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Sleeve Notes
We recorded in a variety of locations in Ireland. In Sandymount, Co. Dublin, Prosperous, Co. Kildare, in Derry City, Vicar St, Dublin, The Waterfront, Belfast and The Royal Marine, Dun Laoghaire. We worked in a variety of studios, dressing rooms, soundchecks, gigs, hotel rooms and rehearsal spaces.
Tracks were recorded by David Meade and Gavin Murphy. Mixed by David Meade and Seán Óg Graham. Mastered by Richard Dowling.
Along the way I worked, played and produced (sometimes remotely) with: Gavin Murphy, Jimmy Higgins, Cathal Hayden, Seamie O'Dowd, Sean Óg Graham, Andy Moore, Martin Leahy, James Blennerhassett and Oisin Murray. I wish to acknowledge the writers who have generously shared their compositions with me; the late Wally Page, Briany Brannigan, Jim Page (Seattle), James Cramer, Pete Kavanagh, Mick Blake, Mike Harding (Manchester), Martin Leahy and Cathal Hayden.
As always, finding a title for the collection was difficult. Likewise sourcing an image to grace the sleeve. Both problems were solved when I happened upon the painting "Terrible Beauty" by Martin Gale. Martin and I attended Newbridge College over 60 years ago. I was some years ahead of him. We both learned of Art and Music from Henry Flanagan, an inspirational Teacher in that school. Martin's work always draws me in. Betimes, a sinister atmosphere can be found lurking behind the beauty in his pictures. The magic of painting, the mystery of art. To happen upon this picture was fortuitous. To receive Martin's blessing has given us a beautiful sleeve for this album (and a tide).
Thankfully my work continues. Without the focus and co-operation of my workmates it would not be possible: Paddy Doherty, Michael Devine, Juno Moore, Chris Doherty, Dickon Whitehead, David Meade, Johnny Meade, Geoff Ryan, Cian Doherty and Michael Traynor. Thanks too to Ger Fennelly from Jerpoint in Kilkenny. Ger has been living and playing in Australia for many years. He sent me his beautiful, battered, vintage guitar from Brisbane. I love this instrument. It resounds here on A Terrible Beauty.
We've confined our travels to Ireland since work recommenced in 2022. Our concerts are promoted by Peter Aiken, Paddy Carroll and Robbie McNabb always in association with Paddy Doherty.
Every step of the way I walk beside my wife Valerie. This is our album.
P.S. Tracks 12 and 13 are late inclusions.
In memory of Vince Power from Kilmacthomas/London, and Tommie Gorman from Sligo. Two cherished friends, sadly departed. Played many's the gig for Vince, walked the Hazelwood with Tommie.
Christy Moore, July 2024
Boy In the Wild — I first met Wally Page when he sang at The Meeting Place in Dublin in 1977. We struck up a relationship that lasted until his death in 2022. Along the way we wrote many songs together. I also covered many of his own songs. Months before his death he sent me most of this song. He wondered was there anything in it (there surely was, dear Waldo). I think this is Wally at his very best. Apart from his writing he was a beautiful soulful singer who exuded warmth, passion and humour when he sang. Wally's gigs in The Cobblestone and The Five Lamps were legendary. Many of us miss him here in The Black Lagoon.
Sunflowers — Mike Harding gave me my very first Folk Club gig back in 1966. We have remained friends ever since. Shortly after Putin's invasion we organised a concert in support of the Red Cross in Ukraine. Mike heard of the concert and sent me this Lyric which I recited on that night in Vicar St. Dublin. Subsequently, I recited it again with Gavin Murphy in his studio in Prosperous, County Kildare and decided to include it here on A Terrible Beauty, from "The Lonely Zoroastrian" published by Luath Press)
Black & Amber — We went to hear A Lazarus Soul in Whelan's, Dublin 6 years ago. I fell beneath the spell of Briany's lyrics straight away. I made contact saying I'd love to sing a couple of his songs. He gave me the nod — his lines are just up my street. This song brings me back to a time in life when the pub was a central part of my life. It remained that way for many years. Different pubs in different places became my "home away from home." Thankfully the day came when I closed that door behind me, never to return, one day at a time. Briany Brannigan's songs are raw, relevant and real.
Lemon Sevens — This hard story brings us right inside the tragic lives that many inhabit. When I heard Briany sing this song I wanted to learn it, get inside it, live with it. Singing this song takes me out of it. Singing a song like this makes my work feel worthwhile. A few months back Valerie and I encountered a young woman on Thomas St Dublin. Her condition was heart breaking. Every time I sing this song I see her clearly in my mind and hope she is alive and recovering.
Broomielaw — I heard this song from Mick Moloney way back in 1964. He shared a basement room in Rathmines with Johnny Morrissey who gave me The Valley of Jarama. Back then Mick was in a band called The Parnell Folk with Donal Lunny and Dan Maher. went on to have great chart success with The Johnstons as did Donal with Emmet Spiceland. Later Mick emigrated to the USA where he became deeply involved in the history of Irish Music in America. For forty years I've sung this song at soundchecks and in the workroom. I've heard longer versions in Scotland. I still prefer the way Mick sang it in that Rathmines bedsit 60 years ago. (The full version reveals it to be a "Broken Token" song. Similar story to "The Dark Eyed Sailor" which I recorded on the Prosperous album in 1971.)
Cumann Na Mná — I first encountered Mick Blake's songs on Youtube. He came and performed at a concert for Children in Gaza 8 years ago. I've covered a number of Mick's songs in recent years and often visit his Youtube channel. He sent me an original version of this song and subsequently allowed me to expand it into this new version.
The Rock — Back in 2019 I was playing with The Companeros. Cathal Hayden played this at a soundcheck. It has never left me. I love the sound of it, the pace, the rhythm, the turns, the very beauty of it. And the beat of Jimmy Higgins' bodhrán.
The Life And Soul — On February 5th 2014, I sang "Middle of The Island" and "Tyrone Boys" at an event in Maynooth University commemorating Anne Lovett. Also present were Justine McCarthy, Ailbhe Smith, Caitríona Crowe and Anne Mulhall. They spoke about the devastating impact that Anne Lovett's death had upon the Island. A man in the audience shared that he had been in school with Anne Lovett. tracked down a recording of the night to capture words. So far I've failed to make contact with him. It was the first time we encountered someone who actually knew Anne. This made his reflections all the more precious. Anne Lovett's death deeply affected many across the Island. It created a sea change in our deeply rooted, church ridden, warped moral attitudes. I often wish for a large, beautiful, permanent monument to be created to her memory. It was truly remarkable to hear someone speak who knew Anne personally. His words struck home and bear repealing for those who wish to hear them. (Youtube — Remembering Anne Lovett — Trade Union TV)
Lyra McKee — James Cramer sent his song to me via Declan Sinnott in Cork. Straight away I was taken by this memorial to Lyra McKee. Her cruel murder cut deep into the psyche of the nation. James' song paints a very clear picture. When we spoke about it, James allowed me to make a few alterations. This version was recorded at The Forum Theatre Derry 2023. Lyra's murder brought terrible tragedy to her loved ones and shocked the entire country. Lyra was a very special woman who, during her short life, connected with a spirit of healing and enlightenment that we all need on this Island. James's version can be heard on YouTube
Darkness Before Dawn — Noel Heavey from Clongorey rang me. "I heard a great song last night, I think you'd like it." He put me in touch with Pete Kavanagh. I was intrigued to hear this fine ballad. I grew up on Moorefield Road 100 yards from the scene of this awful tragedy. Somehow it was never mentioned at home, in school or around the town. It was through Pete's song that I learnt of the tragedy that befell the Doran family a short 24 years before I was born. As a boy I knew Dr. Rowan tree very well. I was friendly with his grandson Paul. The British Legion Hall was 100 yards from our hall door. I really like Pete's own version of the song which can be heard on Youtube. NAAFI stood for Navy, Army, Air Force Institute. These were stores, attached to garrison towns, that provided personnel with goods from home.
The Big Marquee — Michael Devine and I were heading to Cork to play in The Big Marquee. This event has been running for the past 18 years and I'm happy to say that I've played it every year bar one. The location is perfect. On the Banks of The River Lee, in a leafy Industrial Suburb within walking distance of the City Centre. There is a magic about this gig. I thought to write a song about it. Apart from Karl Marx, Puccini, Joe Mac and Queen Elizabeth I've met all those mentioned in the song. I first sang it in Cork's Opera House at a Concert to honour Don O'Leary.
Palestine — I first met Jim Page at the Carnsore Point anti-nuclear event in 1978. He came from Seattle to support our efforts. Since then, I have covered a number of his songs. I sang "Hiroshima Nagasaki Russian Roulette" with Moving Hearts in 1981 and "Clock Winds Down" on the 2022 album "Flying into Mystery". When Jim heard that we were doing a fund raiser for Médecins Sans Frontiers in Gaza he sent this song to me and allowed me to make minor adjustments. That concert came about when I first heard of the acronym WGNSF (Wounded Child No Surviving Family) The same day 3 MSF doctors died in an Israeli Air Attack on a hospital in Gaza. You can hear Jim Page's original version on Soundcloud
Snowflakes — Every Thursday, for the past 18 months, Martin travels from Bandon in West Cork to the gates of Leinster House in Dublin. He spends an hour there singing his song "Everyone Should have a Home." His commitment, activism and compassion resulted in him receiving lots of negative hateful feedback from the dreaded anonymous keyboard warriors. Those cowardly trolls inspired these few verses. Martin gave me permission to play around with his ballad. A link to Martin's original version can be found on YouTube as can his song "Everyone Should Have a Home."
