I mentioned Imelda May a few “posts” ago and have become quite a fan – though I don’t fully get all her music. I still hear that Dublin accent and the sincerity behind it. That’s enough … Anyway, I’ve listened to Kentish Town Waltz so many times and still love its introductory notes and the message of sticking with each other (life) through thick and thin. There’s another tune on the Mayhem Album that I like as well. It’s called “I’m Alive” – the rhythm and music that introduce it, together with the trumpet’s contribution make it especially pleasing to the ear and the lyrics again speak to the heart and feeling grateful for another’s love and place in life. I like the line that speaks of awaking part of the Soul that has slept for way too long. Now there’s a good day’s work.
The lyrics ….
Smother me with your kisses Bury me in your arms Oh the love that this is has chained me to your charms Oh lock me up in your heart Drown me in your eyes ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive You wash me clean of all sadness You cleanse me of all doubt Now this new born feeling I can’t live without You’ve drugged me I’m addicted I’m drunk just on your smile ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive I’m alive to each fingertip To the end of each fine hair My lips it seems, with every kiss, Are sending thankful prayers. You’ve woken a part of my soul That’s slept for way too long Now I just can’t get enough I understand love songs I’ll sing to you forever I’ll love you ’til I die ‘Cos when you hold me, I’m alive
Well Irene came and went. She caused more damage to some than others but, think it’s fair to say, people were generally pleased that things were not as bad as had been expected.
I had two Masses on Sunday – the first at 7am and there were nine people there! Not a typical Cathedral attendance. The other was at 5pm when the winds had settled and the congregation was more along the lines you’d expect. I didn’t preach at the earlier Mass as I felt people might have endured enough “wind” for one day!!
I came to Boston on Monday and am here at the moment – spent time with my good friends, Carrie and Guillermo and, from their home, got the chance to meet with other people I wanted to meet and thankfully do most summers – the Kerins’ from Collooney – Olivia and her family, Edel and her’s. Always lovely. We had a long walk on the beach and I enjoyed that too. We also had a chance to check out Dan and Edel’s Chicken Coup! Not sure if they’re Rhode Island Reds but there’s something “Celtic” about a few of them!!
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I met my cousin Frances and her husband and son earlier today and, this evening, met Joanne another good friend from Collooney days. My day began with Mass in the Cathedral here in Boston. I went to concelebrate but finished up being the Principal Celebrant and saying a few words. I don’t think they endured as much wind in Boston so they weren’t spared Hurrican Vinnie!!!
Heading back to New York tomorrow morning and home tomorrow evening so looking forward to that as well. Will meet Alpha on Thursday I’d say so he’ll either wag his tail in delight or bite my hand off. If this blog comes to an abrupt end, you’ll know which way it went!!!
Just watched two episodes of Frasier here and will end now with his catchphrase, albeit a bit modified,
Goodnight Sligo, Kilmovee, Gurteen, Boston, New York, Virginia …… Thanks for listening!
Neil Diamond is due to perform a concert in Dublin in June. On Frday last he was a guest on the Late Late Show. He just sat with a guitar and sang a few bars of a few songs. Class! The last song “I am I said” was especially good (I thought). Someone went to the bother of putting this on Youtube so I’m borrowing the link. His words were very good too. Anyway, if you like Neil – enjoy! If you don’t, try to!!
Last Saturday I attended Leonard Cohen’s Concert in Lissadell House, Sligo. It was an amazing concert with a truly talented and gracious entertainer. His band and backing singers were incredible and justifiably highlighted by Leonard more than once during a three and a half hour concert. It was right to mention them and he seems to be a man who does things right. Such graciousness is all too rare. He had it in abundance though, equalled only by a true gift, powerful lyrics and a magical performance. I am so glad to have been there. I had no camera but some fine performances have been captured and placed on youtube. Well done to all who published such fine quality videos! I’ll place a few of them here …
Leonard recited a few lines from Yeats, led into Anthem and introduced his band. This ability to flow so easily from one theme to another is the true atristry of this man. Even his words of introduction and recognition of the band have a musical flow … listen to the poem, the song, the introductions and sense the graciousness of tone. Pure CLASS!
A few years ago I bought a DVD of Leonard’s concert in London. I came home, put it in the DVD player and thought to myself, “I’ll watch this for a few minutes”. I didn’t leave the seat until the final note was sung! Leonard sings of the “TOWER OF SONG” and it can’t be bad place to live! A little clip from that DVD and a stepping stone into the tower ….
This is CLASS – Tommy Makem sings a beautiful song called Gentle Annie but leads into it with a marvellous poem by Patrick Kavanagh. It is called “Raglan Road”. Tommy’s introduction tells the story but his recitation weaves the wonder. A powerful piece. Enjoy! May Tommy rest in peace.
The singer Luke Kelly, R.I.P., of The Dubliners is credited with singing Raglan Road in the way everyone else can only hope to imitate. We’ve heard Tommy Makem recite it and now we could do worse than listen to Luke sing Kavanagh’s words. Yeah … I like this Poem/Song!
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