The Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) is committed to providing free, universal access to the rich cultural tradition of Irish music, song and dance. If you’re able, we’d love for you to consider a donation. Any level of support will help us preserve and grow this tradition for future generations.
from Compositions by Clare Sands
I wrote this tune while on residency in Glór Theatre and Arts Centre in County Clare. I was listening to a lot of West Clare/East Galway fiddlers during my time there. I always loved Bobby’s playing, because you could hear the notes that don’t quite ‘belong’ in the tradition. How did those ‘blue’ notes get there? Was it the piping tradition? Records being passed back and forth from the states? His time in London? Who knows. That’s the beauty of music.
This tune was actually written on viola, but played here on fiddle so more of you can learn it. However, if you feel like giving it a whirl on cello, double bass or the beautiful viola, I would love to hear it!
