CARRICKFERGUS (Irish Traditional)

[ichingiching]

thank you.. you've closed your account.. ? hope you don't stop playing..

[carnwath]

very good , one of my favourites. some interesting chords in there . i like it and i love sir patrick spence . well done

[ichingiching]

thank you for listening.. played patrick spence a few days ago,.. its a great story

[ichingiching]

thanks for listening.. cheers

[jhankri]

A good song withstands many versions, styles of playing and singing. This is a good example. If there were no youtube, I would drive a distance to hear it. I once drove to Toronto, Canada to have a most unusual piece of cake! I can still taste it!

[ichingiching]

I couldn't agree more, I enjoyed connecting with the song when I visited Carrickfergus..I'm not sure how far I would drive for some cake but I have flown 12,000 miles just to visit a tree...

[jhankri]

@ichingiching I was young when I made that trip for cake. A fair excuse to take a trip and do some culinary research while I was at it.. lovely drive through upstate new york (forest, hills and lakes) I love trees and have been know to talk to one on occasion ... Well I did read "the secret life of plants" Where and what tree did you visit?

[ichingiching]

Its a tree in the south island of NZ in the Abel Tazmin NP.. I have wild camped under that tree three times, each time for about a week... it over looks an estuary.. I clear the surroundings of every scrap of human habitation, bottle tops, rubbish, etc and have always left it looking pristine.. in return, the tree talks of wisdoms past and cleanses my soul..

[jhankri]

@ichingiching 

[jhankri]

@ichingiching I'm sure the tree was grateful for that and gave of its wisdom willingly.

[23842241]

I think this is a brilliant piece of guitar playing and what a happy easy going disposition you have, gave me a great lift, Thanks Peter entertainer of country and Irish songs and I love this one Thanks

[ichingiching]

thats very kind, thank you..

[anthonymcdonagh2k10]

Tab please

[ichingiching]

can's read tabs

[ichingiching]

can't read tabs.. what are they??

[jessiechick1]

finally got another guitar, after not having one for awhile, can you please tell me what chords you are playing for this, are you using a capo...i can't exactly tell in the video...i really love your guitar version the best, and would to learn it...cheers, jess..

[ichingiching]

hi jess.. great, thats wonderful news.. hope you have many happy hours playing many lovely songs.. this song is a little tricky.. capo on the secong .. chords are based on G Em Am C and D.. the trick is in the right hand finger picking playing style.. there is an insight on my 'free guitar lesson' let me know if I can help any more.. Mike

[jessiechick1]

@ichingiching thank you so much...i really love my new guitar...been non stop playing since i got her...Jess

[ichingiching]

thats great Jess.  Have fun. Mike.

[jessiechick1]

hear i am, listening again...i forgot to say before how funny you are, in the beginning when you keep starting over the rainbow instead, you're so cute...when i have a guitar again, this is the version i would like to try and play, that guitar part after "my love to find" is so great...i have to figure that one out...thanks again for posting this :^ )

[ichingiching]

hi jessiechick.. thank you for this lovely note again.. its a great song to work on.. hope you get a guitar soon.. interestingly the little bit you mention is my favourite bit of the song.. although some think its a bit jolly for such a wistful song.. regards Mike ..

[jessiechick1]

first of all, i am in love with this song....in love....brings me to tears everytime....your guitar playing is so great, i've heard other versions, many other, but as far as guitar, you've really done a great job with it...the funny thing about this song, and that sort of gauges how great a song really is...is that, the first time i heard this song, was a karaoke version, with an old irish lad belting out,

[ichingiching]

yes the measure of a good song is its universal appeal over time.. and this one has surly stood that test..

[guitarcat5]

I think yours is a great version, musical, colourful, and without losing that nostalgic feeling. A good song or melody can be played in any way and usually sound good!

[ichingiching]

couldn't agree more guitarcat.. a good song is a good song if it is played with honesty and integrity..

[Chalkyvr123]

Hi Mike,

Must say that's a refreshing rendering mate! Very nice. lol

It has always been one of my favourites Btw.

[ichingiching]

Hi Chalky.. cheers.. I've written somewhere else that it was fun up lifting this song but its not gone down well with everyone.. oh well..

M

[Chalkyvr123]

Yeah, know what you mean mate.

The traditional Irish version like 'The Chieftains' for instance.. springs to mind; vocals by Van Morrison. I understand that. But newer versions are just as good. I really like your version.

You can't please ALL the people ALL of the time :) How hard we try! lol

I'm 68 so over the years have heard quite a few. lol

[ichingiching]

Hi Chalky..."You can't please ALL the people ALL of the time :) How hard we try! lol" ... if only i REALLY knew and understood that when i first stepped out of the door... your a good man.!. cheers and have a great day.. regards Mike

[Thisnameistaken11]

Not my favourite version, but it's interesting to hear a more upbeat take on the song.

[ichingiching]

Thanks.. yes this song seems to cause some polarity.. i love the song and woke up one morning and played it in a new style of sorts.. I even took a trip to NI just to visit the town i had sung about.. regards Mike

[simonmac67]

hi iching...i've been playing a couple of years and this version inspires me to play better. I love this song and your version. It makes me think of home (not Carrickfergus) but Stockton on Tees. Home is now Indiana USA and when i look at my 4 kids and wife, i know my roving was worthwhile.

[ichingiching]

hope you enjoy your hours.. years!! of playing. I know Stockton on Tees very well.. i spent a lot of time there.. stay well.. regards Mike

[Viacalvisio]

Fantastic the way you play the guitar and make this beautiful song more pleasant, bye dag

[ichingiching]

hi .. thanks and kind regards Mike

[louisesk999]

the giants causeway was one of my favourite place to visit as a child. It is a natural playground for kids. A few years ago I got to take my son, then 15 ,born in Somerset back there for the first time, and to the Carrick a Rede rope bridge.Click on your song every day after work to calm me down after a stressful day.

[ichingiching]

I never got to see the Carrick a Rede bridge.. next time..! and thank you for listening and your kind words.. i must think about trying out some new songs soon..

[louisesk999]

Hope you had the best ever time in Carrickfergus. I left 30 years ago but would be ashamed if they didn't give you a good welcome. Did you tour the castle? Where abouts in England are u now?

[ichingiching]

It was a really nice to visit a town I have sung about often.. I didn't get to tour the castle since I was making my way to the Giants Causeway.. a superb natural wonder.. I'm in Halifax.... as natural wonders go, its not in the same league..

[xlcatloveress]

I am in complete love with your voice and your ability to play the guitar! You also are so charmingly funny in the beginning when Over the Rainbow keeps intruding :) Wonderfully done (if a bit too upbeat for the sadness the song is supposed to convey usually).

[ichingiching]

hi catloveress thank you for listening in and dropping me a note.. yes someone else mentioned the upbeat-ness of an essentially sad song.. you are right.. maybe a new version might correct this .. kind regards mike

[louisesk999]

Love this, my sort of music. Grew up near Carrickfergus at Monkstown and Greenisland. Went to Belfast High School and had a boyfriend (Andy, Blood transfusion Service!) who played in a band. ( Everyone played in a band in those days) Been in England for 33 years but never forgot the music

[ichingiching]

That’s a lovely note.. thank you.. I travelled to Belfast and hired a car to get to Carrickfergus just to visit the place in the song.. wonderful.. thank you for the kind words Mike

[alvares1000]

i like you version alot can you tab

[ichingiching]

hi alvares1000 .. i tend to play intuitively and can't read tabs.. try to follow what i play.. Mike

[Blu3J4y]

Well done! I gotta say....you made that song seem a bit too merry, but that's probably just your personality coming through. Nice work with your right hand by the way. Buy yourself a beer and pretend that it's from me.

[ichingiching]

you are right!! I use to sing it very slowly but i liked it this way.. on reflection i think it deserves a more careful approach.. it is a very beautiful song.. having said that i did travel over to Carrickfergus just to visit the town i sang about.. how many singers would do that..?

Peace.. and thanks for writing.. Mike

[pawcur]

ichingiching- thank you so much!!!! I love that song- your version i perfect!

[ichingiching]

thanks for listening in and droping me a note.. regards M:)

[polioboy23]

sweet! that was utterly charming and wonderfully warm. thanks for sharing.

[ichingiching]

Thank You M:)

[Skydancer365]

Not my favorite version but at least it's not some little kid or young woman trying to sing it. :)

[ichingiching]

and its not mine compared with some others versions .. I'm certainly not a woman ...

[Skydancer365]

So does that imply you might be a little kid? :)

[Skydancer365]

I noticed :) lol

[TommyC1981]

Not bad - nice to hear a different version..........

[ichingiching]

eys .. it is a bit different but its still a beautiful song.. thanks for listening..

[padraigpurseal]

ichingiching maybe it's because I'm Irish and have had "Carrickfergus" at every sing song for the last 50 odd years it sounds wrong.

But that being said there is no law against it and nothing "wrong" with your version and your guitar work is a joy

[ichingiching]

yes.. I'm aware that its outside the traditional version.. its caused quite a few comments (some not all that nice) its still a great song and I still like playing it from time to time.. cheers M

[angelredrosie]

Hello...different..but still "Carrickfergus"but you are interesting to say the least....hope you reply to me.....

[ichingiching]

I have many interesting and varied comments about this song. I have known it for about 30 years and have decided to do a version I felt comfortable with, especially my guitar style, I still love playing it this way. thanks for writing. Cheers. M

[Jokahainen]

Really cool, theres also a german version, I heard at first, its funny and also played by a modern german Folk-Rock band called "Subway To Sally" I like both versions, very nice song^^

[ichingiching]

Interesting, I did a search and looked them up Txs. M

[EnterCombie]

Different - but also charming

[ichingiching]

Thank you. m

[nicedave29]

Like your version; I also perform a fairly up-tempo version compared to some of the more traditional ones which I find just a bit too ponderous. I don't get the depth of fingerwork in to my version - hats off to you for the picking technique. I'll have to upload it when I get the chance; too many songs to record, too little time...!

[ichingiching]

yes make time to up load some songs.. its a great way to improve.. for me it forces me to work out what I can do to improve.. a constent journey.. m

[Sunambra]

It's too good to worry whether the lyrics are right or not it's great. Amazing guitar

[ichingiching]

Thank you.. I think its ok to change things a little.. its part of a living tradition.. mike

[antokane]

Mostly the wrong lyrics but thanks for trying

[ichingiching]

thanks.. and the 'right' ones are....?

[pawcur]

exellent- love it!

[ichingiching]

many thanks pawcur.. mike

[sjakubos]

Great guitar work!

[ichingiching]

Many thanks .m

[pjt6060]

love this upbeat version.. :) Good job on a lovley trad tune

[ichingiching]

Many thanks m

[itsmeyousee]

This is the song I want to be played at my funeral, I've been listening to every recording that I can find, and this version might just be the best I have ever heard. Simple, one guitar, and someone with a great voice. I want people to celebrate my life not grieve when I'm gone. I hope that the singer takes this as the compliment it's supposed to be.

[ichingiching]

I really do take it as a compliment.. grieving is for those who remain behind.. I celebrate and applauded your life now and after..

[RelativeInsanityRock]

this is so awesome you have some serious skills singing and playing and an amazing way of performing it...I tip my hat to you sir...I'm just starting to mess around with Irish style of guitar and you are now an inspiration

[ichingiching]

really glad your up and playing..I often wonder about the merits of moulding an old (and beautiful) song into my style of playing.. but it gives me a lot of enjoyment playing it.. a little slower these days..

[SherBB]

I always have to come back and listen to this one, its my favorite rendition of this song. I don't care who it upsets. No law agaist it, at least not yet!

[ichingiching]

Thanka Sher.. I will always play it especially when I went to NI with one specific aim to visit CF.. .. ok... and the giants causeway!

[JeremyAllenF18]

Why does it upset people? What is the arguement?

[ichingiching]

why indeed..

[ceroeck]

very nice playing, very nice geezer :)

[ichingiching]

cheers and thanks.. Mike

[dazdevnjak]

beautiful

[ichingiching]

many thanks.. M

[joimpanne]

The second best version. Only Van M. is better. I think 5 Stars.

[ichingiching]

ohh his voice.. yes its outstanding.. cheers M

[ScotchIrishNY]

The sound was well recorded.

Smooth vocals.

[ichingiching]

Many thanks M

[bluesmasterelf]

A lovely rendition. Don't let the hard-core traditionalists get you down.

[ichingiching]

Thanks bluemasterelf.. as I commented below... I went to NI just to go to Carrickfergus about a month ago.. I feel closer to it.. cheers Mike

[slipping2]

One of my favourite songs.You sang and played beautifully.

Thank You

[ichingiching]

Thanks slipping.. I went to NI just to go to Carrickfergus about a month ago.. I feel closer to it.. cheers Mike

[Jockmct]

Your interpretation of this classic...10 out of 10.

Well done...

[shira101wv]

This truly is lovely. There is enough Irish in me to fully appreciate the beauty of this old song, and you fine Sir, have done a nice turn on the song (-: Not to mention you play well! Thank you from the green rolling hills of West Virginia~thoughly enjoyed!

[ichingiching]

hi shira.. thanks for your kind comments.. one day I will go to carrickfergus..it sounds like WV.. regards

[TeddySea]

Beautiful. Thank you.

regards

[ichingiching]

thanks for dropping in teddy sea.. cheers

[Gusknabe]

Wow, it's amazing how you play this song. I love the song and to me you're one of the best I've heard...

[ichingiching]

thanks for dropping in gusknabe.. regards..

[billiebigalo]

LOL you are funny you remind me of me embarresed type

[ichingiching]

lol its good fun

!!" wishes Mike

[poshyfrank]

great cover...guitar playing is fantastic....you definately made the song yours...unique

[ichingiching]

Thanks for your appreciation Jason. I enjoyed translating into my style of playing. It doesn't often work but this one felt ok. Cheers M

[SherBB]

I adore your style of playing. This is the best version of this song i've ever heard. I wish you would tour the USA so i could come and hear you play live. My favorite song ever though is Over the rainbow. Can't wait to hear your verson-Sheri

[ichingiching]

Hi Sher. I really enjoy playing this version than the usually slower traditional style. Just lifts it a bit. It would be a blast to come to the States. One day.....

[poshyfrank]

this guy is a one off,,,,a real pleasure to you tube,,,a breath of fresh air,,,,jason

[lovebug1342]

wow i can't stop listening to this song, love it. and by the way from deep down in my heart welcome back. I've missed you. you have inspired me to pick my guitar up and learn a few of your songs.. and this one will truely be one of my favorites.. don't ever ever stop postin. or i may have to go knockin on your door hehehehehe

[ichingiching]

Well that is a very lovely thing to say. If I had to account for the year I have spent recording songs, it would boil it all down to your words. never stop playing... mike

[MetalAaron]

Do you think there should be a united Ireland?

[ichingiching]

I think there should be a united world. There are no boundries on this earth when seen from space.

[MetalAaron]

Actually, when seen from space, it is glaringly obvious that Ireland has borders in the form of coasts, as it is a self-contained island.

Talking of politics, do you have any specified political opinions? Life isn't just about music, unfortunately, although perhaps it should be.

A

[ichingiching]

I try not to even make distinction between water and land. This beautiful earth is all part of one integrated, complex, dynamic stunning gift. Unfortunately...? my life is all about music.. sad but true

[ghjfyfytcf]

great version :D

...not as good as my dad's though :P

[ichingiching]

and thats how it should be..

[mcmcnally]

This is my favorite Irish song..thanks for doing it justice!!! Where are you located?? We would LOVE to come see you play somewhere!

Mary Colleen McNally..from the U.S.

[ichingiching]

Hi Mary. (sorry for the late reply) Its Halifax.. in the UK. Love to see you although I just play for fun.. still you could come over and see me play in my front room!.. more than welcome.. Regards Mike

[RichardCDL23]

sounds great...love your fingerstyle and what a nice guitar!!! rosewood back and sides? Gibson?

[ichingiching]

Hi Richard, it's a martin D41. Thanks for your kind comments. M:)

[jayrbee60]

What an interesting take on this song!  I'd rather listen to this all day than one time through over the rainbow! I hope the traditionalists don't beat me up too, but I like it!

[Uladach]

Happy singing.Ballygrand is pronounced Bally-grinned in that part Ulster. The one I know of has but 2verses and a singly repeated refrain at start and finish. More of these new fangled verses speed up what primarily a sojourn for acapella or Sean Nó singing.Dick Gaughan does a great version of this I bet...

[ichingiching]

Hi Thanks for that! One day I'll get to CF! and play it in some old pub for sure! As I mentioned earlier, I love the old version of this song but I also like to use my way of playing to try things out..

[jeanph]

oh, I like your version! Have long loved this song but thought it too morose and dragged out (of course, not being Irish, I probably lack the proper sentiment). Anyway, I do enjoy this one.

[ichingiching]

THanks jeanph.. I love the old version of this too but I have a guitar style that just suited this (for me anyway) thanks for your comment. M

[CitizenIreland]

Not the best version i've heard but not bad. The Irish Tenors, or Van Morrison, I like their versions.

[ichingiching]

I agree, van is brillant. Happy new year.

[ichingiching]

ps I also have it in my NY wish list to visit Carrickfergus this year.. do you know of any other nice places to visit around Belfast? Cheers

Mike

[felixthemog]

Great song that takes me there

[flobunda]

Wonderful, more beautiful music.. :D

[raymondcrooke]

Nice performance. I'll put up this song myself some time, but without the fancy guitar work unfortunately. Wish I could play like that!

[napoleonwashere]

Cool. :)

[flamingstar007]

Great !!! Greetings from Berlin, Marcus