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History lesson needed

History lesson needed

In a session the other night, I offered Sally Gardens. I'm new so I put out a chesnut. We had a superb whistler...he probably has forgotten more tunes than I know. He played Tetotalers Jig.

Tetotalers jig and Sally Gardens. They seem like the same tune with subtle differences. Or maybe one is a variation of another.

Am I missing a historical distinction here

Thanks for any info on this

# Posted on May 22nd 2007 by zippydw

Re: History lesson needed

Can you post the Teetotaler's Jig? I have heard of the reel but not the jig. The reel is in G like Sally Gardens but definitely a distinct tune.

# Posted on May 22nd 2007 by crazy_fingerz

Re: History lesson needed

I must be even newer - why is Sally Gardens a chestnut?

# Posted on May 23rd 2007 by atftb

Re: History lesson needed

I assume you are talking about the Teetotaler's Reel (also known as the Temperance Reel). Both tunes are usually played in the key of G major, but after the first phrase they diverge- I don't know if you're working with a guitar or zouk player, but you'll find that if they play the chords to one of them and you play melody on the other, you'll soon find they don't match. If you still think they sound like the same tune, you may need to listen more closely.

# Posted on May 23rd 2007 by Murph

Re: History lesson needed

Sorry. It is the Tetotalers reel. some days I have difficulty counting to 4.

The session did not have a guitar or zouk so that may be what I missed.

As far as my chesnut reference, Having played PA with irish-esque American musicians for a number of years (frustrated baladeers who wouldn't know session tunes if they bit them on the capo) I switched to box . It is one of those tunes that I've heard everywhere for years and everyone seems to know it. It is also a very nice tune that doesn't lose its luster from over use.

I picked it because I knew it from PA and whistle without being too nervous, and playing with so many experienced players the other night, I new if i screwed up or dropped off, they would play it through seamlessly anyway.

They were a very tolerant group.

# Posted on May 23rd 2007 by zippydw

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