The Fiddler’s Companion

© 1996-2008 Andrew Kuntz

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TOM - TON

 

 

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]

 

 

 


TOM A BEDLAM. AKA and see "Fly Brass," "The Jovial Tinker." English, Ballad Air (cut time). A Minor. Standard tuning. AAB. The air appears in Musick's Delight on the Cithren (1666). Bedlam, the popular contracted name for the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem, was for centuries an institution for the insane in London. In 1815 it was moved from its original site to Lambeth (into buildings which now house the Imperial War Museum), and in 1931 it moved again to Beckenham in Kent.  The hospital of St. Mary Magdalen (Maudlin) was its counterpart institution, for females. Bishop Percy once remarked that "the English have more songs on the subject of madness, than any of their neighbours." The reason for this, suggests Chappell (1859), is that the dissolution of the religious houses in the 16th and 17th centuries left the care of the poor and ill unprovided for. "In consequence of this neglect, the idle and dissolute were suffered to wander about the country, assuming such characters as they imagined were most likely to ensure success to their frauds, and security from detection. Among other disguises, many affected madness, and were distinguished by the name of 'Bedlam Beggars'." Apparently many of these "beggars", probably a good many were mentally ill, called themselves Poor Tom, and, according to period accounts, either cajoled or intimidated servants to "give them what they demand, which is commonly 'Bacon', or something that will yield ready money." Tobler reports that in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Man in the Moon, long a symbol of insanity, was often depicted as a bent old man with a staff, leading a dog and carrying a thorn bush and a lantern. The tune was known in the Netherlands as “Verdwaelde Koningin,” published in 1649 in a volume called Der Fluyten Lust-Hof (The Flute’s Garden of Delights) by Jacob van Eyck (c. 1590-1657), a recorder player, carillonneur of the Utrecht Dom Cathedral, and director of all the bells and clock-chimes of the city. A text of the Dutch song can be found in a song-book called Minnaers Harten-jacht (Lovers heart hunt), printed in 1627, where it tells of a lost queen. Chappell (Popular Music of the Olden Times), vol. 1, 1859; pg. 175.

 

TOM AN t-SEARREACH (Knoll of the Foal).  AKA and see “Heather Island.” Scottish, Air.

 

TOM AND JERRY [1]. Old‑Time, Texas Style; Breakdown. USA; Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arizona. A Major. AEae or Standard. AABB. The title has several associations. A ‘Tom and Jerry’ was a concoction whose ingredients are whiskey, hot water, sugar, nutmeg, and whipped whites of eggs; it is sometimes known as a seasonal (New Year’s) drink, served in a special bowl (Thede, 1967). Present-day fiddlers probably remember Tom and Jerry as the cat and mouse antagonists of Saturday morning cartoons. However, the first famous association of the two names together was in the early years of the 19th century in a book called Life in London (1820-1821), by Pierce Egan (1772-1849). It features the characters of a young country squire, Jerry Hawthorne who is shown about town by his elegant cousin, Corinthian Tom, and Bob Logic, as rakes in Regency England who mis-adventured among upper-class society, especially at one of the most exclusive establishments of the fashionable Regency world: Almack’s Assembly Rooms in King Street, London. The book (which also had illustrations by George and Robert Cruikshank) was written in thick period slang and was enormously popular with the younger set of the era, although frowned upon by their elders. Due to the influence of the book, a ‘Tom and Jerry’ came to refer to a low drinking house in the Regency Period in England, and, further derived, referred to fighting, drinking and causing trouble (as in “we had a real Tom and Jerry that night”). Arizona fiddler Kenner Kartchner said the tune was from the South, and difficult to play in standard tuning. The tune was played at a fiddlers' convention at the Pike County (Alabama) Fairgrounds, according to an account in the Troy Herald of July 6, 1926. The tune was recorded for the Library of Congress by musicologist/folklorist Vance Randolph from the playing of Ozark Mountain fiddlers in the early 1940's, and by Herbert Halpert in 1939 from the playing of Mississippi fiddlers Stephen B. Tucker and John Hatcher.  It is known as a Missouri piece. Sources for notated versions: Ardell Christopher (El Paso, Texas) [Christeson]: Herman Johnson (Brody): J.S. Price (Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma) [Thede]. Christeson (Old Time Fiddlers Repertory, vol. 1), 1973; pg. 23. Brody (Fiddler’s Fakebook), 1983; pg. 278. Thede (The Fiddle Book), 1967; pg. 50. Also published in Howe’s Musician’s Omnibus (1864). American Heritage 1, Herman Johnson‑ "Champion Fiddling." County 707, Major Franklin‑ "Texas Fiddle Favorites." County 724, Benny Thomasson (Texas) ‑ "Country Fiddling." County 727, John Ashby‑ "Old Virginia Fiddling." County 790, Leftwich & Higginbotham - "No One to Bring Home Tonight" (1984). Elektra EKS 7285, The Dillards with Byron Berline‑ "Pickin' and Fiddlin.'" Missouri State Old Time Fiddlers Association 002, Taylor McBaine (b. 1911) ‑ "Boone County Fiddler." Missouri State Old Time Fiddlers' Association, Lymon Enloe (b. 1906). Rounder 0068, Mark O'Conner‑ "Pickin' in the Wind." Yodel-Ay-Hee 05, The Wildcats - "On Our Knees" (1992).

X:1

T:Tom and Jerry

S:Sam Bush, Repertoire Tape, 1985

Z:Transcribed by Nigel Gatherer

M:2/4

L:1/8

K:A

EF|A2 Ac BAGB|ABcA ecAG|Acea (3f=gf ed|cedf edcB|

AAec BAGB|ABcA ecAG|Acea (3f=gf ed|cAec A2:|]

eg|aeca ecBc|defg agfg|egbe (3fgf eg|agbg aece|

aeca ecBc|defg agfg|egbe (3fgf eg|agbg a2:|]

 

TOM AND JERRY [2]. Scottish, Reel. D Major. Standard. AABB. Apparently, this was the original tune from which the old‑time version derived. It is labelled “Scotch” in Ryan’s/Cole’s, although with what authority is not known. Perhaps the earliest recording is from 1905 by violinist Charles D’Alamaine, born in 1871 in England, who died in 1943. D’Alamaine immigrated to the United States in 1888, and by 1890 had established himself as “instructor on violin” in Evanston, Illinois; by 1910 he had removed to Yonkers, and in 1920 was a chiropractor in New York City (info. from Paul Gifford). Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 45. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 73.

X:1

T:Tom and Jerry

B:Ryan's Mammoth Collection (facsimile 1995)

N:labelled "Scotch" in the book

Z:Transcribed by Nigel Gatherer

M:2/4

L:1/8

K:D

A2|d2 fd efge|d2 fd efge|dfad' c'bag|fgab agfe|

d2 fd efge|d2 fd efge|dfad' c'bag|fgef d2:|]

AG|FAdA FAdA|GBdB GBdB|ABcd efge|fgef dcBA|

FAdA FAdA|GBdB GBdB|ABcd efge|fgef d2:|]

 

TOM AND JERRY [3]. Scottish?, Reel. C Major. Standard. AABB. Howe (c. 1867) prints directions to a contra-dance with the tune. Hardings All Round Collection, 1905; No. 43, pg. 13. Howe (1000 Jigs and Reels), c. 1867; pg. 81.

X:1

T:Tom and Jerry [3]

M:2/4

L:1/8

R:Reel

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

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:C

G | cc/e/ gg/e/ | fa a/g/d/c/ | cc/d/ ed/c/ | c/d/e/d/ c/B/A/G/ | cc/e/ gg/e/ | fa a/f/d/c/ |

cc c/d/e/c/ | d2 c :: B/c/ | dd/B/ Ge/f/ | gg/e/ cd/e/ | f/e/f/g/ a/g/f/e/ | d/c/B/A/ G/A/B/c/ |

dd/B/ Ge/f/ | gg/e/ cd/e/ | f/e/f/d/ cB | d2c :|

 

TOM AND JERRY [4]. AKA and see "Highland Laddie." English, March or Polka (2/4 time). England, Yorkshire. D Major. Standard. AABB. The tune is the well-known "Highland Laddie." See note on the literary characters Tom and Jerry in “Tom and Jerry” [1]. Source for notated version: an MS collection by fiddler Lawrence Leadley, 1827-1897 (Helperby, Yorkshire) [Merryweather & Seattle]. Merryweather & Seattle (The Fiddler of Helperby), 1994; No. 118, pg. 63.

           

TOM BÁN’S. Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard. AABB. Source for notated version: the late tin whistle player Micho Russell (Doolin, County Clare), named for Tom Bán, a local fiddler from whom Russell obtained the tune [Black]. Black (Music’s the Very Best Thing), 1996; No. 298, pg. 160.

X:1

T: Tom Ban's

S: Micho Russell

Q: 350

R: reel

Z:Transcribed by Bill Black

M: 4/4

L: 1/8

K: G

e | d2 d2 BGBd | egfa g3 e | d2 de dBGA | BAAB A3 B |

d2 d2 BGBd | egfa g2 fg | a2 ag fdef | gbaf g3 :|

e | dg (3gfg dg (3gfg | dg (3gfg agfg | a2 ab agfg | agfe dcBc |

dg (3gfg dg (3gfg | dg (3gfg agfg | a2 ag edef | gbaf g3 :|

           

TOM BARRETT'S. AKA and see “The Queen’s Polka,” “Top of the Maol.” Irish, Polka. Breathnach. Tom Barrett was a fiddler from Listowel, County Kerry, a friend of Brendan Breathnach, whose collecting efforts he aided. Flying Fish, How To Change a Flat Tire ‑ "Traditional Music of Ireland and Shetland."

           

TOM BHEATTY’S WALTZ. See “Tommy Bheatty’s Waltz.

           

TOM BIG BEE RIVER. AKA and see "Tombigbee Waltz."

           

TOM BILLY MURPHY’S. AKA and see “Sheehan’s (Jig). Irish, Jig. E Minor. Standard. AABB. Source O’Leary remarked that Kerry musician Murphy had a vast repertoire, a “world of music”: “Padraig (O’Keeffe) got all his music from Tom Billy. Poor Tom wouldn’t see him at all, Padraig taking it down shorthand” (Moylan). This tune was often paired with “Hennigan’s Favourite” by O’Leary. See also the related “Jackson’s Post-Chaise.” Source for notated version: accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border) [Moylan]. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 182, pg. 105.

 


TOM BILLY'S {JIG} [1] (Port Tom Billy). AKA and see "The Ball (Humours) of Ballynafeidh," "The Banks of Lough Gowna," "The Clare Jig [1]," "Delaney's Drummers," "The Kitten and the Frog," "Kitty in the Fog," “The Mug of Brown Ale [2],” “Old Man Dillon,” "One Bottle More [2]," "Paddy in London" [2], "Paddy O'Brien's (Jig) [3],” “The Raffle Jig,” "The Rambler From Clare [1]," "The Stonecutter's Jig," “Winter Apples [2],” "Young Tom Ennis." Irish, Jig. A Mixolydian. Standard. AABB'CC' (Breathnach, Mulvihill, Songer): AA’BB’C (Moylan). Tom Billy Murphy (1879-1944), a native of Ballydesmond, west Kerry, was an influential fiddler and teacher in the Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border during the early twentieth century, and was a contemporary of the great Kerry fiddler Padraig O’Keeffe. Tom Billy himself learned much of his repertoire from a blind fiddle player named Taidhgin an Asail (Tadhg O Buachalla/Tadeen the Fiddler). Source Johnny O’Leary played extensively with fiddler Denis Murphy who was known for his vast repertoire, much of it Tom Billy’s. O’Leary never heard Murphy play this particular tune until he recorded it however, “He kept tunes up his sleeve all the time that I usen’t get. I got the land of my life when I asked him for it and ‘I thought you had it’, he says, ‘I always had that after Tom Billy.’ But he knew well I hadn’t it.”  Sources for notated versions: fiddlers Julia Clifford & Denis Murphy (west Kerry, Ireland) [Breathnach]; accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border) [Moylan]; fiddler Brendan Mulvihill (Baltimore, Md.) [Mulvihill]; Kevin Burke (Portland, Oregon) [Songer]. Breathnach (CRE III), 1985; No. 13, pg. 7. Breathnach (CRÉ II); No. 48, pg. 27 (appears untitled). Bulmer & Sharpley (Music from Ireland), 1974, vol. 3; No. 68. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 241, pgs. 139-140. Mulvihill (1st Collection), 1986; No. 88, pg. 83. Songer (Portland Collection), 1997; pg. 194. Vallely (Learn Tin Whistle with the Armagh Pipers Club), vol. 3, 5. Claddagh Records CC5/Shanachie 34002, Denis Murphy & Julia Clifford ‑ "The Star above the Garter" (1969). Co. Donegal fiddler Tommy Peoples has recorded as "Paddy O'Brien's" on his Ovation album "Tommy Peoples: Master Irish Fiddle Player."

 

TOM BILLY'S (JIG) [2]. AKA – “Tom Billy’s Favourite.” AKA and see “Blathana an earraigh,” “Flowers of Spring [2],” “Katie’s Fancy.” Irish, Jig. A Dorian. Standard. AA’BB’. Sources for notated versions: accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border) [Moylan]; set dance music recorded at Na Píobairí Uilleann in the late 1980’s [Taylor]. Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 31, pg. 19 (appears as “Flowers of Spring/Blathanna an Earraigh”). Bulmer & Sharpley (Music from Ireland), 1974, Vol. 3; No. 67. Ceol, vol. 2, No. 4. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 242, pg. 140. Taylor (Music for the Sets: Blue Book), 1995; pg. 4 (appears as “Tom Billy’s Favourite”). Claddagh CC5, Denis Murphy & Julia Clifford - “The Star Above the Garter” (1969). Shanachie 79044, Tommy Peoples - "The Iron Man." Tara 2006, “Tony Linnane & Noel Hill.”

X:1

T:The Flowers of Spring

T:Tom Billy's Jig

B:Breathnach, CRE II, no. 31

S:Denis Murphy

R:double jig

M:6/8

L:1/8

K:Ador

G|ABA ABd|edB G2 B|dBB GBB|ABd efg|

(4ABcA ABd|edB G2 B|dBB GBB|ABA A2:|

|:d|eaa {b}aga|bab age|ege GBd|ede {a}ged|

eaa {a}aga|bab age|(4efge dBG|ABA A2:|

 

TOM BILLY’S (JIG) [3]. AKA and see “Chalk Sunday.” Irish, Jig. A Major. Standard. AA’BB’.

X:1

T: Tom Billy's

M: 6/8

R: Jig

S:From Maurice O'Keeffe, who learned it from Johnny Dennihy who said it was from

S:blind fiddler Tom Billy Murphy.

K: A

A2B cBc | Ace a2f | ecA BAF | BcB {d}BAF |

A2B cBc | Ace a2f | ecA BAB |1 cAA AFE :||2 cAA A2f ||

ece a2f | ece a2f | ecA BAF | BcB {d}BAF |

A2B cBc | Ace a2f | ecA BAB |1 cAA A2f :||2 cAA AFE||

 

TOM BILLY’S (JIG) [4]. AKA and see “The Cordal Jig,” “Julia Clifford’s (Jig) [2],” “Padraig O’Keeffe’s (Jig) [2],” “Wren’s Nest [2].” Irish, Jig. A version of O’Neill’s “Morgan Rattler. 

 

TOM BILLY’S JIG [5]. AKA and see “Rattle the Quilt.” Irish, Jig. A note with the tune in Treoir says “—see Padraig Ó Caoimh’s manuscript.” Treoir, vol. 2, No.3, pg. 12. Whirling Discs WHRL001, Dervish – “Harmony Hill.”

                                      

TOM BILLY’S (SLIDE). Irish, Slide (12/8 time). Ireland, Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border. D Major. Standard tuning. AA’BB (Breathnach): AA’BB’ (Breathnach). Source for notated version: Tom Billy Murphy of Kingwilliamstown (1879-1944) via accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region) [Breathnach, Moylan]. Breathnach (CRÉ II); No. 60 (appears untitled). Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 118, pgs. 68-69. Gael-Linn CEF132, Johnny O’Leary - “An Calmfhear/The Trooper” (1989).

                       

TOM BILLY’S FAVOURITE [1]. AKA and see “Denis Murphy’s Slide” [2]. Globestyle Irish CDORBD 085, The Kerry Fiddle Trio - “The Rushy Mountain” (1994. Reissue of Topic recordings).

 

TOM BILLY’ S FAVOURITE [2]. See “Tom Billy’s Jig [2]."

                       

TOM BILLY’S FAVOURITE [3]. See “Dingle Regatta.”

           

TOM BILLY’S HORNPIPE. AKA and see “Mike Sullivan’s Hornpipe [1]."

                       

TOM BILLY'S POLKA [1] (Polca Tom Billy). AKA and see  Ballydesmond Polka”  [3], “Gneevequilla Polka.” Irish, Polka. Ireland, County Kerry. A Dorian. Standard tuning. AA'BB. The title honors Tom Billy Murphy of Kingwilliamstown (1879-1944), an influential fiddler in the Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork/Kerry border. As part of the  “Ballydesmond Polkas” it is the third tune in the series. Source for notated version: fiddler Paddy Cronin (Co. Kerry) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ  III), 1985; No. 73, pg. 36. Outlet Records OAS 3002, Paddy Cronin - "Kerry's Own Paddy Cronin" (1977). Chieftains – “Chieftains 5” (appears as last of “Three Kerry Polkas”).

 


TOM BILLY’S (POLKA) [2]. AKA and see "Lass o' Gowrie [1]," "Loch Erroch Side," “Loch Ericht Side,” "I'm O'er Young to Marry Yet [3]," "Lakes of Sligo," “Over the Hills to Glory,” "Rocky Road to Dublin [4]" (Pa.). Irish, Polka. Ireland, Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Source O’Leary usually paired this tune with “Dan O’Connell’s Favourite.” Source for notated version: accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region), recorded in recital at Na Píobairí Uilleann, February, 1981 [Moylan]. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 222, pg. 128.

                                      

TOM BILLY’S REEL [1]. AKA and see “McBand’s Reel.” Irish, Reel. Ceol, vol. 5, No. 1.

              

TOM BILLY’S REEL [2]. AKA and see “Humours of Scartaglen,” “The Gleanntán Reel [4],” “The New Post Office.” Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. The title honors Tom Billy Murphy of Kingwilliamstown (1879-1944), an influential fiddler in the Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork/Kerry border. The melody is heard in both two- and three-part versions under the various alternate titles. Source for notated version: accordion player Eoghan O’Sullivan and fiddler Gerry Harrington (County Cork) [Songer]. Songer (Portland Collection), 1997; pg. 195. Shanachie 34002, Dennis Murphy & Julia Clifford - “The Star Above the Garter” (196?. Two part version).

 

TOM BILLY’S (REEL) [3]. AKA and see “Charlie Mulvihill’s (Reel) [2],” “Cronin’s Fancy Hornpipe,” “The Doon Reel [2],” “The Kilfenora Reel [3],” “O’Keeffe’s Reel [2],” “O’Keefe’s Speed the Plow,” “Speed the Plow [2].” Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Not “Tom Billy’s Reel” [1] or [2]. Bulmer & Sharpley (Music from Ireland), vol. 1, No. 41. Mallinson (Essential), 1995; No. 9, pg. 4. Shanachie 79023, "Chieftains 3" (1971/1982).

X:1

T:Tom Billy's Reel

T:O'Keefe's Plow

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

N:O'Keefe's Plow

Z:Roger Landes

K:D

dcdA BAFB|AF F/2F/2F EFDE|F/2F/2F AF G/2G/2G BG|ABde fdec|d/2d/2d dA BAF

B|AF F/2F/2F/2 EFDE|F/2F/2F AF G/2G/2G BG|1ABde fe e/2e/2e:|2ABde fdde||

fa a/2a/2a afdf|g/2g/2g fg edBd|fa a/2a/2a bafd|ABde fe e/2e/2e|fa a/2a/

2a afdf|g/2g/2g fg|{f}edBA|F/2F/2F AF G/2G/2G BG|1ABde fe e/2e/2e:|2ABde fdec||

 

TOM BILLY’S (REEL) [4]. AKA and see “Bank of Turf [1]." Tommy Peoples – “The Iron Man” (appears as “Tom Billy’s”).

           

TOM BILLY’S WALTZ. Irish, Waltz. D Major. Standard tuning. AA’BB’. Source for notated version: accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border) [Moylan]. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 272, pg. 155.

           

TOM BOWLING.  English, Air. A song composed by Charles Dibdin (1745-1814), a very popular English musical dramatist of his era, in memory of his older brother Thomas Dibdin. Charles was the 18th son of a silvermaker, understandably driven to poverty, and Tom was some 29 years older and something of a father-figure to Charles. The elder brother had been an East India trade sea-captain, killed when his ship was struck by lightning. The song (also called “The Sailor’s Epitaph”) first appeared in The Oddities, performed at The Lyceum Theatre in 1789. Words begin:

***

Here, a sheer hulk, lies poor Tom Bowling

The darling of the crew;

No more he’ll hear the tempest howling

For death has broach’d him to.

His form was of the maliest beauty,

His heart was kind and soft,

Faithful, below he did his duty,

But now he’s gone aloft.

***

It is well-recorded that the song was American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau’s favourite song.

 

TOM BRIGGS' (JIG). American, Dance Tune (2/4 time). D Major. Standard tuning. AABB.  In this case the term "jig" refers to a kind of syncopated old‑time dance tune, much associated with the banjo and almost always in 2/4 time; it does not refer here to the more familiar 6/8 Irish jig. John Hartford (Devils Box) thinks the use of the word ‘jig’, as in 'jig dancing' and the derogatory name for African-Americans, is derived from this. However, the term ‘jig’ in the British Isles long has been used generically for any kind of solo dance step, and it is likely the same usage migrated to America. Tom Briggs, according to Edward Le Roy Rices’ Monarchs of Minstrelsy (New York, 1911) was:

***

...one of the earliest and greatest banjo performers in minstrelsy; when he first went

on the stage, in the early 40’s, he travelled under the name of Fluter. He invented the

banjo thimble in 1848 [used for rapid tremolo picking], and it came into general use three

 years later. He was the first to do the bell chimes  [i.e. harmonics] , and gave imitations

of a horserace on the banjo. He played successful engagements in the 40’s and 50’s with

Wood’s Minstrels, likewise Buckley’s Serenaders.  September 20 1854, he left New York

with E.P. Christy’s Minstrels to play an engagement in San Francisco; he contracted an

illness on the way, and was unable to play. Tom Briggs died in San Francisco October 23,

1854; aged 30 years.  (pg. 46)

***

Briggs had been taught to play by one of the first minstrel performers, Billy Whitlock, an original member of the seminal Virginia Minstrels (Dan Emmett’s group) and was quite famous as a banjoist in his day. Unfortunately, as Rice mentions above, he contracted typhoid fever while crossing the jungles of the Isthmus of Panama in the years following the California Gold Rush, and died soon after reaching California on the ship the Golden Age. A fretless banjo tutor, Briggs’ Banjo Instructor, was published in his name in 1855, having been completed by his friend (and fellow-minstrel performer) James Buckley (for more on whom see note for “Dar’s Sugar in the Gourd”). The tutor has been reprinted recently (1992), and is often referred to for learning the minstrel style of playing. Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 80. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 2; No. 425, pg. 48. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 113.

X:1

T:Tom Brigg’s

M:2/4

L:1/8

R:”Jig”

S:Ryan’s Mammoth Collection (1883)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

D |: D/F/z/A/ d/A/F | G/B/z/d/ d/g2 | D/F/z/A/ d/A/F/ | E4 | D/F/z/A/ d/A/F | G/B/z/d/ g2 |

f/e/d/f/ e/d/c/e/ | z/d/A/F/ D2 :: f/a/z/a/ a/f/a | f/a/z/f/ e/f/d | g/b/z/g/ b/g/b | g/b/z/f/ e/f/d |

f/a/z/f/ a/f/a | f/a/z/f/ e/d/e/g/ | f/e/d/f/ e/d/c/e/ | z/d/A/F/ D2 :|


           

TOM BRODERICK’S JIG.  AKA and see "Bob Thompson's Favourite," "The Coravat Jig [1]," “The Geese in the Bog [2],” "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," “Thrush in the Straw [1],” “Tom Broderick’s Jig,” "Tuhy's Frolic," "Twice Tricked,” "Wiseman's Favourite." Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABBCCDDEE. Tom Broderick was a neighbour of young Mike Rafferty’s in Ballinakill, who gave him this tune along with several others [Harker]. Source for notated version: New Jersey flute player Mike Rafferty, born in Ballinakill, Co. Galway, in 1926 [Harker]. Harker (300 Tunes from Mike Rafferty), 2005; No. 165, pg. 51.

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

 

TOM BROWN'S BURLETTA. AKA and see "Jiggs On Parade." American Veteran Fifer, 1927; No. 30.

           

TOM BUSBY'S. Irish, Double Jig. E Dorian. Standard tuning. AABB. Piper Tom Busby emigrated from County Fermanagh to the United States in the 1930’s, and learned to play the pipes in the Connaught style. His teacher was Mike Carney. Billy and Charlie Taylor, famous uilleann pipe makers who emigrated to America in the 19th century, mad a set of pipes for Tom Kerrigan, their first customer after coming over and landing in New York (where Kerrigan put them up), then to Philadelphia. Kerrigan’s set of pipes devolved to piper Busby, who had moved to New York, who in turn gave them to a man named Martin Kerrigan of County Wexford, who claimed to be a relation of Tom Kerrigan. Taylor (Crossroads Dance), 1992; No. 41, pg. 31. Shaskeen - "Mouse Behind the Dresser." Piping Pig Records PPPCD 001, Jimmy O’Brien- Moran – “Seán Reid’s Favourite” (1996). Shanachie SH-78010, Solas - “Sunny Spells and Scattered Showers” (1997).

                       

TOM CAT RAG. Old-Time, Breakdown. G Major. Standard tuning. AB. Source for notated version: Jack Link [Silberberg]. Silberberg (Tunes I Learned at Tractor Tavern), 2002; pg. 158.

                       

TOM CAWLEY’S. AKA – “The Wind off the Lake.” AKA – “Tommy Cowley’s.” Irish, Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Tom Cawley was a fiddler from the Tubbercurry, Doocastle, County Sligo, region who emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century. He made some important recordings during the “golden age” of Irish traditional music in the 1920’s-1940’s, often paired with another fiddler, Francis Cashin. The duo recorded “The Silver Tip” in 1929, and a year later recorded in Chicago the reel “Wheels of the World.” Cawley eventually settled in New York and played in various bands in Harlem in the 1930’s (personal communication from his grandson, Matt Cawley). He died around 1940. Source for notated version: fiddler Johnny McGreevy (Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ III), 1985; No. 3, pg. 3 (appears as “Tommy Cowley’s Jig”). Treoir, vol. 32, No. 4. Green Linnet Records SIF 1023, Joe Shannon & Johnny McGreevy ‑ "The Noonday Feast" (1980).

X: 1

T: Tom Cawley's

N: "TC was a fiddler from Doocastle, Co.Sligo" (near Brendan Tonra's

N: home town - BB)

M: 6/8

L: 1/8

Q: 325

S: Treoir 32/4

Z: Transcribed by Bill Black

R: jig

K: G

D | GBB BAB | GBB BAG | FAA A2 D | FAA A2 D |

GBB BAB | GBB BAG | def gdc | BGG G2 :|

g | aba  afd | gag gfe | d^cd gdB | BAA A2 g |

aba afd | gag gfe | d^cd gd=c | BGG G2 :|

                       

TOM CLAIR’S MAGGIE. AKA and see “Lady’s Bonnet,” “Reel with the Beryle.” Irish, Reel. E Minor. Standard tuning. AA’B. O’Neill (1922) remarks: “The first part of Mr. Clair's tune differs but little from ‘Drowsy Maggie’ in common circumstances.” O’Neill (Waifs and Strays of Gaelic Melody), 1922; No. 300.

X:1

T:Tom Clair's Maggie (#300)

M:4/4

L:1/8

S:noted from Clair's playing by Capt. F. O'Neill

Z:Paul Kinder

R:Reel

K:E Minor

B|:"tr"E2 BE dEBE|"tr"E2 BE AFDF|1"tr"E2 BE d2 d2|e2 dB AFDF:|

2GFEF GFGB|dedB AFDF||(3Bcd ef e3 g|

fd ~d2 fd ~d2|g2 "tr"gf g2 g2|afdf afdf|

a2 "tr"af g2 eg|e2 ef B3 A|DGGF GABd|(3efg dB AFDF||

           

TOM CLARK’S FANCY. AKA and see “Green Fields of Ros(s)beigh,” “The Kerry Reel [1].” Irish, Reel. Recorded by County Cavan/Philadelphia fiddler and composer Ed Reavy (1898-1988) for the Victor company in Camden, New Jersey, in 1927 (Victor 21593B).

                       

TOM COLLINS’. Irish, Jig. Philippe Varlet suggests it is a version of “The Angry Peeler.Moher – “Over the Edge.”

                       

TOM CONNER'S JIG (Port Taim, Uí Chonchúir). Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Breathnach (1976) notes that Tom Connor was an old fiddler from County Cork who liked to play this tune for dancers. Source for notated version: fiddler Denis Murphy, 1967 (Gneeveguilla, Co. Kerry, Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 57, pg. 33. Spin CD1001, Eoghan O’Sullivan, Gerry Harrington, Paul De Grae - “The Smoky Chimney” (1996).

           

TOM CONNOR'S HORNPIPE (Cornphíopa Thomáis Uí Chonchuir). AKA and see “Killaloe Hornpipe,” “Widow Cantwell’s Fancy.” Irish, Hornpipe. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. The melody was collected by O’Neill as “The Widow Cantwell’s Fancy” and, in the mid-19th century, by Church of Ireland cleric and uilleann piper James Goodman (1828-1896) as “The Killaloe Hornpipe.” Source for notated version: fiddler Denis Murphy, 1970 (Co. Kerry, Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 304, pg. 155.

           

TOM CROMWELL. AKA and see “Kerry No. 1.” Irish, Polka. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: set dance music recorded at Na Píobairí Uilleann, mid-1980’s [Taylor]. Taylor (Music for the Sets: Yellow Book), 1995; pg. 34.

           

TOM DEERING'S RAMBLES. American, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Composition credited to Edwin Christie in Ryan’s Mammoth Collection. This is not the Edwin Christy of blackface minstrel fame, however, but rather a journeyman composer of light music from Boston by the name of Edwin P. Christie. Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 39. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 65.

X:1

T:Tom Deering’s Rambles

M:

L:1/8
R:Reel

S:Ryan’s Mammoth Collection (1883)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

GB dg | ea/g/ f/d/e/f/ | g/d’/c’/e/ d/c’/b/d/ | ^c/d/b/a/ f/d/=c/A/ | GB dg | ea/g/ f/d/e/f/ |

g/d’/c’/e/ d/c’/b/d/ | ^c/b/a/f/ g2 :: {g/a/}g/f/g/a/ b/g/d/B/ | a/>a/”tr”a {^g/a/}f/>d/”tr”d |

{^c/d/}g/a/b/c’/ d’/b/g/b/ | a/d’/^c’/d’/ =c’/a/f/d/ | {g/a/}g/f/g/a/ b/g/d/B/ |

a/>a/”tr”a {^g/a/}f/>d/”tr”d | {^c/d/}g/a/b/c’/ d’/b/c’/a/ | b/g/a/f/ g2 :|

           

TOM DEY STRATHSPEY. Scottish, Strathspey. A Major. Standard tuning. AAB. Source for notated version: Peter Chaisson, Jr. (b. 1942, Bear River, North-East Kings County, Prince Edward Island) [Perlman]. Perlman (The Fiddle Music of Prince Edward Island), 1996; pg. 194.

           

TOM DILLANE’S. Irish, Hornpipe. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Black (Music’s the Very Best Thing), 1996; No. 334, pg. 178.

X:1

T: Tom Dillane's

S: M. Mulvihill

Q: 325

R: hornpipe

Z:Transcribed by Bill Black.

M: 4/4

L: 1/8

K: D

AG | (3FED FA d2 dA | (3Bcd ef g2 g2 | fafd eged | c2 A2 ABAG |

(3FED FA d2 dA | (3Bcd ef g2 g2 | fafd (3efg ec | d2 d2 d2 :|

fg | afdf afdf | bgeg bgeg | afdf afdf | e2 A2 ABAG |

(3FED FA d2 dA | (3Bcd ef g2 g2 | fafd egec | d2 d2 d2 :|

           

TOM DOWD'S FAVOURITE (Rogha Thomáis Uí Dhubhda). AKA and see "Maide Fuinnseoige." Irish, Reel. E Minor ('A' part) & G Major ('B' part). Standard tuning. AB. The tune is related to “The Ashplant [1].” Source for notated version: flutist John Keegan/Seán Mac Aodhgain (Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ I), 1963; No. 115, pg. 48.

X:1

T:Tom Dowd’s Favorite

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

K:E Minor

GA|BE~E2 GEDE|GEDE G3A|BE~E2 GED2|BcdB A2 GA|

BE~E2 GEDE|GEDE G3A|BE~E2 GED2|BcdB A2EF||

G2 G2 GBdB|G2 GB AGED|G2 GF GABd|gedB AGEF|

G2 G2 GBdB|G2 GB AGED|G2 GF GABd|gecB A2||

           

TOM DUFF. Irish, March. G Major. Standard. AB. Roche Collection, 1982, vol. 2; No. 330, pg. 57.

           

TOM FAOI BLAT, AN. AKA and see "The Bush in Bloom."

           

TOM FITZMAURICE'S REEL. AKA and see "Corney is Coming." Irish, Reel. D Mixolydian. Standard tuning. AA'B. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 161.

           

TOM FITZMORRIS’S [1]. AKA and see “The Hawthorn Blossom.” Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AAB. Identified by Philippe Varlet. Source for notated version: fiddler Andrew Davie (b. 1928, Cloonagh, Mullaghroe, Keash) [Flaherty]. Flaherty (Trip to Sligo), 1990; pg. 113 (appears as “Unknown”).

 

TOM FITZMORRIS’S [2]. Irish, Reel. A Major. Standard tuning. AAB. Identified by Philippe Varlet. Source for notated version: fiddler Andrew Davie (b. 1928, Cloonagh, Mullaghroe, Keash) [Flaherty]. Flaherty (Trip to Sligo), 1990; pg. 114 (appears as “Unknown”).

 


TOM FLEMING'S. AKA and see “Matt Hayes’s Jigs.” Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Named after the Co. Kerry, Ireland, button accordionist who was the leader of the Brosna Ceili Band. Source for notated version: accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border) [Moylan]. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 343, pg. 193. Green Linnet SIF 1075, John Whelan & Eileen Ivers - "Fresh Takes" (1987. Learned from Tom Fleming). John Whelan (et al) – “The Big Squeeze.”

           

TOM FOWLER’S HORNPIPE. AKA and see “Tom Tollin’s Hornpipe.” AKA – “Tom Tolley’s.” English, Hornpipe.

           

TOM FRIEL’S.  Irish, Jig. Cotter (Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Tutor), 1989; 46.

X:1
T:Tom Friel's
D: Mary Mac Namara: The Blackberry Blossom
D: Bernard O'Sullivan and Tommy Mac Mahon: Clare Concertinas
Z: I wrote Mary Mac Namara's version in D
Z: despite she plays it in G because it is Described like a D tune in NG's Index of tunes
Z: and because it suits more the Uilleann Pipes
B: Geraldine Cotter's Tutor for the Tin Whistle
R:Jig
M:6/8
L:1/8
K:D
: dcd fed | BdB AFE | DFA fed | efe ABc |\
dcd fed | BdB AFE | DFA fed | AFE D2A :||\
: dcd baf | baf edB | dfb afd | efe edB |\
dcd baf | baf edB | AFA fed | AFE D2A :||

           

TOM HEPPLE’S POLKA. English, Polka. England, Northumberland. Topic 12TS283. Topic TSCD 669, Adam Gray (et al) – “Ranting and Reeling: Dance Music of the north of England” (1998. Gray, born in 1903, was a fiddler and policeman who lived in Bardon Mill, Northumberland).

 

TOM HILL'S HORNPIPE (Cornphíopa Thomáis a Chnoic). Irish, Hornpipe. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: fiddler John Kelly/Seán O'Kelly (Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ I), 1963; No. 212, pg. 85.

                       

TOM HOWARD'S HORNPIPE. Scottish, Hornpipe. A Major. Standard tuning. AABBAA. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 1; No. 16, pg. 44.

X:1

T:Tom Howard’s Hornpipe

M:C
L:1/8
R:Hornpipe

S:Kerr – Merry Melodies, vol. 1, pg. 44  (c. 1880’s)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:A

A>Bc>d e>ca>e|f>ga>f e>ca>e|f>ga>f e>cA>c|B>AG>F E2E2|A>Bc>d e>ca>e|

f>ga>f e>ca>e|f>ag>f e>dc>B|A2c2A2::B>cd>e d>BG>B|A>ce>g a2 e>g|

a>fd>f e>cA>c|B>AG>F E2 F>A|B>cd>e d>BG>B|A>ce>g a2 b>a|g>bg>e f>af>^d|e2g2e2:|

                       

TOM IS GONE TO THE FAIR. Irish, Hornpipe. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. "From memory, as I heard it played in early days" (Joyce). Joyce (Old Irish Folk Music and Song), 1909; No. 11, pgs. 8‑9.

X:1

T:Tom is gone to the fair

M:C

L:1/8

R:Hornpipe

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

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

B>A|G2 DG BGBd|c>BAB cdef|g>fgd ecBG|EcBA GFED|

G2 DG BGBd|c>BAB cdef|g>fec BGED|E2G2G2:|

|:Bd|e2 dB GBdg|fdcA GFED|EA A2 B>AGE|EcBA GFED|

G>FGA BABd|cBcd edef|g>fec BGED|E2G2G2:|

                       

TOM JONES. Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. One part. Source for notated version: copied from Aird’s Selections of Scotch, English, Irish and Foreign Airs (1782-97) [O’Neill]. O’Neill (Waifs and Strays of Gaelic Melody), 1922; No. 95.

X:1

T:Tom Jones (#95)

M:6/8

L:1/8

S:Aird's Selections 1782-97

Z:Paul Kinder

K:D

[A3c3a3] [A3c3g3]|fdf ecA|d2 f ecA|d2f ecA|

dcd ede|fef gfg|a2 d c2 B|A3 A3|

D2 F E2 G|F2 A G2 F|GAB ABc|B3 A3|

GFG AGA|BAB cBc|d2 G F2 E|D3 D3||

                       

TOM KEANE'S REEL (Ríl Thomáis Uí Chéin). AKA – “Tom Kane’s.” AKA and see “Monaghan Twig [1],” “The Tinker’s Apron.” Irish, Reel. A Dorian. Standard tuning. AA'B. The tune is named after Dublin fiddler John Kelly Sr.’s uncle. Philippe Varlet says Breathnach should have transcribed the tune in two sharps (A Mixolydian). Source for notated version: fiddler John Kelly (Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ III), 1985; No. 152, pg. 71. Gael‑Linn Records CEF 018, John Kelly & Willie Clancy ‑ "Seoda Ceoil I" (1968).

X:1

T:Tom Keane’s Reel

R:Reel

Z:Adrian Scahill

M:4/4

L:1/8

K:G Mixolydian

A|BGGA BGdG|BGG2 F3A|BGGA BGdG|1 BGA2 G3A:|2 BGA2 G2Bc||\