Daily Archives: May 5, 2014
Rakish Paddy (Dmix)
There is a two-part version of “Rakish Paddy,” a three-part version, and a four-part version.  This one is #1533 in O’Neill’s 1001 (1907). The two-part version seems to be the oldest.  The two “extra” parts were composed by Michael Coleman.  Seamus Ennis thought that these additions were “in keeping with its theme” and so endorsed them as […]
Humours of Tulla (D)Â Â Â
The melody was popularized by B/C button accordion player Joe Cooley (1924 – 1973), who played it as the first tune in a set, followed by “The Skylark” and “Roaring Mary.” His is the earliest recording of “Humours of Tulla” that I know of, and the recording is of himself playing in a session.  The album it is […]
Cup of Tea (D)
The “Cup of Tea” reel was once called “The Unfortunate Cup of Tea,” which is pretty mysterious.  Speculatively, I would suggest that it refers to a well-prepared, and sweetly anticipated cup of tea that has been subsequently squandered in transportation.  That name was used by the early Irish rock band Horslips for the name of […]
Soldier’s Joy (D)
At one time, probably around the 1760s, “Soldier’s Joy” was a very popular hornpipe in Ulster, and was often just called “The Clap Dance” because the dance involved turning and clapping hands with another person in the dance – which is fine when the dance is slow and everyone is sober, but can become problematic otherwise. […]