The Fiddler’s Companion

© 1996-2007 Andrew Kuntz

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[COMMENT1] [COMMENT2] 

GEA - GEN

[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] 

GE DO THEID MI DO M'LEABAIDH (Though I go to bed, little does sleep come to me). Scottish, Air. The air appears in print in "Patrick MacDonald's Collection of Highland Vocal Airs" (Edingburgh, 1784), wherein MacDonald suggests the piece is an ancient harp tune. Topic 12TS381, The Battlefield Band - "At the Front" (1978).

                       

GE HO DOBBIN. See "Gee Ho, Dobbin."

 

GÉABHA SA bPORTACH, NA. AKA and see "The Geese in the Bog."


 

GEADNA ANNSA MOINTE, NA. AKA and see "The Geese in the Bogs."

 

GEADNA FIADHAINE. AKA and see "The Wild Geese [1]."

 

GEAFTAI BHAILE BUI. AKA and see “The Gates of the Yellow Town.”

 

GEAGAN GLAS, AN. AKA and see "The Green Branch."

 

GEAGAN SIOL-EILIG. AKA and see "(A) Sprig of Shillelagh."

 

GEAGHAN’S FANCY. Irish, Reel. AKA and see “Eileen O’Callaghan’s,” “Geogegan’s Reel,” “Paddy Canny’s [2].” See note for “Geogehan’s Reel.”

X:1

T:Geaghan's Fancy (sp?)

T:Eileen O'Callaghan's

T:Paddy Canny's

S:Buttons & Bows, 'Gracenotes'

Z:Nigel Gatherer

M:4/4

L:1/8

K:A

A2 cA EAcB|ABce dBGB|A2 cA EAce|efge dBGB|A2 cA EAcB|

ABce dBGB|Ac c/c/c ecAc|efge dBGB||eaag a2 ga|beee begf|

eaag a2 gf|efge dBGB|eaag a2 ga|b2 ba bagf|eaaa c'aag|efge dBGB|]

 

GEAGHAN’S FAVORITE. AKA and see “Geogehan’s Reel.”

 

GEALACH GHEAL NA BEALTAINE.  AKA and see “The Bright May Moon.”

 

GEALACH NA gCOINNLEACH (The Harvest Moon). AKA and see “Harvest Moon [1].” Irish, Reel. Ireland, County Donegal. Caoimhin Mac Aoidh (1994) explains that the harvest moon (the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox) was thought to fortell the amount of rainfall and the degree of coldness for the coming winter. The Campbell brothers, relates Mac Aoidh, remembered that the travellers (gypsies) had a habit of encamping each year at harvest time near Glenties, and that one of their number included a large man, an accomplished fiddler, known locally as the “Gypsy Mor.” This man was a great believer in the power of the harvest moon, and it was his odd custom to shave only once a year, on the very night it appeared. He entitled his favorite reel “Gealach na gCoinnleach.” The work was likely composed by John Mhosai (Mac Fhionnlaioch), a Donegal fiddler born in the 1840's. 

 

GEALL AN ATAR TOMAIS. AKA and see "Father Tom's Wager."

 

GEALL BRISTE, AN. AKA and see "The Broken Pledge."

 

GEARÓID’S CONCERTINA REEL. Canadian, Reel. Canada, Cape Breton. G Major. Standard. AA’BB’. Composed by fiddler Brenda Stubbert (b. 1959, Point Aconi, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia) in honor of concertina player and historian Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin (County Clare, Ireland) who taught Celtic studies at a university in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and “frequented Cape Breton a couple of years ago” [Cranford]. Cranford (Brenda Stubbert’s), 1994; No. 75, pg. 27. Brenda Stubbert - “House Sessions” (1992).

 

GEARÓID DE BARRA. AKA and see "Garrett Barry{‘s Jig}," "Sergeant Early's Jig," "Tune the Fiddle," "The, Ladies' Fancy [3]."

 

GEARRALTACH BUIDHE, AN.  AKA and see “The Kerry Jig [1].”

 

GEARRAN, AN. Scottish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB'. Composed by James Stewart-Robertson, editor of The Athole Collection. Stewart-Robertson (The Athole Collection), 1884; pg. 84.

X:1

T:An Gearran

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

C:James Stewart-Robertson

R:Reel

B:Stewart-Robertson – The Athole Collection  (1884)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

A|F(AA)c d2AG|F(AA)F GEEG|F(AA)c d2 Ag|faef dDD:|

|:g|fefg a2 gf|edef gfeg|1 fefg a2fa|bgeg fdd:|2 fdaf bgeg|faef dDD||

 


GEARRAN BUIDHE, AN. AKA and see "The Yellow Horse." See also note for "The Cottage By the Sea."

 

GEARRBHODAÍ LAOISE (Lads of Laois). AKA and see “The Lads of Laois{e}.”

 

GEARRCHAILE AN tSABHAIRCÍN. AKA and see “The Primrose Lass [2].”

 

G(H)EARRCHAILE CHRIONNA, AN. AKA and see "The Wise Maid [1]."

 

GEARRCHAILE AN TOBAIR BHEANNAITHE.  AKA and see “The Maid of Hol(l)ywell.”

 

GEARRCHAILE BHAILE MHISTÉALA (Maids of Mitchelstown). AKA and see “Maids of Mitchellstown.”

 

GEARRCHAILE BHAILE UÍ bhFIACHÁIN (The Newport Lass/Lasses). AKA and see “The Newport Lass,” "A/The Trip to Athlone.”

 

GEARRCHAILE OILEÁN PÍCE (The Spike Island Lasses). AKA and see “Spike Island Lasses [1].”

 

GEARRCHAILE SA gCRANN SILÍNÍ, AN (The Maid in the Cherry Tree). AKA and see “The Maid in the Cherry Tree [1].”

 

GEARRCHAILE SA LUACHAIR. AKA and see "The Maid in the Rushes."

           

GEARRCHAILE SA PHARLÚS, AN.  AKA and see “The Lass in the Parlour.”

                       

GEARRCHAILE SHLIABH CISCO. AKA and see “Maid of Mount Kisco.”

...........

GEARRCHAILE SHLIGHGH (The Sligo Maid). AKA and see “The Sligo Maid.”

...........            

GEARRCHAILE TAOBH THIAR DEN BHEÁR (The Maid Behind the Bar). AKA and see “The Maid Behind the Bar [1].”

...........            

GEARRCHAILE NA SAMHAIRCINI. AKA and see "The Primrose Lass [1]."

           

GEARRCHAILÍ BHAILE AN MHUILINN.  AKA and see “The Milltown Lasses.”

 

GEARRCHAILÍ BHAILE NA LEARGADH. AKA and see “Ballinalarkey Maids.”

           

GEARRCHAILÍ CHAISLEÁIN MAÍ TAMHNACH.  AKA and see “Castlemahon Lasses.”

 

GEARRCHAILI CHALLAINN.  AKA and see “Callan Lasses [2].”

 

GEARRCHAILÍ LUIMNIGH. AKA and see “The Limerick Lasses [2].”

           

GEARRCHAILÍ NA NÓNA.  AKA and see “The Noon Lasses.”

 

GEARRCHAILÍ NAOMH BARRA. AKA and see “The Lasses of St. Barry’s.”

           

GEARRCHAILÍ THÍR NA SCEACH. AKA and see “The Tirnaskea Lasses.”

           

GEARRCHAILIÚ ACHADH CONAIRE. AKA and see "The Achonry Lasses."

           

GEARRCHAILIÚ AN DÚIN MHÓIR (Dunmore Lasses). AKA and see “Dunmore Lasses.”

           

GEARRCHAILIÚ BHAILE ÁTHA CLIATH (The Dublin Lasses). AKA and see “The Dublin Lasses [2].”

                       

GEARRCHAILIÚ CHAISLEÁN AN BHARRAIGH (The Maids of Castlebar). AKA and see “The Maids of Castlebar.”

 

GEARRCHAILIÚ CHONTAE MHUIGHEO (The Mayo Lasses). AKA and see “The Mayo Lasses.”

 

GEARRFHIADH 'SAN ARBHAR. AKA and see "The Hare in/among the Corn."

 

GEARY'S HORNPIPE. AKA and see “Mullingar Races [2].” Irish, Hornpipe. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. O'Neill (O’Neill’s Irish Music), 1915; No. 385, pg. 183.

X:1

T:Geary’s Hornpipe

M:4/4

L:1/8

R:Hornpipe

S:O’NeillO’Neill’s Irish Music (1915)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

GABG AGFD | defd gfdc | B2 BG A2 AG | FGAB cAFA | GABG AGFD | defd gfdc |

BGBd cAFA | G2 GF G2 z2 :: gfde fgaf | gfga bgag | fdde fgag | fdcA BcAF |

GABG ABcA | defd gfdc | BGBd cAFA | G2 GF G2 z2 :|

 

GEATAÍ GLASUAINE, NA. AKA and see "The Green Gates."

 

GEATAÍ MÓRA ANNESBROOK. AKA and see “The Grand Gates of Annesbrook.”

 

GEATAIDE GLASSA, NA. AKA and see "The Green Gates."

 

GEATLEY'S. AKA and see "Toss the Feathers [1]," "Thresh the Feathers," "Humours of Ballagh," "Thornberrys," "The New Reel [1]," "The Mountain Lark [1]."

 


GEATSAI NA LEIBIDE. AKA and see "The Awkward Clown's Antics." Irish, Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Roche Collection, 1983, Vol. 3; No. 97, pg. 30.

 

GE(E) HO, DOBBIN [1]. English, Country Dance Tune (6/8 time). D Major. Standard tuning. AABBC (the 'C' part is really a terminal strain of the 'B').

‘Gee ho’ = giddy up or start moving, as in a command to a horse, however, “Gee, ho, Dobbin” was also used as a phrase of contempt when applied to a person. Oliver Goldsmith in his description of “The Club of Choice Spirits,” makes the pimple-nosed gentleman sing “Gee Ho, Dobbin” [Chapell]. Charles Dickens mentions the song in David Copperfield, in the passage:

***

Mrs. Micawber having now raised her voice into a perfect scream, I was so frightened

that I ran off to the club-room, and disturbed Mr. Micawbar in the act of presiding at

a long table, and leading the chorus of

            Gee up, Dobbin

            Gee ho, Dobbin,

            Gee up, Dobbin,

            Gee up, and gee ho—o—o!

***

Dickens has Micawbar sing the song again, over a steaming bowl of punch, in his misery in the Fleet street prison. The older version of this very popular tune to which countless broadside songs have been set (some quite bawdy—see “The Buxom Dairy Maid”). Chappell (1857) says that “Laugh and lay down” is another name for the tune, deriving from a song that commences:

***

While others attempt heavy minutes to kill,

With Ombre, with Commerce, Picquette, and Quadrille.

***

Kidson (1890) finds it in John Sadler’s Apollo's Cabinet, or the Muses Delight (1757) under the title "The Waggoner, or Ge ho, Dobbin!" (also known as “The Jolly Waggoner”). though it also appears in Thompson's Country Dances (vol. 1, c. 1759). A song (“if you want a young man with a true honest heart”) in the ballad opera Love in a Village (1762) is set to the air. Kidson remarks that its popularity was due to the fact that the melody was quite "good and catching, with a refrain everybody knew." 

***

As I was driving my wagon one day,

I met a young damsel tight--buxom and gay;

I kindly accosted her with a low bow,

And I felt my whole body I cannot tell how;

Ge ho, Dobbin! Hi ho Dobbin!

Ge ho, ge Dobbin! Ge ho, ge ho!

***

Kidson (Old English Country Dances), 1890; pg. 8.

X:1

T:Ge Ho, Dobbin [1]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Frank Kidson – Old English Country Dances (1890)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

D|F>GA B>cA|B>dB A>Bc|d>ef B>cd|e>cA d2:|

|:c/d/|e>fe e>cA|e>cA A>FG|A>BA A>GF|G>EF G>FG|

F2A FDF|G2B GEG|F>FA G>FE|D2d D2:||

F2A FDF|G2B GEG|FAd Bed|cAc d2||

 

GEE HO DOBBIN [2]. English, Jig. England, North‑West. G Major. Standard tuning. AAB. The modern variant of the tune. If not obvious, the title refers to directions to a horse (Dobbin) to begin moving. Harding’s All Round Collection, 1905; No. 73, pg. 22‑23. Knowles (Northern Frisk), 1988; No. 60.

X:1

T:Gee! Ho! Dobbin! [2]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Harding’s All Round Collection, No. 73  (1905)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

d/c/|BGB dBd|ece d2d|gfg eag|fef g2:||

f/g/|abg afd|afd dcB|cde dcB|cAB c2z|

(Bc)d BGz|(cd)e cAz|Bcd efg|afd g2||

 

GEEHAN'S REEL. AKA and see “Eileen O’Callaghan('s Reel),“ “Geoghegan’s Favorite,” “Geogehan’s Reel,” "The Grazier," "Green Garters [2]," “Paddy Canny’s [2],” "The Potlick," "The Humours of Flip," “Sally Kelly [2],” "Trim the Velvet." See note for “Geogehan’s Reel.”

 

GEESE IN THE BOG [1] ("Na Géabha sa bPortach" or "Na Geadna Annsa Mointe"). Irish, American; Double Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB (Cole, Kerr, O'Neill/Krassen): AABB' (O'Neill/1001, White): AA'BBCCDDEE (Breathnach). Several tunes have been named "Geese in the Bog." One tune by this name was popular as long ago as 1779; its playing is mentioned by Berringer in an account of a "cake" dance (a dance where a cake was given as a prize) he attended in Connacht. The great County Sligo/New York fiddler Michael Coleman recorded the tune on a 78 RPM disc in the key of G Major, although his version differs slightly. Breathnach states the tune is related to "Saddle the Pony [6]" printed by Levey (No. 43) and to Joyce's "The Housemaid" (No. 841). He says that Petrie (edited by Stanford, 1905, No. 940) printed the first two parts.

***

The title "Geese in the Bog" reminds one of a story related to Charlie Piggott by flute player Roger Sherlock, who was born in County Mayo on the border with Sligo. The story appears in Vallely's and Piggott's Blooming Meadows (1998) and concerns Michael Coleman's brother Jim, also a fiddler and accounted by many to have been even more proficient at the instrument than his famously-recorded brother. Sherlock remembered house-dances that Coleman played for, performing all night, sometimes playing his instrument while simultaneously dancing on a half-door that had been taken from its hinges. At that point coins would be thrown onto the door at his feet, his only pay. Sherlock reminisced:

***

Well, then  he'd put the fiddle in the case and outside he had a flock

of geese that would accompany him to and from the dances. The geese

used to follow him everywhere. He had fifteen or eighteen geese. And

he used to walk from our house to a place called Drumacoo, which

would be—he used to walk as the crow flies of course, across the

fields and the bogs—'twould be roughly about seven miles. And

the geese would be with him all the time.

***

Source for notated version: accordion player Sonny Brogan (d. 1966. Dublin, Ireland; originally from Prosperous, County Kildare. Brogan made records in the 1930’s with The Lough Gill Quartet and was a member of Ceoltóirí Chualann under the direction of Seán Ó Riada) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRE I), 1963; No. 28, pg. 12. Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 77. Ford (Traditional Music in America), 1940; pg. 106. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 1; No. 46, pg. 40. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 67. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1979; No. 1085, pg. 204. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1986; No. 279, pg. 61. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 110. White’s Unique Collection, 1896; No. 19, pg. 4. Green Linnet GLCD 1092, "Liz Carroll" (1988).

See also listings at:

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

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:Geese in the Bog [1]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’NeillDance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 279

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D
Add fdB|AFA AFA|Add fdB|AFA B2A|Add fdB|AFA DFA|gfe fdB|AFA BdB:|

|:AFE DFE|DFA BdB|AFD DFA|BGA BdB|AFE DFE|

DFA Bgf|gfe fdB|1 AFA BdB:|2 AFA B2d||

 


GEESE IN THE BOG [2] (Na Geabha sa bPortach). AKA and see "Bob Thompson's Favourite," "The Coravat Jig [1]," "The Green Meadow [2]," "The Humours of Limerick [2]," "Jackson's Walk to Limerick," "Jackson's Trip to Limerick," "Jackson's Coola," “The Lark’s March,” “Mist on the Meadow,” “Morrison’s Fancy,” "The Mountain Lark [5]," "The Piper's Frolic," “Tom Broderick’s Jig,” "Tuhy's Frolic," "Twice Tricked,” "Wiseman's Favourite." AKA – “The Grouse in the Bog.” Irish, Double Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB (Breathnach): AABBCC (Roche). Some similarities to version #2. Michael Coleman recorded a two part version of the tune. Alternate titles are many: Goodman gives a version as “The Humours of Limerick,” Dickman as “The Piper’s Frolic,” Hudson as “Jackson’s Coola,” and “Twice Tricked” in Holden. “The Catholic Boys’ [2]” shares one part. O’Farrell (Pocket Companion) has it as “Tuhy’s Frolic.” Source for notated version: flute and whistle player Micko Russell, 1969 (Doolin, north Co. Clare, Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 53, pg. 29. Roche Collection, 1912/1983; vol. 1; No. 91, pg. 40. Tara Records 2006, Noel Hill & Tony Linnane.  Plant Life Records PLR017, "The Tannahill Weavers" (1979). Rodeo 47, Johnny Wilmot - “Another Side of Cape Breton.”

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:Geese in the Bog [2]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Roche – vol. 1, No. 91 (1912)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

BAF ADD | FEF DFA | BAF ADD | (F<E)(E E)FA | BAF ADD | FEF ABd |

gfe fdB | AFE EFA :: (d/e/fe) (d2B) | AFA (A2B) | (d/e/fe) (d2f) | ede fdB |

(d/e/fe) (d2B) | AFA ABd | gfe fdB | AFE EFA :: BAF D.G,.G, | .G,.G,.G, G,>dB |

AFD .G,.G,.G, | (B2{c/B/}A) BdB | AFD .G,.G,.G, | .G,.G,.G, [G,DA]Bd | gfe fdB | AFE EFA :|

 

GEESE IN THE BOG [3]. AKA and see “Irish, Double Jig. A Dorian (Harker/Rafferty, Mulvihill, Sullivan, Tubridy): B Minor (Cranitch). Standard. AABB. The melody starts on a C Major chord (or D Major chord, in the case of Cranitch’s version). The second part of the tune is similar to the second part of “Banks of Lough Gowna [1].” Source for notated version: ]; New Jersey flute player Mike Rafferty, born in Ballinakill, Co. Galway, in 1926 [Harker]. Cranitch (Irish Fiddle Book), 1996; No. 6, pg. 127. Harker (300 Tunes from Mike Rafferty), 2005; No. 181, pg. 56. Mulvihill (1st Collection), 1986; No. 66, pg. 79 (appears as “Goose in the Bog”). Sullivan (Session Tunes), vol. 2; No. 35, pg. 14. Tubridy (Irish Traditional Music, vol. 1), 1999; pg. 31. Coleman Music Center CHC 009, flute player Paddy Healy (b. 1937, Ballymote) – “The Coleman Archive, vol. 2: The Home Place” (2005. Various artists. Healy learned the tune from his father, John Martin, also a flute player).

See also listings at:

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

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1

T:The Geese in the Bog (Scottish Pipe Setting)

R:Jig

M:6/8

L:1/8

K:D

f|gBB dBB|gBB def|gBB d A2|Bee e2 f|gBB dBB|gBB def|gfe d A2|Bee e2:||!

d|e2 a egg|e2 a ged|e2 a eff|eaa a2 d|e2 a egg|e2 a ged|gfe d A2|Bee e2:||!

f|gBB BBB|dBB BBB|gBB d A2|Bee e2 f|gBB BBB|dBB BBB|gfe d A2|Bee e2:||!

d|eaa egg|eaa ged|eaa egg|eaa a2 d|eaa egg|eaa ged|gfe d A2|Bee e2:||

X:2

T:The Geese in the Bog [3]

L:1/8

M:6/8

K:D

|:dFF AFF|dFF ABc|dFF AFE|FBB B2c|dFF AFF|dFF ABc|dcB AFE|FBB B2c:|

|:def a2f|afb afe|def afe|fbb baf|def a2f|afb afe|dcB AFE|FBB B2c:|

X:3

T:Geese in The Bog [3]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

K:A Minor

|:cEE GEE|cEE GEE|cEE GED| EAA A2B|cEE GEE|cEE GEE| cBA GED| EAA A2B:|

|:cee gee| aee gee|cee gee| gaa a2e|cee gee| aee ged| cBA GED| EAA A2B:|

 

GEESE IN THE BOGS [4]. Irish, Jig. See note for “Old Grey Goose [1]."

 

GEESE IN THE BOG [5], THE.  Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: from F. Keane [Stanford/Petrie]. Stanford/Petrie (Complete Collection), 1905; No. 940, pg. 239.

X:1

T:Geese in the Bog, The [5]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

B:Stanford/Petrie – Complete Petrie Collection of Ancient Irish Music, No. 940  (1905)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

AGF EFE|DED D2B|AGF EFE|DFA B2d|AGF EFE|

DED D2f|gfe fdB|AFA B2:c|d2d fdB|AFA AFA|

dcd fdB|AFA B2c|”tr”d3 fdB|AFA AFA|gfe fdB|AFA B2d:|

 

GEESE HONKING. AKA and see "Wild Goose Chase [1]." Old‑Time, Breakdown. USA, Kentucky. B Flat Major. Standard tuning. ABB. Dick Burnett, of Monticello, Ky., claimed to have learned the tune from the fiddling governor of Tennessee in the early 20th century, Bob Taylor. Source for notated version: James Bryan with Bob Carlin [Phillips]. Phillips (