Key signature: Gmajor
Submitted on January 20th 2009 by Mix O'Lydian.
This tune has been added to 5 tunebooks.
X: 1
T: Uncle Bernard's
M: 2/4
L: 1/8
R: polka
K: Gmaj
|:A2|GA Bc|d3/2e/2 d/2c/2 B|c3/2d/2 c/2B/2 A|B3/2c/2 B A|
GA Bc|d3/2e/2 dg|f/2e/2 d/2c/2 B A| G2:|
|:Bd|gg fe|d3/2e/2 d/2c/2 B|c3/2d/2 c/2B/2 A|B3/2c/2 B d|
gg fe|d3/2e/2 dg|f/2e/2 d/2c/2 B A| G2:|
Uncle Bernard's Polka
A tune that I've known for many years. A simple melody, but one that somehow "punches above its weight".
Strictly speaking, a 4/4 polka (there are such things!) but I've had to notate it as 2/4 to avoid having to submit it as a reel - which clearly it is not.
I've used G major for this submission, but any major key (e.g. G, D) will do.
The lead note is of special significance, as it is played with a very heavy emphasis - not only when you start the tune, but with each subsequent repeat of it.
Do any of you sessioneers remember Simon Knight? (Died 2001). A very nice box player, with a good repertoire. He lived initially in London (England) and later moved to Wells (Somerset, England). Very fond of visiting Ireland, and always came back with lots of "new" tunes.
http://www.m-c-g.org.uk/songbook/index.htm
I didn't learn this tune from Simon, but I always associate it with him. He was fond of using it for the Circassian circle at the end of barn dances.
He didn't set it with any other tunes - he just started it G, then cycled it though all the various major keys.
And with loads of "welly" on that lead note, and a big beaming smile on his face when doing so!
A great character, Simon. And somone who hated any form of "political correctness" (tune-related, or otherwise). Good on him!
# Posted on January 20th 2009 by Mix O'Lydian
Albion Country Band
This Tune is on one of the Albion Country Bands albums. There it is followed by Jenny Lind Polka
# Posted on January 25th 2009 by Ranks