performed on the “Nuclear Late late show” and is (I think) on the Anti-Nuclear 12″ single.The band was The Early Grave Band and featured myself, Donal Lunny, Johnny Moynihan,JimmyFaulkner and Declan McNelis.Also on the show were Freddie White,Susie Kennedy,Jack Lynch,Matt Kelleghan,Mr Clarke, Frank the Yank,Louise,Marie Creed,Fergus Cronin and others whom I will recall asap
Christy Moore\Wally Page
I met a wise and holy woman near the town where I was walkin’
We both sat together down below the Yellow Furze
She closed her eyes and started singing
A song about the light that shines and the wonders of the world
She sang of the forests on the high high mountain
The pure clear water and the fresh air we breathe
Of the bounty we gain from natures abundance
And how the mighty oak tree grows from a little seed
Chorus:
She had an everlasting notion
The wise and holy woman had a neverending dream
As she called out to the stars glistening on the ocean
Shine a light , shine a light on me
She sang a song from the streets of Sao Paolo
For the homeless street children who never learned to smile
She sang of the shrine they built to Chico Mendez
Where the plantation workers laid his body in the soil
She sang of the greed we display before our altars
The oil soaked cormorant drowning in the tide
She sang of the halting site way out beyond Clondalkin
Where Ann Maughan froze to death between the dump and the railway line
Chorus
(outro verse same shape and melody as chorus)
She sang of the eagle flying high above the mountain
The otter that swam through rivers and streams
Of the lilies that bloomed and the countless wild flowers
and the rainbow that rose in the valley of tears.
more info
My mother’s name was Nancy Power. She grew up in Ardmulchan, near Yellow Furze, which is on the southern bank of the Boyne on the low road from Navan to Beauparc (Where Mountcharles surveyed the battlefield). Her father was Jack Power from Hayestown, her mother Ellie Sheeran from The Cotton Mills. Nancy sang all her life. Old songs at first, then Hymns,light Opera, musicals, parlour songs, popular songs and traditional ballads in English and Irish. When she sang in the church on Sundays she had an enormous and beautiful deep soprano voice which emerged miraculously from deep within her diaphram. When she sang parlour and pop songs at the piano her Meath accent would peep out, when she sang the old songs, Eamon an Cnoic, Sean O’Duibhir an Gleanna or The Three Flowers it would be in a small quiet lonesome voice that often stilled my night. Writing these few words here in Belfast this morning, my tears are tears of joy for her memory and sadness for her passing. I feel no mourning for she remains a constant presence in my life and we all still cherish her. I wrote this song for Nancy Power.
CHORDS
Dm……..Am…
Dm……..Am…
Dm……..Am…
Dm C DmC G Am
Dm…….Am…
Dm…….Am
Dm………Am
Dm C Dm C G Am
chorus ( and outro verse)
F…G..C…
F…C.G..
F…G..C…
F.C.FCG
Christy Moore and Wally Page
Christy Moore (after Pastor Niemuller – dedicated to the memory of Phyllis McGhee)
Am F Am
Black triangle, pink triangle
F Am
Green triangle, red triangle
F Am
Blue triangle, lilac triangle
F G Am
And they wore the yellow triangle
C G Am
When first they came for the criminals I did not speak
F C G
Then they began to take the Jews
F C G Am
When they fetched the people who were members of trade unions
F-G Am
I did not speak
C G C G
When they took the Bible students, rounded up the homosexuals
F G Am
Then they gathered up the immigrants and the gypsies
Am
I did not speak, I did not speak
F C E7 F G Am
Eventually they came for me and there was no one left to speak
CHORUS
The Rolling Wave is presented by Peter Browne, RTE Radio 1 on Sunday evenings. Next Sunday (13th May) Peter will feature excerpts from a concert I played in Feothannach on 18th February last. I recall it as being a special night down on the Dingle Peninsula and I was honoured by Brendan Begley’s invitation to participate.
PROTECT DUBLIN BAY – NO OIL RIGS ON OUR COAST!
Tony O’Reilly’s Providence Resources wants to drill for oil in Dublin Bay, just 6km off the Coast of Dalkey Island. Providence Resources have applied for a foreshore licence to the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, who will decide on this, in the coming weeks or months.
If Providence Resources get a licence it will mean oil rigs in Dublin Bay for the next five or six years and if they do find oil or gas, it will mean the full industrialisation of our bay for the coming decades.
There will be a public meeting about this in the Kozie II Pub, 73 upper Georges St. Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin on Tuesday 8th May at 6.30 pm. All are welcome.
For more information see www.richardboydbarret.ie or Save Our Seafront on Facebook.
April 1st. (On The Mail Boat)
We sailed across the Irish Sea and into Holyhead. We sashayed through the shed, over the Menai Bridge and loaded up the SatNav for The Pennines. Before we knew it we were freewheeling down into Leeds, great City of fame where I first played Club Memphis in 1967. Back then Johnny Giles was in his prime at Leeds United where Billy Bremner, Big Jack and Noddy Clarke were but 3 of his cohorts. Last played here in The City Varities 16 years ago and it felt ‘reet’ good to be back. I took a dander along the tow path of The Liverpool / Leeds Canal remembering times gone by and revelling in the beauty of the day. Turning back and I sought to find The old Grove pub where I did my first gig in 1968.What a house of music it was. I’m told it still hosts a Folk Club once a week, a club that will celebrate 50 years of shanties this year. I could not find it midst acres of high rise apartments and blocks of spanking new, but empty, offices. The voracious Tiger passed this way…
What a beautiful venue lies behind the colonial facade of Leeds City Hall. We drove around the back to the Tradesman’s entrance, itself an imposing edifice. Inside everything was ready. The coffee was wafting; the guitars were welcoming, Paddy, Mick, Geoff, Dickon, Davey, Johnny and all the local crew had set the stage once more. Everything was precisely in place and in tune as we sat down to rehearse and soundcheck in this Hall of former glory. Every now and then I enter an empty venue that has special character and atmosphere. This Leeds City Hall has that air about. Lovely welcoming staff too, proud of their splendid venue but neither snooty nor haughty with it. I’m always nervous first day of a tour in another country and today is no exception. All such feelings were soon dispelled by a great soundcheck. We overhauled a few old favourites for the night that was to come, tightened up Little Musgrave and ran across the Lakes of Pontchartrain. I have two new guitars and I’m finding them perfect for the job. They are both Maton guitars made in Melbourne, Australia. I love the feel of them. Declan put me on to them. (As he did the Taks 30 years ago)…I did trade in a couple of Martin Guitars but I’m hanging on to the 3 Taks. The workhorses have served me well for 30 years
Set List – Leeds, City Hall
1. After The Deluge
2. Yellow Furze Woman
3. Nancy Spain.
4. Quinte Brigada.
5. Listen
6. Missing You.
7. Morecambe Bay
8. Ord. Man
9. Weekend in Amsterdam
10. City of Chicago
11. Little Musgrave
12. Lakes of Pontchartrain (in Memory of Mick Waterson)
13. Companeros
14. Veronica.
15. Let the Sun come in.
16. Biko Drum.
17. Ride On.
18. Don’t forget your shovel.
19. Does this train stop on Merseyside?
20. The Voyage
21. North and South of The River.
22. Bright Blue Rose.
23. Smoke and Strong Whisky
24. John O Dreams
25. Joxer goes to Stuttgart
26. Burning Times
27. Cliffs of Dooneen.
28 The Dalesman’s Litany
29. Lisdoonvarna
2 hours 5 minutes
April 2nd– Cardiff, Millennium Hall
We pulled out of Leeds at 11am arriving into Cardiff at 3am. We may have passed 50 serving petrol stations with not one customer in sight. Everyone was home asleep, safe and sound, with 5 gallon drums of petrol underneath their beds. We have become lemming like. To think that a gormless gobshite can set off such panic buying is mind boggling and probably an unfortunate sign of what lies ahead. 3 days ago I was fearful of the tour being stymied by fuel shortage but, hey presto, all our trials lord are soon over.
The Cardiff venue is timber clad and beautiful. Such a reception we got…the wonderful listeners of Wales surrendered their ears full on for 2 hours and 10 minutes. I was well spent as the curtain came down. There was minestrone soup and fresh bread in the dressing room. We had a right good supper and climbed aboard the coach for the hop to London.
Set List – Cardiff.
1. Quinte Brigada
2. Missing You
3. Morecambe Bay
4. This is the day
5. Smoke and Strong Whisky
6. Michael Hayes.
7. Haiti
8. Honda 50
9. No Time for Love……. (For Bradley Manning)
10. Magdalene laundries
11. Hattie Carroll
12. Nancy Spain
13. Shovel
14. Beeswing
15. Sun Shine In
16. Amsterdam
17. Bright blue rose
18. Biko Drum
19. Delirium Tremens (back after a year.)
20. Ordinary Man
21. Back Home in Derry
22. After The Deluge
23. Voyage
24. Aisling
25. Fairytale of New York
26. Ride On
27. Joxer goes to Stuttgart
28. Sonny’s Dream
29. Lisdoonvarna
2 hours 10 minutes
April 3rd – Free Day in London.
After 2 gigs the voice is husky, a day off will help it rest. Time to walk, to look and listen, to eavesdrop on the world, to wonder what makes this great City function. One thing for sure, the machine is still run on the energy, labour and toil of the working people, those who do the manual labour at the coalface. Walking in and around Westminster today the gap between the classes is greatly magnified. I took a visit to South London to meet Gerry Diver and Lisa Knapp. We sang a few songs and shared a few yarns.
April 4th – Royal Festival Hall – Southbank, London.
This time 46 years ago I was tramping around London trying to get the start, barely knocking it out. I was just becoming aware of the Folk Club scene. My main source of livelihood came from hanging around the fringes of the Irish music scene in Fulham, Hammersmith, Kilburn and Cricklewood. I would travel anywhere that might gain me a chance to sing. I was living in a small snug room in Gunnersbury. The landlord was from Wicklow. He and his family lived in a small neat house in Silver Crescent where he rented out 2 bedsits. I got bad vibes for not going to Mass, even worse if I brought “company” back to my wee eyrie. That said, they were decent people. Still, I was glad to see the back of it. 46 years later I’m back again. I marvel at the journey which has taken me to where I play tonight…this brilliant venue on The Thames and it’s all ours for two nights. As I write this the crew are putting the final touches to preparations. Declan is in the next room playing and I’m here twittering away nervously as I get ready to do it all one more time…
The Concert kicked off well. At recent gigs we have occasionally opened with Jackson Browne’s song “How Long”. It has a complex arrangement and can be a risky starter. Tonight we nailed it. At the end there was quite a pause before applause emerged. I find these very rare and silent moments quite magical, I glow in that silence for it means that we have connected and it stirs something deep within me. The music writer Ken Hunt was in the room tonight and his presence put me in mind of “Sacco and Vanzetti”. I started Woody Guthrie’s song too fast tonight and could not haul it back in. “Missing You” will slot in anywhere in our set, it always settles an audience. After years of constant performance I still find new things to do in it, new ways to turn a phrase… each time I sing this song I am reminded of Elvis Costello singing backing vocals on the recording over 25 years ago.
Earlier in the day Declan and I played “Barrowland”, it has dropped out of the set this past year but made a very welcome return tonight, it worked so well. I stumbled during the first chorus but Declan gave me a perfect prompt when the second chorus came around… (This gig is going well). “Farmer Michael Hayes” continues to improve. The less energy I give it, the stronger it becomes… it gets better as it develops its own personality, very different from that of its predecessor, the Planxty version from 1978. The opening chords of “Morecambe Bay” was greeted warmly by the audience, unusual for a song of this nature and one so recently recorded… I am still in awe of the process that has 2,200 people listening to a song in total silence, this is such a privilege for us, to perform in such precious air, to play to such determined listening, at the end of the song I was feeling quite dark and emotional so I followed on into “Matty “. Another song of darkness, one so well observed by Johnny Mulhearn. this song transports me, every time, to a distinct place that I now know intimately, a place where I have never been for it only exists within the verses of this song. At this juncture a woman on the balcony began a strange conversation with me, one that continued intermittently for the remainder of the night. it got to me briefly but not in a heavy way, her constant banter did unsettle the room but I felt there was compassion as well as impatience with, what sounded like, drunkenness ( who would I be I to preach)… When I find myself in trouble during a gig I usually reach for a well tried favourite. I tore into “Ordinary Man” and drove it hard and high up into the balcony. Then “Veronica” appeared out of the blue (we don’t have a set list, it emerges thru the night). I still seek to remember Veronica Guerin. Her courage knew no bounds. Remembering Veronica Guerin reminds me that our silence is acquiescence… It feels like its time to rattle it up a bit, time for Declan to crank up the old Stratocaster with a blast of “Smoke and Strong Whiskey “. This always proves interesting for we regularly find new detours in the arrangement, different energies… some nights it softens, more times it hardens, It allows for verses to be done in different sequence, I love soaring and then taking it back to whisper, the entire room coming with us as David Meade adjusts the sound accordingly… he is the best sound engineer I have worked with. Knowing that even a whispered word will be carried throughout the room gives me great confidence to try things out, to take chances. His brother Johnny Meade looks after the guitars and constantly tunes my strings. This gives me the freedom to communicate with the audience, to figure the set without having to tune constantly. Declan does his own tuning while I’m twittering away, tuning is itself a precise craft, one at which Declan excels, I need the freedom to feel the room, to suss the gig, to figure out the next song.
I hear a call for “Casey” and oblige, I have started singing the verses accapella which prevents the lyric getting swamped by mass audience percussion (which does have its place)… once Casey is established we bring the rhythm in but keep on top of it. we’re slipping into audience mode now as people seem ready to sing, next up came my brother Barry’s classic song ” City of Chicago”… then its time for another Kildare song , “My Little Honda 50”, a recent hit with Cerys Matthews on BBC Radio 6 and with Janice Long on BBC Radio 2. Some of our more serious listeners have trouble with this funny, well crafted song but myself and Declan just love Tom Tuohy’s tribute to the Peoples Motorbike. As Tom himself might say “feck the begrudgers”. Then “Little Musgrave” appeared from nowhere, time to bring things back down again, I threw it over at Declan and straightway he picked up the appropriate guitar, poised and ready in an inst. this is the 4th version of this old ballad that I have sung over 4 decades, it began with Jimmy Faulkner back in the early 70’s, (some of Jimmy’s beautiful licks still reverberate,) then came the version I did with Planxty in the 80’s, then a solo version came around and now, 40 years later another version emerges with Declan adding new colour and nuance to the ancient song. It stilled the great hall last night here in London.
In Cardiff 3 nights ago, there came a Holy Man who called for “Delirium Tremens”. He being the chaplain to the Welsh Rugby team I gave in to his request. After a 2 year hiatus DTs hopped up again and away we went. Song number 16 was Declan’s “Sunshine In”. He has just recorded his first solo album and he will do a series of Solo Gigs soon. (Keep an eye out for The Sinnor). the requests were starting to come quick and fast, from way back up on the right an agreeable voice called for ” North and South” and we turned in a solid version, we have recently pared it down a bit, tightened it up with a facelift…
Sometimes a need to sing “Gortatagort” comes over me, no request, and no plan. Just a desire to fantasize once more upon that sacred mountain that lies East of Bantry Bay. It was sad, lonesome and extremely beautiful. I bow to its author John Spillane, that poet of Cork. Then I started up “Quinte Brigada”… probably a little too soon for it shattered the spell the previous song had cast. The crowd rose to my bait and sang lustily as we remembered all those who gave their lives in the fight against Fascism. my poor old neighbour up in the balcony was still under the weather, we sang a version of ” Butterfly” to her and it turned out to be my favourite song of the night. Its first flight in over 2 years, its very brokenness nearly broke my heart; I hope the Newbridge Girl heard it.
Time now to dig deep with ” The Shovel” as the end came in sight, Christie Hennessy’s well honed song always marks the turn for home in my mind, Ewan McColls ” Sweet Thames” has to be performed on the South Bank, its 45 years since I first heard him sing it. Then Bobby Sands “McIlhatton” appeared after which we fired off a “Joxer” for Damien Duff who was somewhere out there in that vast room (He scored such a beautiful goal for Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend) We finished with Jimmy Mac’s “Ride On” before exiting stage left. The audience called us back on, a Lady in the front row suggested “Burning Times” after which there was only one way to go – we set out for “Lisdoonvarna”.
The gig was done. 2 hours 10 minutes later we arrived back to our dressing room, mugs of strong tea and supper awaited us, a happy pair of men as we sat in the warmth of the afterglow waiting for the adrenalin to subside.
April 5th
Had a restless night last night and ended up doing the above song-by-song reflection of last nights gig. It set me up rightly for a good kip. A Grey London day but, as always, the Thames draws me down to the riverside, through Westminster and over to the South bank, a great place to observe the world go by. North Bank Rules, South Bank Lives…
I just got word that Barney McKenna has passed this morning. He took ill suddenly at home in Howth and, by all accounts, had a peaceful passing. Sat and watched him play at The Lowry Theatre in Salford just 5 weeks back. He was playing beautifully and, for me, he stole the night when he stepped forward and, with quiet dignity, thanked everyone “as Gaeilge ” in our native tongue. Like every one who met Barney I too have great memories of those occasions. We travelled together to Australia and New Zealand; we met up in England, Scotland, Germany, Holland and Belgium. my favourite anecdote – I was sitting beside him on a flight from Sydney to Perth and as soon as the seatbelt sign was switched off Barney pressed the call button and when the Australian Airlines Assistant arrived he asked, ” excuse me Miss, could I ever get a pint of Guinness and 20 Sweet Afton”.
Barney’s playing remains the backbone of all the great Dubliners recordings. Back in the day when they were blazing a trail that rhythm section of Barney’s and Luke’s Banjos, tenor and five string, along with the acoustic Guitars of Ronnie and Ciarán created a driving pulse that was second to none, a rhythm which many of us still seek to groove. The Clancy’s created a genre, The Dubliners picked it up and ran with it. Both in Music and in Life Barney seemed always in his own world….it was forever a pleasure to encounter the man even though, betimes, I could not grasp his drift. He always greeted me fondly and with a hearty laugh… fun was never far away when Barney was around. To his family and friends I extend my condolence, in particular to John Sheehan who has lost his comrade, gone on to join Luke Kelly, Ciarán Bourke and Ronnie Drew…
(Written one week later) Goodnight Bernard….
We bantered out in Teac Furbo, Spiddal when The Dubliners and Planxty shared the stage for 2 nights during Galway Race Week back in 1973. He came into the studio in the 1970’s and played on “Johnny Jump Up”. That went out an album called “Christy Moore” circa 1975. I recall that Barney was booked for a session at 7.30 on Tue evening. He eventually showed at 2 am the following Friday morning. He had a right team in tow and it turned into a grand session. I ran the tape out to him once and he nailed it in one take. More recently I did a session with him in 2009 when U2 recorded a tribute to Ronnie Drew. In Salford last month He played the sweet notes right to the very end. We played “The Herald Boot Fund” gig at The State Cinema in Phibsboro in 1972. He introduced me to his Mother. Mrs McKenna always called her lovely Son Bernard.
“O they were the Quare Ones,
Fol de dee get outa that,
O they were the Quare Ones
I’ll tell you ”
We finished the 2nd gig in RFH London by dedicating “John O’Dreams” to the memory of Barney McKenna (1939-2012)
Royal Festival Hall (2nd Night)
1. How Long
2. Missing You
3. North and South
4. Motherland
5. Delirium Tremens
6. Magdalene
7. Smoke and Whiskey
8. Nancy Spain
9. McIlhatton
10. Black Colour
11. Quinte Brigada
12. Sunshine In
13. Little Musgrave
14. Honda 50.
15. Michael Hayes
16. Morecambe Bay
17. Hattie Carroll
18. Biko Drum
19. Island Swans
20. Shovel
21. Ride On
22. Chicago
23. Victor Jara
24. Sonny’s Dream
25. No Time For love
26. John O’ Dreams (in memory of Barney McKenna)
2 hours
April 6th – Back In Liverpool
A free day on Merseyside. a long Riverside walk, a rehearsal with Declan as we try and sort out a few glitches in Little Musgrave and look at re-visiting “Suffocate” by Noel Brazil, “Johnny Don’t Go” by John Spillane …try and catch up with some lost sleep and rest the vocals for tomorrow night in The Philharmonic…
April 7th
4am – a fight on the street outside our hotel – screaming, tussling, boxing, rolling, wrestling, swearing ,crying… even looking on from the 4th floor it’s heart thumping head racing stuff, it eventually subsides to a flicker as they troop off in different directions some trying to get back into their hotel. I’m wide awake now with little chance of sleep but I’m blest to have a few films stored on my computer so I get immersed in a film called “Dear John” which takes me away on a two hour fantasy. It got a lot of bad reviews but this Lasse Halstrom directed movie did the job for me this dark Liverpool night. I have also watched “Extremely Loud, Incredibly Close” in recent days. I found it harrowing and beautiful. The young boy at the centre delivers an amazing performance and I found myself believing Sandra Bullock’s character for the first time in years. Having watched and thoroughly enjoyed this film I decided to Google some reviews. I was amazed to find it almost 100% panned as a dreadful film. The Guardian Critic suggested it was the worst film ever to receive an Oscar nomination. * I watched it in the back of the van on the overnight journey from Leeds to Cardiff last weekend and it was simply harrowing and beautiful*. On the trip from London to Liverpool I watched Matt Damon in “We bought a Zoo”. That Matt man sure can act. Such a variety of roles this past 10 years yet he inhabits them all effortlessly… no shenanigans, this man simply gets on with the job and plies his trade, performs his art.
I always anticipate The Philharmonic, the room has history, and even a signed portrait of the young Queen Elizabeth on the wall of the dressing room… had a few gremlins to wrestle. We began the first song when suddenly the houselights came back up which was a distraction, then as I hit the first chorus I broke a string, something that is a rarity these days. We had two writers in the room – Kevin Littlewood who penned “On Morecambe Bay” and Ian Prowse author of “Does This Train stop on Merseyside”. What a great pair of songs to be able to sing, to do so in the company of the writers is a privilege. We sat together afterwards with Ian, Kevin, Allan O’Hare and their partners, had a grand yarn. Then we met a few more songsters at the stage door, some reminiscing, signing, photographs before we dived into the van for the trip from the River Mersey to the River Tyne. What mighty Rivers you have here… they are the life’s blood of your great cities
Liverpool, Philharmonic Set
1. North and South of the River
2. Missing You
3. Haiti
4. Smoke and Whiskey
5. Black Colour
6. Quinte
7. Magdalene
8. Chicago
9. Delirium Tremens
10. No Time for Love
11. Nancy Spain
12. Morecambe Bay
13. Ordinary man
14. Michael Hayes
15. Honda 50
16. Little Musgrave
17. Sun Shine In
18. Does this train stop on Merseyside?
19. Ride On
20. Back Home in Derry
21. Victor Jara
22. Tyrone Boys
23. Sweet Thames
24. Shovel
25. John O’Dreams (in memory of Barney McKenna)
26. Butterfly
27. Four Strong Winds
28. Cliffs of Dooneen
29. Lisdoonvarna
2 hours 5 minutes
April 8th – Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
We arrived on The Tyne at 3 am. Never left the room all day. Needed to chill out and watch Ulster v Munster from Thomond Park. It’s lovely to get back to City Hall after almost 20 years. Declan and I felt we played best here tonight but we can only judge it from our perspective. (Some who were at all 6 gigs felt Liverpool was the best). There was a Ruby Walsh fan in the room but we have had to side-line that song for ecological reasons. The flat season is almost upon us so all the jump jocks will be taking off. Its time for Lester and Scobie to waste .I fancy Katie Walsh each way in The National.
1. Little Musgrave
2. Butterfly
3. Matty
4. Morecambe Bay
5. North & South
6. Burning Times
7. Barrowlands
8. Companeros
9. Veronica
10. D. T.s
11. Mc Illhatton
12. Tyrone Boys
13. Nancy Spain
14. Listen
15. Ordinary Man
16. Sun Shine In
17. Missing You
18. Quiet Desperation
19. Smoke & Strong Whiskey
20. Voyage
21. Ride On
22. Lisdoon
23. John O ‘Dreams (in memory of Barney Mc Kenna)
Encore
24. Shovel
1 hour 48 mins
I am writing this aboard the Stena out of Holyhead. We finished our gig in Newcastle City Hall 5 hours ago whereupon Michael Devine and I made a dash for the ship of fame. It was a good gig last night. We opened with Little Musgrave. Took a chance starting with a 10 minute song but we played a good version and away we flew. The venue had a very different feel to The Sage Theatre where we have played all our recent Tyneside Gigs this past decade. I thought it would be good to have a change and so it proved. Feels good to be steaming home with the satisfaction of a tour well done. Paddy Doherty has been at the helm since day one. He vets every venue and every accommodation. He plans the travel logistics with Michael Devine who is our Tour Manager. Paddy co-ordinates our production with David and Johnny Meade on Sound, Geoff Ryan on lighting and Dikon Whitehead on monitors. This tour was booked out by Paul Charles at Asgard and was promoted by AAA Promotions (apart from London RFH which were in-house promotions). Publicity was by Richard Wooton, Claire Horton and Gareth Davies. There were many others involved too, Staff at all the venues welcomed us and gave us all the assistance required. From the get-in at Leeds to load-out at Newcastle a week later, all went without a hitch. It is a wonderful industry within which we operate. Declan and I are at the core for 2 hours every night but there are many others working around us, assisting us to get our music across. Last but not least – none of it would happen if you, our listeners, did not come out and purchase the tickets with which we finance this entire operation.
Its early morning now, 5.30 am as we sail up the Liffey and turn into Dublin Port. time to get home to our Loved Ones… past Masers Art and Harry Nama’s Hares, over the East Link past Paul Durcan’s… along the Glass Bottle Bank and along Sandymount where Molly Bloom did soliloquy, thru the Merrion Gates and I can smell the tea brewing… Michael drops me home, bags and boxes and the tour is done…
Christy
P.S. Will be shortly be announcing some more dates …
For anyone in the vicinity, there is a stunning exhibition of sculpture currently showing in the Carlow Arts Centre. The work of Eileen McDonage is on show there until 7th May. The sheer size of the work suggests that it may be some time before an exhibition such as this is seen again. For anyone interested in sculpture, stone and art, I recommend this exhibition. It is profound and moving in both its psysical and spiritual dimensions. Eileen McDonagh has sculpted may pieces of Public Art to be seen around Ireland. I was aware of may of the pieces but until now I was not aware of the artist. The are all contained in a book available from Carlow Arts Centre for €20.
The Centre itself is well worth a visit … great location and facilities. It contains an excellent theatre in which I would like to play. (Be warned it is not open to the general public during the day). For times check out the arts centre website – click on the link here: Carlow Centre for Contemporary Art.
March-April 2012
I’m writing this in The Riverside Hotel in Enniscorthy. Amazed to hear that it is 6 years since we played here as I have very clear recall of the last time. Jimmy McCarthy came to that gig and joined us afterwards for a mug of tea in the Bridle Suite. Having the writer of a song in the audience is always an interesting phenomenon; I am certainly affected by it. This venue is in a lovely location. It is on the bank of the River Slaney with a grand 5K walk at the front door. It is the sort of venue that I like… always hot and welcoming, always full, relaxed and inspirational, without any of the haughty vibrations to be found in some of our more refined centres of creativity. (Is it Folk or is it Art, does anybody know? Can someone please tell me where the Blarney Roses grow?)
Recently I read a small number of reviews from disgruntled listeners complaining about gigs not starting on time. Understandably, they aimed their arrows at me. Just a few things to say; Declan and I have a rehearsal and sound check at 5 o’clock before every gig. We then return to the dressing room at about 6.30 and wait to be called to the stage. Looking back over last years starting times it is very seldom later then 8.10. Starting Time is totally outside our remit, Declan and I are always in the dressing room ready and raring to go… the decision to start lies with those running the gig… no point Declan and I commencing at 8 sharp if there are hundreds of people still seeking entrance. People can be delayed for many reasons, parking difficulties, trying to get to the gig after work, getting an extra glass before the gig, finding the bleddy kip, losing a cufflink or ear-ring. Our crew will have been at the venue since mid-day setting up the stage, they too will be standing by… sometimes we all simply have to wait a little longer. Best for everyone to assume that the gig will begin at the advertised time… if the show is a bit late, for whatever reason, try and relax and not get your keks in a twist… suck a gobstopper, look around, (I always love watching the audience from behind the curtain), phone a friend, listen to Cal, say the Serenity Prayer, eavesdrop on adjacent listeners, make new friends, strike up conversations, kiss your partner on the lips, share your gig with total strangers… if none of this works and your blood begins to boil, write to us here and give out shite, we will always listen to you…
President Michael D. and Sabina O’Higgins got quickly into their stride upon assuming residency at Áras an Uachtaráin. I feel relieved “that tis them that’s there”. I wish them both peace of mind and every happiness above in The Park. I met them recently at a gathering of artists in The Abbey Theatre, Dublin. Poets, Painters, Musicians and Writers invited there by Paula Meehan and Theo Dorgan to support the Commission for Prison Reform. Afterwards The President and Sabina greeted us all in The Green Room. It was heart-warming to see him give so generously of himself but that has always been his way. Over the years I have encountered Michael D. on a number of occasions and he has always been a remarkable man to meet. Most recently I heard him read his poetry at Féile na Laoch in Coolea Co Cork. It was 2 in the morning when he stood beneath the stars in that open field where we had all gathered to celebrate creation itself. I recall another time many years ago when he was The Minister for Arts and Culture and he took time out to present me an award in Galway. I consider our President to be a true man of the people. He also possesses skills of diplomacy and a long honed understanding of our constitution. I feel confident that he will do his utmost to safeguard and lead the nation during these difficult and fraught times. I salute President Michael D. Higgins.
A few months back I wrote about a gig at the Grand Social Club in Dublin. The gig, with Mairtín O’Connor’s band, was superb and the venue itself was really good. Subsequently I attended some powerful gigs there, one by Andy Irvine and another from Four Men and a Dog. It seemed that, once again, we might have finally a good venue for Folk music in the capital city. There certainly is a need for one. When I began playing in Dublin in the 60s there were many good venues run by people who loved music. I recall gigs in The (old) Embankment run by Peggy Jordan, early days in The Abbey Tavern Howth, Rathmines Folk Club, Parnell House and of course Slattery’s of Capel Street. In the late 60’s we had Betty McDermott’s Coffee Kitchen in Molesworth Street and Gerry O’Grady’s Auld Triangle. In the 70s The Meeting Place emerged and in the 80’s and 90’s Mother Redcaps came to the fore. Sadly any hopes of The Grand Social becoming a good venue have faded. It would appear that the main ingredient for a successful Folk Music venue is missing from this ideal location. Once more we live in hope.
Declan Sinnott has recorded his first Solo Album. It will be released later in the year when he will also perform some solo gigs. Details will be posted here in due course. I am looking forward to this release. He has performed 5 of the songs so far and I have enjoyed hearing each one of them. We will work separately for the first 6 months of 2013 so that he can promote his album. It will also afford me the opportunity to do some solo gigs again… dust off some old songs and give the Bodhrán a good rattle. This has been, by far, the longest time that either of us have spent in a band, albeit a 2 man combo… my longest period prior to this was 3 years in Planxty – first time round in ’72,’73,’74. I still look forward to every gig that Declan and I play. He is a true comrade in the playing of the music. Always ready and willing to rehearse, full of ideas and strong opinions but also patient with my limited chords and forgiving of my errors in live performance. He has coaxed me into learning a few new riffs and often makes subtle changes to old accompaniments that give them a new lease of life. I will keep you posted on this site when his gigs are in place.
Rugby… It was Thursday 16th March as we assembled in Co Kildare. Our purpose was to play a gig for the Ireland Rugby squad, a pleasure I have enjoyed on 7 previous occasions. It was less then 48 hours before they were due to take to the field in Twickenham and face England once again. Previous gigs had always taken place a week before games so this time round there was an understandable tension in the room. As Declan and I took to the stage the sound system went awry with distortion which added to my nervousness. I likened it to an opening kick-off going straight into touch. My response was to go into an acapella song that was entirely unsuitable as an opener. I was like a fox caught in the headlights. Things settled down after we got off to a shaky start but soon settled into a groove. Declan’s electric was not working but the gig began to turn for me as some of the players came up and shared the stage with us. First up was Damien Varley who sang and played “Bright Blue Rose” and ‘”Faithfull Departed”. Donnaca O’Callaghan gave a great rendition of “All I Remember”. he is garnering a grand repertoire and never sings the same song twice. Kevin McLaughlin came from the blind side and delivered a lovely “Ride On”. Felix Jones came flying up from the full back position and showed a great pair of hands on the Bodhrán with McIlhatton and Quinte Brigada… It was great to be meeting these new players at close quarters. The new team manager Mick Kearney came up a tore into “Tell Me Ma” (a bit like Tommy Bowe, he is a one verse operator). This opened the floodgates and they were suddenly coming from all sides. Donnaca Ryan rose high and gave us a heart felt rendition of ‘Black is The Colour”, then Gordon Darcy came right thru the middle of the room with “City Of Chicago”, Rala O’Reilly took on “The Contender” and did justice to Jimmy Macs tender ballad (Dennis Leamy did a great version 3 years ago). Fergus McFadden then came on and stumped both Declan and Myself with “Rock and Roll kids”; neither Declan nor I could play it. I did not realise that Fergus was a nephew to my old friend Austin O’Donnell from The Curragh. Austin was a grand ballad singer… we often passed the guitar around back in the sixties, 3 chords and a dozen stout as we sought to serenade Red Prender’s beautiful daughters. Declan Kidney then spoke briefly and Rory Best thanked us for the gig. It was apparent that they were all focused on Saturdays Mighty Clash as we left them and drove for Killarney for the following days gig. (Alas they suffered a heavy defeat; it was terrible to witness their disillusionment. However most of the squad will wear the green again and have another day… time now to put the International caps away and focus upon the European Club semi-finals)
What a joy it is to meet up with songs that shine. Early on I was attracted to the entire repertoire of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. At 16, almost everything I sang came from The Clancy’s. then I got Waltons blue book of ballads back around 1962 and learned songs that were original to my hungry ears; “The Bard of Armagh”, “Rosin The Bow” and ” Down by the Liffeyside”. That same year I got the PW Joyce Collection in the Newbridge Library. There I found “The Rambler from Clare”, “The Enniskillen Dragoon” and, best of all, “The Curragh of Kildare”. I still remember working out the melody of “The Curragh” with Donal Lunny at our piano in Moorefield Terrace. We then took 2 lines from Verse 3 and used it as a chorus. Sometime after that, maybe 1964 I got my hands on Colm O’Lochlainn’s Dublin Street Ballads. That, and its successor, became the bible, reference books and sat nav of many the budding Balladeer. My first song from O’Lochlainn was “Mary from Dungloe” which I used to do as an up-tempo song. I still remember singing it at the Thurles fleadh with an auld battered 30 shilling guitar with binder twine as strap. Other songs from these yellow books included “Come by The Bower”, “James Larkin”, “Dublin Jack” “Carnloch Bay” and “Bold Rake”. To this day they remain 2 great reference books. Then I finished with the books and I began to encounter songs from singers. Patsy Halloran sang the “Galtee Mountain Boy “in Clonmel in 1963. I heard Robbie McMahon sing “Spancilhill” in John Minogue’s Hotel upon the windswept hill of Tulla in 1964… such exciting times I enjoyed as I travailed the country searching out songs. It was a time of nil technology and none the worse for it. We had to work to gain songs, we had to travel search and wait. After I moved across the water in ’66 the songs began to come towards me more regularly – Mainly because I went to Folk clubs every night of the week. I heard Tony Downes sing “Plane Crash at Los Gatos” in Manchester, Jackie and Bridie singing “Seth Davy” in Liverpool in 1967. Shortly afterwards Hamish Imlach taught me “Black is The Colour”. I was surrounded by songs and infatuated by those who sang them. Mike Waterson sang “The Lakes of Pontchartrain” to me in 1968. I heard “John of Dreams” from Bill Caddick in Wolverhampton. The same year I flew to St Helier to play in the Jersey Folk Club. There I met Barney Rush. I was transfixed when he sang “Nancy Spain” and he then followed it with “The Crack was 90 in The Isle of Man “… that was all of 45 years ago. In between I have been seduced by hundreds of songs and here I am still listening and learning. Beautiful songs still come my way; “Listen” from Hank Wedell, “Gortatagort” from John Spillane, “Magdalene Laundries” from Joni Mitchell, and “Motherland” from Natalie Merchant. I hear new songs and “new” traditional songs around every corner. All that said, we singers need you listeners too, it’s when we sing them out to you that they truly come to life… Only then does the circle of song become complete.
The Spoken Word session with Janice Long is available by clicking the link here.
We are now preparing for the first leg of our British Tour. It commences in Leeds on April 1st and continues in Cardiff, London, Liverpool and Newcastle. The second leg in November takes in York, Manchester, Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow.
See you down the road…
Christy
PS. Recently we have added dates in Newbridge, Mountmellick, Galway, Electric Picnic, Tullamore, Charleville, Castlebar, Sligo, Derry, Carrickmacross, Cork and Cavan. We will play Dublin in December.
February 7th 2012
I’m back in Manchester again 45 years on. Back then I went from club to club doing floor spots and trying to pick up a gig anywhere I could. Pickings were lean, but for my Auntie Kathleen out in the Lancashire town of Bury, I might not have survived my folk apprenticeship. She often put me up and fed me. Kathleen ran a lovely old-world country pub called The Pack Horse Inn in Birtle which lies in the hills between Bury and Rochdale. It was off the beaten track and could always be relied upon for a good late night session. I recall nights there with Hamish Imlach, Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Packie Manus Byrne, The Grehan Sisters, and Mike Harding. We’d roll back there after gigs in the City and sing ’til dawn…
This time round I’m back here for The BBC Folk Awards and there is protest in the air. I’m told that the gig (at the new Lowry Theatre) may be picketed tonight. There has been furore in The Mudcat Forum about the Folk awards and some of the controversy has made it through to the National papers. A number of disgruntled Folkies are calling for more transparency in the voting process. There have been accusations of “bribery and corruption”. I get the whiff of sour grapes…
Later… It was an interesting evening. I heard some great performances particularly from Brendan Power, Tim Edey and June Tabor. We played “On Morecambe Bay”, which was one of 4 nominated songs. I got to meet the author, Kevin Littlewood for the first time. I was invited to present an award to Bill Leader. Bill was honoured for his work in recording a huge legacy of Folk Music. His early work with Topic and Transatlantic Labels yielded great recordings by artists as diverse as Pentangle, Hamish Imlach, John Martyn and Bert Jansch. He then went to form his own label and he came to Ireland in 1971 to record the “Prosperous” album. Planxty came about as a direct result of Bill Leader’s recording prowess. He arrived with a Revox reel to reel recorder and two microphones and set to work getting us four into shape, encouraging us and teaching us too. Many of Bill’s Albums have become classics through time. I think of Nic Jones, Tony Rose, The Dransfields and Martin Wyndham Read to name but a few. Also honoured at the Folk Awards was Ian Campbell who wrote songs such as “The Old Man’s Song” and “The Sun is Burning”. His band, The Ian Campbell Folk group, were very popular in Britain in the 60s and 70s. Many fine musicians served their apprenticeship with Ian. He ran The “Jug of Punch” club in Birmingham and I still recall the excitement I felt when I first played there. At the awards I also met Mike Harding, Ralph McTell, Maddy Prior and The Dubliners. A great night was had by all.
We travelled down to London half expecting snow to intervene but we arrived at the BBC where I did an interview with Janice Long for her BBC Radio 2 programme to go out in March. I last met Janice in 1991 when I was promoting the “Smoke and Strong Whiskey” album. She is a true songster. We had a grand chat and I sang a few songs. On Friday I hooked up with both Acoustic and UNCUT magazines and also met with Martin Chilton of The Daily Telegraph. Before he began writing about music Martin used to be a football writer and he shared some great yarns from The English Premiership. Stories about players I have watched and managers I have listened to. Next morning we returned to Broadcasting House for Saturday Morning Live which was presented by Anita Anand. She coaxed poems from Matt Harvey and wrestled down the line with the wonderful Willie Daly (He is Ireland’s number one Matchmaker and works his magic in Lisdoonvarna every September).
On Sunday Morning we had a pre dawn call to get ourselves over to BBC TV in Shepherds Bush for an early encounter with Andrew Marr. He hosts an excellent programme on BBC2 on Sunday mornings. He interviews Prime Ministers, World Famous Film Directors, Ministers of Culture and luminaries from many walks of life. That Sunday Morning I was invited to sing a song and decided upon “Sweet Thames Flow Softly”. Regrettably I failed to deliver a good performance. Andrew gave us a glowing intro, I hit the opening chord and the guitar was completely and inexplicably out of tune. In horror I glanced over at Declan who instantly abandoned the prepared accompaniment and gave me a solid rhythm to work upon. It was a disappointing affair for us but every one was generous in the aftermath. A number of our regular listeners were critical of Andrew Marr but I disagree with them entirely. I found him to be a gracious host, enjoyed meeting him and marvelled at his ability to interact with such diverse subjects and guests in a one hour programme.
That done we scuttled back to Broadcasting House for a meeting with Cerys Matthews who hosts a music programme on BBC Radio 6 . Cerys sat in with Declan and I for a grand auld natter. We played “On Morecambe Bay” and “Voyage”. Many of you will be familiar with Cerys’s work. She is a fine singer and musician, a proud woman of Wales and it was a pleasure to sing for her. Then I moved to a different studio to meet up with my old buddy John Walker and do an interview with him for his Sounds of the Seventies broadcast. We also spoke at length for his podcast. That was a good morning’s work for a Sunday morning. Contented, Michael Devine and I set sail for Holyhead while Declan and Paddy took off for Heathrow.
I’ve seen some great movies lately; The Station Agent, an Unfinished Life, Jack goes Boating, Descendants and Hereafter. For anyone slightly interested in Irish Music I recommend Gerry Diver’s “Speech Project”. He has delivered a unique recording which was years in the making. I played a small part in it. I particularly like the tracks featuring the voice of the late Margaret (Maggie) Barry. Other tracks include the voices of Joe Cooley, Martin Hayes, Shane McGowan, Damien Dempsey and Danny Meehan.
We went to see Janis Ian in Vicar St recently. She delivered a stunning gig. The room was packed and there was an air of expectancy as she took the stage. I have seen some great gigs at this venue and, for me, Janis equalled the best of them. We have previously heard Paul Simon in Vicar St with a luxurious Big Band, Bob Dylan and his band too. Janis Ian, with her lone acoustic Martin Guitar, filled that space with sound and lyrics and held us spellbound for 2 hours after which she met and signed for the hundreds who wished to meet her. She was as large and encompassing as any big band. We simply loved her gig.
I must admit that I am missing the guest book these days. We have to rebuild the site as it has been vandalised too often in recent months. I have a certain amount of sympathy for these intruders. Although it is annoying when the site is vandalised, such inconvenience pales when in comparison to the mind set of those creative instincts that are so senselessly employed. I miss the daily banter, the feedback, the queries, the assistance offered. I have come to enjoy it over the past 5 years. I hope that we all re-engage when the team have the site re-opened.
We returned to Cork today Feb 17th. We organised a gig in The Triskel Arts Centre in support of the workers at Vita Cortex who are still occupying their factory work place in Cork. Declan Sinnott and were joined by Greenshine and Tana O’Brien. 30 of the workers were at the gig. I realise it was but a drop in the ocean but when I saw them on TV recently I simply wanted to offer them my support. Everyone I approached agreed immediately to stand with me. The Triskel, Declan Sinnott, Paddy Doherty, Michael Devine, David Meade and Frank Connolly at SIPTU gave their full support. A lot depends upon the outcome of this strike. If Jack Ronan and his associates get away with their mean scheme, a blueprint will exist to deprive long serving workers of their hard earned redundancy payments. Let us support the Vita Cortex Workers any way we can.
I received the following letter recently. It is heart warming to hear of the song being sung at a commemoration where so many Brigadistas lost their lives.
Dear Christy,
I found myself in the meso El Cid in Morata, which was the Republican HQ of the 15th Brigade then, after a hearty meal, listening once again to Spanish musicians singing your “Quince Brigada” in both English and Spanish yesterday, and thought of you and Bob Doyle, who began these commemorative walks with local school-teacher Seve Monteroback in 2003, on a rainy miserable afternoon.
Now the event has grown to become a large occasion, with dozens of cars and three full buses heading out from Madrid to cover a part of The battlefield and we had a sunny day this year, Lay a few flowers, listen to some history and a few local veterans, and unveil a statue in the local museum of that battle.
And after the lunch, in a cheerful crowd of British, Irish, Spanish and the odd other nationality, to sing the songs of the war, and this of course includes yours!
Salud!
Harry Owens.
On October 8th 2011, there was a gathering of men and women who had been “On the Blanket” in Armagh Prison and in the H Blocks of Long Kesh. I was invited to sing with them but a prior commitment (gigs in Germany) prevented my being there. I recorded this 18 minute video at home in my work room and it was played to the gathering on the night. You can view it by clicking on here
Declan Sinnott did an interview with Mick O’Brien on SinÉ radio in 2009. I did not get to hear it until Olivia (From 4711ers.org) passed it on. You can listen to it by clicking on here (Declan’s interview starts around 11 minutes in)
I attended an Andy Irvine gig in Dublin last night. He was enthralling. Many new songs since I last heard him. Check out his dates (www.andyirvine.com) and catch him if you can.
PS we now have a new library section available here.
Jim Page
Here he comes, lookin’ for the rent,
His greedy yellow eyes and his tongue all bent,
Padlocked pockets and bad luck nose
Sniffin’ ’round my doorway and goin’ through my clothes.
Oh how could you treat me so cold?
Got a mortgage on my body and the deeds of my soul.
I’ve a run-down room with a two-way roof.
That man’s a thief. I’ve even got the proof.
He likes to take, he doesn’t like to give.
I have to pay him rent just to have a place to live.
Hey you, I know you well;
You run a rock-and-roll tavern and a greasy hotel.
You misuse a lot of people. You’re such a greedy man.
I have to put gloves on in case I touch your hand.
Oh how could you treat me so cold?
Got a mortgage on my body and the deeds of my soul.
You go sneakin ’round windows to see what you can see.
You unlock doors where you’ve got no right to be.
Your legs are weak. You’ve been tellin’ lies.
Some day somebody’s gonna get wise.
You’re gonna get evicted out in the street,
No food in your belly and no shoes on your feet
You’re gonna walk around from door to door
But nobody’s gonna want to see you anymore.
Oh how could you treat me so cold?
Got a mortgage on my body and the deeds of my soul.
You’re gonna wake up down here on the street,
Bricks and mortar lyin’ round your feet.
Treat me cold now, cold as you please
Come next winter the two of us will freeze.
Oh landlord,
How could you treat me so cold?
This was an exciting time. Donal and I agreed to work together and our next port of call was with Declan Sinnott who volunteered immediately. Then we gradually expanded. Richie Buckley played one gig in Kilkenny, Bill “Riverdance” Whelan left after one rehearsal citing political differences. Tommy Moore came and left to join Paul Brady.
One by one we slowly assembled. Brian Calnan came from Cork to sit in the traps, Eoghan O’Neill ran out of Tipperary to drive hot bass up our spines, Keith Donald came down from the mountain blowing cool air through his reed, Davy left the camps and got up on the amps – the collective was completed by Matt Kelleghan, George and Cyril and we were ready to roll.
Come All You Dreamers Live At Barrowland Glasgow[dvd]
Trad / Arr: Christy Moore
The winter it has passed
And the summer’s come at last
The small birds are singing in the trees
And their little hearts are glad
Ah, but mine is very sad
Since my true love is far away from me
And straight I will repair
To the Curragh of Kildare
For it’s there I’ll finds tidings of my dear
The rose upon the briar
By the water’s running clear
Brings joy to the linnet and the bee
And their little hearts are blessed
But mine can know no rest
Since my true love is far away from me
A livery I’ll wear
And I’ll comb back my hair
And in velvet so green I will appear
And straight I will repair
To the Curragh of Kildare
For its there I’ll find tidings of my dear
All you who are in love
Aye and cannot it remove
I pity the pain that you endure
For experience lets me know
That your hearts are filled with woe
It’s a woe that no mortal can cure
More Info
I gleaned this song from The P.W. Joyce collection in 1964.Donal Lunny and I arranged this song into its present shape.The original was written by Scotlands poet laureate Robbie Burns.It tells the story of a young Scottish woman whose lover is away soldiering for the Queen in the Curragh of Kildare.She decides to present herself for recruitment disguised as a young fellow.We never get to hear the outcome.Certainly a good case for a sequel.
Author: Traditional
Who is that there knocking the window pane
Who is that there knocking the window pane
Who is that there knocking the window pane
Only me says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don’t come any near to me
Cúnla dear, don’t come any near to me
Cúnla dear, don’t come any near to me
Maybe’s I shouldn’t says Cúnla
Who is that there tickling the toes of me
Only me says Cúnla
Who is that there tickling the thighs of me
Only me says Cúnla
Who is that there taking the clothes off me
Only me says Cúnla