Words And Music by Planxty on The Session

What a disappointing album! What were they thinking of?

This was recorded just before the second “break up” and released around 1983. They also did a tour that year without Christy Moore. I can’t remember who else was in the band, although Andy and Liam were there. I think the album was recorded without all the personnel available for all the tracks too. It’s very patchy, I agree.

In total disagreement

This album contains the two great highlights of all of Planxty..
Thousands are Sailing & Lord Baker.

Man, they even manage to use keyboard pads and make it sound not totally embarrising (a singular achievement in Irishness).

I think it’s a very strong album all through. The weak point could have been the Bob Dylan song but I think Christy Moore pulls it off, possibly because the lyrics aren’t quite as idiosyncratic (outlandish?!) as some of Dylan’s other songs.

I do like the jigs on track 1 and the reels on track 6.

Who plays fiddle?

I only the cassette edition and it does not mention any fiddler on the Aconry Lasses track. Any idea who that may be?

Fiddle

Pretty sure it was Nollaig Casey.

Fiddle?

Fhe fiddle on the set of reels is James Kelly, unmistakably. A brilliant duet. And it’s a testament to the skill of Donal Lunny’s arranging prowess that the track exists sans strumming or thwacking. (I love the jigs too though, especially the thwacking intro.)

Nollaig Casey plays on the songs, unmistakably. I’m astounded as to how anyone can mix them up.