The Fiddler’s Companion

© 1996-2009 Andrew Kuntz

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[COMMENT1] [COMMENT2] 

BOY - BOZ

[COMMENT3] 

 

Notation Note: The tunes below are recorded in what is called “abc notation.” They can easily be converted to standard musical notation via highlighting with your cursor starting at “X:1” through to the end of the abc’s, then “cutting-and-pasting” the highlighted notation into one of the many abc conversion programs available, or at concertina.net’s incredibly handy “ABC Convert-A-Matic” at

http://www.concertina.net/tunes_convert.html 

 

**Please note that the abc’s in the Fiddler’s Companion work fine in most abc conversion programs. For example, I use abc2win and abcNavigator 2 with no problems whatsoever with direct cut-and-pasting. However, due to an anomaly of the html, pasting the abc’s into the concertina.net converter results in double-spacing. For concertina.net’s conversion program to work you must remove the spaces between all the lines of abc notation after pasting, so that they are single-spaced, with no intervening blank lines. This being done, the F/C abc’s will convert to standard notation nicely. Or, get a copy of abcNavigator 2 – its well worth it.   [AK]

 

 

[COMMENT4] 

BOY FROM HOME, A. Irish, Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. See also the related “Saddle the Pony [1].” Source for notated version: Patrick Stack (Chicago) [O’Neill]. O’Neill (Waifs and Strays of Gaelic Melody), 1922; No. 113.

X:1

T:Boy From Home, A

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Patrick Stack, Chicago

Z:Paul Kinder

K:G

D|GBA G2 B|def gdB|GBA G2 B|AFD DEF| GBA G2 B|def gfg|ecA GAG|FEF G2:|

|:B|d3 dcd|e2 f gfe|ded/2c/2 Bcd|ecA GFE| d3 dcd|e2 f gfg|ecA GAG|FEF G2:||

                       

BOY FROM THE GLENS, THE. Irish, Double Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. See also “Pig from Ahascragh.” O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 39. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 892, pg. 166.

X:1

T:Boy from the Glens, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 892

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

e | dBA ABA | def dBA | BdA B2g | ada gfe | dBA ABA | (d/e/f)e dBA | dBA eag | fdd d2 :|

|: A | def {a}gfg | agf fef | def gfg | f2d edB | def {a}gfg | agf fef | dBA B2g | ada gfe :|

                       

BOY FROM THE MOUNTAIN [1], THE (An Buacaill On Sliab). Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB'. Source for notated version: Chicago policeman and fiddler Timothy Dillon [O’Neill]. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 48. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 192, pg. 46.

X:1

T:Boy from the Mountain, The [1]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 192

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

F2F G2G|A2D GED|F2F G2G|Adc d>cB/G/|F2F G2G|

A2A Ade|fed cAG|1 Adc d>cA/G/:|2 Adc d2||(3A/B/c/|

D2e f2g|e2 d cAG|d2 e f2g|f/g/af gec|d2e f2g|e2 d cde|

fed cAG|ABc d2 (3A/B/c/|D2e f2g|e2d cAG|d2e f2g|f/g/af gec|

d2e fedf|edc/e/ d2e|fed cAG|Adc d>cA/G/|

 

BOY FROM THE MOUNTAIN [2], THE. AKA and see "(An) Buacaill O'n Sliab [2]."

                       

BOY FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD, THE. Irish, Slow Air (3/4 time). D Mixolydian. Standard tuning. AB. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 345, pg. 60.

X:1

T:Boy from the Top of the World, The

L:1/8

M:3/4

N:”Slow”

S:O’Neill – Music from Ireland (345)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

f>e|d2A2B2|d2A2B|=c3 edc|B3 =cdB|BAGFEF|D2F2A2|B2d2f2|e4 f>e|

d2A2B2|d2A2B2|=c3 edc|B3 c {e}d/c/d/B/|BAGFEF|D2F2A2|{G}B3 gec|d4||

(3efg|g2g2 a/g/f/e/|f2f2 g/f/e/>d/|e>d ef de|B3 cdB|BAGFEF|D2F2A2|B2d2d2|

d4 ef|g>f gb ag|f>e fa gf|e>d ef g/e/f/d/|B3 cdB|B/A/G/F/E/F/|D2F2A2|B3d d2|d4||

                       

BOY GENIUS, THE. Irish, Reel. G Major/Dorian. Standard tuning. AABB. Composed by Falmouth, Massachusetts, musician and writer Bill Black, inspired by the movie Amadeus. Black (Music’s the Very Best Thing), 1996; No. 26, pg. 13.

X:1

T: Boy Genius

C: © B.Black

Q: 350

R: reel

M: 4/4

L: 1/8

K: G

D | GEED EGAc | BGGF GABd | gdde =fc c2 | _BAGB AG=FD |

GEED EGAc | BGGF GABd | gabg afge | dcAF G3 :|

A | dg (3gfg bg (3gfg | a=f (3fef dfcf | =B2 Bd c2 cA | =Bcde =fefa |

g2 dg Bgdg | =f2 cf AfcA | =Bd (3d^cd =cA A2 | dcAF G3 :|

                       

BOY IN HIS PANTS, THE. Irish, Double Jig. A Dorian/D Mixolydian (‘A’ part) & D Major (‘B’ part). Standard tuning. AABB’. Source for notated version: Liam Donnelly (Lisburn, County Antrim) [Mulvihill]. Mulvihill (1st Collection), 1986; No. 70, pg. 80.

                       

BOY IN THE BASKET, THE. AKA and see "The High Road to Dublin [1]," "An Bothar Mor go Baile Atha Cliath," “The Skipper’s Wedding,” "The Way to Dublin." English, Jig (9/8 time). G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Published in Charles and Samuel Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, vol. 3 (1773). The melody appears under this title in the 1770 music manuscript collection of Northumbrian musician William Vickers (about whom, unfortunately, nothing is known), and the 1788 music copybook of flute player Ensign Thomas Molyneaux of the 6th Regiment (Shelburne, Nova Scotia). Irish variants of the slip jig go by the titles “High Road to Dublin/An Bothar Mor go Baile Atha Cliath” and “Way to Dublin.” Anglican cleric James Goodman (County Cork) included the slip jig in his mid-19th century collection as “Boy in the Basket.” The title may refer to a hot-air balloon ascent. Seattle (William Vickers), 1987, Part 3; No. 580. Thompson (Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, vol. 3), 1773; No. 48.

X:1

T:Boy in the Basket, The

M:9/8

L:1/8

R:Slip Jig

S:William Vickers’ music manuscript (Northumberland, 1770)

K:G

GAG BAG Bdg|GAG Bcd AFD|GAG BAG Bdg|ece dBG AFD:|

|:gag gdB gdB|aba afd afd|gag gdB efg|ece dBG AFD:|
X:2

T:Boy in the Basket, The

M:9/8

L:1/8

B:Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, vol. 3 (London, 1773)

Z:Transcribed and edited by Flynn Titford-Mock, 2007

Z:abc’s:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

G>AG B>AG Bdg|G>AG B>cd AFD|G>AG B>AG Bdg|ece dBG AFD:|
|:g>ag gdB gdB|a>ba afd afd|g>ag gdB efg|ece dBG AFD:||

           

BOY IN THE BOAT [1], THE (An Buachaill sa mBad). Irish, Reel. D Mixolydian (Breathnach): D Major (Miller, Mulvihill, Taylor). Standard tuning. AB (Breathnach): AABB (Mulvihill, Taylor): AA’BB (Miller). Sources for notated versions: piper Michael Brophy/Michael Ó Broithe (Ireland) [Breathnach]; Liam Greenall (Liverpool, England) [Mulvihill]. Breathnach (CRÉ I), 1963; No. 173, pg. 68. Miller (Fiddler’s Throne), 2004; No. 129, pg. 86. Mulvihill (1st Collection), 1986; No. 220, pg. 59. Taylor (Through the Half‑Door), 1992; No. 1, pg. 4. Vallely (Learn to Play the Tin Whistle with the Armagh Pipers Club), vol. 2, 24. Shaskeen ‑ "The Joys of Life."

See also listings at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boy in the Boat, The

R:reel

D:Paddy Moloney & Sean Potts: Tin Whistles

Z:id:hn-reel-178

Z:transcribed by henrik.norbeck@mailbox.swipnet.se

M:C|

L:1/8

K:D

A2AF DFAF|GFEF G2FG|AD (3FED AD (3FED|AFGE DEFG|

A2AF DFAF|GFEF G2FG|AFAd BGBd|1 cAGE FDDF:|2 cAGE FDDd||

|:cded cA~A2|cAeA cA~A2|cded cAAB|cAGE EDDd|

cded cAAB|(3cBA dB cAde|~f3d efed|1 cAGE FDDd:|2 cAGE FDDF||

 

BOY IN THE BOAT [2], THE. AKA and see "The Ships Are Sailing [1]."

                       

BOY IN THE BUSH, THE. AKA and see “The Choice Wife,” “O’Farrell’s Welcome to Limerick,” “(An) Phis Fhliuch.”

                       

BOY IN THE GAF. AKA and see "The Boys of Cappoquin." Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 126.

                       

BOY IN THE GAP (An Buachaill sa mBearna). AKA and see "Boy in the Gaf," "Boys in the Gap."

                       

BOY IN THE TREE, THE (An Bucchaill sa Chrann). Irish, Reel. A Dorian. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: from a 1960's collection by piper Jack Wade, 1913-1967 (originally from Dublin and Meath, living in County Monaghan when he was killed in an auto accident), who noted in the manuscript “Pat Carney, Longford”  [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRE IV), 1996; No. 94, pg. 51.

           

BOY OF MY HEART, THE. Irish, Air (6/8 time, "gaily"). G Major. Standard tuning. AB. Source for notated version: Chicago Police Sergeant James O’Neill, a fiddler originally from County Down and Francis O’Neill’s collaborator [O’Neill]. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 261, pg. 45.

X:1

T:Boy of My Heart, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Air

N:”Gaily”

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 261

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

D | (DEG) A2A | (ABG) A2E | (GAB) (cBA) | (BGE) E2c |

(c>dc) B2G | (A2E) (G2E) | .D(cB) (cBA) | GED D2 || (G/E/) |

(DG).G (DA).A | (DB).B A2 (E/F/) | (GAB) (c>BA) | (B2G) (E2B) |

(c>dc) B2B | A2E G2 E/E/ | .D(cB) (cBA) | GED D2 ||

           


BOY ON THE HILLTOP. See "Boys on the Hilltop."

           

BOYER’S MAGGOT.  AKA and see “Byer’s Maggot.”

 

BOYLE ABBEY (Mainister An Bhuill). Irish, Slow Air (3/4 time). C Major. Standard tuning. One part. Boyle Abbey is in Co. Roscommon. Joyce (Old Irish Folk Music and Song), 1909; No. 623, pg. 319.

           

BOYLE O'REILLY'S. Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. New York musician, researcher and writer Don Meade identifies John Boyle O’Reilly as an Irish expatriate who published poetry and edited The Pilot, a Boston Catholic newspaper that ran from 1876 until his death in 1890. O’Reilly was born near Drogheda in 1844, took part in the Fenian movement as both a writer and an agent. He was sent to England where he was quickly arrested and sentenced to death. At the last minute his execution was stayed and instead he was exiled to the penal colony in Australia. After a year he managed to escape with the help of the American captain of a New Bedford whaler, which landed him in Boston (all before the age of 25). He used his newspaper as a pulpit for liberal causes in Ireland and America, and is remembered for his charm and wit, and dedication to the Irish cause. Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 34. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 59.

X:1

T:Boyle O’Reilly’s

M:2/4

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:Ryan’s Mammoth Collection (1883)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

(d/c/) |: .B/.c/(A/B/) .G.B | A/D/F/D/ A/D/F/D/ | B/c/A/B/ .G.B | B/G/A/F/ (B/E/).E |

B/c/A/B/ .G.B | A/D/F/D/ A/D/F/D/ | E/G/F/A/ G/B/e/g/ | f/g/a/f/ gz :|

|: .g/.e/.B/.e/ .g/.e/.b/.e/ | f/d/B/F/ A/D/F/D/ | g/e/B/e/ g/e/b/e/ | f/g/a/f/ (g/e/).e |

g/e/B/e/ g/e/b/e/ | f/d/A/F/ (f/D/).D | E/G/F/A/ G/B/A/g/ | f/g/a/f/ gz :|

           

BOYLE’S. AKA – “Johnny Boyle’s.” AKA and see “Con Cassidy’s (Jig) [1].” Irish, Jig.

 

BOYLE'S REEL. AKA and see "Salamanca {Reel} [1]." American, Hornpipe. USA, southwestern Pa. D Major. Standard tuning. AB. This tune is the much better known "Salamanca" with the parts reversed. Bayard's source learned the tune from John O'Boyle, a travelling salesman and fiddler. Source for notated version: William Shape (Greene County, Pa., an elderly fiddler who played it as a hornpipe, despite its name, in the 1930's). Bayard (Dance to the Fiddle), 1981; No. 98, pg. 58.

           

BOYNE HUNT  [1] (Seilg na Boinne). AKA and see “Highland Skip [2],” "Molly Maguire [2],” “Molly McGuire’s Reel,” “Niel Gow’s Reel [1],” "The Perth Hunt,” “The Perthshire Hunt," “The Popcorn,” “The Sailor’s Trip to Liverpool,” "Thomas a cartha," "Tom the Blacksmith." Irish, Reel. Ireland, County Donegal. D Major (Cole, Mallinson, O’Neill): D Mixolydian/Major (Mitchell). Standard tuning. AB (Mallinson, Taylor): ABB' (O'Neill/Krassen): AABB (Cole): ABC (O'Neill/1850 & 1001): ABCDEF (Mitchell). The tune was originally a Scottish composition called “The Perthshire Hunt,” commissioned for the Perthshire Hunt Ball and composed by Miss Striling of Ardoch, Perthshire, Scotland. An early recording was made by the famous Irish piper Patsy Tuohey on cylinder around 1910. Although O’Neill prints three parts, the tune is usually played with the first two parts only. See note also for “Twisting of the Rope [1]” which mentions this tune. See also the related “The Tea Reel.” Sources for notated versions: piper Willie Clancy (1918-1973, Miltown Malbay, west Clare) [Mitchell]; set dance music recorded at Na Píobairí Uilleann, mid-1980’s [Taylor]; P.W. Joyce remembered the tune from his childhood in Limerick, c. 1840’s; tin whistle player Denor O’Brien (1960-1990) [Miller & Perron]; County Sligo fiddler Michael Coleman (1891-1945) [Miller & Perron]. Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 6. Giblin (Collection of Traditional Irish Dance Music), 1928; 16. Joyce (Old Irish Folk Music and Songs), 1909; No. 85, pg. 45 (appears as untitled reel). Lyth (Bowing Styles in Irish Fiddle Playing), vol. 1, 1981; 50. Mallinson (Essential), 1995; No. 4, pg. 2. Miller & Perron (Irish Traditional Fiddle Music), 2nd Edition, 2006; pgs. 51-52 (two versions). Mitchell (Dance Music of Willie Clancy), 1993; No. 142, pgs. 112-113. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 103. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1241, pg. 233. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 514, pg. 97. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 29. Taylor (Music for the Sets: Yellow Book), 1995; pg. 30. Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann CL 13, "Tommy Peoples” (1976). Gael-Linn CEF060, “Paddy Glackin.” Paddy Keenan & Paddy Glackin – “Doublin’”. Outlet Records, Joe Burke – “Galway’s Own Joe Burke.” Michael Cooney & Joe Burke – “Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part.” Joe Cooley – “Cooley.” Michael Coleman 1892-1945. Fireman Barry Conlan -
”Milestone in the Garden” (1st tune in the medley  “Over the Lakes”).

See also listings at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boyne Hunt [1]

R:Reel

L:1/8

M:C

S:Joyce - Old Irish Folk Music and Songs (1909)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

BAFA D2 FA|D2 FA BE E2|BAFA D3F|ABde fedB|BAFA D2FA|

D2FA BE E2|BAFA DEFG|ABde fdd||{f}a3f a2 af|gfga be e2|

{f}a3f gedB|ABde fd d2|faaf a2 af|gfga beeg|fgfe dedB|ABde fedB|

 

BOYNE HUNT [2]. Irish, Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Kennedy (Jigs & Quicksteps, Trips & Humours), 1997; No. 9, pg. 4. O’Farrell (Pocket Companion, vol. 1), c. 1805; pg. 50.

X:1

T:Boyne Hunt [2]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Farrell – Pocket Companion, vol. 1 (c. 1805)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

G2d dBd | dBd dBd | ege dcB | cAA A2D | G2d dBd | dBd dBd | c3A2d | BGG G2 :|

|: f/g/ | a2g fdd | g2f ecc | e/f/ge dcB | cAA A3 | GBd g3 | fed efg | fga ABc | BGG G2 :|

           


BOYNE WATER [1], THE (Briseadh na Bóinne). AKA and see "As Vanquished Erin," "The Battle of the Boyne Water," "Bayne Water" (W.Va.), "Barbara Allan" (Pa.), "The Bottom of the Punch Bowl [1]," “Boyne Water Quickstep,” "Cameronian Rant," "The Cavalcade of the Boyne," "Come Kiss Wi' Me, Come Clap Wi' Me," "Findlay," "King William's March," "Lass If I Come Near You," "Leading/Driving the Calves," "Leading the Calves in the Pasture," "Native Swords," "One Pleasant Morning Beside the Glen," "Playing Amang the Rashes," "Praises of Limerick," "The Rashes," “Rosc Catha na Mumhan,” "Sheila Ni Gowna," "Song of the Volunteers," "Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation," "To Look for My Calves I Sent My Child," "The Wee(, Wee) German Lairdie" "Wha the Deil Hae We Gotten For a King," "When the King Came O'er the (Boyne) Water(s)." Irish, Air or March (4/4 time). A Minor (Howe): A Dorian (Breathnach, O'Neill, Perlman, Roche): E Minor (Joyce). Standard tuning. AB (most versions): AAB (Howe): AA'BB (Breathnach). The name Boyne itself is derived from the name of the goddess Boinn, literally ‘cow-white’, “a name well suited to a pastoral people whose wealth was chiefly in cattle” (Matthews, 1972). The name of the tune, however, commemorates the Battle of the Boyne (named for the Boyne River in County Meath, eastern Ireland, though the battle itself was fought three miles west of Drogheda), fought July 1st, 1690, in which the English monarch King William III defeated the Irish forces under King James II. "It has always been, and still is, very popular among the Orangemen of Ulster (for it dashed the hopes of the Irish for religious freedom and the Stuarts for Kingship). The ballad follows the historical accounts of the battle correctly enough. The air is well known in the south (of Ireland) also, where it is commonly called Sebladh na n‑gamhan, 'Leading the Calves,' A good setting is given by Bunting in his second collection: the Munster and Connaught versions are given by Petrie in his Ancient Music of Ireland, vol. II, p. 12. I print it here as I learned it in my youth from the singing of the people of Limerick, not indeed to 'The Boyne Water' of Ulster, but to other words (given below). My setting differs only slightly from that of Bunting; and it is nearly the same as I heard it played some years ago by a band on a 12th of July in Warrenpoint" (Joyce). O’Neill (1913) lists “Boyne Water” as one of the “splendid martial airs” of Irish music.

***

Samuel Bayard (1981) believes "Boyne Water" was composed in the seventeenth century, and thinks it has always been more of a vocal air rather than an instrumental tune. As witnessed by the myriad of titles in the beginning of this entry, it has been a popular air in the British Isles and, as Bayard states, "altogether, the forms suggest that it has undergone a long traditional development."  He believes the second half may have been the original tune, with the first half being fashioned out of elements from earlier strains. Bronson discerns the origins of the whole tune family in a Scottish melody found in the Skene Manuscript of c. 1615. Flood (1913) dates the tune from c. 1645, long before the famous battle, though how he arrived at this date is obscure. Cowdery (1990) believes that Flood’s thinking may have stemmed from a reference to a melody published by Petrie (1855), called "To Seek for the Lambs I Have Sent My Child," in which the latter writer declared, "in its superior purity of expression, and in its passionate depth of feeling, affords intrinsic evidence of an original intention, and consequent priority of antiquity, which will not be found in that which I consider to be the derived from of it called 'The Boyne Water.'" Be that as it may, Aloys Fleichmann’s index gives that “Boyne Water” was first published in George Bowie’s fiddle manuscript of 1706. O’Neill (1913) concludes the same Gaelic airs printed by Petrie are early antecedents of “Boyne Water,” Nos. 1529 (“A Long mo Gamain” {To look for my calves I sent my child”}) and 1530 (“An Tuainirc na nGainna”. Breathnach (1985), in CRE II (No. 124), gives a polka setting and remarks it was used for the last figure of the Clare polka set, and says that “Rosc Catha na Mumhan” (The Munster War-Cry) is sung to this air.

***

However old it actually is in oral tradition, Bayard (1991) finds the earliest printed appearances of the tune in William Graham's Lute Book of 1694 (as "Playing Amang the Rashes") and in D'Urfey's Pills to Purge Melancholy (where it appears as an untitled air). The melody remained in popular usage throughout the British Isles for well over two hundred years. Robert Burns set three songs to it in Johnson's Scots Musical Museum, and it was the vehicle for the Scots songs "The Wee, Wee German Lairdie" and "Andro and His Cutty Gun" (the latter from Alan Ramsay's 1740 edition of the Tea-Table Miscellany). One of the earliest recordings of this tune is by English musician John Locke, Leominster, Hereford, described as a “gipsy fiddler”; recorded by Cecil Sharp in 1909 on a cylinder machine. In Ireland, Sir Thomas Moore used the melody for his c. 1825 song "As Vanquished Erin."

***

The air was widespread in American usage, often heard as the tune the popular song "Barbara Allan" was sung to, which fact has been noted by several writers (Bayard, Cowdery, Cazden). It is, for example, identified by Cowdery (1990) as one of four tunes which carry the tale of "(Bonny) Barbara Allen" (the second strain of both Joyce's version and Bunting's "To seek for the Lambs..." is the portion of the Irish tune which corresponds to the America "Barbara Allen"). As "The Battle of the Boyne" it was included in a Philadelphia chapbook of 1805, and, under the title "The Buoying Water," as an instrumental piece in the 1790 Whittier Perkins Book (Cazden, et al, 1982). According to Bronner (1987), it was used for an 1815 hit American blackface minstrel song by Micah Hawkins called "The Siege of Plattsburgh" or "Backside Albany." Cazden prints it with the Catskill Mountain (N.Y.)-collected song "A Shantyman's Life," which he states can be found in most collections of lumber camp songs. Musicologist Alan Jabbour traces one of the strains of Virginia fiddler Henry Reed’s “Shady Grove” ultimately to the Boyne water, and says the strain was absorbed into American traditional music, also referencing another Virginia fiddler, J.H. Chisholm, and his tune called “The Foggy Dew,” which also uses the strain.

***

The political connotations of "The Boyne Water" long remained attached to the melody, even after it was imported to North America. Bayard (1981) relates that the mere playing of the tune in the presence of Catholic Irish in western Pennsylvania "could bring on a mass attack," and repeats the Fayette County story of an old Irishman digging potatoes in the garden while his wife followed along beside him picking the up in a sack. She absent‑mindedly began singing the air, upon which he turned around and, incensed, brained her with one blow of his spade. In fact, Pennsylvania fifers declined to play the tune for Bayard at gatherings, fearing to destroy the harmony of the group with "political pieces." Sources for notated versions: George Strosnider (Greene County), Hiram Horner (Westmoreland County), Mrs. Sarah Armstrong (Westmoreland County) {All Southwestern Pa.} [Bayard]; flute and whistle player Micko Russell, 1969 (Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland) [Breathnach]; Sterling Baker (b. mid-1940's, Morell, North-East Kings County, Prince Edward Island; now resident of Montague) [Perlman]. Aird (Selection of Scotch, English, Irish and Foreign Airs), vol. II, 1782; No. 118, pg. 43. Bayard (Dance to the Fiddle), 1981; No. 317A‑D, pgs. 271‑273. Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 124, pg. 66. Gow (Beauties), 1819. Howe (Complete Preceptor for the Accordeon), c. 1843; pg. 4. Jordan (Whistle and Sing), 1975; 19. Joyce (Old Irish Folk Music and Songs), 1909; No. 151 and No. 377, pgs. 183‑184. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 204 & No. 260, pg. 45. O’Neill (O’Neill’s Irish Music), 1915; No. 107, pg. 60. Perlman (The Fiddle Music of Prince Edward Island), 1996; pg. 208. Roche Collection, 1982; pg. 8, vol. I, No. 4.

X:1

T:Boyne Water [1]

L:1/8

M:C

S:Joyce – Old Irish Folk Music and Songs (1909)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:Emin

ED|B,2 B2 B>cdB|AGFE D2 E>F|G2 FE BAGF|(E3D) B,2 E>D|B,2 B2 B>cdB|

AGFE D2 EF|G2 FE B>AGF|E4 E2||E>F|A2B2d2 e>f|e>d cB A3A|B2e2 e>def|

(e3d B2) Bc|dcde d2 cB|A>GFE D2 EF|G2 FE B>A GF|E4E2||

X:2

T:Boyne Water

M:C
L:1/8

S:Aird, vol. II (1782)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

g2 | e3d e2g2 | d>edB G2 AB | c2 BA e2 dB | A3G E2g2 | edef g2 fe |

dcBA G2 AB | c2 BA e2 dB | A3G E2 :: G2 ga g3g | gage d2g2 |

e2 ab a3b | abag e3f | gfga g2 fe | dcBA G2 AB | c2 BA e2 dB | A3G E2 :|

 


BOYNE WATER [2]. English, Sword Dance; New England, Polka. F Mixolydian (Karpeles, Raven): F Major (Miller & Perron). Standard tuning. ABCD (Karpeles, Raven): AABB (Miller & Perron). Appears to bear no relation to version #1. There was a military march of this name used in the British army in the Revolutionary War period, though it may be the tune in version #1. It is the fourth figure in the sword dance from the village of Sleights, England. Karpeles & Schofield (A Selection of 100 English Folk Dance Airs), 1951; pg 29. Miller & Perron (New England Fiddler's Repertoire), 1983; No. 87. Raven (English Country Dance Tunes), 1984; pg. 73.

X:1

T:Boyne Water [2]

M:2/2

L:1/8

K:Fmix

d=e | f2g2f2d2 | cBAG F2 d=e | f2g2f2g2 | a2f2d3=e | f=efg f2d2 |

cBAG F2 GA | B2G2A2F2 | G4 G2 || z2 | A2F2G2=E2 | F4 F2GB |

A2F2F2 GB | A2F2F2 GA | B2G2A2F2 | G2G2c3B | A2F2G2=E2 |

F4 F2 || cd | f=efg f2d2 | cBAG F2 d=e | f2g2f2g2 | a2f2d3=e |

f2g2f2 =ed | cBAG F2 GA | B2 AG d2c2 | G2G2 || c3B |

A2F2G2=E2 | F4 F2 GB | A2F2F2 GB | A2F2F2 GA |

B2G2A2F2 | G2G2c3B | A2F2G2=E2 | F4 F2 ||

           

BOYNE WATER QUICKSTEP. AKA and see “Boyne Water [1].”

           

BOYS AROUND THE WORLD. See "Sally Lost Her Slipper." Old‑Time, Polka. USA; Nebraska, Missouri. A Major. Standard or AEae tunings. AABB. Christeson notes that there are similarities between this tune and African-American fiddler Bill Driver’s “Sally Lost her Slipper.” Sources for notated versions: fiddler Bob Walters, April, 1950 (Burt County, Nebraska) [Christeson]; Cyril Stinnett (Mo.) [Phillips]. R.P. Christeson (Old Time Fiddlers’ Repertory, vol. 1), 1973; pg. 16. Phillips (Traditional American Fiddle Tunes), vol. 2, 1995; pg. 334.

X:1

T:Boys Around the World

M:2/4

L:1/8

S:Christeson – Old Time Fiddler’s Repertory, vol. 1, No. 19  (1973)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:A

c/d/|ee/a/ cc/e/|AA/c/ EB/c/|dc BG|AA/c/ Ec/d/|ee/a/ cc/e/|

AA/c/ EB/c/|dc BG|(A2 A)::(3f/g/f/|ec ae|c’a e>c|dB bg|

a/a/f/a/ ea/f/|ec ae|c’a e>c|dB bg|a>b a:|

           

BOYS AT BOLAND’S MILLS, THE. Irish, Hornpipe. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Composed by Falmouth, Massachusetts, muscian and writer Bill Black. Black explains that the mills are located in the Ringsend area of Dublin and were the site of one of the first battles of the 1916 Easter Uprising. Black (Music’s the Very Best Thing), 1996; No. 236, pg. 126.

X:1

T: Boys at Boland's Mills

C: © B. Black

Q: 300

R: hornpipe

M: 4/4

L: 1/8

K: G

(3EDC | B,DGB cecA | GBAF GECE | DGFA GBAc | Bed^c d2 (3EDC |

B,DGB cecA | GBAF GECE | DGBG EcAF | G2 GF G2 :|

(3Bcd | edBd gdBd | gaba gedg | bgaf gedg | ed^ce d2 (3EDC |

B,DGB cecA | GBAF GECE | DGBd ceag | fdcA G2 :|

           

BOYS FROM BALLAVANICH, THE. Scottish. Green Linnet GLCD 1145, Wolfstone – “Year of the Dog.”

           

BOYS FROM BALLYSIMON, THE (Buacailli Baile Simoin). Irish, Hornpipe. D Mixolydian. Standard tuning. AABBCCDD. The tonality slips around from G Major to D Mixolydian and D Major. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 839, pg. 145.

X:1

T:Boys from Ballysimon, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Hornpipe

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 839

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D Mixolydian

dc|B2 BG A2 AG|FGAB cAFD|BGBd cAGF|D2 G2G2 GA|B2 BG A2 AG|

FGAB cAFD|fefd cAGF|D2G2G2:||:FG|Addg fgfd|efed ^cBcA|Addg fgfd|

efe^c d2 dc|BAGB ABcA|dcAF G2 FG|AFDE FAGE|D2 DE D2:|

|:dc|Bc (3BAG AGFG|AbcA f2 ed|ecAF GBAF|D2 DE D2 dc|BGGB cBAG|

AGFG g2 fg|ecAF GBAF|D2 DE D2:||:FG|Adeg fgfd|efed ^cAGF|

Adde fgfd|efe^c defg|agfa gfef|defd cBAG|AFDE FAGE|D2 DE D2:|

           

BOYS FROM CARRICKROE, THE. AKA and see "The Freheen Jig," "The Fairhaired Boy [1]," "An Buachaillin Ban [1]," "The Last of the Lot."

           

BOYS FROM KERRY, THE. Irish, Air (4/4 time). G Major. Standard tuning. One part. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 459, pg. 80.

X:1

T:Boys from Kerry, The

M:C

L:1/8

R:Air

N:”Moderate”

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 459

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

G>A|B3A B>Bce|d2A2B2 AG|E2 D>E G2G2|G6 d2|e2 de g2 ge|

d2B G2 Bc|d2d2 edBG|A6 d2|e2 de g2 ge|d3 B G2 Bc|d2d2 cABG|

E6 G>A|B3 A B>B ce|d2A2B2 AG|E2 D>E G2G2|G4||

           

BOYS FROM MULLINGAR (Na Buacaillide as Muileann-Cearr). AKA and see "If Ever You Marry." Irish, Air (6/8 time, "spirited"). D Major. Standard tuning. AB. Source for notated version: credited to Chicago Police Sergeant James O’Neill, a fiddler originally from County Down and Francis O’Neill’s collaborator [O’Neill]. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 589, pg. 103.

X:1

T:Boys from Mullingar, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Air

N:”Spirited”

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 589

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

F/G/|A2A F2A|d2 e fgf|e2 A A2F|(G3 G2) F/G/|A2A F2A|d2 e fgf|e2A A2c|(d3 d3)||

a/g/|f2f f^ef|g2f e^de|f2d A2F|(G3 G2) a|f2f f2A|d2e fgf|e2A A2c|(d3 d2) a/g/|

f2f f^ef|g2f e^de|fdA AGF|(G3 G2) F/G/|ABA AFA|d2e fgf|ecA ABc|(d3 d2)||

           

BOYS FROM SCART, THE (Na Buacailli Ua Scairt). Irish, Hornpipe. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 168. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1574, pg. 292. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 824, pg. 143.

X:1

T:Boys from Scart, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Hornpipe

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 824

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

dc|BGBd BGBd|gfge dBGB|ecdB cABG|DAAB A2 dc|

BGBd BGBd|gfge dBGB|ecdB cABG|D2G2G2:|

|:z2|dg {a}(3gfg dg {a}(3gfg|dgba gfed|ea {b}(3aga ea {b}(3aga|

eaaf gfef| dg {a}(3gfg dg {a}(3gfg|dgba gfef|dfaf gfef|g2 gf g2:|

                       

BOYS FROM THE COUNTY ARMAGH. Irish, Waltz. D Major. Standard tuning. One part.

X:1

T:The Boys from the County Armagh

R:waltz

L:1/8

M:3/4

K:D

F4 G2| A6| B4 c2| d6| f4 g2| a6| g4 f2| B6| B6 |A6| c4 d2|f2 e4| e2 c2 B2|

A6| d4 e2| f6| f2 d2 B2| A6| d4 e2| f6| f4 g2| a6| g4 f2| B6| B6| A6| c4

d2| f4 e2| e2 c2 B2| A4 g2| f4 e2| d6:|

                                   

BOYS FROM THE EAST, THE (Na Buacaillide On Oir). AKA and see “Oriental Hornpipe. Irish, Hornpipe. A Major. Standard tuning. AABB. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 188. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1664, pg. 309.

X:1

T:Boys from the East, The

M:2/4

L:1/8

R:Hornpipe

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 1664

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:A

(3A/B/c/ | A/G/A/E/ C/E/A/c/ | e/^d/e/c/ A/c/e/a/ | f/a/e/a/ d/a/c/a/ |

B/A/B/c/ d/B/G/E/ | A/G/A/E/ C/E/A/c/ | e/^d/e/c/ A/c/e/a/ |

(3f/g/a e/d/ c/B/A/G/ | AA A :: (E/G/) | B/A/B/G/ E/G/B/c/ |

d/c/d/B/ G/B/e/d/ | c/B/c/A/ E/A/c/d/ | e/^d/e/f/ e(f/g/) | a/g/a/e/ f/d/B/G/ |

A/B/c/d/ e/a/e/c/ | d/f/e/d/ c/B/A/G/ | AA A :|

           

BOYS FROM THE LOUGH. AKA and see "Donnybrook Fair [1]," "The Joys of Life," "Joy(s) of My Life." Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Roche Collection, 1912/1982; vol. I, No. 95, pg. 42.

X:1

T:Boys from the Lough

T:Donnybrook Fair

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Roche – vol. 1, No. 95  (1912)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

D | GFG AGA | (Be)(e d)BA | {d}BAB GAB | AGE GED | GFG AGA | (Be)(e d)BA |

{B/d/}(BAB) G2B | AGF G2 :: gag fgf | efe dBA | {d}BAB dBA | (Bee) (e2f) |

gfg edB | (g/f/ge) dBA | (BAB) (G2B) | AGF G2 :|

           


BOYS FROM THE WEST, THE. AKA and see "Hexham Races,” “Jude’s Farewell,” "Kenmore Lads," "I Will if I Can [1]," "Kenmuir's Up and Awa'." Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Bayard (1981) sees this as one of the tunes descended from "Kenmuir's Up and Awa," a song which appeared around 1792 and which gave the tune its name. See also Bayard's note for "Four Hundred Years Old." The Kilfenora Céilí Band recorded the melody as “Jude’s Farewell.” Roche Collection, 1912/1982; vol. I, No. 114, pg. 48.

X:1

T:Boys from the West

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Roche – vol. 1, No. 114 (1912)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

D | GBd gdB | ded (d2B) | GBd gdB | ABA (A2B) | GBd gdB | def gfe |

ded BcA | BGG G2 :: B/d/ | gfg edB | d>ed def | gfg edB | A>BA (A2d) |

gfg edB | def gfe| ded BcA | BGG G2 :|


           

BOYS FROM THOMASTOWN, THE (Buachailli Bhaile Mhic Anndain). Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. See also "Away to the Bogs," "The Caffler's Courtship." Source for notated version: whistle player Padraic de Faoite (Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ I), 1963; No. 14, pg. 7.

           

BOYS IN BLUE. American, Scottish; Reel. G Major ('A' part) & D Major ('B' part). Standard tuning. AA'BB'. The title refers, perhaps, not to policemen (the modern connotation), but to Union Army Civil War soldiers, whose uniforms were blue. Despite its appearance in Kerr’s publication, the tune sounds thoroughly American. Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 28. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 2; No. 285, pg. 31. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 52.

X:1

T:Boys in Blue

M:2/4

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:Ryan’s Mammoth Collection (1883)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

(3D/E/F/ | G/D/B,/D/ E/F/G/A/ | B/dd/ d>B | A/dd/ d>c | B/dd/ d>D | G/D/B,/D/ E/F/G/A/ |

B/dd/ d>B | A/aa/ ag | f/g/e/f/ d/c/B/A/ || G/D/B,/D/ E/F/G/A/ | B/dd/ d>B | A/dd/ d>c |

B/dd/ d>D | G/D/B,/D/ E/F/G/A/ | B/dd/ d>B | c/B/A/G/ F/D/E/F/ | G/D/B,/D/ G, ||

|: D | (D/d/).d/.d/ .dd/c/ | (B/b/).b/.b/ .ba/g/ | (f/d/).d/.d/ (e/^c/).c/.c/ | d/A/F/A/ G/F/E/D/ |

(D/d/).d/.d/ .dd/c/ | (B/b/).b/.b/ .ba/g/ | (f/d/).d/.d/ (e/^c/).c/.c/ |1 d/A/F/A/ d :|2 d/A/F/A/ D/D/E/F/ ||

           

BOYS IN THE GAP [1] (An Buachaill sa Bhearna). AKA -  Boy in the Gap.” AKA and see “The Boys of Cappoquin,” "Cat in the Hopper," "Laird O' Cockpen," "Lord Doneraile." Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. ABB (Breathnach/vol. 1, Flaherty): AABA (Cole): AABB (Miller & Perron, Songer): AABB' (Breathnach/Vol. 3): ABCD (Mitchell). The Boys of the Lough say this tune is a good flute tune and a great favorite of flute player Paddy Taylor, who has added a third part. Bernard Flaherty (1990) notes that the tune was always played in County Sligo as a two-part tune, until late, when the three-part version (popular throughout Ireland) took hold. The title holds sexual connotations for some. Sources for notated versions: accordion player Sonny Brogan (County Sligo/Dublin, Ireland) [Breathnach, vol. 1] and piper Paddy Moloney (Ireland) [Breathnach, vol. 3]; flute player Sonny McDonagh (b. 1926, Rinnarogue, Bunninadden, County Sligo, Ireland) [Flaherty]; piper Willie Clancy (1918-1973, Miltown Malbay, west Clare) [Mitchell]; George Penk (Portland, Oregon) who learned it from Dennis Rothrock who learned it from the album “Boys of the Lough” [Songer]; Boys of the Lough [Miller & Perron]. Breathnach (CRÉ I), 1963; No. 132, pg. 53. Breathnach (CRÉ III), 1985; No. 101, pg. 51. Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 27. Flaherty (Trip to Sligo), 1990; 121. Miller & Perron (Irish Traditional Fiddle Music), 1977; vol. 2, No. 31. Miller & Perron (Irish Traditional Fiddle Music), 2nd Edition, 2006; pg. 52. Mitchell (Dance Music of Willie Clancy), 1993; No. 47, pgs. 56-57. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 53. Songer (Portland Collection), 1997; pg. 38 (appears as “Boy in the Gap”). Vallely (Learn to Play the Tin Whistle with the Armagh Pipers Club), vol. 3; 15. Claddagh Records CC2, Paddy Moloney ‑ "Paddy Moloney, The Chieftains" (1969). GTD Heritage Trad. HCD 008, Tommy Peoples - "Traditional Irish Music Played on the Fiddle" (appears as "Boy in the Gap"). Shanachie 79002, "The Boys of the Lough" (1973).

See also listings at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boy in the Gap, The

M:4/4

L:1/8

S:Baily's Corner session, Tralee Ireland

Z:transcribed by Paul de Grae

K:D

D2 FA d2 cB | A2 GE AFGE | D2 FA d2 cB | ABGE EDDE |

D2 FA d2 cB | A2 GE =cEGE | D2 FA dfed | A2 GE ED D2 ||

f3 g fedf | e2 ef edcB | ABcd edcd | eaag eaag|

f2 fg fedf | e3 f edcB | ABcd e2 dc | ABGE ED D2 ||

df f2 df f2 | ce e2 ce e2 | Addc d2 cd | eaag edde |

f2 ec dcAF | G2 BG EFGE | D2 FA dfed | A2 GE ED D2 ||

X:2

T:Boy in the Gap, The

T:Boy in the Gaf, The

R:reel

H:See also #57

N:Often played with only two parts.

N:The third part was composed by Paddy Taylor

Z:id:hn-reel-58

Z:transcribed by henrik.norbeck@mailbox.swipnet.se

M:C|

L:1/8

K:D

D2FA d2cA|G2EF GFGE|D2FA dfed|cAGE FDD2:|

|:~f3g fedf|e2fd edcB|ABcd edcd|eaag eaag|

~f2g fedf|e2fd edcB|ABcd e2dB|A2GE FD D2:|

|:d2~f2 df~f2|ce~e2 ce~e2|df~g2 df~f2|a2ge fdde|

f2ef dBAF|G2BG EFGE|D2FA dedc|A2GE FDD2:|

“Variations”

FDFA d2cA|~G3F EFGE|DEFA dfed|cAGE EDD2:|

|:~f3g fedf|gfed edcB|A2 (3Bcd ed(3Bcd|eaag efge|

~f3g fedf|efgf edcB|ABcd e2dc|A2GE EDD2:|

|:df~f2 df~f2|ce~e2 gece|df~f2 df~f2|geag edde|

fAde fdAF|G2EF GEAF|DEFA d2cA|A2GE EDD2:|

 

BOYS IN THE GAP [2] (Na Buacaillide ‘nNsa m-Bearna). Irish, Air (6/8 time, "with spirit"). G Minor. Standard tuning. AB. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 157, pg. 27.

X:1

T:Boys in the Gap [2]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Air

N:”With spirit”

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 157

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:Gmin

D | G>AG B>cB | (A<F)F F2A | G>AG g>ag | (f<d)d d2=e | fgf f_ed |

cdB ABc | d>ed d2c | (B<G)G G2 || d | g>ag gab | (a<f)f f2a |

g=e^f gab | afd d2=e | fgf f_ed | cdB ABc | d>ed d2c | (B<G)G G2 ||


                       

BOY’S LAMENT FOR HIS DRAGON, THE. AKA and see “Farewell to Aberdeen,” “The Seventy Second’s Farewell to Aberdeen.” Scottish, Pipe March. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Composed by William MacKay. ‘Dragon’ is thought to mean a kite, and Anslem Lingnau points out that in German both the fearsome mythical beast and the flying toy are called “drachen.” The melody appears to be earliest published as “The 72nd’s Farewel to Aberdeen” in Pipe Major William Ross’s 1885 collection. Cranford (Jerry Holland: The Second Collection), 2000; No. 89, pg. 36. Songer (Portland Collection), 1997; pg. 38. William Ross’s Collection of Pipe Music, 1885.

See also listings at:

Alan Snyder’s Cape Breton Fiddle Recording Index

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

X:1

T:The Boy's Lament for his Dragon

T:The 72nd's Farewell to Aberdeen

Z:Nigel Gatherer

L:1/8

M:2/4

B:The Jimmy Shand Bagpipe March Book

K:D

f|Ad de/>f/|g/>f/e/>d/ f2|gB Bc/>d/|e/>f/e/>c/ A2|Ad de/>f/|

g/>f/e/>d/ f2|gB f/>e/d/>c/ d2 d::f/g/|aA A=c|BG A>B|

Ad Ad|e/>d/c/>B/ Af/>g/|aA A=c|BG A>B|Ad f/>e/d/>c/ d2 d:|]

                       

BOYS, MY MONEY'S ALL GONE [1]. Old‑Time, Breakdown. A Dorian or Mixolydian/Dorian. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: Charlie Bowman [Phillips]. Kaufman (Beginning Old Time Fiddle), 1977; pg. 97. Phillips (Traditional American Fiddle Tunes), vol. 1, 1994; pg. 35. Reiner (Anthology of Fiddle Styles), 1979; pg. 97. County Records 507, Charlie Bowman ‑ "Old Time Fiddle Classics."

 

BOYS, MY MONEY'S ALL GONE [2]. Old‑Time, Breakdown. D Major. Standard tuning. AB. Sources for notated version: Scott Marckx, Meannie Murphy [Silberberg]. Silberberg (Tunes I Learned from Tractor Tavern), 2002; pg. 16. Bobville Records 1, “The Red Hots.” Flying Fish 271, Bertram Levy – “That Old Gut Feeling.” Cassette, “Pilot Mountain Bobcats” (1994). Jeanie Murphy & Scot Marx – “The Time’s Been Sweet” (2001).

           

BOYS OF ANTRIM, THE.  Americah, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AB. Composed by Peterborough, New Hampshire, contra-dance keyboard musician and composer Bob McQuillen. The title does not reference County Antrim in Ireland, but rather probably refers to Randy and Rodney Miller, musicians from Antrim, New Hampshire. McQuillen (Bob’s Note Book, #6), 1982. Miller (Fiddler’s Throne), 2004; No. 13, pg. 21.

 

BOYS OF BALBRIGGEN, THE. The title appears in a list of tunes in his repertoire brought by Philip Goodman, the last professional and traditional piper in Farney, Louth, to the Feis Ceoil in Belfast in 1898 (Breathnach, 1997).

           

BOYS OF BALLINAFAD, THE (Na Buacailli O Beo-An-Ata-Fada). AKA and see “Teviot Bridge/Brig.” Irish, Double Jig. A Major (O’Neill): D Major (Miller). Standard tuning. AABB. An Irish version of the Scottish jig “Teviot Bridge/Brig”. Scottish printed versions predate O’Neill’s collections. Miller (Fiddler’s Throne), 2004; No. 14, pg. 22. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 55. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 978, pg. 182. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 195, pg. 46.

X:1

T:Boys of Ballinafad, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 195

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:A

f|ecA AcA|ecA F2A|EFA ABc|edc B2f|ecA AcA|F2A E2c|d2f ecA|BAA A2:|

|:f|ecA Ace|fde fga|ecA AGA|BGE Ecd|ecA Ace|fde fga|edc BAB|cAA A2:|

           

BOYS OF BALLINAHINCH. AKA and see “Humours of Ballinahinch,” "Mullin's Fancy,” “Packie Dolan’s,” “Rising Sun [6],” “Strawberry Blossom [1]." Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AB. See also the related slide form “Christmas Eve [3].” Source for notated version: accordion player John Ferguson [Bulmer & Sharpley]. Bulmer & Sharpley (Music from Ireland), 1974, vol. 2, No. 15. Coleman Music Center CHC 009, fiddler Fred Finn – “The Coleman Archive, vol. 2: The Home Place” (2005. Various artists). Real World CAROL 2324-2, “Music at Matt Molloy’s” (1992. Various artists).

See also listing at: 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Christmas Eve

T:O\’iche Nollaig

T:Strawberry Blossom, The

T:Boyss of Ballynahinch, The

R:reel

H:Also as a slide, #41

D:Paul McGrattan: The Frost is all Over

D:M\’iche\’al \’OS\’uilleabh\’ain: The Dolphin’s Way

Z:id:hn-reel-719

Z:transcribed by henrik.norbeck@mailbox.swipnet.se

M:C|

L:1/8

K:D

ag|fAdf edBA|(3Bcd ef geag|fAdf edge|dBAG FAdA|

defd edBA|(3Bcd ef geag|fAdf edge|dBAG FAde||

faaf dAde|faaf ~g3e|f2ab afdf|gfed ~B2A2|

faaf dAde|faaf ~g3a|bgaf gfed|(3Bcd ef ge||

           

BOYS OF BALLINAMORE, THE (Na Buacaillide Ua Beal-an-Ata-Moir). Irish, Double Jig. G Major/D Mixolydian. Standard tuning. AB. O’Neill had the tune from a seventeen year old fiddler named George West, who, though gifted musically, was somewhat indigent and did not own a fiddle. He had formed a symbiotic musical relationship of sorts with one O’Malley, who did own a fiddle and who eked out a meager living playing house parties despite the loss of a finger from his left hand. O’Malley, however, invariable could only make it to midnight before he got too drunk to bow, at which time West took over his fiddle and finished the night’s engagement. “Thus lived the careless, improvident but talented Georgie, until an incident in his life rendered a trip to the far west advisable." O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 937, pg. 174. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 167, pg. 42.

X:1

T:Boys of Ballinamore, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 167

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D Mix

|:d/B/|cAF G2G|ABc AdB|cAF GFG|Ade fed|cAF G2G|ABc AdB|cAF GFG|Ad^c d2:|

|:g|fed efg|ecc gcc|fed efg|age d2d/e/|fed efg|ecc gcc|faf e/f/ge|d2e fed:|

           

BOYS OF BALLINCHALLA, THE (Buacailli Baile-An-Cala). Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AB. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 101. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1227, pg. 231. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 503, pg. 95.

X:1

T:Boys of Ballinchalla, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 503

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

dc|B>G (3GGG BGdc|B>G (3GGG d2 cB|c>A (3AAA cAeA|c>A (3AAA e2 dc|

B>G (3GGG BGdc|B>G (3GGG d2 cB|cedc BGAF|DGGF G2||BA|

Gggf gedB|Gggf gedB|Aaa^g aecB|Aaa^g aecA| Gggf gedB|Gg gf gfga|gfef gfeg|bgaf gedB||

           

BOYS OF BALLISODARE/BALLISIDARE. See "Boys of Ballysadare."

           

BOYS OF BALLYCAHILL. Irish, Hornpipe. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Roche Collection, 1982; vol. III, pg. 63, No. 180.

           

BOYS OF BALLYCASTLE. AKA and see “Gypsy’s Hornpipe [2],” “Leggett’s Reel.” Irish, Reel or Hornpipe. E Minor. Standard tuning. AABB. O’Neill (1922) says of his source: “It may be remarked that Mr. Dunne was a farmer of the townland of Kilbraugh not far from Thurles, Tipperary. From his wonderful repertory of dance tunes, generously contributed some years ago, many have been selected.” In Scotland and England the tune is known as “The Gypsie’s/Gypsy’s Hornpipe,” one of several by that title. The Scottish Kerr’s vol. 1 has the tune as “Leggett’s Reel” but places it in a section of Irish reels for quadrille or country dancing. Source for notated version: the Patrick Dunne manuscript [O’Neill]. Carlin (Master Collection), 1984; No. 205, pg. 121. O’Neill (Waifs and Strays of Gaelic Melody), 1922; No. 321. Songer (Portland Collection), 1997; pg. 39. Green Linnett SIF1052, Kevin Burke - “Up Close.”

X:1

T:Boys of Ballycastle

M:4/4

L:1/8

S:Pat. Dunne, manuscript

Z:Paul Kinder

R:Hornpipe

K:E Minor

ef|gfed edBd|edeg B2 sBAs|G2 sGAs BABd|e2 A2 A2 ga| bagf gfed|edeg B2 sBAs|G2 sGAs BcBA|G2 E2 E2:|

|:gf|e2 B2 B2 sgfs|e2 B2 B2 sgfs|e2 sefs gfga|b2 e2 e2 ga| bagf gfed|edeg B2 sBAs|G2 sGAs BcBA|G2 E2 E2:||

           

BOYS OF BALLYSADARE/BALLYSODARE [1], THE (Buacailli Baile-Easa-Dara). AKA – “Boys of Ballisodare.” Irish, Slip Jig (9/8 time). G Major. Standard tuning. One part (O'Neill/1915 & Krassen): AB (O'Neill/1850 & 1001): AABB (Mallinson, Tubridy). Cranitch (Irish Fiddle Book), 1996; No. 33, pg. 138. Cranitch (Irish Session Tunes: Red Book), 2000; 33. Mallinson (Enduring), 1995; No. 89, pg. 37 (appears as “Boys of Ballisodare”). O'Neill (O’Neill’s Irish Music), 1915/1987; No. 217, pg. 116. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 81. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1134, pg. 214. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 423, pg. 84. Tubridy (Irish Traditional Music, vol. 1), 1999; pg. 38. Vallely (Learn to Play the Tin Whistle with the Armagh Pipers Club), vol. 2; 12. Green Linnet SIF‑1110, Martin Wynne ‑ "My Love is in America: The Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival" (1991).

X:1

T:Boys of Ballysadare [1]

M:9/8

L:1/8

R:Slip Jig

K:G

|:D2G G2A B2d|ege d2e .g3|D2G G2A B2G|AGA B2G E2D|D2G G2A B2d| ege d2e g2a|b2a g2e d2B|~A3 B2G E2D:|

|:B2d {e}d2B d2B|d3 d2f g3|B2d d2B d2B|AGA B2G E2D|B2d d2B d2B|d3 def g2a| b2a g2e d2B|AGA B2G E2D:|

 


BOYS OF BALLYSADARE [2], THE. AKA and see "The Dublin Lasses [1]," "Douse the Monkey," “(A) Galway Reel [6],” "Miss Roden's Reel," "Miss Roddy's," "Last Night's Work," "The Eve." Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. ABC (Harker/Rafferty, O’Neill, Taylor, Tubridy): ABCDEF (Mitchell). Ballysadare (locally spelled Ballisodare, from the Irish Baile Easa Dara, meaning ‘the town of the waterfall by the oak’) is a parish and a village in County Sligo. It lies on an estuary, one of three forming Sligo Harbour, and is fed by the Owenmore River, with rapids and falls descending to the bay. Ballysodare is a popular traditional music venue. St. Feichin of Fore established a monastery at Ballysodare in the 7th century, replaced by a 13th century church and incorporates 12th century features, including a doorway and mouldings at the corners. Older publications list the tune generally as "The Dublin Lasses." David Taylor (1992) says the tune has "distinct connotations" with the melody "Last Night's Fun [4]" (as opposed to the alternate title above, "Last Night's Work"). It was recorded by Irish fiddle master Michael Coleman (Co. Sligo and New York) in 1922 as "Miss Roddy's.” Sources for notated versions: piper Willie Clancy (1918-1973, Miltown Malbay, west Clare) [Mitchell]; sessions at the Regent Hotel, Leeds, England [Bulmer & Sharpley]; New Jersey flute player Mike Rafferty, born in Ballinakill, Co. Galway, in 1926 [Harker]. Bulmer & Sharpley (Music from Ireland), 1974, vol. 1, No. 13 (appears as “Boys of Ballisodare”). Harker (300 Tunes from Mike Rafferty), 2005; No. 35, pg. 11. Mallinson (Essential), 1995; No. 46, pg. 20. Mitchell (Dance Music of Willie Clancy), 1993; No. 53, pg. 60. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 119. Taylor (Through the Half‑Door), 1992; No. 22, pg. 17. Taylor (Music for the Sets: Yellow Book), 1995; pg. 1. Tubridy (Irish Traditional Music, Book Two), 1999; pg. 21. Coleman Center CD CC004, Seamus Quinn & James McDonagh – “The Mountain Road” (1999. Various artists. “A Compilation of tunes popular in South Sligo”). Flying Fish FF 266, Malcolm Dalglish & Grey Larsen ‑ "Thunderhead" (1982). Green Linnett GLCD 1155, Martin Hayes - “Under the Moon” (1995). Nimbus NI 5320, Tommy Peoples - “Irish Traditinal Music from Donegal” (1991). Shanachie 29009, "Andy McGann & Paul Brady" (learned from Tim Fitzpatrick). Shaskeen ‑ "Shaskeen Live." Shanachie 34014, James Kelly, Paddy O’Brien & Daithi Sproule – “Traditional Music of Ireland” (1995). Shanachie 97011, Duck Baker - "Irish Reels, Jigs, Airs and Hornpipes" (1990. Learned from the Topic records anthology "The Breeze of Erin" {where it appears as "The Eve"}). Talcon Records KG240, Paddy Cronin – “The House in the Glen” (197?).

See also listings at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boys of Ballysadare, The [2]

L:1/8

M:C|

K:G

B|dG G2 dGeG|dGGA BAAB|dG G2 dedB|AcBA GEDB| dG G2 dGeG|dGGA BA A2|Gddg eBdB|AcBA GE D2||

g3a bgaf|g3 a bgef|g2 ga bgaf|gfed Bdef|g3 a bgaf|gfga bgeg| bgaf gedB|AcBA GE D2||

Bddd Bdgd|Bdgd BA A2|Bddd eBdB|AcBA GE D2| Bddd Bdgd|Bdgd BAAB|dBBA B2 BG|AcBA GE D||

 

BOYS OF BALLYSCALLY, THE (Buachaillí Bhaile Uí Scalaigh). Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: Bernard Bogue (Co. Tyrone) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRE IV), 1996; No. 19, pg. 11.

 

BOYS OF BALLYSIMON, THE. AKA and see “Poll Ha’penny [2],” “The Stranger [1].” Irish, Hornpipe. D Major. Standard tuning. AABBCCDD. Source for notated version: Chicago fiddler, originally from County Tipperary, who was also a machinest, weaver and composer. O’Neill said of him: “…he would play on for hours at a time such tunes as memory presented, his features while so engaged remaining as set and impassive as the sphinx…it was his open boast that he never forgot nor forgave an injury” [O’Neill]. Edward Cronin [O’Neill]. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 176. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1594, pg. 295.

X:1

T:Boys of Ballysimon, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Hornpipe

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 1594

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

(dc) | BAGB ABcA | dcAF G2 (FG) | AFDE FAGF | D2 (DE) D2 (dc) |

Bc (3BAG ABcA | dcAF G2 (FG) | AFDE FAGE | D2 DE D2 :|

|: (FG) | Addg fgfd | efed cBcA | Addg fgfd | efec d2 (dc) | BAGB ABcA |

dcAF G2 (FG) | AFDE FAGE | D2 DE D2 :|

|: (dc) | Bc (3BAG AGFG | ABcA f2 (ed) | ecAF GBAF | D2 (DE) D2 (dc) |

BGGB cBAG | AGFG g2 (fg) | ecAF GBAF | D2 DE D2 :|

|: (FG) | Adeg fgfd | efed cAGF | Adde fgfd | efec defg | agfa gfef |

defd cBAG | AFDE FAGE | D2 DE D2 :|

 

BOYS OF BLUEHILL, THE (Buacailli Ua Cnoc-Gorm). AKA ‑ "Beaux of Oak Hill [1]," “Boys of North Tyne,” "Lads of North Tyne," "Silver Lake [4]" (Pa.), "Jenny Baker," "Lonesome Katy,” “Two Sisters [1],” “Twin Sisters [3]." Irish, Reel or Hornpipe. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB (most versions): AA’B (Moylan). O’Neill (who said the melody was unknown to Chicago Irish musicians beforehand) had the tune from a seventeen year old fiddler named George West, who, though gifted musically, was somewhat indigent and did not own a fiddle. He had formed a symbiotic musical relationship of sorts with one O’Malley, who did own a fiddle and who eked out a meagre living playing house parties despite the loss of a finger from his left hand. O’Malley, however, invariably could only make it to midnight before he became too inebriated to bow, at which time West took over his fiddle and finished the night’s engagement. “Thus lived the careless, improvident but talented Georgie, until an incident in his life rendered a trip to the far West advisable." Early American recorded versions on 78 RPM’s give the title as “Boys from the Hill” and “Slieve Gorm.” Fiddler Tommy Dandurand (Chicago/Kankakee, Illinois) recorded the melody as “Beau of Oak Hill” in 1927, and it is this title that is familiar to many American fiddlers not influenced directly by Irish repertoire (of which “Boys of Bluehill” is a staple hornpipe). Earlier recordings of the melody were by Charles D’Almaine (c. 1913), paired with other tunes in his “Fisher’s Hornpipe Medley,” and by William B. Houchens (1922) in his “Turkey in the Straw” recording.

***

There are ‘Blue Hills’ in many regions of the world, including Massachusetts (near Milton and Canton) and Scotland, and a ‘Blue Hill’ in Maine. The tune is perhaps older in American tradition than in Irish, although its provenance is unknown, although in American tradition it is almost always played as a reel rather than a hornpipe. In the 19th century it appears in publications such as Ryan’s Mammoth Collection (1883) as “The Boys of Oak Hill” (by which title it also appears in one of the Scottish Kerr collections). The earliest American printing seems to be as “The Two Sisters” in Knauff’s Virginia Reels (1839). More that a century and a half later a version of “The Two Sisters” could be heard in the playing of Appalachian fiddler Sherman Wimmer as the similarly-titled "Twin Sisters” (also played by Ernie Carpenter). Other American variants are the southwestern Virginia/north Georgia “The Old Ark’s A-Movin” (see Taylor Kimble’s version, for an example of that variant),  the Pennsylvania-collected “Silver Lake” (which Paul Tyler has also found in an 1842 notebook from Ohio), Ira Ford’s “Lonesome Katy” (probably from the Mid-West) and the Kentucky variant “Jenny Baker” (from the Jimmy Johnson String Band). See as well Ozark fiddler Vesta Johnson’s “She Oughta Been a Lady,” Mel Duham’s “Pussy and the Baby,” Ozark musicians Lee and Fred Stoneking’s “Birdie in the Snowbank,” and one of the many “Hell on the Wabash” titles, particularly one played by Clay Smith of Star City, Indiana. 

***

Interestingly, there’s some evidence of the melody travelling back to Ireland from American (i.e. non-O’Neill’s) sources. A reel called "Keep the Old Ark Rolling" appears on Pádraic Mac Mathúna’s album “Blas na Meala,” a variant of “The Boys of Bluehill.” The liner notes to the album, by Séan Potts, state that it's "one of the many tunes brought to the US by Irish immigrants.  The titles and rhythms were often changed to suit the American country style.  The melody is almost identical to the Irish hornpipe, The Boys of Bluehill. Pádraic got the tune from two musical friends in Cork, Matt Cranitch and Noel Shine.” In fact, Matt Cranitch played in an old-time string band in Cork for a time, and may have picked up the tune from an American player.

***

Sources for notated versions: George West, who had learned it from a strolling fiddler named O’Brien [O’Neill]; accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border) [Moylan].

***

Print Sources: Allan's Irish Fiddler, No. 74, pg. 19. Brody (Fiddler’s Fakebook), 1983; pg. 54. Cranitch (Irish Fiddle Tunes), 1996; pgs. 73 & 75. Kennedy (Fiddlers Tune Book), vol. 1, 1951; No. 14, pg. 7 (appears as "Beaux of Oakhill"). Lerwick (Kilted Fiddler), 1985; pg. 56. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 120, pg. 70. O’Malley (Luke O’Malley’s Collection of Irish Music), 1976; No. 112, pg. 56. O'Neill (O’Neill’s Irish Music), 1915/1987; No. 355, pg. 173. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 197. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 898. Roche Collection, 1982; vol. III, pg. 64, #183. Spandaro (10 Cents a Dance), 1980; pg. 11. Sweet (Fifer’s Delight), 1964; pg. 69. Tubridy (Irish Traditional Music, vol. 1), 1999; pg. 13.

***

Recorded Sources: Copley DWL‑9‑617, Jack Wade‑ "Ceili Music of Ireland." Folkways FG 3575, Barry, Gorman, Ennis, and Heaney‑ "Irish Music in London Pubs." Gael-Linn CEF132, Johnny O’Leary “An Calmfhear/The Trooper” (1989). Topic TSCD 602, Pat Roche’s Harp & Shamrock Orchestra – “Irish Dance Music” (1995. A reissue of the original 1934 recording).

See also listings at:

Alan Snyder’s Cape Breton Fiddle Recording Index

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boys of Bluehill, The - Variations

M:4/4

L:1/8

S:Philippe Varlet

N:”These are just a few possible variations derived on the spur of the moment.”

R:hornpipe

Z:Philippe Varlet

K:D

FA |{d}BAFA D2 FA | {d}BA (3Bcd e2 de | fa{b}af egfe | dfed B2 dB |

{d}BAFA DA FA | {d}BA (3Bcd e2 de | fa{b}af ef{a}fe | d2 {e}dc dDFA |

{d}BAFA DAFA | {d}BA (3Bcd eAde | fdaf {a}gfef | defd B2 GB |

{d}BAFE DEFA | {d}BAfd e2 de |~f3 a ea{fa}fe | df (3edc defg ||

afdf a2 af | {a}gfga b2 ag | fa{b}af (3efg fe | dfed B2 dB |

{d}BAFD A,DFA | Bcdf e2 de | (3fga fa {ga}gece | dd{e}dc defg |

~a3 f dfaf | gfef gbag | {e}f2 af efde | fded BcdB |

{d}BAFA D3 B | {d}BA (3Bcd ea{b}ag | (3faf df eAce |df (3edc d4 ||

                       


BOYS OF BOCKHILL/ROCKHILL. AKA and see "Billy Patterson(‘s Favorite)," "Catholic Boys [3],” "The Blackthorn Stick [1]," “Coach Road to Sligo [1],” "Fire on the Mountain(s) [2]" (floating title), "Humors of Bantry,” “Maid on the Green.” Irish, Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Usually known as “The Blackthorn Stick” in modern times. County Sligo fiddler Paddy Killoran recorded a variant in New York in the 78 RPM era called “The Coach Road to Sligo,” and O’Neill printed the melody as “The Humors of Bantry.” Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 51. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 80. White’s Unique Collection, 1896; No. 26, pg. 5.

X: 1

T:Boys  of Bockhill Jig, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:White’s Unique Collection (1896), No. 26

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

d | (gfg) (e/f/ge) | dBG AGE | DGG AGA | BAB ABd |

(gfg) (e/f/ge) | dBG AGE | DGG AGA | BGG [B,2G2] :|

|: d | ede gdd | edd gdd | (e>gf/a/) gfe | dBG AFD |

(gfg) (e/f/ge) | dBG AGE | (DG)G (A/B/c).A | (BG)G [B,2G2] :|

                       

BOYS OF CAPPOQUIN, THE (Buacailli Ceapac-Cuinn). AKA and see "The Boy in the Gaf," “The Boys in the Gap [1].” Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AAB. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1364, pg. 254. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 617, pg. 112.

X:1

T:Boys of Cappoquin, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 617

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

FDFA d2 cA|ABGA EFGE|FDFA d2 cA|(3ABc GE ED D2:|

f/g/f/e/fg fedf|efgf edcB|ABcd efge|fage ed d2|

f/g/f/e/fg fedf|edef edcB|ABcd efge|fage ed d2||

           

BOYS OF CARRIGALLEN, THE (Na buacillide ua carraig-aliunn). Irish, Air (6/8 time, "cheerful"). A Dorian. Standard tuning. AABB. A variant of "Bung Your Eye." Source for notated version: Chicago Police Sergeant James O’Neill, a fiddler originally from County Down and Francis O’Neill’s collaborator [O’Neill]. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 210, pg. 37.

X:1

T:Boys of Carrigallen, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Air

N:”Cheerful”

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 210

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:Amin

E | A2E A>(B/c/d/) | e>de (A2B/A/) | G2D G>(A/B/c/) | d>cd G2B |

A2E ABd | e2^f g>fg | edc Bcd | ecA A2 :: a | a^ga A2a | a^ga A2g |

g^fg G2=g | g^fg G2B | c2c d2d | e^fg a3 | edc Bcd ecA A2 :|

           

BOYS OF CLONES, THE. AKA and see "Along with the Girls I'd like to be,” "Bloody oul' hag is it tay you want?" "The Bog of Allen," "The Butchers' March [1]," "The Butchers' Jig." Irish, Double Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 4; No. 213, pg. 24.

X:1

T:Boys of Clones, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Kerr – Merry Melodies, vol. 4, No. 213   (c. 1880’s)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

g|fAA eAA|dBA A2g|fAA eAA|dBG G2g|fAA eAA|

def ({a}g)fg|faf gfe|dBG G2::B|d^cd BAB|dBA A2B|

d^cd BAB|dBG G2B|d^cd BAB|def ({a}g)fg|faf gfe|dBG G2:|

 

BOYS OF COOMANORE, THE (Na Buacailli Ua Cum-An-Oir). AKA - “Boys of Cunnamore”? Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 65. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1073, pg. 202. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 275, pg. 60. Kells Music 9507, Dervish – “At the End of the Day” (appears as part of “Packie Duignan Set”).

X:1

T:Boys of Coomanore, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 275

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

A/G/|F2E FDD|Ddc dAG|F2E FDD|FAF GFE|FDG FED|Ddc dAG|FAG FGE|FDD D2:|

|:F/G/|ABc d2e|fdf ecA|ABd efg|faf gfe|ABc d2e|fdf ecA|AGF EAG|FDD D2:|

                       

BOYS OF CUNNAMORE, THE. Irish, Jig. Probably “Boys of Coomanore.” Outlet 3002, Paddy Cronin‑ "Kerry's Own Paddy Cronin" (1977).

                       

BOYS OF CURRAGHMORE, THE. Irish, Hornpipe. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: the Rice-Walsh manuscript, a collection of music from the repertoire of Jeremiah Breen, a blind fiddler from North Kerry, notated by his student [O’Neill]. O’Neill (Waifs and Strays of Gaelic Melody), 1922; No. 314.

X:1

T:Boys of Curraghmore, The

M:4/4

L:1/8

S:Rice-Walsh manuscript

Z:Paul Kinder

R:Hornpipe

K:D

F>E|D2 D>F A2 FA|d>efe dBAD|G>ABG F2 D>E|F2 E2 E2 F>E|

D2 D>F A2 DF/2A/2|d>efe dBAD|G>ABG F2 DE|D2 D2 D2:|

|:c>d|e2 e>c A2 DF/2A/2|d2 d>c defd|d2 d>B AFDE|F2 E2 E2 F>E|

ADDF A2 DF/2A/2|d>efe dBAD|G>ABG F2 DE|D2 D2 D2:||

           

BOYS OF FORTY-FIVE (45).  AKA and see “Doonagore,” “Micko Russell’s Reel [2].” Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Treoir, vol. 39, No. 1, 2007. Kilfenora Céilí Band – “Set on Stone” (1995).

X:1

T:Boys of ’45, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

K:G

DG (3GFG FGAc|BG (3GFG ABcA|d2 cA BG G2|(3Bcd cA BGAF|DG (3GFG FGAc|

BG (3GFG ABcA|d2 cA BG G2|(3Bcd cA G3 z::g3e fdde|fdgd fd d2|

g3e fddc|defd g3z|g2 ag fddc|B2 BG ABcA|d2 cA BG G2|(3Bcd cA G3 z:||

           

BOYS OF GALWAY, THE (Buacailli Na Gaillaime). Irish, Reel. C Major ('A' part) & D Dorian ('B' part) {O'Neill/Krassen}: C Major {O'Neill/1850}. Standard tuning. AB (O'Neill/1850): AA'BB' (O'Neill/Krassen). Related tunes are "My Mary Anne" and "The Galway Reel [3]." O’Neill gives source credit to uilleann piper James Early, a Chicago contemporary. Paul de Grae believes “My Maryanne” (also in O’Neill’s, sourced to Early’s playing partner, fiddler John McFadden) is a reworking of the tune. Earlier versions (Goodman, Levey) can be found as “The Galway Reel.” O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 122. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1341, pg. 251. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 596, pg. 109.

X:1

T:Boys of Galway, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (596)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:C

B|cded cBAG|Addc dcAB|cded cBAG|AcGE EDDB|

cded cBAG|Addc dcAB|cABG AFGE|FDGF EC C||

f|gage {d}cBcd ea{b}ag agef|gage {d}cBcd|eaag edde|

gage {d}cBcd|ea{b}ag agef|gefd ecdc|Bcdf ec c:|

 

BOYS OF GLANLOUGH, THE. Irish, Air (4/4 time, "spirited"). G Minor. Standard tuning. AB. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 356, pg. 62.

X:1

T:Boys of Glanlough, The

M:C

L:1/8

R:Air

N:”Spirited”

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 356

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G Minor

G/A/|B>cdg ce dc/A/|G>BAG F3 G/A/|B>cd=e fdc_e|dgg^f g3 G/A/|

B>cdg ce dc/A/|G>BAG F3 G/A/|B>cdg gddB|{d}c>BGG G2 z||G/A/|

B>ABc d>edc|db a/g/f/a/ g3 G/A/|B>ABc d2 g>f|d>edc B2 cd|eggf dB{d}cA|

G>BA F3 G/A/|B>cdg gddB|{d}c>BGG G2z||

 

BOYS OF IRELAND, THE.  See “The Boys of Wexford.”

 

BOYS OF KILKENNY, THE. See note for “The Roving Pedlar [2].”

 

BOYS OF KILSARNE, THE (Buachaillí Chill Sairn). Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. ABC. Source for notated version: fiddler Tommy Potts (Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ I), 1963; No. 76, pg. 35.

X:1

T:Boys of Kilsarne, The

M:4/4

L:1/8

S:Ceol Rince na hÉireann vol.1

R:Reel

Z:Paul Kinder

K:G

D|G3 B A3 F|GBAG FD D2|DGGF GABc|d^cde fd=cA|!

G3 B A3 F|GBAG FD D2|DGGF GABc|(3dcB (3cBA BGGA||!

(3BcB GB DBGB|AGFG ABcA|(3BcB GB DBGB|cAFG AG G2|!

(3BcB GB GBdB|AGFG ABcA|B3 c d^cde|fdcA BGBd||!

g2 gf gdBd|cBAB cdef|g2 gf gdBd|cedc BGGd|!

g2 gf gdBd|cBAB cdef|gb (3agf gedB|cedc BGAF||!

 

BOYS OF KNOCK, THE. AKA and see “Loudon’s Bonnie Braes,” “Lord Moira.” Irish, Schottische. See also Scan Tester’s “Indian Polka.” Topic TSCD602, (Ed. by Reg Hall) Tom Morrison – “Irish Dance Music” (1995. A reissue of the 1927 original).

 


BOYS OF LIMERICK, THE.  AKA and see "Bonnie Kate," "The Bonny Lass of Fisherrow/Fishirron," "Cait Bhoidheach." Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard. AA'BB'. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 1; No. 33, pg. 39.

 

BOYS OF LOUGH GOWNA, THE. Irish, Double Jig. G Major/Mixolydian. Standard. AABB’. This double-tonic tune was composed by County Offaly musician Paddy O’Brien.

 


BOYS OF MALIN [1], THE (Buachaillí Mhálanna). Irish, Reel. Ireland, County Donegal. A Major. Standard. ABC (Breathnach, Cranitch): ABCC (Miller). A popular reel in County Donegal. Malin, Donegal, is one of the most northerly villages on the island, and Malin Head is Ireland’s most northerly point. The tip of the Head is known as Banba’s Crown, the location of a signal tower dating from the early 1800’s. Breathnach states it should be played ABCB, after John Doherty, although it is often heard ABC. Source for notated version: fiddler John Doherty, 1965 (Co. Donegal,Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 132, pg. 71. Cranitch (Irish Fiddle Book), 1996; No. 61, pg. 149. Cranitch (Irish Session Tunes: Red Book), 2000; 61. Miller (Fiddler’s Throne), 2004; No. 130, pg. 86. Gael-Linn CEF060, “Paddy Glackin.” Gael-Linn CEF 151, Buttons and Bows – “Gracenotes” (1991). Nimbus NI 5320, Ciarin Tourish & Dermot McLaughlin - “Fiddle Sticks: Irish Traditional Music from Donegal” (1991). Nimbus NI 5320, Paula Doohan, Liz Doherty - “Fiddle Sticks: Irish Traditional Music from Donegal” (1991).

See also listings at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boys of Malin, The [1]

R:reel

D:Paddy Glackin: Ceol ar an bhFidil le Paddy Glackin.

Z:id:hn-reel-45

Z:transcribed by henrik.norbeck@mailbox.swipnet.se

M:C|

L:1/8

K:A

ABcd eAce|fedf edcB|ABcd eAce|1 fdBc d2cB:|2 fdBc defg||

aA~A2 cAce|~a3g fefg|1 aA~A2 cAce|dcBc defg:|2 afge fdec|dfBc d2cB||

|:Aece Aece|Aece d2cB|Aece Aece|fdBc d2cB:|

 

BOYS OF MALLIN [2], THE.  Irish, Reel. B Minor. Standard. AB.

X:1

T:The Boys of Mallin  [2]

D:Buttons and Bows: 'Grace Notes' 1991

Z:Nigel Gatherer

M:4/4

L:1/8

K:Bm (2 sharps)

Bfdf Bfdf|Bfdf e2 dc|Bfdf Bfdf|ecAc ecdc:|

Bcde f2df|g2eg fedc|Bcde f2df|ecAc ecdc|

Bcde f2df|g2eg fedc|Bcde f2df|ecAc efga||

bB B/B/B fBdF|b2ba fefa|bB B/B/B fBdf|ecAc efga|

bB B/B/B fBdF|b2ba fefa|bgaf gefd|ecAc e2dc|]

 


BOYS OF MULLAGHBAWN, THE. Irish, Air (4/4 time). E Minor. Standard. One part. "I obtained the air of this song from Mr. Patrick O'Leary of Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, who himself got it from Mr. M. Nulty, National School teacher of Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. An almost identical setting was sent to me by an unnamed correspondent in Dundalk. Coupling this with the song, we may take it that it is an Ulster melody. The Mullaghbawn commemorated in this air and song is a mountain parish in the southern corner of the Co. Armagh, between Slieve Gullion and Forkhill. It is now remarkable for its prosperous native industries (described in 'Irish Rural Life and Industry,' 1907; p. 170, by the editor, W.T.M.‑F.); as it was formerly noted for its rural social amusements. Mr. W. T. Macartney‑Filgate of Dublin, who knows Mullaghbawn well, has sent me two copies of the song, as well as some particulars regarding it; but I have since found, in my own collection, two other copies printed on ballad‑sheets, which I had overlooked. It is all about a number of young men of Mullaghbawn who were either transported for some illegal practices (about 1798) or seized and sent on board ship by a pressgang. The song is very characteristic of the Irish 'unlettered Muse'" (Joyce).

***

 Ó Boyle gives more about the area and the 'troubles'. Mullaghbawn in the late 18th century in the estate of a local Squire named Richard Johnson, who, in an era of absentee landlordism, actually lived on his estate. Moreover, he was a good manager and encouraged the populace in the region to make the most of their land. In his will he bequeathed sums for the poorest and oldest of his tenants, and this trust is still in existence today. It is not totally surprising that he is still remembered in the area for his acts and example of beneficial caretaking. His successor was not so well liked or admired, and four years after Squire Johnson's death the 'troubles' of 1798 began. The protagonists of the song, transported for their crimes, are popularly thought to have been heroes of the '98 rising, however, Ó Boyle mentions an article by Thomas Wall in Ceol (vol. III, No. 2, 1968) in which it is suggested that they may have been transported for the attempted abduction of an heiress.

***

On a Monday morning early as my wand'ring steps did lead me

Down by a farmer's station of meadow and green lawn;

I heard great lamentation  that the wee birds they were making,

Saying: "We'll have no more engagements with the Boys of Mullaghbawn."

***

Joyce (Old Irish Folk Music and Song), 1909; No. 397, pg. 206. Ó Boyle (The Irish Song Tradition), 1976; pg. 52.

 

BOYS OF NORTH TYNE. See “Boys of Bluehill,” “Beaux of Oak Hill [1],” “Lads of North Tyne.”

 

BOYS OF OUR TOWN, THE. Scottish, Strathspey. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. The tune just below this on the page is “The Girls of Our Town.” Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 4; No. 80, pg. 11.

X:1

T:Boys of Our Town, The

M:C

L:1/8

R:Strathspey

S:Kerr – Merry Melodies, vol. 4, No. 80  (c. 1880’s)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

d<d B>d A>FD>F | G<B A>F (E2 E)A | d<d B>d A>FD>F | G<B F>E (D2 D)A :|

|: d>ef>g a>fd>c | B<B g>f (e2 e)f | d<d B>d A>FD>F | G<B F>E (D2 D)A :|

 


BOYS OF PORTAFERRY, THE (Buacailli Puirt An Calad). AKA and see "The Sporting Boys [1]," "The Pullet [1]." Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AB. David Taylor (1992) traces the tune and its relatives to the apparent root melody, a Scottish tune called "Pigeon on the Gale" (not to be confused with the similarly titled modern tune "Pigeon on the Gate"). The word 'gale' not only means a strong wind but also is the name for a bog‑plant, also called 'sweet‑gale', and either meaning may have been the one intended. Related tunes include "The Red‑Haired Lass" and "Shearing the Sheep," while the 'B' part is inter-changeable with the same part in both "The Primrose Lass" and "The Brown‑Eyed Girl" (although the 'A' parts are quite different). Source for notated version: New Jersey flute player Mike Rafferty, born in Ballinakill, Co. Galway, in 1926 [Harker]. Flaherty (Trip to Sligo), pg. 105a (appears as "Unknown"). Harker (300 Tunes from Mike Rafferty), 2005; No. 106, pg. 33. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 105. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1249, pg. 235. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 521, pg. 98. Taylor (Crossroads Dance), 1992; No. 8, pg. 8. Green Linnet GLCD 1175, Cherish the Ladies – “New Day Dawning.” Green Linnet GLCD 1187, Cherish the Ladies – “One and All: the Best of Cherish the Ladies” (1998).

See also listings at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boys of Portaferry, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 521

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G
BA|G2 BG AcBA|G2 BG GEDE|G2 BG ABce|dBgB c2 BA|G2 BG AcBA|

G2 BG GEDE|G2 BG ABce|dBAB G2||GA|Bdgd edgd|Bdgd e2 dc|Bdgd edef|

GedB c2 BA|Bdgd edgd|Bdgd e2 dc|Bdgd egfa|gedB c2||

X:2

T:Boys of Portaferry, The

T:Sporting Boys, The

T:Pullet, The

R:reel

D:Planxty

Z:id:hn-reel-215

Z:transcribed by henrik.norbeck@mailbox.swipnet.se

M:C|

L:1/8

K:G

G2BG AGBA|G2BG GEDE|G2BG A2Bc|1 dBGB c2BA:|2 dBAB G3A||

|:3Bcd gd edgd|(3Bcd gd e2dc|(3Bcd gd edef|1 gedB c2BA:|2 gedB c2BA||

“Variations:”

G2~G2 AcBA|B2AG GEDE|1 G2BG AGcA|dBGB cAAB:|2 ~G3B ~A3B|dBAB G3A||

|:Bdgd edgd|Bdgd egdc|1 Bdgd ~e3f|gedB cAAc:|2 Bdgd egfa|gedB cAAB||

“Version 2:”

|:~G3B A2BA|~G3A BEDE|~G3B A2Bc|1 dBGB c2BA:|2 dBAB G3A||

|:(3Bcd gd edgd|Bdgd (3efe dc|1 (3Bcd gd edef|gedB c2BA:|2

(3Bcd ef ~g3a|gedB c2BA||

                                               

BOYS OF ROCKHILL. AKA and see "The Coach Road to Sligo [1]," "Billy Patterson," "The Humours of Bantry," "The Blackthorn Stick [1]," "The Rose on the Mountain [1]," "The Fire on the Mountain(s) [2]," "The Maid(en) on the Green," "The Eagle's Nest," "The Catholic Boys [2]," "Fire in the Valley."

                       

BOYS OF SANDY ROW.

                       

BOYS OF TANDRAGEE, THE. AKA – “Boys of Tandernagee.” AKA and see “Burke’s Jig [2],” “Paddy O’Carroll’s [2],” “Rollicking Boys around Tandernagee.” Irish, Jig. E Minor. Standard. AB (Moylan): AA’BB (Songer). Sources for notated versions: Joe Burke via accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border) [Moylan]; Dan Compton (Portland, Oregon) who learned it from the Harrington/O’Sullivan recording [Songer]. Flaherty (Trip to Sligo), 1990; pg. 82. Songer (Portland), 1997; pg. 39. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 235, pgs. 136-137. Gerry Harrington & Eoghan O’Sullivan - “Sceal Eile.”

X:1

T:Boys of Tandernagee, The
T:Rollicking Boys around Tandernagee, The
R:jig
D:Arcady
D:Tommy Keane & Jacqueline McCarthy: The Wind among the Reeds
Z:id:hn-jig-152
Z:transcribed by henrik.norbeck@mailbox.swipnet.se
M:6/8
K:Edor
~B3 ~E3|~B3 d2B|~A3 DED|AFD FGA|~B3 ~E3|BAB def|edB AFA|BEE E2A:|
Bee efe|def afd|edd dcd|Bcd dBA|Bee efe|def afd|edB AFA|BEE E2A:|

                                   

BOYS OF TANDERNAGEE. See “Boys of Tandragee.”

                                   

BOYS OF THE BUNCH. English, Morris Dance Tune (6/8 time). G Major. Standard tuning. AABB (x5). From the village of North Leigh, Oxfordshire, England. There is a dance of this name from Ducklington, also called "Lads A‑Bunchum," danced to another tune. Bacon (The Morris Ring), 1974; pg. 22.

                       

BOYS OF THE COUNTY ARMAGH. Irish, Waltz.

                       

BOYS OF THE HILLTOP. AKA and see “Hilltop.”

                       

BOYS OF THE LAKE [1] (Buachailli an Locha). Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AA'BB'. This is not the more famous "Boys of the Lake." Source for notated version: flute and whistle player Micko Russell, 1969 (Co. Clare, Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 164, pg. 86.

 

BOYS OF THE LAKE [2]. AKA and see "The Merry Blacksmith," “Emminence Breakdown,” "Ike Forrester's Reel [1]," "Paddy on the Railway," "The Corkonian," "The Peeler's Jacket [1]," "The Police Jacket," "The Railroad [2]," "The Shepherd in/on the Gap," "The Peeler's/Policeman's Reel." Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AB. Source for notated version: obtained “about 20 years ago from Mr. M. Flanagoan of the Hibernian Military School, Phoenix Park, Dublin, a good player on the Union pipes. Mr. Flanagan picked them up in North Kildare” [Joyce]. Joyce (Old Irish Folk Music), 1909; No. 360, pg. 166.

X:1

T:Boys of the Lake [2]

T:Merry Blacksmith

M:C

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:Joyce – Old Irish Folk Music and Songs  (1909)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

A | d dA BAFA | AFdA BAFA | ABde f2 ed | Beed Beef |

d2A2 BAFA | AFdA BAFA | ABde f2 ec | dBAF D3 || f |

ac’ag fafe | d3 A BAFA | ABde f2 ed | Beed Beef |

ac’ag fafe | d3 A BAFA | ABde f2 ec | dBAF D3 ||

 

BOYS OF THE LAKE [3], THE. Canadian, Jig. Canada, Cape Breton. D Major/Mixolydian. Standard. AABB’. A ‘double-tonic’ tune composed by Cape Breton fiddler and composer Dan R. MacDonald (1911-1976). Cameron (Trip to Windsor), 1994; pg. 53. Rounder CD 1161-7033-2, Natalie MacMaster – “My Roots are Showing” (2000. Learned from the recordings of Angus Chisholm).

 


BOYS OF THE LOUGH, THE (Buachaillí na Locha). AKA and see "Rakes of Clonmel [2]," "Barrel Rafferty's Reel," “Jerome’s Farewell to Gibraltar,” "Johnstown Reel," "The Rose of Castletown." Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AAB (Flaherty): AABB (Brody, Allan's): AABB’ (Cranford/Holland): ABCD (Breathnach): ABCDEFGHIJKL (Miller). A very popular reel in Ireland, say the group Boys of the Lough. “Boys of the Lough” was popularized by fiddler Michael Coleman, originally from Kilavil, County Sligo, although the melody was “ever part of the local …repertoire,” according to Blooming Meadows (1998) authors Charlie Piggott and Fintan Vallely. Coleman (1891-1945) recorded the tune in 1922 in New York. O’Neill (in 400 Choice Selections) prints the tune under the title “Johnstown Reel,” while Roche has a version called “The Rose of Castletown.” See also similarly titled "Boys From the Lough." “Barrell Rafferty’s Reel”/”Master McDermott” is a related tune, as is the Canadian “Jerome’s Farewell to Gibraltar,” popularised under that title by radio and TV fiddler Don Messer. Sources for notated versions: fiddler Tommy Potts (Ireland) [Breathnach]; fiddler Peter Horan (b. 1926, Kilavil, Co. Sligo, Ireland) [Flaherty]. Allan's Irish Fiddler, No. 37, pg. 9. Boys of the Lough, 1977, pg. 1. Breathnach (CRÉ I), 1963; No. 159, pg. 63. Brody (Fiddler’s Fakebook), 1983; pg. 54. Cranford (Jerry Holland: The Second Collection), 2000; No. 91, pg. 36. Flaherty (Trip to Sligo), 1990; pg. 63. Lyth (Bowing Styles in Irish Fiddle Playing), vol. 1, 1981; 41 & 42. Miller & Perron (Irish Traditional Fiddle Music), 1977; vol. 2, No. 51. Miller & Perron (Irish Traditional Fiddle Music), 2nd Edition, 2006; pg. 53. Coleman Center CD CC004, Peter Horan – “The Mountain Road” (1999. Various artists. “A Compilation of tunes popular in South Sligo”). Coleman Music Center CHC 009, fiddler Pake Spellman (d. 1969, from Doocastle area) – “The Coleman Archive, vol. 2: The Home Place” (2005. Various artists). Green Linnett SIF 3008, “Matt Molloy.” IRC Records, Michael Coleman - “Musical Glory of Old Sligo” (1967). Maggie's Music 107, "Music in the Great Hall" (1992). MKM 7590, Mike McHale – “The Schoolmaster’s House” (2000. Learned from a recording by fiddler Sean McGuire). Mulligan‑Lun 004, "Matt Molloy." Rounder Records 7057, Jerry Holland – “Parlor Music” (2005). Trailer LER 2086, The Boys of the Lough‑ "First Album." Victor 21593B (78 RPM), Ed Reavy (1927).

See also listings at:

Alan Snyder’s Cape Breton Fiddle Recording Index

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources  

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boys of the Lough, The

M:C

L:1/8

K:D Major

dB | AF (3FFF AFAB | defd B3 d | AF (3FFF dF (3FFF | EDEF E2dB |

AF (3FEF A2 AB | defd B3 d | AF (3FFF dF (3FFF | EDEF E2dB ||

AF (3FEF A2 AB | defd dcdB | AF (3FFF dF (3FFF | EG (3FED DFGB |

AF (3FEF A2 AB | defd B3 d | AF (3FFF dF (3FFF | GFEG FDDg ||

fg (3agf gfec | defd dcdB | AF (3FFF dF (3FFF | EDEF E2FE |

D2 af gfec | decd BcdB | AF (3FFF dF (3FFF | GFEG FDDg ||

fgaf gfec | defd B3 d | AF (3FFF ABde | (3fef gf e2 fg |

(3agf (3gfe fdec | (3dcB (3cBA BcdB | AF (3FFF dF (3FFF | EGFE DEFG ||

(3ABA FA A2 FA|defd (3cBA Bd|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|EDEF E2dB|

AF (3FEF A2 AB|defd B3 d|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|EDEF E2dB||

AF (3FEF A2 AB|defd B3 d|AF (3FFF AF DF|(3GFE (3FED CDEF|

(3ABA FA A2 FA|de fd (3cBA Bd|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|GFEG FDDg||

fg (3agf gfec|dB (3BAB GB (3BAB|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|EDEF E2FE|

D2 af gfec|(3dcB (3cBA BcdB|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|GEEG FDDg||

fg (3agf gfec|defd dcdB|AF (3FFF ABde|(3fef gf e2fg|

(3agf (3gfe fdec|(3dcB (3cBA BcdB|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|EA,CE DEFA||

(3ABA FA DAFA|(3ded cd B2 dB|AF (3FFF AFDF|(3GFE (3FED CDEF|

(3ABA FA DAFA|defd BdcB|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|EA,CE D2 dB||

AF (3FFF AFAB|defd B3 d|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|AF (3FFF EFGB|

AF (3FFF A2 AB|defd BABd|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|GFEG FDDg||

fgaf gfec|defd BABd|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|(3GFE (3FED EG FE|

D2 af gfec|d2 c2 BABd|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|GFEG FDDg||

fgaf gfec|defd B3 d|AF (3FFF ABde|fdgf e2 fg|

(3agf (3gfe fdec|(3dcB (3cBA BcdB|AF (3FFF dF (3FFF|EDEF D2||

           


BOYS OF THE TOWN [1], THE (Buacailli an Baile Moir). AKA and see “Miltown Jig.” Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AAB (O'Neill/1915, Tubridy): AABB' (O'Neill/Krassen, 1001 & 1850). The second part is similar in parts to “Boys of the Town [2].” Source for notated version: Chicago fiddler and police sergeant James O’Neill, who helped Francis O’Neill compile and notate his Music of Ireland [O’Neill]. Cotter (Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Tutor), 1989; pgs. 14, 28, 29. Joyce (Ancient Irish Music), 1890; No. 91, pg. 93. O'Neill (O’Neill’s Irish Music), 1915/1987; No. 130, pg. 75. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 29. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 825, pg. 154. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 89, pg. 30. Tubridy (Irish Traditional Music, Book Two), 1999; pg. 39. Copely Records 9-119 (78 RPM), Paddy Cronin (195?). Green Linnet SIF‑3041, Matt Molloy ‑ "Stony Steps" (1989). Green Linnet SIF‑104, Matt Molloy ‑ "The Celts Rise Again" (1990). Green Linnet GLCD 1128, Brendan Mulvihill & Donna Long - “The Morning Dew” (1993). Rounder 7011, "The Beatons of Mabou: Scottish Violin Music from Cape Breton" (1978). WMT002, Wendy MacIsaac – “That’s What You Get” (1998?).

See also listings at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boys of the Town, The [1]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

K:G

D | ~G3 GBd | edB dBA | ~G3 GBd | edB AFD | G3 GBd | edB gfg | edB AGA | BGF G2 :|

|: B | def gfg | afd edB | def gfg | afd e2B | def gfg | afd efg | edB AGA | BGF G2B |

def gfg | afd edB | def gfg | afd e2B | def gbb | faa efg | edB AGA | BGF G2 ||

 

BOYS OF THE TOWN [2], THE. Irish, Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. The second part is similar in parts to “Boys of the Town [1].” Karen Tweed (1994) remarks the tune is a “firm favourite” at sessions in Leeds, England, in the early 1990's. Sources for notated versions: fiddler John McKeown [Feldman & O’Doherty]; fiddler Sean Walker (Victor, New York) [Miller & Perron]. Feldman & O’Doherty (The Northern Fiddler), 1978; pg. 229. Mallinson (Enduring), 1995; No. 49, pg. 21. Miller & Perron (Traditional Irish Fiddle Music), 1977; vol. 2, No. 8. Miller & Perron (Traditional Irish Fiddle Music, 2nd Edition), 2006; pg. 15. Mulvihill (1st Collection), 1986; No. 23, pg. 69. Peoples (50 Irish Fiddle Tunes), Roche Collection, 1982; vol. I, pg. 49, #118. Taylor (Traditional Irish Music: Karen Tweed’s Irish Choice), 1994; pg. 6. Patrick Street – “Street Life.”

See also listings at:

Alan Snyder’s Cape Breton Fiddle Recording Index

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boys of the Town, The [2]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

K:G
ged B2A | BGE G2A | ~B3 ABA | GBd e2d |
ged B2A | BGE G2A | ~B3 AGA | BGF G3 :||
def gfg | eaa eaa | bag e2d | efg efg |
def gfg | afd efg | edB AGA | BGF G3 :||

 

BOYS OF THE TOWN [3], THE. AKA and see "Tarmon's Polka." Irish, Polka.

 

BOYS OF THE TOWN [4], THE. AKA and see “Tell Her I Am [1].” Irish, Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. The tune is a version of what is better-known today as “Tell Her I Am.” Howe (1000 Jigs and Reels), c. 1867; pg. 18.

X:1

T:Boys of the Town [4]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Howe’s 1000 Jigs and Reels (c. 1867)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

d | d>cB/A/ G2A  | EDE G2B | AGA ABc |BGE E2D | d>cB/A/ G2A | EDE G2B |

AGE G2A | GED D2 :: c | BAB dBG | BAB dBG | AGA ABc | BGE E2c |

BAB def | gfe dBG | AGE G2A  | GED D2 :|

 

BOYS OF THE WEST. Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Not "Boys From the West" in Roche. Source for notated version: Chicago cleric Father James  K. Fielding, a flute player originally from Kilkenny; a friend of Francis O’Neill’s and a Gaelic League activist  [O’Neill]. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 58. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1035, pg. 193.

X:1

T:Boys of the West

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 1035

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

g | fed edB | dBG GAB | cBc edc | BAA A2g | fed edB |

dBG GAB | cBc edc | BGG G2 :: z | def gfg | eaa aga | bag bag |

fdd d2g | ecc efg | dBG GAB | ABA gfe | BGG G2 :|

 

BOYS OF THOMASTOWN, THE (Buachaillí Bhaile Mhic Anndáin). AKA and see “Away to the Bogs,” “The Caffler’s Courtship” (Suirighe an Áilteora). Irish, Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Breathnach finds the tune related to “Carraig an tSoip” (The Cook in the Kitchen). See also “Angry Peeler” and “Joe Cooley’s Jig.” Source for notated version: tin whistle player Pat White/Padraic de Faoite [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ I), 1963; No. 14, pg. 7.

 

BOYS OF TRALEE, THE. Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: fiddler J.C. Graham (Dublin) [Darley & McCall]. Darley & McCall, 1914; No. 81, pg. 37. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 4; No. 209, pg. 23.

X:1

T:Boys of Tralee, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Kerr – Merry Melodies, vol. 4, No. 209  (c. 1880’s)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

D|DEF GAB|egd efg|dBG AGF|GAB AGE|DEF GAB|

egd efg|dBG AGF|GBA G2::g|gfe agf|gfg edB|egf gdB|

AcA BGE|DEF GAB|egd efg|dBG AGF|GBA G2:|

 

BOYS OF (THE) TWENTY FIVE [1]. Irish, Reel. D Mixolydian. Standard tuning. AABB' (Carlin): AAB (Miller). Popularized by County Fermanagh flute player Cathal McConnell (of the Boys of the Lough), who learned it from County Fermanagh fiddler Mick Hoy (1913-2000). Carlin (Master Collection), 1984; No. 210, pg. 124. Miller & Perron (Irish Traditional Fiddle Music), 1977; vol. 1, No. 59. Miller & Perron (Irish Traditional Fiddle Music), 2nd Edition, 2006; pg. 53. LoughCD007, Boys of the Lough – “The West of Ireland” (1999). Philo 1026, Boys of the Lough – “Live at Passim” (1975. Learned by flute player Cathal McConnell from fiddler Mick Hoy, who had it from fiddler Andy Cassidy in the 1930’s. Hoy was from Cosbytown, Blaney, Enniskillen on the shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh).

X:1

T:Boys of the 25, The

R:reel

D:Tommy Keane: The Piper’s Apron

Z:id:hn-reel-439

Z:transcribed by henrik.norbeck@mailbox.swipnet.se

M:C|

L:1/8

K:Dmix

cAAF G2AB|cABG AddB|cAAF G2eg|1 fded AddB:|2 fded Adde||

|:~f3g a2ag|~f3g afde|1 fefg a2ge|fde^c Adde:|2 fgaf g2ag|fde^c AddB||

 

BOYS OF TWENTY FIVE [2]. AKA and see "Killaghbeg House," "Ah, Surely," “Rose in the Garden [3],” "The Windy Gap [1]," "The Bonfire [2]." Irish, Reel. A Dorian. Standard tuning. AABB. The title may refer to the political events in Ireland during the year 1925, but there is also a card game in Ireland called Twenty-Five, which involves the taking of tricks. It was said at one time to be a favorite pastime in the winter, when there was relatively less work to be done on the farm, and that games could take some time to complete. Source for notated version: obtained by fiddler Séan McGuire from his father Jack (County Cavan), a piccolo, flute and tin whistle player [McGuire & Keegan]. McGuire & Keegan (Irish Tune by the 100, vol. 1), 1975; No. 57, pg. 15.

 

BOYS OF WEXFORD, THE (Buacaillide Loca g-Carman). AKA and see “Boys of Ireland,” "Flight of the Earls," "In Comes the Captain's Daughter," “Lowlands of Holland,” "Snowy Breasted Pearl [2].” Irish, Air or March (4/4 time, "with spirit"). G Major. Standard tuning. One part (Brody, Johnson, O'Neill): AB (Roche). Wexford is the southeastern Irish county in which the famous doomed rebellion of 1798 began. O’Neill (1913) classifies this air as belonging to the group with “Willy Reilly” et al (see note for “Willy Reilly [2]”). The tune was recorded as “The Boys of Ireland” by Martin Beirne and His Irish Blackbirds in the 78 RPM era. Brody (Fiddler’s Fakebook), 1983; pg. 55. Johnson (The Kitchen Musician No. 5: Mostly Irish Airs), 1985 (revised 2000); pg. 13. O'Neill (O’Neill’s Irish Music), 1915/1987; No. 42, pg. 28. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 81, pg. 14. Roche Collection, 1982; vol. III, pg. 12, #42. Front Hall 01, Fennigs All Stars‑ "The Hammered Dulcimer."

See also listings at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources 

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Boys of Wexford, The

M:C

L:1/8

R:Air

N:”With Spirit”

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 81

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

D2 | (G3A) (GFED) | (d3e) d2c2 | (B2G2) (BA)(GF) | E6 F2 | (G3A) (GFED) |

(d3e) d2c2 | B2A2 GABc | d6 d2 | e2B2 (g3e) | (d3c) B2G2 | c2B2A2G2 |

E4 z3 (EF) | (G3A) (GFED) | (d3e) d2c2 | B2G2 BAGF | G4 ||

 

BOY(S) ON THE HILLTOP, THE (Na Buachaillí ar Bharr an Chnoic). AKA – “Boy on the Hilltop.” AKA and see "The Hilltop." Irish, Reel. A Dorian. Standard tuning. AB. The tune was first recorded by Paddy Killoran and Paddy Sweeney in 1931, remarks Philippe Varlet. Sources for notated versions: fiddler Paddy Killoran (Ireland) [Breathnach]; piper Willie Clancy (1918-1973, Miltown Malbay, west Clare) [Mitchell]. Breathnach (CRÉ III), 1985; No. 84, pg. 42. Mitchell (Dance Music of Willie Clancy), 1993; No. 25, pg. 43. Green Linnet SIF 3015, Tommy Peoples & Paul Brady – “Welcome Here Kind Stranger.” Piping Pig Productions PPPCD001, Jimmy O’Brien-Moran – “Seán Reid’s Favourite” (1996. Learned from piper Seán P. Mac Ciarnáin of Carna, around 1976). Shanachie 33003, Paddy Killoran ‑ "Paddy Killoran's Back in Town" (1977).

X:1

T:Boy(s) on the Hilltop, The

R:Reel

Z:Adrian Scahill

M:4/4

L:1/8

K:G

A3d BGAG | EGGF G2AG | EAA2 BABd | egdc BcdB |\

A3d BGAG | EGGF G2AB | c3A B2GB | dBGA BAA2 ||\

:A2Bd egdB | GBB2 defg | aged (3efg dB | GBdB BAA2 |

aged egdB | GBB2 defg | afge fdef | g2af gedB :||

 

BOYS, THEM BUZZARDS ARE FLYING. Old-Time, Breakdown. A Major. AEae tuning. AB. A modern composition by Gary Harrison, featuring a ‘crooked’ ‘B’ part. Heritage 056, Fly by Night String Band (et al) – “The Young Fogies” (198?).

See also listing at:

Jane Keefer’s Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources

X:1

T:Boys, Them Buzzards are Flying

M:C|

L:1/8
R:Reel

C:Gary Harrison

N:From a transcription by John Lamancusa, by permission. See http://www.mne.psu.edu/lamancusa/tunes.htm

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:A

(e2 | e)eee cBAF | A2 AA FEDD | DDFD =GDFD | DE2F E2 (e2 |

e)eee cBAF | A2 AA FEDD | DDFD =GDFD | DE2F E2 E(F ||

F)E F2 A3B | A2 (c2 c)BcB | A3B A2(c2 | c)BcB ABAE |

FAFE D2 DD | DDFD =GDFD | DE2F E2 E(F | F)E F2 A3B |

A2(c2 c)BcB | A3B A2(c2 | c)BcB ABAE | FAFE D2 DD |

DDFD =GDFD | DE2F E2 E(F | F)E F2 A3B | A8 ||


 

BOZO TWO-STEP. Cajun, Two‑Step. USA, Louisianna. G Major. Standard tuning. AA'. Greenblatt (Cajun Fiddle Book), 1985; pg. 18.

 

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 [COMMENT1]This was Font/Pitch 1,10 - Off.

 [COMMENT2]This was Font/Pitch 1,10 - On.

 [COMMENT3]This was Font/Pitch 1,10 - Off.

 [COMMENT4]Note:  The change to pitch (12) and font (1) must be converted manually.