Tag Archives: History
 Drowsy Maggie (Edor)
“Drowsy Maggie” is a very popular reel at sessions all over the world. Itâs #1425 in OâNeillâs 1850 â i.e., O’Neill’s Music of Ireland (1903) â and so probably dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. However, thereâs not much clear information about the tuneâs origin or subsequent history. It should not be confused with a set […]
The Banshee (G)
The reel entitled “The Banshee” is a session favorite pretty much everywhere. It was composed by James McMahon (b. â1900 – Dec. 1980 RIP), a flute player originally from South Fermanagh, in Northern Ireland.  He married Rose Tally, eventually moved to Belfast, and became an influential flute player there in the 1960’s.  He composed several other […]
Maggie in the Woods (G)
“Maggie in the Woods” is a popular two-part polka, similar to âThe Scartaglen Polkaâ (also in G), though the latter has three parts. There are some common lyrics to this polka: Â If I met Maggie in the wood / I would kiss her if I could / thatâs the thing would do her good / […]