“Two of them where the Angels lie at the Well Below the Valley”

The passing of Pete Seeger made headline news here in Ireland. For many of us he has been present for most of our lives, his work constantly referenced, and his songs reverberating through our soundscape. The Folk Revival, as I know it, emanated from America where the Coffee House Folk Clubs gave a stage to a new genre of music and songs. This gradually spread to London and from there in all directions in Western Europe. Pete Seeger was an important player in the birth of this concept. When this wind wafted back to Ireland it carried The Clancy Brothers whose style and repertoire were honed on these same stages. Back here it melded with our Traditional Music and Song (which had survived historical forces of occupation and subsequent oppression of Church and State.) When it landed here it was soon taken up by an excited youth movement and it blossomed into what was known back in the day as “The Ballad Scene”. Pete Seeger played in Dublin in the early 60s (something I did not realise until yesterday). He had a “soft spot” for Irish Songs and Music and championed The Clancy’s and Joe Heaney back in the early days. In my innocence I sent Pete an early recording of mine back in the mid 70s. (An album called “Whatever Tickles Your Fancy”). He was generous enough to listen to it and send me some encouraging words.

It has been heart-warming here in Ireland these past days to encounter so many people talking about Pete Seeger, his songs, his politics, how he fought oppression all through his long life. His sister, Peggy Seeger sent this to Mike Harding in Lancashire who passed it on to me.

As most of you will know by now, my beloved brother Pete died peacefully, surrounded by close family members, at the Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia), New York City, on January 27th at 9:17 pm. His daughter Tinya, who had been caring for him for some time, was lovingly holding his hand. I was still in mid-air making a frantic attempt to get there from New Zealand. I arrived four hours too late. I take solace from our last phone calls where much was said but unspoken. I know many of you will be saddened by Pete’s death but we must remember that he led a very full and productive life. He leaves a prodigious body of work for us to enjoy, a legacy the enormity of which will continue to grow. He touched so many people’s lives, from children to the golden oldies like myself. As for me, I have lost the last person who has known me from birth and who has always been there for me. I cannot express how heavy losing Pete lies with me. My thanks to all for your kind and thoughtful condolences. Peggy.

Jan 30th 2014…
Luke Kelly was well remembered on the 30th Anniversary of his passing. His voice still resounds around us and his legend lives on. I still see his partner Madeline Seiler from time to time. Madeline runs The Headline Agency which represents many Irish musicians (including Declan Sinnott and my brother Luka Bloom) it was always a pleasure to visit Luke and Madeline in the beautiful home they created together. I met Damien Dempsey on the day and we spent an hour talking about Luke, about his singing and his life. It was special to share stories and memories of Luke with Damien who grew up listening to Luke’s recordings. The Dubliners were so good in their heyday. They gave Catholic Conservative Dublin a good kick up in the arse and we loved them for it. They took them Up To Monto Monto Monto, they took them up to Monto Langaroo. They Rattled Rosaries, lit up lounges, had us hitching to Fleadhs, learning 3 chords, binning Gillettes, creating crack, sleeping in hay barns, listening to Seamus Ennis and Joe Heaney, chucking jobs… I salute Luke, Ronnie, Ciarán, Barney and I wish long life to you John….

Jan 31st 2014…
On this day it will be 30 years since the awful death of Anne Lovett. Anne died at the Grotto of “The Blessed Virgin Mother” outside a small town in the very heart of Ireland. Alone, Anne Lovett and her baby both perished as we all got on with our daily routine. Kids at school, shops at business, people chatting on the street, farmers at creameries, bishops at breviaries, nuns at their beads. At the centre of all this, in the middle of this island young Anne had nowhere to go except to this cold deserted Grotto. There she lay down and delivered her baby. The death of Anne Lovett was a turning point for many of us on this Island. Today, very few under the age of 40 know her name but there are also many among us who will never forget her name for it is sacred to us.

Nigel Rolfe wrote the lyric of “The Ostrich” which subsequently has been called both “The Middle of The Island” and now “Anne Lovett”. I have been asked to sing it in The University of Maynooth on at an event simply called “Remembering Anne Lovett”. This event takes place in the John Hume Building, Lecture Theatre 4, NUI Maynooth on Wednesday 5th February at 6.30pm.The panel will be Catriona Crowe (Head of Special Projects at The National Archives of Ireland), Ailbhe Smyth (Feminist), Dr. Anne Mullhall (Department of English UCD) and Justine McCarthy (journalist with The Sunday Times).

Watching the film Llewyn Davies was an interesting experience. It brought back so many memories. A lifestyle I’d forgotten for many years. Trying to get floorspots, doing the odd few songs anywhere I’d be let. Hoping to be offered a support gig at some folk club. Hitching to some distant town, absolutely skint, wondering would I get the doss, would the club still be operating, would the organizers give me a chance to sing? All my early attempts were in and around Manchester, England. There Mike Harding gave me my first proper booking back in late 1966. I began to gain some gigs but still struggled to make ends meet. I remembered auditioning for an agent who booked acts for The Workingmen’s (sic) Club Circuit, an audition that, thankfully, resulted in but one gig. (Where I died the death) The singers club (open mike) was at the MSG every Monday where legendary “Jenks” ruled his Jazz and Folk Empire. I got in there early every Monday and got my name on the list. Gradually my confidence grew and I began to get spots round the suburbs of Manchester that I got to know so well. I got my first van in Bury in 1967. A minivan bought from a plumber called Reggie. It cost me £40 and I’ve never been as proud of a vehicle since. I lived and travelled, partied and played in that wee van ‘til swopping it for an old ’56 VW Beetle after a gig in Sheffield. With guitar, sleeping bag and tooth brush, me and a bunch of songs, heading on down the road…

I am enjoying these few weeks at home after the recent Dublin gigs. It’s a time to rest and to reflect but also to rehearse for the year ahead. See you along the way…
Christy

A message from Peggy Seeger about the passing of her brother, Pete Seeger

Peggy

There’s Gonna Be Good Times When All Our Dreams Come True

We bade Farewell to Nelson Mandela. Last Thursday night, his fine old heart stopped beating. His voice will reverberate and his spirit will be renewed every time his name is remembered. His compassion and forgiveness, his humanity and dedication, his love and human kindness have filled the hearts of countless millions who have looked to him and listened out for him. I am thankful to have lived in his time.

Nelson listen to the people sing, Nelson Mandela, the Peoples King

27 years lying in that Jail

27 years they couldn’t make him say

The renegades sing all the renegade songs

The ones that know hope they’re doin wrong

The Blacks and the Coloureds play The Biko Drum

The Coloureds and The Blacks play The Biko Drum

(From Wally Page’s “The Biko Drum” 1986)

“Where I Come From” was finally released on Nov 1st and went out to face the music. Thank you for all your feedback. A few listeners did not notice the booklet in the sleeve – A design flaw which I overlooked before signing off. It’s not obvious but there is a wee booklet there.

It has been an interesting month with widespread response to the recordings. I have been working to help publicize the release. It was very different when “Paddy on The Road (my first recording) “escaped ” in 1969. I still remember the excitement of getting that first LP into my hand. When I began this journey, any thought of recording was so far removed that it did not even seem a possibility. That all changed when I met Dominic Behan in London in 1969. He took me under his wing which led to my first recording experience. 44 years later it’s a different experience.

To promote the album I did a number of print media interviews. These flow easier when the interviewing journalist has had the time to hear the work beforehand. There have been good reviews too. ( only one bummer, as far as I am aware ) Some performers never read their reviews. I understand this reticence but I must confess, I read every single one. Then I retreat to my eyrie, purring or weeping depending upon the outcome. Needless to say I have never harboured even the slightest resentment! Some Radio Stations invited me in and allowed me play live. I love the challenge of performing live on radio. Occasionally, magic moments are created that linger on over the years.. I Had a chat with Marian Finucane on RTE Radio 1 and another with Pat Kenny on Newstalk. I realise what privilege it is to get to talk about the album on such high profile shows. I got to play a couple of TV gigs too – met Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show and performed for Tristan Rosenstock on TG4’s Art Show “IMEALL”.

The gigs are flying past far too quickly. In the blink of an inst gigs come and go as we race towards the end of yet another diary. Flying high across the Foyle to Derry/Derry (always a City of Culture) we met Gerard Sands and his family, bumped into Sam Shepherd with Stephen Rea and the entire ensemble of Sam’s new play. We also met Martha McClelland who was the source of “Burning Times” 3 decades ago. Then we crossed the River Boyne at the Historic town of Trim. There The Knightsbrook Hotel buzzed as ballads filled the air and Meath’s harmonious chanters lustily sang their Royal Hearts out. Back then to my Heartland. 5 miles across the fields from my hometown lies Killashee (Cill na Sí). An historic house once the home of ascendency until it later became a convent and school. When the Sisters ran out of steam it was developed into a big hotel and leisure centre where concerts are sometimes performed. Right there in the front row sat Johnny Doyle with his wife Siobhán. Our long standing, top scoring, Kildare wing-forward is also a keen songster. It was a pleasure to sing for them both.

At recent gigs Declan and I have been joined by Jimmy Higgins on percussion. I first encountered Jimmy when he played in Eleanor Shanley’s Band over 20 years ago. Since then he has worked with Riverdance, The Stunning and The Saw Doctors. He is currently in The Máirtín O’Connor Band. We are enjoying his company and the rhythms he brings to our sound. This band is by far the longest time I have spent in any band. Declan and I have been a two piece for 12 years now. We were a 3 piece for a while with Donal Lunny.

My first full time band was Planxty. Between 1972-4 we performed for about 2 years. In later years we had some short revivals. Our music can still be heard on 7 albums. In the mid 70s I had a band with Kevin Burke, Jimmy Faulkner and Declan McNelis. That also lasted about 2 years and we played together on 2 albums. Next came Moving Hearts where again, my own involvement was for two 2 years and that line up also recorded two albums. After that came a long period of solo performance from 1983 to 1998. During this time I recorded with many musicians. After a 2 year lay off I met up with Declan Sinnott again in the year 2000. Thus began this recent leg of the journey. We were joined by Donal Lunny for a period but these past 8 years we have been a two piece Band and, by far, my longest Band.

(Over the years there were a few combos that came together for short periods…in the early 60s I played with Frank and Donal Lunny in a short-lived trio called “The Rakes of Kildare”. We played 2 gigs as I recall; One was a 50th commemoration of the 1916 Rising. This was held in Hugh Neeson’s Lounge Bar – my favourite watering hole of all time. It was a great day for all porter patriots. The same year, we played a Fianna Fail dinner dance in the Town Hall in Newbridge. Our fee was £3 and a crate of stout. Later the 60s there was a brief line up that featured Ralph McTell, Steve Benbow and Denny Wright. We recorded a series of programmes for The Sam Costa show on BBC Radio. In the late 70s there was the “The Early Grave Band” which came together for the Anti Nuclear Roadshow. It featured Donal Lunny, Jimmy Faulkner, Johnny Moynihan, Declan McNelis and myself. In The 80s I toured for a while with Sharon Shannon, Steve Cooney and Eoghan O’Neill. I’m sure there were other “curious combinations” along the way.

This very night I am here upon the broad majestic Shannon in the beautiful town of Athlone. I am rehearsing and gigging here with Mairtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Seamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins. We are an occasional 5 piece as we develop what is, for us, a very enjoyable collection of music. We are having mighty crack as we tentatively make our way, (at full speed), towards a tour next year. It’s great for my head to be in a Trad. ensemble once more. Máirtín, Seamie, Cathal and Jimmy have spent their lives immersed in the music and I feel at home in their midst.

I’ve been listening to Andy Irvine’s new album PARACHILNA. It was recorded by Andy’s son Cian during a trip they made across Australia. They travelled hard and slept beneath the stars. It is a lovely recording. Andy’s voice is sounding really good and, as always, his accompaniments are sublime. It’s great to see my old Planxty colleague still treading the boards.

Home from last night’s gig in Athlone safe and sound. Everyone scattered in different directions. Such a coming together. Glancing around the room in Joxer’s light I spotted listeners from many parts. George from Lumville quoting match results from bygone days, Hilary from Kerry swaying to the rhythms, the Donegal contingent spreading their good vibrations… listeners in from Bremen and Brooklyn, Patsy from Moate (keep coming back Mark), Johnny Hoban from Castlebar travelling the Grand Funk Railroad, a cousin I’ve yet to meet properly in from Boyne banks….our combo clicked in Athlone. This was our 6th outing and we are moving into a second gear. We got in under the music last night and the crowd came right in there with us. Philip Chevron’s “Ballad of The Faithful Departed” is taking new wings. We played it in Whelans at his tribute gig….he wrote a few days afterwards “heard your Hairy Bowsies version of my song”. His last note to me days before he moved on was poignant and beautiful….

An invite came from the South African Embassy asking would I sing Wally Page’s “Biko Drum” at Nelson Mandela’s Memorial Service in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I did not have to think twice. This was an honour I had not anticipated. The Ambassador requested this song having heard it previously at a commemoration for the Dunnes Stores Strikers. The Cathedral was buzzing when I arrived with Valerie and Michael Devine. There were many familiar faces there and many hands to shake. Old friends from different campaigns and new friends all brought together by the passing of Mandela. There was powerful singing from Acoustic Soul and the Dexi Gospel Choir. There were poems from Theo Dorgan, Ruth Rosen and Dolores Walshe. Steve Shiang of the ANC spoke as did Joan Burton, Oisín Quinn, David Begg, Gary Kilgallen and Rafique Mottiar. There were prayers and readings too. Ambassador Jeremiah oversaw the entire proceedings. When he called upon the Dexi Choir to sing the National Anthem great joy and sadness echoed around the old Cathedral.

We’re at the tail end of 2013, year 47 of this great tour. All that’s left to do now are the annual Dublin Gigs. We kicked off in Vicar St last night with a belter. The audience were well up for it from the first chord (G major). We played non stop for 2 hours 20 minutes and came off stage grinning like 3 Cheshire Cats. We played the following songs:

Biko Drum	Wally Page
How Long	Jackson Browne
Dunnes Store	Sandra Kerr
City of Chicago	Luka Bloom
Arthurs Day	Moore/Page
Delirium Tremens	Moore
Beeswing	Richard Thompson
Johnny Connors	Moore/Page
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face	Ewan McColl
Fairytale Of New York	S. McGowan/J. Finer
Puckane Christmas Morning	Moore
16 Fishermen Raving	Wally Page
On The Mainland	Moore
Back Home in Derry	Bobby Sands
Farmer Michael Hayes	Trad./Arr. Moore
Ordinary Man	Peter Hames
Blood Through These Veins	Declan Sinnott
Nancy Spain	Barney Rush
Weekend in Amsterdam	McCormack/Rush/Moore
Magdalene Laundries	Joni Mitchell
Missing You	Jimmy McCarthy
Wicklow Boy	Moore
Allende	Don Lange
Where I Come From	Bloom/Moore
Faithful Departed	Philip Chevron
Ride On	Jimmy McCarthy
No Time For Love	Jack Warshaw
ENCORE
Voyage	Johnny Duhan
Joxer Goes to Stuttgart	Moore
Cliffs of Dooneen	Trad./Arr. C. Moore
Viva La Quinta Brigada	Moore

Fair play to you, the listeners. Those Vicar Street Chairs can be hard on the arse. (The balcony is a bit easier) It’s a challenge to sit there for best part of 3 hours but ye were there till the very end (and brought us back for 4 encores). It is pure privilege to have such listeners. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – You create the atmosphere in which these songs come to life. You inspire us to play our hearts out and we are very grateful for your on-going support and feedback. Míle Maith agaibh go léir ag deireadh an Bhlian 2013.

I hope you have a peaceful and happy time. Let us not forget those less fortunate then ourselves.

Christy

The Commons Team 1957

BACK ROW

Left to Right – Tom Breen, Vincent (Giant) Thorpe, Myself, John Hall, Christy Whiteley (RIP) Paddy Geraghty, Michael Cronin, and Shay Cash.

FRONT ROW

Left to Right – Paddy Behan, Niall Roche, (———–), Tom Keogh, Michael Dinneen, Jimmy Burke, Jim Cuddy, Christy Higgins

Thanks to Vinny Brady of Rowan Terrace for the Photo …

A signed album to the first one who can provide the missing name.

We won our “Premiership” in 1957. If memory serves we were all in 5th class of Newbridge Primary School when we won the internal school league. We were called “The Commons” even though very few of us were natives of that Townland. Three or four of the above team went on to play with the 1959 team that won the Kildare Under-14 Championship. Later, two went on the play for Kildare at Senior County level. I have such distinct memories of each of these lads yet find it hard to recall what I was doing yesterday! The only one I’ve seen recently is the man holding the ball. Tom “The Rubber” Keogh was a classy footballer who went on to have a fine football career. Tom has also played music all his life. His son Paul Keogh is the lead singer with King Modo. They are a really good band who work the circuit. I would love to play with them some day. Paul also plays solo around his hometown of Newbridge.

Where I Come From

I started singing songs when I was six years old. As a young lad I sang “Kevin Barry”, “The Meeting of The Waters”, “The Three Flowers” and “Eamon an Chnoic”. All of these came from my mother Nancy Power. From there I sang in the school choir, in feiseanna and in local concerts, always singing what was put before me. After teenage attempts to play early rock and roll on piano I heard The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. This was to be my turning. Their sound set me off on a journey that continues to this very day. I first heard them on radio and then I got to see them live in The Olympia Theatre, Dublin circa 1961. That was the most exciting concert I have ever attended. I became absorbed in their repertoire and soon after got my first guitar. Clancy songs like “The Jug of Punch”, “Rosin The Bow” and “Brennan on The Moor” were cornerstones of my early repertoire. I began looking further afield and soon gathered “Mary from Dungloe”, “The Curragh of Kildare” and “The Rambler from Clare” from old books and collections. Travelling to Fleadhs and Ballad Sessions, I began to develop my own repertoire and singing technique. I encountered other singers and began to absorb different singing styles. The likes of Al O’Donnell, Johnny Moynihan, Mick Moloney and Andy Irvine were all part of the folk revival whilst singers like John Reilly, Joe Heaney and Frank Harte were singing from within The Tradition. Looking back now I realise that I was learning all the time.

All early attempts at writing were adaptations. Songs such as “I wish I was in England” back in 1964, I found in a collection in Tulla, East Clare. It was in Tulla that I gathered “The Scariff Martyrs” and “Spancil Hill”. When I moved to England in 1966 I began to hear contemporary songwriters for the first time. Among others, I encountered Ewan McColl, Dominic Behan and Ralph McTell. It was exciting to hear songwriters performing their own works, and I began trying to write, but never produced anything that survived. In 1968 my singing career began to gather momentum on the English Folk Club circuit. I turned once again to the tradition for repertoire and also began covering the work of other writers with songs like “John O’Dreams”, “Nancy Spain” and “Letter to Syracuse”. It was to be another 10 years before I started writing again. In the late Seventies I wrote and recorded “90 Miles to Dublin”. Since then I have continued writing but I have never been prolific. Whilst I do enjoy the writing process I still listen out for songs to sing and a constant stream flows my way.

In 2012 I began to gather my songs together for this collection. Then I re-recorded them all. Most are contained here. Best do it while I’m still able.

NEW ALBUM …

Signed copies of new album “Where I Come From” are available from the shop and are priced at €24 including postage and packaging … Christy

“November Man sees Fire and Mist, Wind, Rain and Winter Air “. (Dave Goulder)

“November Man sees Fire and Mist, Wind, Rain and Winter Air “. (Dave Goulder)

Thank you for the feedback you offered after the last Chat. Many replied by email so I could not respond. Among those were Henriet in Holland, Justin in NZ, Brenda in Dublin, Awyer out there somewhere, Frances in Glasgow (and young Christopher), John Phelan (great memories there, I remember every gig you mentioned) Paul in Brooklyn and Dingle, Tricia in Boston, Robert and Effie in Southsea, Gerry McCarthy in Africa, Craig in Poole, Declan O’Donovan in Poulaphouca, Bridget in Sussex, John Joblin in Northumberland. I have already responded to those of you who contacted the guest page. I was beginning to wonder if anyone was reading my rambles. As I said before, much as I enjoy communicating random thoughts on songs, gigs, travels and whatever else comes up, your replies encourage me to continue the practice. When feedback is posted on the guest page, everyone gets to share which was the intention at the outset of this site

New Release.

“Where I Come From” is the title of the forthcoming 3CD collection. On the Columbia Label (at Sony Music) it will be released on November 1st 2013. Since my first album in 1969 most of my repertoire has been gleaned from the Tradition or from the work of other writers. I have never been a prolific songwriter. My songs (and those co-written) have been thinly spread on albums across many decades. For years I considered gathering them together into a collection. Last year I decided to get singing and to record the songs while I’m still able. 18 months on and it’s ready to go. There are 43 songs recorded at various locations around the Island. Studio recordings from Dalkey, Ballymountain, Monkstown, Blackrock and The Factory plus live recordings from The Waterfront in Belfast, The Hall in Knocknagoshel, The Royal Spa in Lisdoonvarna and Whelan’s of Dublin.

It was an interesting process. I recorded most of the songs solo, stripped back and bare. Most of them flowed, a few struggled and some did not make the cut. Tim Martin engineered the recordings. He has recorded everything I’ve done this past 15 years so we have a good working relationship. Tim is focused and thorough and has a mighty pair of ears on him. That done Declan Sinnott came on board and began to lay his notes across the verses. I always enjoy this part of the job. Sitting back as Declan brings his palette of colour to the songs. Then we invited friends in to finish off the job. Happy hours spent in the company of Neil Martin, Jimmy Higgins, Cathal Hayden, Winifred Horan, Vickie Keating, Pat Crowley, Mairtín O’Connor and Seamie O’Dowd as they contributed to the songs.

I called upon Gary Farrelly to consider the songs and create art work for the sleeve. I have been a follower and collector of Gary’s work for the past decade. I feel the cover he has created connects with the work. Then there was the tweaking of all the various elements – Sleeve notes, mastering, sleeve design, packaging, promotion. I choose to be part of all these different processes. This makes for a busy time but it is a challenge I enjoy. When the package arrived from Columbia (or perhaps I should say “when the album arrived from Sony”) that was the final part of a two year process. When the album is in my hand, the job is done. All that remains is to place it on the shelf beside its predecessors. I always cherish this moment. I pick up the guitar, hit me a Minor Chord and wonder…what’s next!!

CD 1	CD 2	CD 3
Where I Come From	North & South of the River	Lisdoonvarna
Arthurs Day	Welcome to the Cabaret	The Two Conneeleys
Veronica Guerin	Giuseppe /Away Broken Heart (Live from Belfast	Tyrone Boys
Scallcrows 2	The Ballad of Ruby Walsh	Strange Ways
Derby Day	Easter Snow (for Seamus Ennis)	Yellow Triangle
Delirium Tremens	Viva La Quinta Brigada	The Boy from Tamlaghtduff
The Stardust Song	Song for Anne Lovett	Haiti
Johnny Connors	Riding the High Stool	Yellow Furze Woman
The Time Has Come	On the Bridge	Lovely Young One
The Birmingham Six	Casey	In Praise of Mullaghmore
St. Brendans Voyage	Whacker Humphries	The Wicklow Boy (Live from Lisdoonvarna)
On the Mainland	Knock Airport	Joxer goes to Stuttgart
Barrowland	Boning Hall	Ballydine
Minds Locked Shut	Encore	Me and the Rose
Song For Imelda Riney	Arthurs Day (Live from Chevron’s gig, Whelans, Dublin	Where I Come From (Live from Knocknagoshel)

Signed copies will be available from the shop on my website from 1st November. They will be priced at €24 including postage and packaging. Later I hope to do an online Q&A with anyone interested. I have not yet figured out how best to do this… I’ll keep you posted

Where I’m heading for….Some dates to ponder… (All details on the gig page)

November

1^st – Late Late Show – RTE1 (Television)

7^th – Cork Opera House

15^th & 16^th – Derry

22^nd & 23^{rd –}Trim

29^th & 30^th – Naas

December

7^th – Athlone

15^th, 16th, 22nd, 23^rd, 29^th, 30^th – Vicar Street, Dublin

January

24^th & 25^th – Bord Gais (Grand Canal) Theatre, Dublin

February

21^st – Mullingar

28^th – Clonmel

March

Drogheda – Date to be confirmed

28^th – Kilkenny

April

10^th – Edinburgh

11^th – Glasgow – Barrowland

13^th – Glasgow RCH

15^th – Manchester

17^th & 18^th – London RFH

May

9th & 10th – Ennis

16th – Galway

24^th– Killarney

29^th & 30^th – Belfast

July

5^th – Marquee, Cork

We hope to add some more gigs in due course. Keep an eye out and, hopefully, we’ll turn up in a venue near you along the way.

The Meeting Room.

A documentary to which I contributed. Click HERE to watch

Arthurs Day

What a debate. Getting to sing Arthurs Alcoholiday on the Prime Time Television certainly stirred it up! Most respondents were positive, some were incensed and a few were downright hostile.

What a contrast was Arthurs Day to RTE’s Music Train. It arrived into Newbridge, County Kildare on Monday Morning, September 30th. Thousands came out to welcome the arrival of this great initiative. A brilliant parade from the Railway Station down past Rathfield, into Charlotte St. left at The Bank Corner on down Main Street. At the head of the parade were the Army Band and a thousand school children from various schools. All were dancing and singing, laughing and jousting as they crossed The Liffey Bridge to turn in to The Patrician Secondary school where the performance began. Miriam O’Callaghan received a rousing Newbridge welcome as she mounted the rostrum. Introducing each performer she charmed the thronged Assembly. The concert featured Tammy Browne, Celine Byrne, King Modo, the Wednesdays, Luka Bloom, Paul McCormack and Frankie Laine. I sang The Curragh of Kildare accompanied by the entire audience. After that came Tea, Sangwidges and sweet cake before the Music Train puffed off to Carlow to do it all over again. Great praise is due to all those who put this project together. There were months of pre-planning by the RTE team. Local organizers in each town brought their communities together as the train moved on during this 6 day celebration of Irish music and song. I hope that The Music Train will roll again.

I’m here in the Town Hall, Leeds tonight. It is October 16th 2013. I’m thinking of all the Folk Clubs that were here when I first landed in this great City. My first gig in Leeds was back in 1967. John and Rita Wall ran Club Memphis in an R.A.O.B. Hall. They treated me very well, fed me, gave me a bed and paid me £6. I started to cross the Pennines frequently to play gigs at The Grove Folk Club (which is still running), at Bob and Hazel Spray’s club at The Adelphi on Leeds Bridge, at John Rennard’s who ran a bluesy/folk club, Bob and Carol Pegg ran an ultra Traditional Club and went on to form a band called Mr. Fox. I recall many great nights with a host of old friends. Singers like Jim Potter, Alma Ford, Roger Sutcliffe, Alan “Spud” Taylor, Geoff Woods and Brian Senior all contributed to what was the unique Leeds Folk Scene. The surrounding areas all had their own local clubs. I puttered around in a 1956 VW Beetle with guitar and sleeping bag in the back. I was happy as the day was long. Places like Pudsey, Headingly, Wakefield, Barnsley, and Bradford were all on my diary back then. If I did not have a gig I would turn up to hear whoever did. In 1968 I played in over 150 Folk Clubs and fondly remember most of them.

Leeds Town was the last of a 4 gig trip to England which also took in Liverpool, Newcastle and Warwick. It went very well. Declan Sinnott and I along with Paddy Doherty, Michael Devine, Dikon Whitehead, David & Johnny Meade played 4 very successful gigs. The local crews at each venue were excellent and the audiences were welcoming and inspirational. Declan and I are both very happy with the way the gigs are going. We seem to be finding the right notes these nights. I am still finding new things to do with my voice, new ways to play this instrument. Some old songs have resurfaced, “First Time Ever” “Dalesman’s Litany” “Van Diemen’s Land” all got a turn. After the Leeds gig Michael and I made a dash for Holyhead and boarded the SS Ulysses arriving home in time for porridge. We hope to return “over” again next April when, if all goes well, we will visit Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London.

Over and out, until the next time

Christy

Arthur’s Day

NEW SINGLE FROM CHRISTY

“ARTHUR’S DAY”

(From forthcoming album “Where I Come From”, due out November 1^st 2013)

(1)

Diageo Diageo have mounted a Crusade

Creating Arthur’s Day they’ve suckered us into their charade

Start ’em off on Alco-Pops tastes just like lemonade

Get ’em into the hit while they’re young and none the wiser

(2)

Diageo pump the volume up on Arthur’s Day

With The Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream, Tom Jones and David Gray

To flog their alcohol they’re revvin the youngsters up for a mighty spree

Twitter and Facebook tellin them where The Mumfords ‘r gonna be

(Chorus)

Happy Happy Happy Happy Arthur’s Day

Its such…. a Happy Clappy Advertisin’ Scheme

Drink sensibly they implore us, as their Hosannas sound a never-ending chorus

‘n kids get hooked on the fantasies that flash before us

(3)

Arthurs Alcoholiday is comin’ round again

He’s the patron saint of porter canonized by the Advertisin’ Men

The medics in the ambulance ‘ll be workin overtime,

The A&E ‘ll be like a drunk tank in the firing line

While Diageo goes AWOL at closing time

“ARTHUR’S DAY” will be available on iTunes from 26^th September

Taken from the forthcoming album

“WHERE I COME FROM”

Due for release on November 1^st 2013

PS….The Waterboys release “Song for Arthur’s Day on the same date. It is on an EP with two other tracks.

3 tracks all with an Arthur’s Day theme, released on iTunes and Amazon download on 26th September.

Some extra shows added …

Dear Listeners,

A quick note about some upcoming gigs recently put in place

September 27th – Concert Hall, Limerick

October 4th – Heritage, Portlaoise

October 12th -16th – Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, Newcastle. (See gig page)

November 7th – Cork Opera House. (On sale Sept 16th)

November 15 & 16 – Forum, Derry

November 23rd – Knightsbrook, Trim, Co. Meath (first show sold out, 2nd show now on sale)

November 30th – Kilashee, nr Naas, Co. Kildare (first show sold out, 2nd show on sale)

See Gig page at website for further details.

We will shortly announce a number of gigs for Vicar St Dublin, in December.

“Where I Come From” is the title of the next album. It will be released in Ireland on November 1st and in the U.K. on Nov 4th. It will consist of a 3 CD set and booklet and will be on Columbia at Sony Music. There will be more info closer to the time.

I am currently working on the next chat which hopefully will be finished before November

Shine on

Christy

SKIN IN THE GAME

Last year I took part in this documentary film made by Donald Taylor Black. Perhaps some of you might be interested in seeing it. Donald filmed a number of Irish artists sharing their perceptions of Ireland. I have seen the film once and look forward to seeing it again.

It will be shown in the following venues and there may be further viewing scheduled.

Unfortunately, as of yet, RTE have not shown any interest in transmitting “Skin in The Game”

Monday, 23rd September – Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow (Q&A with Donald Taylor Black)

Wednesday, 2nd October – Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laoise.

Wednesday, 9th October – Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire (with discussion panel including Christy)

Tuesday, 29th October – Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co. Louth ( Q&A with Donald Taylor Black)

Wednesday, 6^th November – Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

“We then went on to Westport and searched it high and low”…

June 29th 2013 (Before Westport)

Saturday Morning and I still miss John Peel. Nelson is struggling to leave. The Bees are disappearing and the news is dominated by The Stones at Glastonbury. I’m here in bed contemplating the Lions running out in Melbourne. I heard from Donnacha O’Callaghan. He reckons that Paul O’Connell should play with only one good arm. I really should get up and do my pre match routine. Stretch the socks pull on the jocks, put on the kettle, boil the tea; find the remote and away we go.

I did my Westport Festival preparations last night. I pulled out last year’s Galway Festival set list to check up on my outdoor festival routine. My last outdoor gig was London Fleadh 2010. Sandwiched between Dylan and Madness, we played merrily in the London rain before heading for the Mailboat. Festivals are mad yokes. All have their own magic, energy, eccentricity. Be it Electric Picnic, Glastonbury, Bealtaine or June Fest, Carnsore, Trip to Tipp, Lisdoonvarna, Ballisodare, Krumlin, Macroom, Millstreet, London Feis, Glasgow Fleadh, Leeds, Cambridge or Randall’s Island, they are all the same yet totally different. Tomorrow its over to Hill 16 for the Lily Whites and the Boys in Blue. Apologies to all you gentle souls who detest the ball games, who shudder at us muck-savages who get so excited by the spectacle. It began for me many years ago when Daddy took me to Athy in 1953 to see Kildare play Carlow. The “Boiler” White came on at half time and the seeds of hero worship were sown. Later he took me to Lansdowne Road to my first Rugby International where A.J.F. O’Reilly was the hero of the hour. He was magnificent that day as were Noisy Murphy and Gordon Woods. What a right wing bossman Lord Anthony turned out to be. I often saw Jimmy Eddery with the bit between his teeth on the Curragh. I saw Colm McCoy win his European title, Moorefield win their first Senior Championship. I saw Jimmy Conway at Fulham, Jinky Johnstone at Parkheid, George Best at Old Trafford, Giant Haystacks in Halifax. highlights for me were seeing Mike Gibson like a knife through butter, George Best, Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law in 1967/8, a Tony Hately hat trick at Craven Cottage. I saw Rod Laver at Wimbledon in the early 60s, hard to beat the glory of Mick O’Connell’s high fielding, Jimmy Cummin’s left half back determination, Babs Keating in his bare feet doin’ the double at the railway Cup Finals, Darky Prendergast saddling a double at glorious Goodwood in 1962 and me on both of them. I saw Mousey Connolly box for Ireland, Mary Flood swim to victory and Billy Burke ride Santa Clause home by 20 lengths at 18/1… Agh here, don’t get me started! Michael Devine has just pulled in for the trip to Westport. I better round up me plectrums and polish me clogs.

We had a grand drive across the country from Dublin to the Atlantic. Every town brings a flashback, harder to retrieve now that most towns have been by-passed… the Sun was wrestling with clouds all the way over, crossing into Mayo She Shines out again and hopes rise for a sun-blessed evening in Lord Altamont’s Garden… two big houses in one week. Lord Leitrim’s on Wednesday night in beautiful Lough Rinn and now tonight here in Lord Altamont’s. I’m feeling a bit like Turlough O’Carolan going around Ireland with his harp on his back to serenade his patrons. It’s all go here in Westport; Gondolas on the lake, buskers, clowns, exotic food vying with burgers. The Buena Vista are on stage, their tunes are floating on the air. The Water Boys are wetting their whistles down the hall and Steve Wickham has the rosin out… Jimmy Higgins pops his head around the door on his way to do a set with The Stunning after which he is gonna join myself and Declan for a rattle.

On the road home from Westport now, another gig done on the never-ending tour. It was outdoors tonight and it went off grand. The audience were well up for a bit of singing so we kept the chorus coming. I met up with Jack L, Steve Wall, Declan O’Rourke, Mundy, Steve Wickham, Mike Scott, and a Band from Ballinrobe who opened the festival earlier in the day. I met security guards from Kildare, Garda from all over, spacers from Sligo, hurlers from Horse and Jockey, Lords and Ladies, Barons and Brassers… not a FF TD in sight. The washrooms in Westport House were remarkable. First time I ever witnessed baby changing facilities in a men’s washroom, these are more enlightened times… (Perhaps a Padraic Flynn initiative when he was Minister for the Environment) Afterwards we made our way over to Matt Molloy’s which was packed to the gills and a mighty session of reels in the back snug with Matt himself at the heart of it all. This has to be one of the finest music houses in the land. I’d love to do an auld gig there sometime.

July 6th… One week later.

We’re back in the Rebel County for our 9th Year in The Marquee Theatre at the back of Pairc Uí Caoimh. They sang their heads off last night. The Girls and Boys, the he-males and she-males came in all shapes and sizes. After a glorious day of summer some of them had sunstroke, some a touch of Bulmers, some were in ecstasy and others in shock. We had pro-lifers, pro-footballers, beauticians, morticians, physicians, musicians, barbers from Kilrush, warblers from Kilkee… the Bishop was there in his Burka, Kenny Lee was there on his Honda, some of them were dreamers and some them were fools. My favourite song of the night was “Magic Nights at The Lobby Bar”. It’s great having Jimmy Higgins with us on stage – he is a prince of rhythm. He lays it down solid, he plays bass runs on the ancient drum, and he has honed his skills to perfection in a host of bands, trios and orchestras. I first worked with him 25 years ago when he was with Eleanor Shanley’s band alongside Robbie Overson. Since then he has been in The Saw Doctors, The Stunning, The Walls and he has paddled around the world in Riverdance. I encountered him again last year when I did some shows with Mairtín O’Connor’s Band. When I heard them play I became entranced with the possibility of singing with them. We hope to do a brace of gigs next year, Myself, Mairtín O’Connor, Shamie O’Dowd, Cathal Hayden and the aforementioned Jimmy Higgins.

The following day we made our way to Ballyvourney. After Féile na Laoch 2011I wanted to support Peader O’Riada’s next gathering in 2018.Peader and I decided a gig would do the job. The hall was full to the brim as Cór Cúl Aodha opened up and set the ball rolling. Seán Ó Sé greeted Declan and I backstage and gave us a great welcome. It’s many years now since I first heard Seán Ó Sé sing. It was truly memorable to be introduced by this man whom I have so long admired. Click HERE to read more about Féile na Laoch.

I’m nearly finished the next release. I have a title and the running order is slowly falling into place. Most of the tracks are mixed and the art work for the sleeve is finding its way. We hope for a November release. I have increased the number of press-ups, we are interviewing hair stylists, gonna get my teeth dyed, Louis Copeland is knitting me a corset, Bono is gonna design me a pair of spectacles, this could be the big one, gonna get the finger out big time, gonna be knockin’ on doors…

Two solo gigs in Knocknagoshel bate all. When I come back in the next life that’s where I’m gonna recommence. I hope to start off as a messenger boy in Myra McAuliffe’s Family Grocery. I’ll weigh the tea and sugar; I’ll sift the flour, clean the henshite off the eggs, bone the bacon and chaw the fat with all the dacent people…

A right good gig on Monday Night in Whelans. A great crowd gathered for our tribute to Philip Chevron. Click HERE for youtube clip …

That’s it for the minute. Keep coming back. A bit of feedback would be nice. I gather many listeners now prefer twitter and Facebook. I have certainly have noticed a fall off here but it’s a side issue. This is all about songs at the end of the day… songs and singing, listening and sharing…

Christy

PS On Friday 9th August the American Pianist, David Syme, will play in The John Field Room at The National Concert in Dublin. Over the past years we have been to hear David play on many occasions. Every summer he hosts wonderful house concerts on The Beara Peninsula, near Adrigole in County Cork. Happy to recommend (I hope to attend if at all possible)

PPS Martin Egan, my old companero and author of “Casey” has asked me to draw your attention to his application for the Arthur Guinness Projects funding (click HERE for info) Your vote could help him get funding for his project.

Christy & Co. sing for Phil Chevron, Whelans, Monday 15th July 2013

Message From Phil Chevron

Message from Phil Chevron … To all those who attended the Christy Sings For Phil show at Whelan’s on Monday, I’d just like to offer a note thanking you for your support and, unless I’m mistaken, your vocal cords too! Sounds like I missed a good show but I had prior arrangements made and was also, if I’m honest, both touched and wary of such a “home crowd” audience. The bones are not currently ideal for the squeeze nor the hug. So thank you. It was a fantastic thing for Christy and his fellow musicians to do and even better that you supported it.

thank you …

Thank you to everybody who supported the Phil Chevron gig on Monday 15th July … See you soon.

Christy

Gig for Philip Chevron

Gig in Whelan’s for Philip Chevron … Monday, 15th July.

Christy Moore first met Philip Chevron when the then 14 year old schoolboy booked Planxty to play an afternoon gig in O’Connell Schools in 1972. 10 years later Christy and Philip shared a stage at The National Stadium when Chevron and Agnes Bernelle played before Moving Hearts. Moving Hearts recorded “Faithful Departed “, Chevron’s classic song, on the first Moving Hearts album. It was always a highlight of live sets in those heady days. Since then their paths have often crossed and they have kept in touch with each other.

When news came of Philip’s recurring illness Christy expressed a wish to sing for Chevron and Philip gave the nod.

The gig will take place at Whelan’s, Dublin on Monday, July 15th at 8 o’clock (Doors 7pm) Tickets: 36.50 euro (incl booking fee) Tickets will go on sale on Friday 24th May at 1.30pm

Available through www.wavtickets.ie or lo call 1890 200 1078.

Standing with Limited unreserved seating | Over 18’s

Protest at Dail Eireann – Our Forests are Not For Sale …

Please try to make it to this protest on Tuesday 21st May at 5.30pm at Dail Eireann against our Governments plans to sell off harvesting rights to our Forests … Hope to to see you there. Also, If you have not had the chance to sign the petition, please do so by clicking HERE …

The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring Tra-La …

May 2013.

In recent weeks I have had enjoyed some special gigs. On April 2nd I visited the Keltoi Centre in The Phoenix Park where I sang with people in recovery from addiction. It was an emotional but fun filled gathering. Some of them came up and sang beautiful songs. Thanks to Kieran and all the staff there for making it happen. Great atmosphere and healing plus strong tea and mighty sandwiches.

On April 18th I travelled to Derry lovely Derry. A great crowd assembled on the Banks of The Foyle River. His Holiness the Dalai Lama crossed the Peace Bridge with Richard Moore and a host of children. They entered a fine tent where thousands had gathered to hear The Dalai Lama speak. The event was to mark the work of Children in Crossfire. His words can be heard by clicking HERE

Richard Moore invited me to sing and I sang this song “How Long” from Jackson Browne.

When you look into a Childs face

You are seeing all the human race

The endless possibilities there

Where so much can come through

And you think of the beautiful things

A child can do

How long can a child survive

How long if it was up to you

When you think about the money spent

on defence by government

and the weapons of destruction they build

then tell us we need

and you think of the millions and millions

that money could feed

How long can you hear someone crying

How long can you hear someone dying

Before you ask yourself why

How long will we hear people speak

About missiles for peace and let it go by

How long will they tell us these weapons are keeping us free

It’s a lie

If you saw it from a satellite

all the green and with its blue and white

The beauty of the curve of the earth

And the oceans below

You might think it was paradise

If you didn’t know

You might think it was turning

But it’s turning so slow

How long can you hear someone crying?

How long can you hear someone dying?

Before you ask yourself why

How long will it be till we’ve turned

To the tasks and the skills that we’ll have to have learned

If we’re going to find a place in the future

Have something to offer to the children of the world

Leaving Derry afterwards, having spent some hours in the presence of His Holiness and his people, having heard him share his philosophies on forgiveness and compassion, on peace and tolerance, I knew that my own prejudices and resentments had been challenged, that I might never think in the same way again. I am still absorbing it all.

On April 22nd it was into The City Hall, Dublin where The South African Ambassador was launching an event to remember Irelands Anti-Apartheid Movement. He invited me in to sing “The Dunnes Stores Song” (by Sandra Kerr) and The Biko Drum” (by Wally page) There were many dignitaries present. One of our Government Ministers was there plus many trade union officials, journalists, photographers and a good smattering of old (like myself) activists. Surprisingly there was not one woman from the Dunnes Stores Strike. I can’t figure out whether that was an oversight, a decision or an impossibility. I’m working on it. I dedicated the following song to The Dunnes Stores Strikers, and to two trade union workers Tommy Davis and Brendan Barron, who were very supportive of the strike.

Mary Manning

Karen Gearon

Catherine O’Reilly

Theresa Mooney

Vonnie Munroe

Sandra Griffin

Alma Russell

Michelle Gavin

Liz Deasy

Dorothy Dooley

The Dunnes Stores Strike (Sandra Kerr)

Close your eyes and come with me back to 1984

We’ll take a walk down Henry St to Dunnes Department store

The supermarket’s busy, the registers make a din

The groceries go rollin’ out and the cash comes rollin’ in

Mary Manning is at the checkout trying to keep warm,

A customer comes up to her a basket on her arm

The contents of that basket Mary’s future was to shape

The label clearly stated, produce of The Cape

I can’t check out your oranges Mam, you’ll have to put them back

They come from South Africa where The White oppress The Black

I’d have it on my conscience I couldn’t sleep at night

If I helped support a system that denies Black People’s Rights

CHORUS

The managers descended in an avalanche of suits

Mary was suspended cos she wouldn’t touch the fruits

No one was goin’ to tell Ben Dunne what he bought or sold

These women are only workers they must do as they are told

Isn’t that just typical of the way Apartheid works

It’s not just in South Africa that the Boss man calls the shots

Dunne’s wouldn’t have a boycott, couldn’t give a tinkers curse

Don’t matter how they filled the shelves so long as they lined his purse

CHORUS

Goodwill and solidarity came from all around the world

Such concern and sacrifice, such courage brave and bold

When 14 months were over 10 women and a man

Had helped to raise black consciousness all around the land

Clerys in O’Connell St stopped sellin’ South African shoes

Best Man sent all their clothes back, Roches stores their booze

Til all South African Goods were taken off the shelves in Dunnes

Mary Manning was down in Henry St and she was sticking to her guns

CHORUS

On Saturday the 27th I had a great gig in Vicar Street with Martin O’Connor, Shamie O’Dowd, Cathal Hayden and Jimmy Higgins. It was our 5th outing. I love playing with these musicians. We hope to continue on this journey.When the stars are in alignment and when we all have corresponding gaps in our work schedules, The music will continue …

Here is the setlist;

SOLO

1. How Long

2. Arthur’s Day

3. Dunnes Stores

4. Ruby Walsh

5. DTs

6. Yellow Furze Woman

7. Magdalene laundry

8. Natives.

9. Quiet desperation

I was joined on stage by Martin, Shamie, Cathal and Jimmy, We did;

10. Chicago

11. Butterfly

12. McIlhatton

13 Finglas Boys

14 Smoke and Whiskey

15 St Brendan’s Voyage

16. Michael Hayes

17. Sullivan’s John

18. Merseyside

19. Blue Rose

20. Missing You

21. Sally gardens

22 On the Mainland

23. The Blackbird.

24. Bogman

25. Back home in Derry

26. Ride On

27. Ord Man

28. Voyage

29. Yellow Triangle

30. Joxer

31. Black is The Colour

You can listen to Sullivan’s John by clicking the link here … Sullivan’s John

The following day we made our way to Avondale where thousands had gathered protest against the proposed sale of our Woods and Forests. As I made my way towards the platform a man pressed a lyric into my hand. Sitting side stage I looked it over and decided to read it out. It was written by Paul whose Facebook moniker is Drum Stig… He is involved with Rage Against The Regime, who will be holding a gig on 13th June in the Grand Social … You can check out their webpage by clicking HERE

Also, you can check out their facebook page by clicking HERE

A Tree Falls in The Forest

If a tree falls in the forest – and there’s no one around to hear it – does it make a sound?

Surely the real question is “Why is there no one around?”

Where are the ramblers and the hill walkers?

Where are the Sunday strollers?

Where are the horse riders, taking their mounts from the soulless open field they’ve stood in all week up to the majestic, soulful mountain forests?

Where are the mountain bikers, risking life and limb with breakneck descents or straining on all the impossible climbs of their carefully mapped trails?

Where are the young families who bring their children to the wonderland of deer and squirrels and rabbits and foxes?

Where are the kids who don’t walk in the woods but actually explore the jungles hunting bear and tiger and wolf?

Where are the cowboys and the Indians, the wizards and the dragon slayers?

Where are the fairy queens and the sleeping beauties and the wood nymphs?

Where are the artists, the writers, the musicians, the poets who come to fill their souls with the spirit of the land and speak to the muse?

Where are the lovers who escape the glare of the city and find the silence to allow their hearts to beat loudly together?

Where are the people who come to speak to their loved ones passed on because the pain is too great in their homes or “life” does not go on without a place to grieve?

Is there no one around because the people entrusted with management of their country have betrayed their people and, for the price of a treasonous signature, have sold the land to faceless, soulless, heartless corporations who erect signs telling you you’re now on private property?

Is there no one around because the government care nothing about the land and less about the people?

Because Taoisigh, Ministers and Public Servants have no hesitation in RAPING their own country, and when they have taken what they can, have no hesitation in PROSTITUTING out the carcass of the ancient land of their fathers to the highest bidder.

Neither will they hesitate to pursue, prosecute, convict and incarcerate any man, woman or child who trespasses on private property which they once owned as citizens of a sovereign nation.

Is there no one around because our Public Servants do not serve the public, but serve themselves in a continuous orgy of money worship and abuse of power?

If we do nothing to stand against this unholy destruction of our beautiful country our children will not be asking “if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around, does it make a sound?”… Our children and our grandchildren will be asking us …

“Daddy, what was it like to walk in a forest?”

You can see some footage of the event by clicking HERE

I sense an awakening around us. People are preparing to stand against oppression, austerity, cut backs, selloffs, awful corruption in high places and robbers walking free. lies are ringing louder these days.

On it goes – the quest for songs and places to sing them…

Just packing the bags for The Black Mountain – Two more nights in The Waterfront. I have not gigged with Declan Sinnott for over a month. I’m rearing to go, to hear his fender’n fuzz box, his Spanish, his folk jumbo, I’ve a feeling there may be long sets looming…

Some new gigs up on the Gig page and more to follow… next album release planned for November. Bealtaine (May) is upon us once more – what’s another year…

Shine On…

Christy

A Walk In The Woods …

Please try and join us on Sunday 28th April at this protest against our governments plan to sell off the harvesting rights to Ireland’s forests under the EU/IMF Troika programme. Meet at 1pm in the carpark of Avondale House & Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. Hope to see you there. You can also sign a petition by clicking HERE

As Down The Glen One Easter Morn

I was invited to take part in President O’Higgins Patrick’s day Glaoch. The President was reaching out to Irish people around the world on March 17th. For me the visit was a great experience. Arriving at Áras and Úachtaráín, Michael Devine and I were given a great welcome by all The President’s Staff and by men and women of the Army and Gardaí. This was my 4th visit to “The Park”, having been invited previously by both President Robinson and President McAleese. Encounters with Michael D over many decades have always been memorable. Meeting him again as the elected President of Ireland was a particular pleasure. There was a feeling of having a true “man of the people” in Áras an Úachtaráin. Such a change from our last meeting which was at Féile Na Laoch in Coolea, Co. Cork in the Summer of 2011. Click HERE to see chat archive

On the way in we encountered Seamus Heaney who was leaving having done his “Glaoch” with The President. Later, as I was leaving I met Bono on his way in… it struck me that The President had engaged with all three of us, plus whatever else was on his desk that day. The following day he was recalled from Rome to deal with a constitutional crisis and then flew back to Rome having done the necessary… and some of us think we are busy! It takes great discipline, energy, compassion, selflessness and a lot of help for The President, with his wife Sabina, to fulfil this role and to carry out all the duties involved. The last three Presidents have surely opened up Áras an Úachtaráin to all the people of Ireland…

What was to have been a brief filmed chat soon became a long conversation, with both of us becoming less aware of the technicians and equipment in the room. He read two of his poems to me and I sang Gortatagort and Victor Jara. It truly is way beyond my expectation that these songs would take me to this place. I thought of all the musicians, singers and composers whose works inhabit my repertoire, whose songs give me purpose and pleasure, I felt them with me. These songs have taken me down so many different roads.

I was recently involved in a new film documentary made by Donald Taylor Black called “Skin In The Game”. The film examines the current recession/financial crisis through a number of artists (including myself) who are using it as subject matter for their work. Other participants include Seán Hillen (photographer); Rita Ann Higgins (poet); Brian Maguire (painter); David Quin (animator); Anthony Haughey (photographer); Nicky Gogan (film-maker); David Bolger (choreographer); Gerald Dawe (poet); and David Monahan (photographer) as they look at emigration, ghost estates and the legacy of politicians and bankers. Roddy Doyle has written texts for the film that are voiced by actors including Lorcan Cranitch and Hilda Fay. Showing at Belfast Film Festival on Saturday, April 20th at 5pm (click HERE for tickets) and, hopefully, at a screen near you!

The picture below is Brian Maguire’s painting of Anglo Irish Banks aborted HQ on the banks of The Liffey in Dublin – A true portrait of the times in which we live.

Henry McCullough Tribute Gig

The gig for Henry was a great success. Henry has been seriously ill this past while. Pete Cummins and Frank Murray ran a night which allowed us all to gather and celebrate Henry’s contribution to music. I stood in the wings for most of the gig. It was great to see so many players up close. Henry’s brother Victor played a lovely set with Declan Sinnott. Nollaig Bridgeman set the tone for the night with a loving tribute. Ronan Collins compered and the Vicar Street crew were top notch, keeping the whole show on the road. There were a lot of acts to stage manage but it ran really smoothly. I did not last the whole night as I’d been out gigging all week but I did hear John Spillane, Johnny Duhan, Sweeney’s Men and Alan Murray from Glasgow. Thanks to all of you who came along.

I recorded this song for Mike Harding’s new show on Patrick’s Day …Click HERE to listen

You can also listen to Mike’s shows online by clicking HERE

We had a couple of great nights at The Mount Wolsley in Tullow, County Carlow. I was playing with Martin O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Shamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins. This was our third outing and the curious combination is beginning to meld mellifluously (I’ve just had strong coffee). Two years ago I sat listening to this Band in Dublin. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of their music. A seed was sown that is now beginning to blossom. I am already looking forward to our next outing. These players are 4 long haul session men whose lives have been steeped in the music and songs of our land. I first played with Martin O’Connor over 30 years ago when we recorded the “Plane Crash at Los Gatos” for an album called The Spirit of Freedom. I met Cathal Hayden in a lay-by in Finland the late 80’s. I was there gigging, as were Four Men and A Dog, with whom he still plays. Shamie O’Dowd is a son of the late (and much loved) Sligo Fiddle player Joe O’Dowd who graced the Sligo music scene for decades with his beautiful playing. I toured with Jimmy Higgins over 20 years ago when he played in Eleanor Shanley’s Band. Since then he has played in the Riverdance ensemble and, these days, can be found with The Stunning, The Saw Doctors and also plays sessions with his wife Breda Smith.

I have been gathering up all my own songs and re-recording them. I hope to present them in a 4 CD release later this year. I have never been prolific but over 40 years have come up with 50 or so pieces of my own, some being collaborations with other writers, mainly Wally Page. I have decided that it’s better to do this while I’m still able rather then someone else trying to do it when I’m gone. The songs are scattered over numerous recordings and labels. I simply want to gather them under one roof, so I have re-recorded all. I’m enjoying the process, keeps me off the streets…

I have been invited to sing for The Dalai Lama, in Derry next month. The invite was issued by Richard Moore, the founder of Children in Crossfire. Click HERE to see their website.

Some new dates for the Diary – see gig page for details… Vicar St Dublin, Ballinasloe, Dundalk, 4 gig tour of Wales, Wexford, Mohill Co Leitrim, Cork, Limerick, Portlaoise, Liverpool, Newcastle, Coventry, Leeds, Derry, Trim Co. Meath… In April 2014 we hope to return to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London.

See you along the way,

Christy

P.S…

Save Ireland’s Forests

There will be a walk in Avondale House & Forest Park, Rathdrum on Sunday, 28^th April at 1pm to highlight the campaign to stop the governments plan to sell off the harvesting rights to Ireland’s Public forests under the EU/IMF “Troika” programme and to maintain them in public ownership. There will be songs, poems and words from artists, musicians and activists.

Click HERE to sign the petition

Sweet Thames Flow Softly

Christy Moore-Sweet Thames Flow Softly

For One Night Only

For one night only …
Christy Moore,
Vicar Street, Dublin.
Saturday, 27th April 2013
Tickets will go on sale at 9am, Thursday, 28th March.

Available from www.ticketmaster.ie

St Patrick’s Day

I had a great experience recently when meeting the president Michael D Higgins. He honoured my work by inviting me to be part of his Patrick’s day “Glaoch”, which will be transmitted on Patrick’s day. All broadcasting details are available from the RTE website which is available by clicking HERE

Luka Bloom Australian Tour

Dear Listeners,

My brother Luka Bloom is currently on tour in Australia. He’s got some beautiful new songs.

His dates are:

Wednesday 6^th March	Adelaide	The Gov
Friday 8^th March	Central Coast	Lizotte’s – SOLD OUT
Saturday 9^th March	Central Coast	Lizotte’s – SOLD OUT
Sunday 10^th March	Newcastle	Lizotte’s – SOLD OUT
Tuesday 12^th March	Sydney	Enmore Theatre
Wednesday 13^th March	Wollongong	City Diggers
Saturday 16^th March	Katoomba	Blue Mountains Music Festival
Monday 18^th March	Canberra	Tilley’s
Tuesday 19^th March	Canberra	Tilley’s
Wednesday 20^th March	Canberra	Tilley’s
Friday 22^nd March	Hobart	Wrest Point Showroom
Saturday 23^rd March	Melbourne	National Theatre
Monday 25^th March	Brisbane	The Tivoli
Thursday 28^th March	Noosa	The J
Sunday 31^st March	Byron Bay	Bluesfest
Tuesday 2^nd April	Fremantle	Fly by Night Musicians Club

For more details and tickets you can visit Luka’s website by clicking HERE

All the best,

Christy

Vicar Street Gig – 3rd March

On March ^3rd a benefit concert will take place in Vicar Street in Dublin for guitarist and singer Henry McCullough who suffered a heart attack in November 2012 and has suffered permanent damage.

Henry started his music career with The Skyrockets and later Gene and the Gents in Enniskillen but came to prominence in the 60’s with his band The People later to be named Eire Apparent. They toured the world with The Animals, Pink Floyd and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Things went well until, in Vancouver, Canada in mid February 1968 while the band was touring with The Animals, McCullough was busted for possession of marijuana and sent back to Ireland.

Henry returned to Ireland and joined the popular folk group Sweeney’s Men for a short time. Soon Henry was back in London as a member of The Joe Cocker Grease Band who was hugely successful worldwide, helped by a stunning performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.

McCullough played on The Grease Band’s eponymous album after splitting with Cocker, and during his time with the Band he also appeared as lead guitarist on the original 1970 recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar.

In 1971 Paul McCartney asked Henry to join his post Beatles band Wings and his ad lib solo on the song My Love is considered one of the great guitar solos.

Henry spent 2 years in the band but quit Wings in 1973 and went on to play in The Frankie Miller Band before recording his first solo album for George Harrison’s Dark Horse label.

Sessions with Marianne Faithfull, Donovan, Spooky Tooth, Eric Burdon and Dr. Feelgood, among many others, followed.

In the mid 80’s Henry returned to Dublin and joined The Fleadh Cowboys before resuming his solo career and writing and recording a number of records. His song Failed Christian was covered by Nick Lowe.

Up until his heart attack Henry was gigging regularly with his band from Northern Ireland and The Ed Deane Band in the South.

Sweeney’s Men are coming together for only the second time in decades to perform on this show.

The Fleadh Cowboys are playing together for the first time since 2011

SALUTE TO HENRY

Featuring

CHRISTY MOORE & DECLAN SINNOTT

SWEENEY’S MEN

MICK FLANNERY

THE FLEADH COWBOYS

JOHN SPILLANE

HONOR HEFFERNAN

JOHNNY DUHAN

ALAN MURPHY (SCOTLAND)

ED DEANE BAND

VICTOR McCULLOUGH

JIMMY SMITH

KEVIN DOHERTY

PHILIP DONNELLY

SARA PETITE (USA)

BP FALLON

RONAN COLLINS

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM TICKETMASTER – CLICK HERE

The January Man comes round again in coat and boots of leather.

January –February 2013.

The January Man comes round again in coat and boots of leather.

I just heard the sad news that Peter Cadle, poet, singer and songwriter has passed. We seldom met, but occasionally we did have dialogue about songs. When I recorded his song “Unfinished Revolution” in 1987 Peter generously allowed me to rewrite the 3rd verse. Later, for the book “One Voice”, he allowed me to include his song “Bless This Guitar”. I had attempted to record the song on a number of occasions but never succeeded. May he rest in peace.

Thanks to all of you who sent good wishes. The virus, which left me voiceless, seems to be receding. Having to cancel 2 concerts in the Bord Gais Theatre made for very difficult days. As my voice got weaker over the preceding days, I was left in a state of indecision and turmoil. I tried every cure suggested and I was also taking a course of anti-biotics. I subsequently learned that this had been a pointless exercise. Eventually on gig day I found myself unable to sing a note and had to throw in the towel. The most difficult aspect was knowing that a number of people were flying into Dublin to hear the songs. I was very aware of their dilemma yet helpless to do anything. The concerts were re-scheduled for February 1st and 2nd.

My colleague Paddy Doherty stayed at the venue both evenings. We expected huge numbers of people to arrive but the word went out very quickly. Thanks to Ticketmaster, Aiken Promotions, Áine Carmody, RTE and all who spread news of the cancellations. Four days on and the multitude of remedies and good wishes are taking effect. The old vocals are returning.

It is such a relief to be able to sing again. As I get older I realise more each day just how much singing means to me. I watched a brilliant programme on BBC4 during the week about Choristers in England’s Salisbury Cathedral. The choirmaster reflected upon the power of singing and what it meant to both listener and practitioner. It brought me back to my own early days singing in choirs in both primary and secondary school. The feeling that came from being part of a 4 part harmony ensemble is still with me. Brother Michael was choirmaster in the Patrician Brothers National School Newbridge back in 1957. I can recall the discipline but not the music. In Secondary School I met with Fr. Henry Flanagan and that’s when the passion for singing began to kick in. My voice broke in 1959 when I was 14. By September 1960 my bass baritone began to emerge and I was soon singing again. By the following year I was back in the choir singing the Tantum and Kyrie in the Latin mass… I was singing the part of Koko in The Mikado… I was at the Piano singing Heartbreak Hotel… The Clancy brothers were about to resound across the Atlantic and change the direction of many’s the young life.

53 years later I give thanks for everything that singing has brought to my life. Last week I also watched a programme from Alan Yentob’s wonderful series “Imagine”. He chronicled the life of Dame Shirley Bassey, “The Girl from Tiger Bay”. What a wonderful Diva she remains. Again, I marvelled at the insight into another singers life experience in their world of song. Be it Bess Cronin or Shirley Bassey, John Reilly or Bono, the human voice is an amazing instrument. I am always intrigued to hear singers share their experiences, their inside story. All singers have a unique relationship with their instrument, repertoire and performance. I know that in my own life these 3 relationships have changed radically over a 50 year period and continue to change even still.

A good number of songs in the workroom these days. I’ve been working with Luka on a song. It is based on a piece of his from 10 years ago. I have also been working with Wally Page on two pieces. “The Pearly King” has been on the screen for a few years and may blossom. A second piece is finished and ready to roll. It celebrates a recent cultural development here in Arthurland. I Have been working on and off for months on a piece by Mick Blake from Leitrim. He is a really good writer and musician highly respected on the Leitrim circuit. Declan and I have been wrestling on and off with Noel Brazil’s “Suffocate”. I recorded it back in 1987 but find myself back playing it again.

The “One Night Only” film with Gay Byrne got another whirl on RTE recently and was well received. The Barrowland gig received yet another outing on TG4. Recently happened upon it by chance one night and got sucked in again. What a great job done by Don Coutes and his team. Considering he had no rehearsals, Don got great shots of Declan’s breaks and licks, great audience shots too. He and his crew captured the Barrowland experience perfectly. I hope to work with them again.

I first met Tony Small at a Folk Club in London back in 1969. Later we swapped songs and I got to know all his family over the years. He gave me “Tribute to Woody”, the first Dylan song I learned to sing. Another night, decades later, he sang me the beautiful “Grey Lake of Loughrea”. Tony released a number of albums over his working life as a singer. Most recent was “Mandolin Mountain” which I spoke of here in a recent post. I was deeply saddened to hear of his death late last night. My sympathies to his family. They will be lonely without their singing boy.

This morning my thoughts are with two women. I watched Fiona Doyle being interviewed on TV. I am still reflecting upon her loss, her courage and that of her husband and children. I feel that this State of ours has failed Fiona Doyle. My mind turns to the recent death of Savita Halappanavar. We got to know Savita through hearing of how she was allowed to die whilst in the “care” of an Irish Hospital. We will never know the names of those who allowed her premature death. It’s almost as if they are cloaked by protective layers of secrecy behind which so much horror, abuse and cruel behaviour has taken place, much of it within the secret societies of the Catholic Church. I saw their cohorts protesting and railing against those of us who chose to walk silently through the streets in Savita’s memory.

In recent years we have learned of the cruel horror of symphysiotomy, that horrific and unnecessary procedure that left so many women disabled for life. We learned about the tragedy of countless, unnecessary hysterectomies carried out in Drogheda by Dr. Michael Neary and his staff. Let us not forget the Blood Transfusion/Hep C scandal where hundreds of victims were dismissed and treated with incredible callousness by this State when our Minister for Health was Mr Michael Noonan. Over the past 3 decades we have gradually become aware of the criminal behaviour in Magdalene Laundries, where State agencies colluded with Religious Orders to lock up and exploit innocent young women, sometimes for life. Similar attitudes within Church and State Agencies led to the forced adoption of countless infants from all parts of Ireland. Despite all these tragedies and injustices we still live in a country that refuses to grant equal rights to women, that gives bail and short sentences to rapists, that allows a young woman to die in Galway rather then permit a life saving procedure because “this is a catholic country”.

What a contrasting picture was there to be witnessed in Ruán Magan’s riveting documentary “LIFERS” which was screened recently on RTE TV. A beautifully made film it followed the life’s work of three Irish Missionaries who have devoted their lives to the communities with whom they live. John Glynn from Clare has been 40 years in Papua New Guinea, Father Pat Brennan from Roscommon lives with the indigenous people of the Amazon Rain Forest in Brazil. Sister Patricia Murray lives amongst the poorest of people in South Sudan (the world’s youngest State). Ruán Magan, with great skill care and sensitivity, gave us an insight into their lives. We saw the horrendous difficulties under which their communities struggle. We were also shown the love and affection these oppressed communities hold for John Glynn, Pat Brennan and Patricia Murray. All three, despite living in different continents, have much in common. All three live in constant and extreme danger. Each have witnessed terrible violence and have seen colleagues cut down. No one of them is seeking to conquer or convert, to break or to brainwash. Their mission seems to be to Love, to Share and to Learn. I felt at one with John when he stated that the Hierarchy of his church appears to live on a different planet.

As children, we were forced to learn the catechism “parrot fashion” off by heart. I still recall how the liturgy fashioned itself as “one, holy, catholic and apostolic.”

Weeks passed and the vocals healed, thanks be. The re-scheduled gigs went off very well. Declan and I both enjoyed the performances. I went to hear Declan gig his new album at The Button Factory where he performed with Vicky Keating. Having sat beside Declan for a thousand gigs it was very interesting to sit out front watching and listening to him perform.

Work is progressing on the next album. I am going back into the studio next week to continue the process. I’m looking forward to hearing what the musicians will play.

There was a query on the sister site 4711ers.org enquiring about the set lists for the recent rescheduled gigs. Here they are…..

1/2/2013	2/2/2013

1.How Long	After The Deluge
2.Missing You	Gortatagort
3.Gortatagort	Missing You
4.16 Jolly Ravers	Quiet Desperation
5.January Man	Lawless
6.Lawless	Quinte Brigada
7.Tyrone Boys	Ruby Walsh
8.Biko Drum	Barrowland
9.Quinte Brigada	Black Colour
10.Merseyside	Joxer
11.Black Colour	Beeswing
12.Amsterdam	Biko Drum
13.Ordinary Man	Arthur’s Day
14.Quiet Desperation	Delirium Tremens
15.Chicago	Veronica
16.Sunshine In	Chicago
17.Motherland	Sunshine In
18.Yellow Furze	Motherland
19.Beeswing	Ordinary Man
20.Smoke & Whiskey	Hattie Carroll
21.Morecambe Bay	Natives
22.North & South	Where I come from
23.John O’ Dreams	Nancy Spain
24.Where I Come From	Yellow Furze Woman
25.Spancilhill	Ride On
26.Lisdoonvarna	Lisdoonvarna
27.Arthur’s Day	Irish Ways & Irish Laws
28.Ride On	Honda 50

This arrived this morning from Maryline in Chile who translated the words of Joan Jara.

__________________________________________________________________________

Interview Joan Jara, Santiago, Chile, January 2013

“I am 85 years and a half. I have four grandsons. No girl, no great-grandsons… well, the grandsons are a bit slow…

I live on my own in the same house I lived with Victor. I never got married again; I never had a fling since he died. To be a widow was terrible at first, I was like a zombie. Especially because I had to flee from Chile. Therefore, it was not only the loneliness; it was also missing Victor and missing everything around him.

I have been Victor’s representative for 40 years. It has not been a heavy backpack; on the contrary, it has defined my life before and after the Coup. I am grateful I had to carry this legacy, because it pushed me to overcome my grief and carry on.

Today I feel tired but I cannot let myself be tired while I receive so much support and solidarity from the people, more than I deserve. They show me their love for Victor, they kiss me, they hug me. So I cannot allow tiredness and I try to go ahead.

My favorite songs by Victor are Paloma quiero contarte (Dove I want to tell you) and Deja la vida volar (Let the life fly), they are the ones I feel the closest to. But I don’t listen to his songs at home: one of the reasons is that it makes me sad to listen to him on my own and the other is that I am a bit deaf now.

His hand. This is my most repetitive memory of Victor. I will never forget the first time he took my hand tentatively, very slowly as he did not know if I was going to respond well. And of course I did. Since that moment we never left each other.

The last time I saw him was on the morning of the 11th of September. He said “I’ll be back as soon as I can”. Before that we had listened to Allende’s speech on Radio Magallanes. He had called the University and decided to go, in spite of the threats that he had received. He was wearing a very nice black alpaca jumper that he had brought from Peru, and his black trousers. I looked at him through the window; he grabbed the petrol can and poured the few drops left onto the Renault 4 and left. When I went to identify him at the morgue a few days later he did not have the same clothes.

For a long time I had nightmares thinking they could steal Victor’s body. Today, I don’t have bad dreams anymore but I confess I don’t sleep well. I stay awake thinking of all the pending tasks to do in the Foundation, so many things to solve. I fear I will not be able to accomplish all that has to be done. Also, I don’t know how to make speeches and now with the 40th anniversary of his death I get nervous as I have to make them.

I have not had much faith in the legal results of Victor’s case. In spite of the professional and persisting work of the Human Rights Brigade of the PDI (Police of Investigation) and of the Forensic Office, I still don’t get how the Legal System really works. The latest events have opened a little door, I would not say hopes. A few weeks ago, the judge prosecuted 8 ex-Army officers, two presumed authors and six accomplices of his death. We’ll see what happens. I take it with calm. I am not celebrating.

I don’t expect the responsible will ask for my forgiveness. Also, I don’t think it would make any difference for them if I forgave them. I would not like to have any contact with them. I feel a bit of repulsion.

While Victor was alive I was cheerful. In this second life that I have lived I have become more introverted, sadder. I am not very funny, I am rather gloomy. If someone were to invite me for tea and to watch the soap on TV I would likely say no.

I don’t have many friends. I don’t teach dancing anymore and I have been narrowing my doors. My personal friends are related to what I do and represent. I don’t have friends who distract me of it all because they are all connected to Victor’s world.

I don’t mind being physically alone. All my life I feel I have been in the company of Victor. Also, he lives in the Foundation, which is full of posters, exhibitions. So much that I could say “Ah… I cannot escape from Victor”. I don’t know how his presence can be captured but I have always felt his love and affection. This has given me the strength to carry on.”

__________________________________________________________________________

See you along the road if all goes well…

Christy

PS … Doing a bit of work in The Factory Recording Studio at the moment. It is located in a funky building on Barrow St. Lots of film and drama activity happens there and there is a creative buzz in the air. I was standing in the jax yesterday, minding my own business, when a poster caught my eye. It was from 1976 and was announcing an outdoor gig in Dalymount Park featuring Status Quo, Judas Priest and … Suddenly it dawned on me that I played that gig. Between Priest and Quo I played a set with Jimmy Faulkner, Declan McNelis and Philip Donnelly. Kevin Burke may have been there too. If memory serves no one paid the slightest bit of attention to our set. To say we died the death would be gilding the lily. The Festival was promoted by Pat Egan. We adjourned to the Artists Bar for soothing lotions and we were settling in nicely when all hell broke loose. Seemingly there existed bad blood between two of the Heavy Metal Crews and suddenly it all kicked off into the most amazing melee. We became extremely anxious as we had a table full of drink that needed protecting. When The Garda arrived we realised twas time to get out of Dalymount Park. We loaded up the Renault 4L and drove a half mile down to The Meeting Place where Red Peter’s Band were getting ready to blast off in the upstairs Lounge of those most agreeable premises. That day we played;

One Last Cold Kiss

Tim Evans

Go Move Shift

Van Diemen’s Land

Home by Barna

January Man

******************************** STOP PRESS*************************************

Here is a night to which we are looking forward …

On March 3rd a benefit concert will take place in Vicar Street in Dublin for guitarist and singer Henry McCullough who suffered a heart attack in November 2012 and has suffered permanent damage.

In 1971 Paul McCartney asked Henry to join his post Beatles band Wings and his ad lib solo on the song My Love is considered one of the great guitar solos.

Henry spent 2 years in the band but quit Wings in 1973 and went on to play in The Frankie Miller Band before recording his first solo album for George Harrison’s Dark Horse label. Sessions with Marianne Faithfull, Donovan, Spooky Tooth, Eric Burdon and Dr. Feelgood, among many others, followed.

Up until his heart attack Henry was gigging regularly with his band from Northern Ireland and The Ed Deane Band in the South.

Sweeney’s Men are coming together for only the second time in decades to perform on this show. The Fleadh Cowboys are playing together for the first time since 2011

SALUTE TO HENRY

Featuring

CHRISTY MOORE & DECLAN SINNOTT

SWEENEY’S MEN

MICK FLANNERY

THE FLEADH COWBOYS

JOHN SPILLANE

HONOR HEFFERNAN

JOHNNY DUHAN

ALAN MURPHY (SCOTLAND)

ED DEANE BAND

VICTOR McCULLOUGH

JIMMY SMITH

KEVIN DOHERTY

PHILIP DONNELLY

SARA PETITE (USA)

BP FALLON

RONAN COLLINS

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM TICKETMASTER – CLICK HERE

Vocals back on track…

Dear Listeners, Vocals are back on track … hope you see you along the road.

Christy

bord gais theatre shows

Dear Listeners,

Having to cancel these two concerts leaves me feeling dreadful… I realise that as I write these words some people are still making their way towards the venue and that some have travelled long distances by air, road & rail…

Yesterday I woke with a sore throat; I went to my doctor as my voice was weak and croaky. This afternoon I tried singing at public performance level and nothing came out at all. It was with a heavy heart that I contacted all concerned to tell them I could not sing tonight or tomorrow.

It is many years since I have had to cancel a performance. It is a low point in my working life.

I wish you wall and hope that we can meet again. The shows have been re-scheduled to the 1^st & 2^nd of February. Tonight’s tickets will be valid for the show on Friday 1^st February and tickets for tomorrows show will be valid for the show on Saturday 2^nd February.

Best wishes,

Christy

Grand Canal Theatre shows Cancelled

SHOWS IN BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE CANCELLED

It is with regret we announce that We have had to cancel tonight and tomorrow nights shows in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre due to illness. Apologies for the inconveniece.Tonights show is rescheduled to Friday 1st February and tomorrows show is rescheduled to Saturday 2nd February. Existing tickets will be valid for those dates.

The Mike Harding Folk Show

Just a note to let you all know that Mike Harding’s new music show is now up and running. Mike has long been a champion of Folk Music. His BBC show was essential listening to millions for over a decade. Suddenly axed by the suits, without warning or explanation, Mike has decided to continue broadcasting his own independent show.To listen click HERE

Podcast of an hour plus every week on Sundays and then archived for download

I look forward to listening to my old friend again and thought I might share it with you.

All the best,

Christy

Peter McVerry Gig

I wish to thank everybody who supported the Peter McVerry concert. With the support of everyone involved in the gig we managed to raise forty-thousand Euro for the trust. As well as that we had a fantastic night.

Today, Let us Remember Victor Jara.

http://www.workers.org/2013/01/08/chilean-officers-charged-in-1973-murder-of-victor-jara/

Extra Date in Vicar Street in aid of Peter McVerry Trust

We have added an extra date in Vicar St. on Tuesday, 8th January 2013. This will be a regular Declan /Christy Gig full steam ahead no breaks, bells nor whistles.All proceeds will go to the Peter McVerry Trust, towards their work with the Homeless. Next year will mark Peter’s 30th year of working amongst those in need. Tickets are priced from €39.50 – €49.50 and are available by clicking HERE

O Me hat is frozen to Me head … Me body is like a lump a lead …

The recent tour of England and Scotland was a memorable trip for me. It began with a visit to Liverpool’s Anfield Rd. with my son Andy and our good friend Michael Devine. The game was between Liverpool and Newcastle and, being neutral, I sat in the middle. It was an exciting prospect to be back at an English soccer game again. During my time there I visited many football grounds in the course of my travels. Looking back, it seemed as if all those games were in black and white. Now, Anfield Rd. appears to be in HD with full wrap around sound. There are numerous merchandise stalls, betting shops and fast food counters. Every aspect seems hyped to the last. The actual game itself seemed neither as passionate nor as enjoyable. Certainly, the players are fitter now and just as skilful but the spirit of the game appears diminished. There was a strange moment at kick-off. One of the highlights of a visit to Anfield is the pre kick-off rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. 40,000 people singing this great song is an uplifting experience. Everyone appeared totally caught up in the moment. That is, everyone EXCEPT the referee who blew the whistle and started the game half way through this glorious anthem. It felt like 40,000 people got a simultaneous kick in the arse. I felt that moment encapsulated the problem that is slowly destroying the great game. Sky Schedules (and mammon) take precedence over everything else. These days, all major sporting arenas seem to have ear splitting sound systems blasting out inappropriate sounds. In fairness, despite this we had a great time. (But a grumpy old man gotta have his groan.)

Next day it was back into work mode and on up to York…Great to return to The Barbican and a most welcoming Yorkshire audience. Here are the setlists for the 6 gigs;

York Nov 4^th

1.City of Chicago

2.Dalesmans Litany

3.Missing You

4.16 Fishermen Raving

5.All for the Roses

6.Ordinary Man

7.Farmer Michael Hayes

8.Viva La Quinta Brigada

9.Merseyside

10.Black is the Colour

11.Hattie Carroll

12.Stitch in Time

13.Morecambe Bay

14.Motherland

15.Sun Shine In

16.Billy Gray

17.Ride On

18. DT’S

19.Butterfly

20.Don’t forget your Shovel

21.Quiet Desperation

22.Lawless

23.Companeros

24.Fairytale

25.Lisdoonvarna

26.Nancy Spain

27.Voyage

Manchester 5^th

1.City of Chicago

2.Black is the Colour

3.Ordinary Man

4.One last Cold Kiss

5.North & South

6.Magdalene Laundries

7.Missing You

8.I Pity the Poor Immigrant

9.Don’t forget Your Shovel

10.Merseyside

11.Farmer Michael Hays

12.Stitch in Time

13.Sun Shine In

14.Billy Gray

15.Honda 50

16.Allende

17.Hey Ronnie Reagan

18.DT’S

19.Butterfly

20.Smoke & Strong Whiskey

21.All for the Roses

22.Joxer

23.Voyage

24.Go Move Shift

25.So Do I

26.Ride On

27.Lisdoonvarna

28.Nancy Spain

29.Bright Blue Rose

Edinburgh 8^th

1.City of Chicago

2.Viva la Quinta Brigada

3.Smoke & Strong Whiskey

4.Barrowland

5.North & South

6.Magdalene Laundries

7.Missing You

8.Ride On

9.Joxer

10.Farmer Michael Hayes

11.Stitch in Time

12.Sun Shine In

13.Billy Gray

14.Hattie Carroll

15.Morecambe Bay

16.Ordinary Man

17.James Connolly

18.Contender

19.Back Home in Derry

20.DT’s

21.Beeswing

22.How Long

23.McIlhatton

24.Black is the Colour

25.Lisdoonvarna

26.Hurt

27.Spancil Hill

Barrowland 9^th

1.Intro

2.City of Chicago

3.Natives

4.Smoke & Strong Whiskey

5.Barrowland

6.Biko Drum

7.Yellow Triangle

8.Galtee Mountain Boy

9.Allende

10.Beeswing

11.Missing You 12.Black is the Colour

13.No Time for Love

14.Boy From Tamlaghduff

15.Ride On

16.Ordinary Man

17.Sun Shine In

18.Billy Gray

19.Viva La Quinta Brigada

20.On the Bridge

21.Scapegoats

22.Back Home in Derry

23.McIlhatton

24.The Time has Come

25.Sacco & Vanzetti

26.Joxer

27.Spancil Hill

28.Lisdoonvarna

29.Crowd chant/Bodhran

30.Morecambe Bay

31.Bright Blue Rose

Stirling 11^th

1.North & South

2.How Long

3.Missing You

4.Quiet Desperation

5.Smoke & Strong Whiskey

6.Morecambe Bay

7.Matty

8.DT’S

9.All for the Roses

10.Merseyside

11.Chicago

12.Beeswing

13.Hiroshima

14.Companeros

15. 2 Conneeleys

16.Ordinary Man

17.Wandering Aonghus

18.Sun Shine In

19.Motherland

20.Strange Ways

21.Hattie Carroll

22. Plane Crash at Los Gatos

23.Joxer

24.Barrowland

25.Quinta Brigada

26.John O Dreams

27.Back Home in Derry

28.Ride On

29.No Time for Love

Glasgow 12^th

1.Allende

2.Missing You

3.Morecambe Bay

4.Biko Drum

5.Barrowland

6.Quinta Brigada

7.DT’S

8.Michael Hayes

9.Chicago

10.Cry Like a Man

11.Ordinary Man

12.Amsterdam

13.Smoke & Strong Whiskey

14.McIlhatton

15.Back Home in Derry

16.Sun Shine In

17.Billy Gray

18.Honda 50

19.Ride On

20.No Time for Love

21.Companeros

22.Black is the Colour

23.North & South

24.Cliffs of Dooneen

25.Lisdoonvarna

26.Sonny’s Dream

27.Nancy Spain

I had an interesting conversation about the setlists in Glasgow. A listener was trying to figure out how the sets were chosen. I could not offer any methodology as none exists. (Except for gigs such as Electric Picnic or Glastonbury where the performances are limited to a specific time and conditions are very different) I decide the opening number as we take our seats. “Chicago” was the favoured opener on this trip. It seemed to settle us all in straight away. The second song varied on all 6 gigs. After this conversation I decided to go through the setlists out of curiosity. We seem to have played 76 songs over the 6 gigs during which there were 174 renditions. 35 songs were performed but once and 6 were performed at all 6 gigs. I like the fact that every gig has its own shape. This keeps us on our toes. In the context of this work, Declan is happiest doing new material. Over the past 12 years I may have asked him 500 times “What will we do next?” His reply is almost always the same; “Biko Drum”. I enjoy the challenge when a song appears out of the blue, it might be a quiet request or a random thought or association. Declan never flinches, even if it is a song he has not heard before. Invariably he will have found his way in by the second verse. He is a master of song accompaniment.

I have had time on my hands since returning frae Glasgow. I had a wisdom tooth removed. It was recommended that I lay off singing for ten days. The tooth was fractured and had to go. There were potential consequences which, thankfully, did not arise. In the aftermath I hit a dark patch. Sometimes my confidence wanes and my enthusiasm for singing evaporates. New work loses its appeal and I am not drawn to the workbench. However, experience has taught me that this too shall pass. I gotta ride it out with patience, tolerance and faith in the power of healing.

There is much to be done. Recently I have been re-recording all my own songs and collaborations with a view to presenting them as a body of work. My songs have been scattered across decades of recording. Most of the repertoire has been gleaned from other writers and from the Tradition. It is my intention to “mark” my own work while I am still able to do so.

On a separate project I have been playing occasionally with a quartet of musicians. Namely Mairtín O’Connor, Jimmy Higgins, Cathal Hayden and Shamie O’Dowd. There is no specific plan at this time other then the sheer pleasure of sitting amidst this ensemble and singing. We had an outing in Lisdoonvarna last month and are planning another in Galway in early January. I love the buzz and thrust of singing with these great players.

I was invited to be part of the Simon Community’s Christmas campaign. The piece we recorded is currently being transmitted on the radio. Every day people stop me to talk about Simon. I simply urge them to follow through if they can.

We went to hear Rodriguez at Vicar St. last week. Having seen his film “Searching for Sugarman” (highly recommended) it was simply beautiful to sit listening to him sing. A kind and gentle man with beautiful songs and a wonderful band. At 70, and having gone below the radar for several decades, it was inspiring to see his resilience and hear his delivery. There were a small number of loutish boors in the room who insisted on shouting him down each time he tried to speak. This was a pity but he handled it with dignity and humour. Perhaps there is a lesson there for me. The concert was opened by Lisa O’Neill. Lisa came out unannounced and started to sing. By the end of her first song she had us all in the palm of her hand. She delivered a great set and cleared the way for Rodriguez. A great night. Thanks to all concerned.

We have added an extra date in Vicar St. on Tuesday, 8th January. All proceeds will go to the Peter McVerry Trust, towards there work with the Homeless. Next year will mark Peter’s 30th year of working amongst those in need.

Here are some new dates:

2nd & 3rd January 2013 Ardilaun Hotel, Galway (with Declan Sinnott, Mairtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Jimmy Higgins and Shamie O’Dowd)

8th January 2013 Vicar St. Dublin (for the Peter McVerry Trust)

22nd & 23rd February 2013 Glór, Ennis

8th March 2013 Park Hotel, Mullingar

14th March 2013 Mount Wolsey Hotel, Tullow, Co. Carlow

20th & 21st March 2013 Waterfront, Belfast

29th March 2013 INEC, Killarney

11th May 2013 Shearwater, Ballinasloe

17th May 2013 Fairways, Dundalk

23rd May 2013 Pavilion, Rhyl

24th May 2013 Hay on Wye Festival, Hay on Wye

26th May 2013 Bath Pavilion, Bath

27th May 2013 The Riverfront, Newport

7th June 2013 Opera House, Wexford

6th July 2013 Marquee, Cork

Later there will be gigs in Limerick, Trim and Portlaoise.

If all goes well, see you along the way.

Shine On,

Christy

PS … I found the following Scottish Reflection on 4711ers.org

This website is a meeting place for many of our constant listeners. It was posted by Hilary Scanlon whose permission I sought before posting here.

The tour in Caledonia in November flew so fast, between family & gigs & 4711ers! It was some week, and was really great to be based in Glasgow. Four very different gigs, great company travelling around and so many different songs… each venue unique, with its own dynamic. I first went to Scotland in 1985 in my red Renault 4L! The four Scottish gigs were the final part of a tour that started in the historic town of York then onto Manchester before heading north. Three UK based 4711ers were joined by Adam for the full tour, with various Paddies, the Dutch supplier and the native Celts at the four Scottish gigs.

Edinburgh 9/11/12 was interesting. The Festival Hall is an old theatre with a very modern exterior just up the road from the railway station and near other recent venues in that city. Brian was good enough to offer Adam & I a lift to and from the gig. They sang 28 songs, Declan & Christy arrived on stage, acknowledging Auld Reekie to rapturous applause and opened with City of Chicago, the same song they had opened with the two previous nights. It was a very mixed setlist some old favourites mixed with some rare gems, Allende, Butterfly, Go Move Shift, This is the Day, and Declan’s regular now is Sun Shine In from his new solo CD, followed by the lovely duet Billy Gray. Then just half way through the gig CM declared that he remembered while driving to the gig that James Connolly was born in the town in 1868 and proceeded to sing a wonderful acapella version of Patrick Galvin’s ballad of James Connolly, you could hear the proverbial pin drop, then that special split second silence until the thunderous applause exploded. CM then dedicated the Contender by Jimmy Mc Carthy to an Alan O Connor from Macroom and saying “those Macroom boys like to stick together!” Coincidentally both these songs have Cork connections as James Connolly was written by late Patrick Galvin who CM has referred to as the “Poet of Cork”, a mantle which he has since passed onto John Spillane. Things proceeded then till Lisdoonvarna and more thunderous applause demanding an encore, and what an encore? after all the singing and foot stomping and clapping they stilled the night with Hurt followed by a very special and rare outing of CM’s own unique version of Spancil Hill drawing the gig to an end at about the two hour mark.

Fri 10/11/12 the day of the Barrowlands gig will stay with me forever, Brian and Adam & I were around town and Iggy B arrived in from Galway via a very early morning flight from Dublin! There was much discussion about the cold and the rain and what time would be good to start to Q outside those famous metal detectors and some prayers that the rain would clear!

As it turned out Adam and I got there very early to be sure to be sure, after the doors opened the front Centre stage was commandeered by Martin Mac, Anuk, Deirdre, Adam, Angela, Brian, Primula, Iggy B and I, Paul and Linda were there too as were Susie and Steph with their own gang, later Adam identified Michael Hayes (not the Farmer, who did the full tour). Even though we had been in Barrowlands before and have watched the DVD several (dozen?) times nothing prepares for the real thing!! The gig was mad and good and hot and noisy, a WONDERFUL gig. It was yet another UNIQUE night, but then aren’t they all?? but Barrowlands is really unique as CM has said many times “it’s his spiritual home” It was a really long gig with so many memorable moments, the sheer energy of the gig, the singing by everyone in the hall it seemed, the songs, with nods to emigration, global migrants, power hungry politicians, victims and perpetrators of injustice, not to mention weekends in exotic Amsterdam, the gig was something else and finished off with a raucous rendition of Lisdoonvarna. Until the encore, while the stage was empty the choir spontaneously hummed / clapped/ stomped The Lonesome Boatman when CM came back on stage he joined in on Bodhran, and declared “you can beat an egg, but you can’t beat an encore!!” This was followed by great hush & order for Morecambe Bay and the grand finale Bright Blue Rose, now tell me how do they do it? For over 2 hours and 10 mins?? We then had a small gaggle, how nice to sit down and drink cool, cool water after a Barrowlands gig? there was even a verse or two of “Take Me Home to Mayo” … then off we went out into the night air to review the gig and a few drinks the HQ hotel…

The Stirling gig on 11/11/12 was held in the Albert Hall, what another lovely room?? And a grand surprise – filled gig. Lar (aka Elvis) had arrived at this stage from a family wedding in Birmingham (is he ever @ home ??), Lar & Adam & I had great seats up on the front row of the balcony on stage left… a totally different perspective, it was great to watch the stage and side stage action, as well as the audience. They were a respectful audience, I think they were pleased that CM/DS had come to play in their neighbourhood, they seemed to know all the songs. All for the Roses was special on Remembrance Sunday. They really nailed other songs too Matty, Nancy Spain, Ride On, John O Dreams, Quiet Desperation ,North & South was a great start. They also shared some gems Two Connelleys, Strange Ways, Plane Crash at Los Gatos, Wandering Aonghus and the final song of the night was a rousing No Time for Love.

I found it fascinating to watch the audience from my perch high up in this horse shoe shaped room, those who were obviously engaged and those who sit so still and yet are absorbed and then to hear the singing from our perch was so, so different. No doubt the audience in Stirling was pleased that CM & DS came and played in their town, they were very receptive and engaged, it was such a different energy from Barrowlands only 2 nights previous.

There was a convoy of cars on the road that night, Brian and Lar in the Dutch Skoda and Jan in her Scottish Skoda, I was driving my sister’s car with Adam and Angela and Deirdre. I was convinced that a very special Vehicle sped past us on their way back to base and I tried to catch up with them, much to the consternation of my passengers who may not be used to Kerry drivers, anyway that other car remains a mystery!! By a strange co incidence I think I also met a special vehicle near Stirling in 2007 on the way home from a gig in Perth, but that may be my memory playing tricks on me now!

Glasgow Concert Hall gig

So the final gig of the Scottish tour was the Concert Hall, a very formal hall and not my favourite venue, I think it’s hard to engage with the gig there. Perhaps to acknowledge the international 4711er gaggle that had assembled to follow the tour we were invited to the sound – check. It was indeed a privilege to see the “men at work “in that situation. Off we went about 6.30 pm to return at 7.30 or so for the final gig, it turned out to be my favourite gig ever in that Hall, they were both up for it and it seems that Hamish Imlach’s family were there. Primula was at the 4 Scottish gigs, Jan was at three and was in Concert Hall with 2 friends, and Steph and Susie were also at some of the gigs. This gig started with Allende and included Cry Like A Man, Smoke & Strong Whiskey, No Time for Love,, the final quarter of the gig was a great send off and epitomised the range of the whole tour, Companeros, Black is the Colour, North & South, Cliffs of Dooneen, Lisdoon, Sonny’s Dream and the last song of the tour Nancy Spain. Two hours non stop singing of 27 songs and buckets of energy & emotion! Then off we went into the night air yet again and a few drinks, and seeing it was the last night, a trip to the chipper, no deep fried Mars bars but there was some late night haggis!!

These Scottish audiences really love them, of course there are lots of Irish connections, any mention of Donegal or Derry or Packie Bonner gets them going, not to mention any Northern Irish reference. However these two musicians also have the ability to connect with all lovers of good music, this was very evident on Remembrance Sunday in Stirling, unlike other venues there were no GAA county jerseys in evidence, no obvious Irish community there and yet there was a very strong connection to the songs.

In all six gigs there were over 170 individual songs, covering every known emotion from hilarity to sadness from pathos to empathy and many nuances between. There were dedications to people not present, in the Glasgow Concert Hall City of Chicago was dedicated to the memory of Collette Boyle who had a ticket for the gig but didn’t make it, also that night a request for Steve Biko that was forgotten in Barrowlands in the hopes that that guy was present!! In Stirling a request for Sally from California who was sitting in the front row.

So now it’s nearly time to face into Vicar St and all that 2013 promises, new line ups & old line ups & new halls & familiar venues. Let the music keep our spirits high!!

Thanks to Christy and Declan for the music and to all the crew for their great welcome always and for reaching out to the 4711ers in so many ways. Mile, mile buiochas , beir bua agus beannacht.

Hilary Scanlan 1/12/12

Keep Dublin Bay Oil Rig Free

KEEP DUBLIN BAY OIL RIG FREE

An application for an exploratory licence to drill for oil just 6km from the coast of Dublin Bay has been granted by the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan for Providence resources, headed up by Tony O’Reilly. Despite a lack of public consultation and over 250 submissions made by concerned individuals and organisations earlier this year, the government has once again ignored the will of the people and granted the licence.. Please sign and share this petition if you object … Click HERE for petition.

Also, there is a public meeting on 13 November at 20:00 at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney. All are welcome to attend.

For more information click HERE for the Protect our Coastline webpage.

Click HERE for their facebook page.

All the best,

Christy

Autumn Chat 2012

We started back in Dingle on August 24th. A great night in The Hillgrove, first time back there in 22 years and it’s still as lively as ever. Moving Hearts did a few stints there, most memorably the night of Cid’s 40th birthday back in1981.We performed what turned out to be quite a pagan ritual. Keith and I played the high priests, Donal and Eoghan shared patten and thurible. Later I did regular solo gigs there and had some memorable escapades round Dunquin, Ballyferriter, Ventry and, on up over then down into Brandon.

After Dingle it was back up the Midlands for the Electric Picnic for a lash in the big tent. It was great to meet the anti-frackers there. We agreed to support the campaign with a gig in the near future. It’s a very good festival. Something for everybody. Some anecdotes; one bewildered lad stumbled into the tent but could not figure out whether we were Ed Sheeran or Sigur Ros. We did a version of “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll”, Bob Dylan’s 40 year old classic. We dedicated it to the victim of a recent sexual assault. One who’s assailant was given a 6 month sentence. Not everyone approved.

This film came my way recently…it’s a beautiful piece that illustrates the music of the time. Lovely to see so many of the participants again. Enjoy and share some feedback.

Watch it HERE

I also happened upon Planxty’s 1981 Timedance on YouTube. I had not realized that the opening sequence contained moments of pure Spinal Tap. Seeing it again I was reminded of how bizarre it felt to be in such a fit up. At the time we found it difficult to reach a consensus upon our participation, but once we made the decision Donal Lunny and Bill Whelan wrote and arranged a beautiful suite for us to perform. It has been said that Timedance was the precursor of Riverdance. Certainly that may have been the case with the music. As for the dancing, that’s a different story. When Michael Flatley and Jean Butler exploded onto the stage a new phenomenon was created, one that still reverberates around the world.

Watch it HERE

There was a great night in Vicar St. on Sunday the 7th of October as we celebrated the music of Steve Cooney. It was one of those very special nights. Many turned up to honour Steve’s contribution to our music over these past 35 years. It was Conor Byrne who organized the event and I was very happy to get the invitation to participate. I have been a fan of Steve’s unique style of playing for many years. He remained centre stage for the entire evening during which time he accompanied Tommy Sands, Tony McMahon, Iarla Ó Leonard, Mary Black, Luka Bloom and myself. He also introduced us to his new band ÉINÍNÍ. I look forward to hearing them again. They have an original and unique sound featuring Steve on acoustic and electric guitars, Joe Csibi on Bass, Odhran Cassadaigh on fiddle and uileann pipes, Vinnie Kilduff on whistles, Dermot Byrne on accordion, Rob Harris and Rob Perry both on percussion. This band really cooks, rocks and dye dills in a seductive groove. Steve leads with great style and knowledge of everyone’s part, he also sang and recited his own writing… this is a band to watch, catch ’em if you can.

So much has happened since we last spoke that I can hardly remember any of it. It’s an interesting time of life, this 68th year. As a younger man I never thought I’d make 41 which was the age at which our Daddy was taken from us. Now I observe the slowing down process of the various systems that go to make life worth living. I cherish many things now, that for decades I simply took for granted. However, all this observing is not a full time occupation. So much remains to be done… At the moment I am in Lisdoonvarna in The Royal Spa Hotel. I’m here with Mairtín O Connor, Cathal Hayden, Shamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins. We are rehearsing for a couple of gigs this weekend. I get a great buzz from singing with a Trad. Ensemble. It brings me back to sounds that have been a central part of my life. Back to Prosperous, to Fulham Broadway, to Planxty, to all those times of my younger life when I was so entranced and enchanted by this music.

Not everyone gets this music, nor hears it, nor likes it, but that’s understandable. It’s such a broad canvas, such a huge landscape of sound and colour cascading in from all sides. Today, in the course of our playing, we referenced Mary Bergin’s first tin whistle album. We talked of Tom McHale, that young whistle player from Tulsk, taken so tragically and so young all those years ago. We remembered the whistle music of Mick McGuane and Sean Potts, the former gone, the latter still to the good. I thought sadly of young Michael Dwyer whom I knew In London in 1966. As we rehearsed today, Mairtín and Cathal celebrated his memory with a rendition of Michael Dwyer’s Jig, it was joyful and heartbreaking. Michael was the lonesomest whistle player I ever heard. I told them of Mickey Carroll from Allenwood who silenced many nights with the sheer controlled madness of his glorious playing. We spoke of Christy Barry and the style of his playing over the years. The tin whistle – such a simple humble instrument yet capable of producing such exquisite music when in the hands of the gifted few. We also talked of box players, fiddle and flute players, we referenced pipers, harpists, guitarists and singers- Singers who possess the “sweet note”. But not everyone gets this music and what matter? … Let there be no panic! It has come through the hardest of times, the most desperate of situations, it has survived penal times, rome ruling it to be devil music, wrath and ridicule from “betters”… it has survived all this and more, yet it still flourishes… it is all there in the simple turn of “The Silver Spear”…..it was there in Barney McKenna’s music and tonight, at this very moment, it is on the fingers and lips of a thousand practitioners.

I keep returning to this Spa town, to its well of Spring Water. I first arrived in Lisdoonvarna in the winter of 1965. I returned in 1978 and have been here every year since. The battery that drives this rhythm gets charged here… it’s not a definable charge; it is made up of many elements. The Doherty Family; Paddy, Chris, Anne, John, Tiarnan, Cian and all the team in this venue are at The Hearth of it… over the years this fire has been stoked by legions of players, singers, listeners, publicans, restaurateurs, goboys, hacksaws, hayknives, Skippy, The Sheriff, Eoin O’Neill, Tommy and Tony McGann ,Micho, Willie… I could be here all night recalling the half of them. Played a “Smash H Block” gig here in 1980, Moving Hearts played here on our first foray outside The Black Lagoon in 1981. We held a 4711 gathering here some years back with guest spots from Wally Page, Doug Lang and Small Town Talk…took “the waters” here once and had the seaweed bath… (I was drinking at the time and thought it might cure my jitters …it only pointed up my thirst, I was soon back up the hill festooning myself with large bottles of loose porter) When Planxty reformed in 2004 we gathered here to nail the parts together. Each time Paddy Doherty and his family made it possible. They enable us to focus upon the essence of the music. There is no better place on earth to find the turn of a tune.

Things change much quicker these times. Items become redundant at an alarming rate. We master a device only to discover that it has become obsolete. I tried a smart phone once, the worst 3 days of my life… got sucked into an iPad there a while back, even used it on stage once – then I lost the buckin thing! Truth is I don’t miss it. I have become reliant upon THIS device. It is wonderful to wake up at three in the morning and with 2 clicks access a lyric, write a chat and before you know it zzzzzzzzzzzzz …

Its 3 hours from gig time now. The sound check has commenced. People are gathering around the town. Many have travelled a long way. The sun is shining out over The Atlantic as evening descends; it’s that time once again…

Royal Spa Lisdoonvarna, Oct 19th…19.45 – 15 mins to go…

The nerves don’t get any easier. I hear the buzz below. Excitement as curtain up approaches. one more time I close my eyes and think of those who have gone before… it’s being part of a continuous thread that constantly renews itself with each new song, with every singer and every tune that starts to blossom… just a small part to play. I have never yet been let down; tonight will surely be no different. I bow my head and hand it over to the power that sustains us all.

Black is the Colour

Ruby Walsh

Lakes of Pontchartrain (For our dear comrade Skippy… R.I.P.)

Stitch in Time

Tyrone Boys

Flickering Light (for our young 4711ers Colm and Róisín)

Ordinary man

Bright Blue Rose

Hattie Carroll

Then I was joined by Mairtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Shamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins…we slipped into;

Pity the Poor Immigrant

The Crossroads Set

Butterfly (So Much Wine)

Missing You

Catwalk

Magic Nights

As I roved out

Farmer Michael Hayes

City of Chicago

Fairytale of New York

Merseyside

Back Home in Derry

Nancy Spain

Raggle Taggle

Cliffs of Dooneen

Reels of Good Fortune

It’s been a long day, time to let the shutters down…

Lisdoonvarna, Saturday 20th October

The sun has been shining all day on the tranquil town. We rehearsed again this morning… a very different energy now that we have last night’s gig under our belts. These are four great men with whom to play music. A couple of songs literally appeared out of the ether this morning and we nailed them in one go, they simply fell into place. Jimmy Higgins is a beautiful percussionist. He listens very closely to the song, not just the rhythm but the essence. His beats simply meld everything together. Shamie O’Dowd has a unique style of playing. He seems to know every song I have recorded inside out. His accompaniments also seem to reference the original recordings without submitting totally to them. His approach is fresh and inspiring. Mairtín O’Connor and Cathal Hayden are two tunesmiths who bring all their colour and mastery to the ensemble. In the great broad world of Irish Traditional Music it is rare to find players who are comfortable in the accompaniment of song. Many of our greatest players struggle with the very concept. I sympathize totally with their dilemma for I myself am hopeless as a spontaneous accompanist. If I have the time to learn and if someone writes out the parts for me, then I can play along. However spontaneous accompaniment has always eluded me (except when the auld drum is lying about). Mairtin and Cathal are exceptional in that they hold on ’til they find a groove… when they arrive into the song they are like welcome visitors coming in through the hall door, you feel so happy to see them.

That Saturday feeling is coming down like a warm glowing mist. The listeners are gathering once more. Car doors open as they clamber out, tickets in hand, murderin’ the last cigarette before entering “The Hall”. I’m peeking from an upstairs window. There’s Gerry Brady, my auld companero of 45 years ago. We soldiered the ballads around Manchester. We hit The Pennine Way and The Ho Chi Minh Trail. There’s Hilary from Tralee rounding up a few stragglers… I see my sister Anne Rynne coming across the park with her fancy man, young Davoc Rynne. He busks out at The Cliffs these times and will shortly release his first album. We all played on it. I see a couple of Backpackers coming up the street. They will have a job getting their 2 rucksacks into the gig. Hope they have their tent pitched, me thinks tis gonna be a late night tonight! There’s after-shave in the air and a nice bouquet of 4711… it’s dark and lonely work but someone has to do it…

Black is the colour

Lisdoonvarna

In praise of Mullaghmore

Ruby Walsh

Mc Ilhatton

Then Mairtín’s Band came out and we played;

As I roved out

The Plane Crash at Los Gatos

Tippin it up to Nancy

Missing You

Hurt

Crossroads Reels

Nancy Spain

The Well below the Valley

Fairytale of N.Y.

Planxty Irwin

Michael Hayes

City of Chicago

CatWalk

Cliffs of Dooneen

Raggle Taggle

Ride On

Then it was all over in an inst… I found myself back in the dressing room, still mesmerized by the 2 hours of sharing… it seldom gets as good as this for me. It’s so long since I sat in a Trad. Ensemble. Sweet notes coming at me from both sides….low trembling notes from accordion, the sweetest riffs from Pomeroy’s fiddle, Sligo’Dowd givin me bits of Tex Mex one minute, Django and Mícheal O Domhnaill the next… then from the wing some beautiful crosses sailing over from the skin and bone man himself. Just like “Klaus in Continental Ceilí” Jimmy can play a slow air on the Bodhran. After three such intense days the parting feels a bit bereft but lives must go on. Those 3 boys are heading off in the morning to play in Stockholm and Berlin. Jimmy H has work to do with The Walls…..I’m heading home with Michael Devine up the M7. We are listening to Tony Smalls superb new album Mandolin Mountain (for copies of the album contact; smalltalktony@hotmail.com )

Gonna spend some time at home now, lie low with my loved ones… peel spuds, hold our grandson, catch up on sport stuff, gotta a few new songs cookin on the back burner…turn my gaze onto Waterford and Clonmel this week. Get ready to meet up again with Doctor Sinnott – bit of catchin up to do …

Sending good juju to all you songsters out there on the Highways and Byways…

love to Kaiserslautern, Wollongong, Cutbush, Ashby de la Zouché, Moscow (in Fife) Aberystwyth, Brest, Bergen Op Zoom, greetings to Princess Nora Von Lichtenstein, Lord of The Todge and The Mangled Badger,

Christy

Declan Sinnott Live Shows

Declan Sinnott Solo Live Dates …

Declan Sinnott will be doing some solo shows over the next while. More dates to follow so keep an eye on his website: www.declansinnot.com

October:

Thursday 11th : The Crane, Galway

Thursday 18th: Boyle’s, Slane, Co. Westmeath

Saturday 20th: Balor Arts Centre, Main St. Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Sunday 21st: Whelan’s, Wexford St. Dublin

Thursday 25th: DeBarra’s, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

Tuesday 30th: Bush Hall, Uxbridge, London. Click HERE for tickets.

November:

Friday 16th: Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork

January 2013

Thursday 10th: St. John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Ireland: A Nation’s Memory (1973)

Fantastic documentary about Ireland in the 1970’s, wait until 40 minutes to see some very familiar faces.