The Fiddler’s Companion

© 1996-2010 Andrew Kuntz

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SPO

 

 

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]

 

 

 

SPOIGAN. Scottish. John Glen (1891) finds the earliest appearance of the tune in print in Robert Ross's 1780 collection (pg. 8).

                       

SPOIL THE DANCE. AKA and see “Ginnie Pin Your Bonnet On.” Irish, Reel. A Dorian. Standard tuning. AA’B. The tune appears in Kerr’s Merry Melodies (Vol. 4) as “Ginnie Pin Your Bonnet On.” Shanachie 79064, Matt Molloy – “Heathery Breeze” (1999).

X:1

T:Spoil The Dance
R:reel
D:Matt Molloy: Heathery Breeze
Z:id:hn-reel-185

Z:transcribed by henrik.norbeck@mailbox.swipnet.se
M:C|

L:1/8
K:Ador
~A3G B2BA|GBdB AGEG|A2AG ~B3A|1 GBdB A2GE:|2 GBdB A3f||
ge~e2 gede|ge~e2 a2ba|ge~e2 gedB|GABG A3f|
ge~e2 gede|ge~e2 a2ga|(3bag af gedg|egdB AGEG||

 

SPOKANE WALTZ.  Old-Time, Waltz. USA, Missouri. C Major. Standard tuning. AA’BB’. Source Wood had no name for the waltz, learned from his uncle Jess Essary, an early musical influence. Essary eventually moved to Spokane, Washington, and Wood named the tune in honor of the event. Source for notated version: Emanuel Wood (1900-1981, Taney County, Missouri) [Beisswenger & McCann]. Beisswenger & McCann (Ozark Fiddle Music), 2008; pg. 165. Emanuel Wood – “I’m Old but I’m Awfully Tough.”

                       

SPOON O WHISKY, DA. Shetland, Shetland Reel. From the island of Unst, Shetland.

                       

SPOON RIVER JIG. Old-Time. USA, north-central Missouri. A ‘Tie Hacker’ tune, i.e. one named for workers who cut ties from the forest for the railroads in the late 1800's.

                       

SPOONFUL OF TREACLE, THE.  AKA and see “Mug of Brown Ale [1].”

 

SPOOTISKERRY. Shetland, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB’. A modern and very popular composition by the late Shetland musician (Samuel) Ian (Rothmar) Burns. Susan Songer (Portland Collection) contacted his daughter June Mann of Cunnighsburgh, Shetlands, and was told the tune was named after the Burns family farm, named Spootiskerry. A ‘skerry’ in the Shetland dialect is a group of rocks generally sea-covered but which can be visible on occasion depending on the tide, while ‘spoots’ are said to be a kind of shellfish (leading the tune to be called “Spoot o’ Skerry” at times). Ian Burns also published a collection of tunes called Spootiskerry. Modern session versions appear to have “drifted” somewhat from Burns’ original tune. Source for notated version: Seattle accordion player Laurie Andres via George Penk (Portland, Oregon) [Songer]. Songer (Portland Collection), 1997; pg. Culburnie CUL110, Abby Newton – “Crossing to Scotland” (1997).

                       

SPORRAN MULLACH, THE (The Black Kilt Purse). Scottish, Strathspey. A Minor. Standard tuning. AAB. Composed by Alexander Walker. Walker (A Collection of Strathspeys, Reels, Marches, &c.), 1866; No. 32, pg. 12.

                       

SPORT [1], THE. Scottish. John Glen (1891) finds the earliest appearance of the tune in print in Angus Cumming's 1780 collection (pg. 10).

 

SPORT [2]. AKA and see “Coolea Jig.” Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. Composed by whistle player Peadar O’Riada (son of Sean Ó Riada) of Cuil Aodha (Coolea), County Cork, who was inspired to compose the melody while watching children at play (sport = fun). Some see similarities with “The Hag with the Money.” Micheal  O’Raghallaigh – “The Nervous Man.” Peadar O’Riada – “Amidst These Hills” (1994).

X:1

T:Sport

M:6/8

L:1/8

Q:115

C:Peadar O'Riada

R:jig

D:Amidst These Hills (Bar/None Records)

Z:Philippe Varlet

K:D

AdF ~A3|GBE GFG|AdF ~A3|GEB cde|

AdF ~A3|GBE ~G3|cdc A2A|GEA D3:||

cBc dcd|cec ~A2g|fed ged|c/d/ec A2g|

~f3 ~g3|f/g/af d2e|fdF AFA|GEA D3:||

AGG AEE|AGE EDD|AGG c2e|dcA AGE|

AGG AEE|AGE EDD|1 cdc A2A| GEA DE/F/G:|2 cdc A2G|EAA D3||

                       

SPORT OF THE CHASE (Ceol Na Seilge). Irish, Slip Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB (Phillips): AAB (Kennedy, Roche). Source for notated version: Jimmy Powers [Phillips]. Bulmer & Sharpley (Music from Ireland), Vol. 1, No. 75. Kennedy (Fiddler’s Tune-Book: Slip Jigs and Waltzes), 1999; No. 80, pg. 19. Phillips (Fiddlecase TuneBook), 1989; pg. 45. Roche Collection, 1982, Vol. 3; No. 118, pg. 36. Sean Ryan – “Minstrel’s Fancy.” HN4417, Fairport Convention – “Full House” (1970. Appears as part of “Flatback Caper”).

X:1

T:Sport of the Chase, The

R:slip jig

Z:Also in A, #42

Z:id:hn-slipjig-41

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

M:9/8

L:1/8

K:G

G2G B2G BdB|G2G B2G BdB|C2C E2C EGE|D2D F2D FAF:|

G2g g2d BdB|G2g g2d BdB|c2c e2c ege|d2d f2d faf|

gdB gdB gdB|gdB gdB gdB|ecA ecA ecA|fdA fdA fdA||

                       

SPORTING BACHELOR, A/THE (Diolaineac Mireogac). Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 33. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 850, pg. 158. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907/1986; No. 111, pg. 34.

X:1

T:Sporting Bachelor, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 111

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

D|GBd g2d|ed^c d2B|cBA BAG|AB^c d2D|GBd g2d|ed^c d2B|cBA Abc|def g2:|

|:B|dcA B2G|dcA B2G|def gfe|dcB A2B|c2e efg|B2d dBG|Aag fef|gba g2:|

                                   


SPORTING BOYS [1], THE (Na Buacaillide Greannmar). AKA and see "The Boys of Portaferry," "The Pullet [1]." Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning. AB (O'Neill/1850 & 1915): AABB' (O'Neill/Krassen). Source for notated version: O’Reilly [O’Neill].  O'Neill (O’Neill’s Irish Music), 1915/1987; No. 277, pg. 141. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 123. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903/1979; No. 1350, pg. 252.

X:1

T:Sporting Boys, The [1]

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:O’Neill – Music of Ireland (1903), No. 1350

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 | DEGB cBAe | dBgB c2 || BA |

Bdgd edgd | Bdgd e2 dc | Bdgd edef | gedB c2 BA | Bdgd edgd |

Bdgd e2 dc | Bdgd egfa | gedB c2 ||

 

SPORTING BOYS [2], THE. Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; pg. 59. Ryan’s Mammoth Collection, 1883; pg. 88.

X:1

T:Sporting Boys, The [2]

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:Ryan’s Mammoth Collection (1883)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

A|”tr”d3 fef|dBB B2d|cAc efd|cAA ABc|”tr”d3 fef|

dBB B2g|fga efg|fdd d2::A|”tr”d3 fed|faa a2f|

“tr”d3 fed|cee cee|”tr”d3 fed|(f/g/a).a a2g|(f/g/a).f ede|fdd d2:|

                       

SPORTING DAYS OF EASTER [1], THE (Laethanta Spraoi na Cásca). AKA and see "The New Married Couple [3]," "Bonnie Sally," "O'Connell's Trip to Parliament [1]," “Willow Tree [5].” Irish, Double Jig. A version of “O’Connell’s Trip to Parliament.”

 

SPORTING DAYS OF EASTER [2], THE (Leathanta Spraoi na Cásca). AKA and see “The Flurry Reel,” “Micho Russell’s (Reel) [5].” Irish, Reel. D Mixolydian. Standard tuning. AB. Not much similarity to O'Neill's "The Merry Days of Easter." Source Russell had no name for it, and Breathnach gave it the name of a tune he found in a manuscript collection (only the ‘A’ part was the same, however). Arty McGlynn called the reel “Micho Russell’s” on his album “Lead the Knave.” Sources for notated versions: flute and whistle player Micko Russell (Co. Clare, Ireland) [Breathnach/CRÉ II]; fiddler Jim Mulqueeny [Breathnach/CRÉ V]. Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 281, pg. 144. Breathnach (CRÉ V), 1999; No. 149, pgs. 74-75.

 

SPORTING DAYS OF EASTER [3], THE. AKA and see “The Wedding [1].” Irish, Reel. Ireland, northern Ireland. G Major. Standard tuning. AAB. No relation to “Sporting Days of Easter [2]." Source for notated version: fiddler John Loughran [Feldman & O’Doherty]. Feldman & O’Doherty (The Northern Fiddler), 1979; pg. 240.

                       

SPORTING IRISHMAN, THE. Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: copied from Clinton’s Irish Melodies (1840) [O’Neill]. O’Neill (Waifs and Strays of Gaelic Melody), 1922; No. 112.

X:1

T:Sporting Irishman, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

S:Clinton's Irish Melodies 1840

Z:Paul Kinder

K:D

F/2E/2|D>ED D2 d|BAG FGE|AdB AFA|EFE E2 A|

DED D2 d|BAG FGE|AdB AFA|DED D2:|

|:d/4e/4f/4g/4|a3 b3|a>ba afd|gag faf|ede fdB|

a3 f3|{f}ede fdB|AFA dAF|D>ED D2:||

                       

SPORTING JAMIE. Scottish, Strathspey. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 4; No. 66, pg. 10.

X:1

T:Sporting Jamie

M:C

L:1/8

R:Strathspey

S:Kerr – Merry Melodies, vol. 4, No. 66  (c. 1880’s)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

f<f e>d (f<a) a2|g>ef>d e>d c<A|f<f e>d (f<a) a2|B>d c/d/e/f/ d3g:|

|:f<a a>g f<a a>f|g>fe>d e>dc>A|f<a a>g f<a a>A|B>d c/d/e/f/ d2 d>g:|

                       

SPORTING KATE. AKA and see “Bonnie Kate [1].” Irish, Reel. A version of “Bonnie Kate” found in the County Leitrim Kiernan manuscript (1844-46) under the title “Sporting Kate.” Drumlin Records, Brain McNamara – “A Piper’s Dream.”

                       

SPORTING MOLLY. AKA and see "Sean Frank," "The Duke of Clarence Reel," "Brian Boru's March [1]," "Dan Sullivan's Reel," "General McBean," “Johnny’s Wedding,” "Colonel McBain's," "The Devonshire Reel." Irish, Reel. E Minor. Standard tuning. AAB. Levey (Dance Music of Ireland, 2nd Collection), 1873; No. 63, pg. 28. Roche Collection, 1982, vol. 1; No. 156, pg. 62.

X:1

T:Sporting Molly

M:2/4

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:Levey – Dance Music of Ireland, 2nd Collection (1873)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:Emin

(E/F/) | (3E/F/G/ (E/B/) G/E/B/G/ | (3F/G/A/ (D/A/) F/D/A/F/ |

(3G/A/B/ E/B/ G/E/B/G/ | (3F/G/A/ D/F/ E :| E/F/ | G{A/}(G/F/) G/B/d/B/ |

A/B/A/G/ F/G/A/F/ | Ee e/d/e/f/ | g/f/e/^d/ e(e/f/) | g(d/B/) G/B/d/B/ |

A/B/A/G/ F/G/A/F/ | Ee e(A/c/) | B/A/G/F/ E ||

 

SPORTING MOLLY [2].  AKA and see “Maude Miller [1].”

                       

SPORTING NELL [1] (Neil Spórtúil). AKA and see “Gorman’s Reel [3],” “O’Gorman’s Reel,” “The Long Strand [2].” Irish, Reel. D Mixolydian. Standard tuning. AB. Source for notated version: piper Mick Crehan, flute player Michael Gavin & fiddlers John & James Kelly (Ireland) [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ III), 1985; No. 194, pg. 87. Bulmer & Sharpley (Music from Ireland), vol. 2, No. 26. Green Linnet SIF 1034, Billy McComisky – “Makin’ the Rounds.” Outlet Records SOLP 1041, Mick Crehan, James & John Kelly, Michael Gavin ‑ "Irish Traditional Music" (1980). Billy McComiskey & Sean McGlynn (et al) – “The Big Squeeze.” Tommy McCarthy – “Sporting Nell.”

X:1

T:Sporting Nell

M:4/4

L:1/8

R:reel

K:G

AD (3FEF A2 dc|AcGc EFGE|AD (3FEF Addc|AcGc EF (3EFG|

AD (3FEF Addc|A2 G=F EDEG|AD (3FEF Addc|AcGc EGAB||

c2 ec gcec|(3cBc ec AddB|c2 ec gcec|AcGc EGAB|c2 ec gcec|(3cBc ec Adde|=

f2 fd efed cG|(3EFG Ad d2||

X:2
T:Sporting Nell
R:reel
M:4/4
L:1/8
K:Dmix
AD (3FED A2 dB|ABAG EFGB|AD (3FED A2 dB|ABGE EDDB|!
AD (3FED A2 dB|ABAG EFGB|AD (3FED A2 dB|A2 GE {G}EDDB||!

c2ec gcec | c2ec AddB | c2ec gcec | AcGE EDDB |
c2ec gcec | c2ec Adde | =f3 d e3 d | cAAG Addc ||

 

SPORTING NELL [2]. Irish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AB. This is a version of Breathnach's "Sporting Neil," though different enough to warrent entry as a sperate version. Source for notated version: flute player Sonny McDonagh (b. 1926, Rinnarogue, Bunninadden, Co. Sligo) [Flaherty]. Flaherty (Trip to Sligo), 1990; pg. 120.

                       


SPORTING PADDY [1] (Pádraic Spóirtiúil). AKA and see “The Harvest Moon [1],” "Irish Pat," "Sporting Pat" [2]. Irish, Reel or Highland. A Dorian. Standard tuning. AB (Breathnach, Harker/Rafferty, Moylan, O’Malley): AABB (McNulty). Johnny O’Leary played this tune paired with “The Hare’s Paw.”  In County Donegal the melody is very popular played as a Highland, modified from the reel form which is found in other parts of Ireland. The title in O’Neill’s Waifs and Strays of Gaelic Melody (1922) is “Irish Pat.” See also cleric James Goodman’s mid-19th century Munster-collected version, “Rolling on the Ryegrass [2].” Sources for notated versions: accordion player Sonny Brogan (County Sligo/Dublin, Ireland) [Breathnach]; accordion player Johnny O’Leary (Sliabh Luachra region of the Cork-Kerry border) [Moylan]; New Jersey flute player Mike Rafferty, born in Ballinakill, Co. Galway, in 1926 [Harker]. Breathnach (CRÉ I ), 1963; No. 133, pg. 54. Harker (300 Tunes from Mike Rafferty), 2005; No. 156, pg. 48. McNulty (Dance Music of Ireland), 1965; pg. 14. Moylan (Johnny O’Leary), 1994; No. 201, pg. 116. O’Malley (Luke O’Malley’s Collection of Irish Music, vol. 1), 1976; No. 66, pg. 33. Green Linnet SIF‑104, Joe Burke & Michael Cooney ‑ "The Celts Rise Again" (1990). Green Linnet SIF‑1069, Joe Burke & Michael Cooney ‑ "Happy to Meet & Sorry to Part" (1986). Shanachie SH78041, Solas – “The Hour Before Dawn” (2000).

See also listings at:

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

Alan Ng’s Irishtune.info

X:1
T:Sporting Paddy [1]
S:Played by Burke, Cooney & Corcoran on Radio Scotland, 1995
Z:Nigel Gatherer <gatherer@argonet.co.uk>
M:4/4
L:1/8

R:Reel
K:Ador
EA (3AAA GABG | EAAB GEDF | EAAB GABd | edge dBAG |

EA (3AAA GABG | EAAB GEDF | EAAB GABd | edge d3 || e |

ge (3eee gede | ge (3eee a2 ba | ge (3eee gedg | efge d3 e |

ge (3eee gede | ge (3eee a2 ga | (3bag af gedg | efge dBAG |]

 

SPORTING PADDY [2] (Peaidí Spórtúil). Irish, Reel. Ireland, County Tyrone. G Major/A Dorian. Standard tuning. AB. Distantly related to “Sporting Paddy” [1]. Source for notated version: the mid-20th century collection of schoolteacher and fiddler Michael “Master” McDermott (Carrickmore, southern County Tyrone), who got his tunes from local musicians [Breathnach]. Breathnach (CRÉ IV), 1996; No. 155, pg. 74.

 

SPORTING PADDY [3]. AKA and see "Boston Rattlers'," "Brian Boru’s March [1]," “Colonel McBain’s,” "Dan Sullivan's Reel," "The Devonshire Reel [1]," "The Duke of Clarence Reel," "General McBean," "Hobb's Favorite," “Johnny’s Wedding,” "Miss Abercrombie's Reel," “Mother’s Delight,” "Seán Frank," "Sporting Molly." Irish, Reel. E Minor. Standard tuning. AABBCCDD. Kennedy (Traditional Dance Music of Britain and Ireland: Reels and Rants), 1997; No. 183, pg. 43.

                       

SPORTING PAT [1]. Irish, Reel. A Dorian ('A' part) & G Major ('B' part). Standard tuning. AB. No relation to “Sporting Paddy” [1] or [2]. The reel is similar to “The Copperplate,” though Breathnach (1963) disagrees with O’Neill that it is also a variant of “Rakish Paddy.” O'Neill (O’Neill’s Irish Music), 1915; No. 297, pg. 149.

X:1

T:Sporting Pat [1]

M:4/4

L:1/8

R:Reel

S:O’Neill – O’Neill’s Irish Music (1915)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:G

(3efg | a2 ag a2 (3efg | aged cA A2 | g2 gf g2 ef | gedc BG G2 | eaag a2 (3efg | aged cA A2 |

ABcd efgb | aged cA A2 || (3GGG dG BGdG | G2 dc BAGB | (3AAA eA cAeA |

cdef gedB | (3GGG dG BGdG | G2 dc BAGB | ABcd efgb | aged cA A2 ||

 

SPORTING PAT [2]. AKA and see "Sporting Paddy [1]."

                       

SPORTING PEGGY. Scottish, Reel. D Major. Standard tuning. AAB. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 4; No. 65, pg. 10.

X:1

T:Sporting Peggy
M:C|
L:1/8

R:Reel

S:Kerr – Merry Melodies, vol. 4, No. 65 (c. 1880’s)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

(3ABc|:d2 (fd) (eA) (3DFA|d2 (fd) (3efg (fe)|d2(fd) (eA) (DF)|GFED CEEA:||

(3FED (AD) BDAD|(3FED (AD) CDEG|(3FED (AD) BDAD|A,CEG FDDG|

(3FED (dD) cDBD|(3GFE (3FED CEEA|defd edcB|AGFE D2||

                       

SPORTING PITCHFORK, THE. Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. The tune was famously paired with “The Rambling Pitchfork” on the 1978 Paddy Glackin/Paddy Keenan album (Doublin’), the medley being known as ‘The Pitchforks’. ‘Pitchfork’ in the title refers to an itinerant farm laborer, called after his tool of trade in the same way that a gunman on a payroll in the American west was referred to as a ‘hired gun’. Bulmer & Sharpley (Music from Ireland), vol. 3, 56.  Cranitch (Irish Fiddle Book), 1996; No. 18, pg. 131. Cranitch (Irish Session Tunes: Red Book), 2000; 18. Tara 2007, Paddy Glackin and Paddy Keenan – “Doublin’” (1978).

X:1
T:Sporting Pitchfork
R:Jig
M:6/8

L:1/8
K:G
~F3 EDE|F2D ~D3|~G3 ~A3|cAG FGA|
~B3 BAG|~A3 AB^c|d^cB AGF| GAG ~G3:||
~d3 ~f3|gfe ~d3|~g3 bag|fed ~d3|
~B3 BAG|~A3 AB^c|d^cB AGF|GAG ~G3:||

                       

SPORTS OF LISTOWEL, THE. AKA and see “Breen’s Hornpipe,” “Mahoney’s Hornpipe,” “West the Hill.” Irish, Hornpipe. A Mixolydian (Roche): A Major (Mulvihill). Standard tuning. AABB. Source for notated version: “From my mother” [Mulvihill]. Mulvihill (1st Collection), 1986; No. 41, pg. 101. Roche Collection, 1982, Vol. 2; No. 236, pg. 19. Ossian OSS CD 130, Sliabh Notes – “Along Blackwater’s Banks” (2002. Appears as “Sports at Listowel”).

                       

SPORTS OF MULTYFARNHAM, THE (Siamsa Mhuilte Farannáin). AKA and see “Munster Buttermilk [2].” Irish, Double Jig. D Mixolydian. Standard tuning. AABB (Breathnach): AA’BB’ (Feldman & O’Doherty). The Sliabh Luachra, Ireland, regional title for the tune is “Munster Buttermilk.” Source for notated version: piper Seosamh Breathnach (Ireland) [Breathnach]; fiddler Danny O’Donnell (County Donegal) [Feldman & O’Doherty]. Breathnach (CRE I), 1963; No. 43, pg. 18. Feldman & O’Doherty (The Northern Fiddler), 1979; pg. 186 (appears as second “Untitled Slip Jig”).

                       


SPORTSMAN'S HAUNT, THE (Am Monadh Liath). Scottish, Strathspey. B Minor. Standard tuning. AB (Fraser): AABB' (Athole). "The verses to this melody, sung by the editor's father, were composed by a resident grass‑keeper, kept up at the expense of all those who sent summer stock to grase in the beautiful vale of Killin, of Stratherrick, which lies in the heart of the 'Monadh liadh.'  This man, living in so remote a place, would occasionally shoot deer if they came in his way, and was visited by all the sportsman, to know in which direction they were last seen. The subject of his song embrasces various characters in the districts around, who frequented 'the sportsman's haunt,' and their various success and skill. Culduthel and the editor's grandfather were conspicuously mentioned among others" (Fraser).Fraser (The Airs and Melodies Peculiar to the Highlands of Scotland and the Isles), 1874; No. 168, pg. 68‑69. Stewart-Robertson (The Athole Collection), 1884; pg. 131.

X:1

T:Sportsman’s Haunt, The

M:C|

L:1/8

R:Strathspey

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

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:Bmin

F|:D<B, B,>d B<F F>B|A<E E>D C<A,A,<F|D<B, B,>d B<F F>B|A>FE>C B,/B,/B, Fz:|

|:e/d/c/B/ f>B d>f b<f|a>f e<a c<A a>c|1 e/d/c/B/ f>B d>fb>f|a>fe>c B/B/B f2:|2

e/d/c/B/ f<d e<cd<B|A<F E>C B,/B,/B, F2||

                       

SPORTSMAN'S HORNPIPE. AKA and see “The Oldham Sportsman.” English, Hornpipe. England, North‑West. A Dorian (Callaghan, Knowles): G Dorian (Kershaw). Standard tuning. AABB. The tune is contained in the 19th century Joseph Kershaw manuscript. Kershaw was a fiddle player who lived in the remote area of Slackcote, Saddleworth, North West England, who compiled his manuscript from 1820 onwards, although little more is known of him. His manuscript presently is kept at the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library at Cecil Sharp House, London. The tune is nowadays sometimes called “The Oldham Sportsman.” Callaghan (Hardcore English), 2007; pg. 24. The Jospeh Kershaw Manuscript, 1993; No. 33. Knowles (Northern Frisk), 1988; No. 30. Big Chair BC 103, Cooper & Bolton – “The Savage Hornpipe” (2006). EFDSS CD13, Rod Stradling – “Hardcore English” (2007. Various artists). FLP003CD, Florida – “Brassroots” (1995). Fellside Records FECD192, Spiers & Boden – “Tunes” (2005). Green Linnet, Rod Stradling – “Rhythms of the Wold.” Rogue FMSD 5021, Rod Stradling – “Rhythms of the Wold.” Topic Records, Waterson/Carthy – “Broken Ground” (1999).

X:1

T:Sportsman’s Hornpipe

M:4/4

L:1/8

R:Hornpipe

K:Amin

AB|c2 cA B2 BA|GABc dBGB|c2 cA B2 BA|E2A2A2 AB|

c2 cA B2 BA|GABc dBGB|gfge dBAG|E2A2A2:|

|:AE|ABcd efge|afdf edcB|ABcd efge|afdf e2 (3efg|

a2 af g2 ge|c2 ce dBGB|cBcA BABG|E2 A2 A2:|

                       

SPOT THE WALLOP. See “Wallop the Spot.”

 

SPOT WHERE MY FOREFATHERS DWELT, THE. AKA ‑ "Mo Dhuthchas." Scottish, Slow Strathspey. D Major. Standard tuning. AB. Fraser (The Airs and Melodies Peculiar to the Highlands of Scotland and the Isles), 1874; No. 67, pg. 24.

X:1

T:Spot where my Forefathers dwelt, The

T:Mo Dhuthchas

M:C

L:1/8

R:Slow Strathspey

S:Fraser Collection  (1874)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

d|A<F F>E D>E F<d|A<F F>E DB,B,>d|A<F F>E D>EF>D|

E>F A/G/F/E/ DB,B,d|A<F F>E D>E F<d|A<F F>E DB,B,d|

F<D F>E D>EF>D|E>F A/G/F/E/ DB,B,||f|d>afb a>d f<b|

d<a f>a bee>f|d>a f<a f<d d>B|A<F F>E DB,B,>f|d>afb a>d f<b|

d<a f>a bee>f|d<af<d e<c d e/4d/4c/4B/4|A<F F>E DB,B,||

                       

SPOTLAND HORNPIPE. English, ‘Old’ Hornpipe (3/2 time). F Major. Standard tuning. ABCDEFG. An “old” or “triple” hornpipe from Thomas Marsden’s A Collection of Original Lancashire Hornpipes, Old and New. Containing Divisions upon each (London, 1705). The book was sold out of Henry Playford’s shop at the Temple Change, priced at one shilling. Spotland was an old parish or townland (consisting of Spotland Further Side and Spotland Nearer Side), now dissolved, in Rochdale, Lancashire. An excerpt from this Lancashire hornpipe appears in John Offord's article "Lancashire and Cheshire Hornpipes" (English Dance and Song, Summer 1990, 52{2}). Source for notated version: “a personal interpretation...to be found in Thomas Marsden’s Original Lancashire Hornpipes Old and New (1706) [Knowles]. Knowles (A Northern Lass), 1995; pg. 33.
X:1
T:Spotland Hornpipe
M:3/2
L:1/8
S:Marsden  (1705)
N:near Rochdale RC
Z:Transcribed by Pete Stewart and posted at www.goodbagpipes.co.uk/pipetunes/   
N:(reposted at Fiddler’s Companion by permission)
K:F
A2F2c2F2A2F2|agfe fedc dc BA|B2G2d2G2B2G2|bagf gf _ed _edcB||
ABc2def2ABc2|fefgf2A2c2BA|Bcd2efg2Bcd2|gfgag2B2d2cB||
ABc2def2efg2|agfe fedc dcBA|Bcd2efg2^fga2|bagf gf _ed _edcB||
A2F2f2F2f2F2|f2f2f2A2c2BA|B2G2g2G2g2G2|g2g2g2B2d2cB||
Ac3/2z/f Bd3/2z/ f cA GF|Bd3/2z/f ce3/2z/g dB AG|B2g4B2d2cB||
F2A2G2B2A2c2|A2f4A2c2BA|G2B2A2c2B2d2|d2g4B2d2cB||
A2c2f2d2g2e2|c2f4A2c2BA|B2d2g2e2a2f2|d2g4B2d2cB||

                       

SPOTTED BITCH.  English, Hornpipe. G Major (Dixon): A Major (Moore). Standard tuning. AABB. A composition of Tyneside publican, fiddler and composer James Hill (c. 1811-1853). The melody appears in the music manuscript book of Tyneside musician John W. Moore, begun in the year 1841. Dixon (The Lads Like Beer), 1987). Northumbrian Pipers’ Society (The Fiddle Music of James Hill), 2005.

X:1

T:Spotted Bitch

M:4/4

L:1/8

K:A

cB|(AE)Ac (BE)Bd|(ce)df e2 ef|(fa)ce (df)Bd|(cA)dc c2Bc|(AE)Ac (BE)Bd|

(ce)df e2 ef|(ea)ce (df)Bd|(cB)AG A2::(GA)|(BA)Bc (dc)BA|(Bd)FB (AF)ED|

(CE)Ac (ec)fd|(cA)dc c2 Bf|(ag)bg (ag)fe|(fe)af (ed)cB|(Ad)fe (dc)BA|(cB)AG A2:|

 

SPOTTED BORDERS. English, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABB. The melody is contained in the Joseph Kershaw manuscript. Kershaw was a fiddler who lived in Slackcote, Saddleworth, North West England, in the 19th century, and his manuscript dates from around 1820 onwards. The Joseph Kershaw Manuscript, 1993; No. 22.

                       

SPOTTED COW, THE (An Bo Breac). Irish, Jig. D Major. Standard tuning. AABBCC. See also "An Buachaillin Bui,"  "Come in the Evening," "Galloway Tom [2]," "Galway Tom [1]," "Galway Town," "The Goats’ Horn(s)," "The Kelso Races," "The Lark in the Morning [1]," "The Little Yellow Boy," "The Thrush's Nest," "The Welcome," "A Western Lilt." “Galway Tom” and “Lark in the Morning” are related tunes. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; pg. 56. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1979; No. 983, pg. 183. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1986; No. 199, pg. 47. Cló Iar-Chonnachta CICD 167, Peter Horan & Gerry Harrington – “The Merry Love to Play” (2007. From O’Neill’s).

X:1

T:Spotted Cow, The

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

S:O’Neill – Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems (1907), No. 199

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

Add fdd|edd fdd|Add fdd|edB BAF|Add fdd|edd fdd|f/g/af geg|fdB B2d:|

|:AFA A2B|AFA A2B|AFA Dfe|fdB B2d|AGF A2d|AGF A2B|dfd e/f/ge|fdB B2d:|

|:ABA AFA|DFA DFA|ABA AFA|fdB BAF|ABA AFA|DFA DFA|f/g/af geg|fdB B2d:|

                       

SPOTTED DOG, THE.  Irish, Jig. A Major. Standard tuning. AABB. A modern composition by County Roscommon fiddler John McEvoy. John & Catherine McEvoy – “The Kildare Fancy” (2004).

X:2

T:The Spotted Dog

M:6/8

L:1/8

R:Jig

C:John McEvoy

D:Catherine and John McEvoy – “The Kildare Fancy” (2004)

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:A

EAA ABc | ({Bc}B)AF AFE | FBB Bce | (f/g/a)f ecA | EAA ABc |

({Bc}B)AF Ace | f2a e2a |1 ABc ({Bc}B)AF :|2 ABc ({Bc}B)2A ||

|: cee ece | ({g}f)ec ecA | cec AcA | EFA {Bc}B2A | cee ece |

({g}f)ec e2a | f2a e2a |1 ABc ({Bc})B2A :|2 ABc ({Bc}B)AF ||

 

SPOTTED PONY [1], THE. AKA and see “Snowshoes [2].” Old‑Time, Breakdown. USA; Arkansas, Missouri. B Flat Major. Standard tuning. AABB. The title appears in a list of traditional Ozark Mountain fiddle tunes compiled by musicologist/folklorist Vance Randolph, published in 1954. Possibly a mistitled version of “Oklahoma Redbird,” remarks Drew Beisswenger (2008).  Source for notated version: Attributed to Lyman Enloe (Miller County, Missouri) via Tony Gilmore (Jefferson City, Missouri) [Christeson]. R.P. Christeson (Old Time Fiddlers Repertory, vol. 1), 1973; No. 43, pg. 34. Grey Eagle Records (Missouri Cultural Heritage Center), Carol Beaty Hascall - “Now That’s a Good Tune.”

 


SPOTTED PONY [2], THE. (Unrelated to above). Old‑Time, Breakdown. USA, Missouri. D Major. Standard tuning. AB (Silberberg): AA'BB (Phillips). See the related tune "Snowshoes." Source for notated version: Pete McMahan (Mo.) [Phillips]. Phillips (Traditional American Fiddle Tunes), vol. 1, 1994; pg. 229 (“Spotted Pony 2”). Silberberg (Tunes I Learned at Tractor Tavern), 2002; pg. 148. June Appal Records, Dutch Cove Old Time String Band‑ "Sycamore Tea." Rounder 0132, Bob Carlin ‑ "Fiddle Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo" (1980. Learned from Cindy Swiatlowski).

X:1

T:Spotted Pony [2]

M:C|

L:1/8

Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion

K:D

A,2|D2 DD E2 EE|F2 FF G2 G2|ABde fafe|B2 A6 A,2|

D2 DD E2 EE|F2 FF G2 G2|ABde fafe|dedc d2:|

|:(B2|A2) a2 f3a|fedB AGFE|D2 fa fedA|B2 A6 (B2|A2) a2 f3a|

fedB AGFE|1 D2 fafe dc|d6:|2 DFAB dfed|e2 d4||

X:1
T:Spotted Pony [2]
M:4/4
L:1/8
K:D
Bc|:d2a2 f4|fgfe dBA2|ABAG FGAB|!
d2a2 e2Bc|d2a2 f4|fgfe dBA2|ABAG FGAB|1 dBAF D2Bc:|2 dBAF D4 !
|:D2FD E2GE|F2AF G2BG|A2dB cdef|gfed cBA2|!
D2FD E2GE|F2AF G2BG|A2dB cdef|gfec d4:|!

 

SPOTTED PONY [3]. Old-Time, Breakdown. USA, Missouri. A Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Unrelated to the previous two versions. “Spotted Pony” in ‘A’ is one of the ‘100 essential Missouri fiddle tunes’ according to Missouri fiddler Charlie Walden, although there are two “Spotted Pony” tunes with a Missouri provenance. Walden (liner notes to “Now That’s a Good Tune”) appears to credit fiddler Andy Beaty’s daughter, Carol Beaty Hascall, with popularising the tune among Missouri fiddlers. Andy Beaty was a fiddler prominent in regional contests in the mid-20th century, and is sometimes credited with composing “Spotted Pony.” However, according to Drew Beisswenger (2008), Hascall maintained the family learned the reel while living in Oklahoma, and credited Texas fiddler Bob Wills’ father, Uncle John Wills, as their source. See also the related “Missouri Spotted Pony.” Gus Meade (2002) suggests connections with “Rabbit in the Pea Patch.” Source for notated version: Earl Ball (1928-2008, Humansville, Missouri), learned from Andy Beaty (Humansville) [Beisswenger & McCann]. Beisswenger & McCann (Ozark Fiddle Music), 2008; pg. 168. Phillips (Traditional American Fiddle Tunes, vol. 1), 1994; pg. 229. Rounder 0436, Earl Ball – “Traditional Fiddle Music of the Ozarks, vol. 2: On the Springfield Plain” (2000).

See also listings at:

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

                       

SPOTTED TAIL. Old‑Time. The title appears in a list of traditional Ozark Mountain fiddle tunes compiled by musicologist/folklorist Vance Randolph, published in 1954.

                       

SPOUT REEL, THE. AKA and see "An Baisteadh," "The Christening [1]."

 

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