Tune of the month

mandolin

We usually start the session with some of the fairly easy tunes to warm up… such as:
Bear Dance, the Clare Reel, Fiery Clockface, Hunt the Squirrel, Ille Bhig, Inisheer, Jimmy Allen, Kafouzalem, Kerfunken, Lucy Farr’s, Old Tom, Rusty Gully, Spirit of the Dance, Salmon Tails and the Swallowtail Jig.

In the second half, we’ll play some of the harder or faster tunes on the website.
And we are happy to play whichever tunes on this website that you have been practising. The tune of the month is just a way to have at least one tune that we’ve all been working on.

If you’d like to listen to all the tunes, there is now a playlist (click for link) on Youtube! I’ve also made a playlist on Spotify. For both of these, if you would like to suggest alternatives that you prefer (or fill in the missing gaps), do email me (oxfordslowsession2014@gmail.com)

We are also available on Zoom at present (see link below). This means that you can join in with us and you will hear us and yourself (although nobody else will hear you). However, if you’re not unwell nor too far away, please do join us in the White House Pub.

Please note: On Zoom, make sure you press the Chat button so you can write in tune requests and also just in case you don’t know what tune we are playing, I write it in every time. You can access the session room in advance of our session to check it all works. Also, I really recommend using headphones so that you can hear us over your own playing. It is surprisingly difficult to keep in time without being able to hear over your own instrument!

Any problems, email me at oxfordslowsession2014@gmail.com or ring +44 (0) 770 935 2834

Do buy a drink from the bar downstairs and join us upstairs with your instrument.

Forthcoming Sessions Tune of the MonthZoom link and live location
2nd April 2023, 4.30pmThe Millhouse and The LancashireClick here to join on zoom (password if needed: slow) or join us at the White House Pub (Abingdon Road)
16th April 2023, 4pmAny tune on the websiteWhite House Pub (not zoom) as part of Oxford Folk Weekend
7th May 2023, 4.30pmThe Sails of Kittiwake
4th June 2023An Rogaire Dubh
2nd July 2023Motorway Mazurka

Previous Slow SessionsTune of the MonthLocation
5th March 2023, 4.30pmEade RoadWhite House pub
5th Feb 2023, 4.30pm (note new time)The Swaggering Jig (aka Give us a Drink of Water)White House pub
8th Jan 2023, 4pm
(NB note a week late)
Maghera Mountain and PortsmouthClick here to join on zoom (password if needed: slow) or join us at the White House Pub (Abingdon Road)
4th Dec 2022, 2pm (NB EARLIER time)Black JokeClick here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) or join us at the Old Fire Station Cafe (George St)
6th Nov 2022, 4pmMaiden LaneZoom and pub
2nd Oct 2022, 3.30pmMontanesa de LugoClick here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) or join us Upstairs in the White House Pub
4th Sept 2022, 3.30pmMichael Turner’s WaltzClick here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) or join us Upstairs in the White House Pub
3rd Sept 2022,
2-5pm
Any tune on the websiteAt the George Hotel (High St, Wallingford) as part of BunkFest, Wallingford, FREE music festival
7th August 2022, 3.30pmAny tune on the websiteIn person-only for August. Upstairs in White House pub in Oxford.
3rd July 2022, 3.30pmThe Good Natured ManClick here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) or join us at the (stop press change of venue) Florence Park Bandstand
5th June 2022, 3.30pmBilly Malley’s Schottische(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) or join us Upstairs in the White House Pub
1st May 2022, 3.30pmThe £42 cheque(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)
or join us at Upstairs in the White House Pub
24th April 2022, 3pmPart of the Oxford Folk WeekendLive only Upstairs in the White House Pub
3rd April 2022, 3.30pm The Battle of the Somme(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)
or join us at the Upstairs in the White House Pub
6th March 2022, 3.30pmCooley’s Reel

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Upstairs in the White House Pub
6th February 2022, 3.30pmCarraroe jig

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Upstairs in the White House Pub
2nd January 2022, 3.30pmOut on the Ocean

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Upstairs in the White House Pub
5th December 2021 3.30pmThe Swallowtail Jig

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Upstairs in the White House Pub
7th November 2021 3.30pmThe Hills of Kaitoke

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Upstairs in the White House Pub
3rd October 2021 3.30pmThe Brown Coffin

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Bandstand in Florence Park
5th September 2021 3.30pmThe Fiery Clockface

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Bandstand in Florence Park
8th August 2021 3.30pmMerrily kissed the Quaker

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Bandstand in Florence Park
4th July 2021 3.30pmBronwyn Jenkins

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Bandstand in Florence Park
6th June 2021 3.30pmSoor Milk Cairt

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Bandstand in Florence Park
2nd May 2021 (3.30pm normal time)
Tarbolton

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

17th April 2021 2pm BSTAny tune on websiteZoom link here (password slowly) from Oxford Folk Weekend
(visit for lots of online gigs and other sessions)
or join us at the Bandstand in Florence Park
4th April 2021 (Easter Day)
NB start 3.30pm (British Summer Time)

Sí Bheag, Sí Mhor

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

or join us at the Bandstand in Florence Park

 

7th March 2021
NB 3.30pm (UK time) start

McCrea’s Delight (in G)

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)


7th February 2021
NB Back to 3.30pm start

Nantwich Fair

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)


3rd January 2021
NB 2pm start

Musical Priest

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)

6th December 2020
NB 2pm start

Seven Stars

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)
If the national lockdown has lifted and if you would like to join us, come to Florence Park bandstand and please send me your contact details beforehand – see Our Covid precautions page.
1st November 2020
NB 2pm start

Seamus Cooley’s Jig

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)
If you would like to join us, come to Florence Park bandstand and please send me your contact details beforehand – see Our Covid precautions page.
25th October 2020
(NB 2pm start)

Any tune on the website

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)
If you would like to join us, come to Florence Park and please send me your contact details beforehand – see Our Covid precautions page.

4th October 2020

Pearl Wedding in D

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow)
If you would like to join us, come to Florence Park and please send me your contact details beforehand – see Our Covid precautions page.

13th September 2020

Any tune on the website

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) and we’re going to try out Florence Park Bandstand.

6th September 2020

Tarbolton

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) and it looks like the weather will allow us to meet in Grandpont Nature park too.
23rd August 2020 –

Any tunes on website

possible extra session (weather looks ok at present)
(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) and please join us at Grandpont Nature Park)
9th August 2020

The Orphan

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) (only on Zoom for this date)
26th July 2020 – extra session

Any tunes on website

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) and weather permitting, please join us at Grandpont Nature Park)
5th July 2020

Pride of Petravore

(Click here to Join on Zoom (password: slow) and if it is not raining or likely to, please join us at Grandpont Nature Park)
21st June 2020Any tune on the list(extra outside)
Click here to join
and use password: slow
14th June 2020Any tune on the list(extra outside)
Click here to join
and use password: slow
7th June 2020Bill Malley’s BarndanceClick here to join
and use password: slow
3rd May 2020WillafjordON ZOOM:
Click here to join
and use password: slow
19th April 2020 (part of Folk Weekend Oxford)
NB 2.30pm
On Zoom (Download folk weekend brochure: http://www.folkweekendoxford.co.uk/what-s-on.html to find Zoom meeting ID)
1st March 2020Inisheer
9th February 2020 (NB Second Sunday for this month only)The Flying Tweed
5th January 2020250 to Vigo
29th December 2019
(Extra holiday session)
Any tunes on the list
1st December 2019Farewell to Whalley Range
3rd November 2019Spootiskerry
6th October 2019Johsefin’s Waltz
1st September 2019Hole in the Hedge
4th August 2019 (back to 3.30pm)Calum’s Road
7th July 2019 (NB 2pm)Paddy Fahy’s reel
2nd June 2019Tell her I will (aka Gallagher’s Frolics)
5th May 2019 (back in Jericho)Tell her I am
27th April 2019 in Royal Oak pubAny tunes on the list…
7th April 2019Jimmy Allen
3rd March 2019Farewell to Nigg
3rd February 2019The Sloe
6th January 2019
(back in Jericho Tavern)
Da Lounge Bar
2nd December 2018
(NB in The Chequers Pub)
Snug in a Blanket and the Bitter Withy
4th November 2018Denis Murphy’s Polka
7th October 2018The Frost is All Over and Rose in the Heather
2nd September 2018Claire Connor’s Lament
5th August 2018The Hut on Staffin Island
1st July 2018Flatworld
3rd June 2018The Hills of Kaitoke
6th May 2018Tommy Peoples’s reel
22nd April 2018 (in the Chequer’s Pub as part of Oxford Folk Weekend free events)Soldier’s Joy
1st April 2018 (Easter day)La Sansonette
4th March 2018Poules Huppées and Kerr’s Jig
4th February 2018Tongadale Reel
7th January 2018The Night Poor Larry was Stretched
26th November 2017 (December session a week early! back in Jericho Tavern)Ille Bhig
5th November 2017 (venue for November – Chequers Pub)You’ve been a long time away Willy Gray
1st October 2017The Frost is All Over
3rd September 2017Cavers of Kirkcudbright
12th August 2017
(NB SATURDAY 2.30pm for August only)
Harvest Home
2nd July 2017Bert MacKenzie’s Birthday Waltz
4th June 2017Seven Stars
7th May 2017Keel Row
2nd April 2017Four-Up Hornpipe
5th March 2017The Kesh Jig
5th February 2017Rights of Man
1st January 2017Scottish theme (see below)
4th December 2016Brenda Stubbert’s
6th November 2016Salmon Tails
2nd October 2016Drowsy Maggie
11th September 2016Jump at the Sun
7th August 2016Calliope House
3rd July 2016Rose in the Heather
5th June 2016John Ryan’s Polka
1st May 2016May Mazurka
3rd April 2016Pearl Wedding in D
6th March 2016Hut on Staffin Island
7th February 2016Rights of Man
3rd January 2016Girl with a Blue Dress on
6th December 2015Bitter Withy, God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman and  I Saw Three Ships
1st November 2015Calliope House
4th October 2015Rights of Man
6th September 2015Lucy Farr’s
2nd August 2015Tongadale
5th July 2015Trip to Pakistan
7th June 2015Galtee Hunt
3rd May 2015Pearl Wedding in G
5th April 2015 (Easter Day)NO SLOW SESSION
1st March 2015Keel Row
1st February 2015Kerfunken Jig
4th January 2015Dr Letcher’s Favourite (aka Mounthills)
7th December 2014Hole in the Hedge and Hunt the Squirrel
2nd November 2014Clare Connor’s Lament
5th October 2014Booley House
7th September 2014Planxty Irwin
3rd August 2014May Mazurka
6th July 2014Butterfly
1st June 2014Poules Huppées (Crested Hens)
4th May 2014The Night Poor Larry was Stretched
6th April 2014The Lily
2nd March 2014The Clare Reel
2nd February 2014Rusty Gully
5th January 2014Bear Dance

For those who would like to have a list of our tunes by origin, I think they can roughly be grouped like this:
(NB really good tunes travel well and are sometimes naturalised by their new players. But if you feel you need to know which tunes to play in an “irish session” or a “scottish session” and so on, perhaps this might be useful.)

Scottish (or mostly so)

Battle of the Somme
Bert Mackenzie’s 70th Birthday Waltz
Brenda Stubbert’s reel (really Nova Scotia but often appropriated by Scotland too)
Calliope House
Calum’s Road
Cavers of Kirkcudbright
Farewell to Nigg
Hut on Staffin Island
Ille Bhig
Jenny Dang the Weaver
Da Lounge Bar (written by a Norwegian, named after a bar in Lerwick, Shetland)
McCrea’s Delight
Soor Milk Cairt
Spootiskerry
Tarbolton
Tongadale
Trip to Pakistan
Willafjord
250 to Vigo

Irish (or mostly so)

Bill Malley’s Barndance
Billy Malley’s Scottishe
Booley House
Brown Coffin
Butterfly
Carraroe
Clare Reel
Cooley’s Reel
Do You Love an Apple?
Denis Murphy’s Polka
Drowsy Maggie
The Frost is All Over
Galtee Hunt
The Good Natured Man
Hole in the Hedge
Inisheer
John Ryan’s Polka
Kerfunken
Lucy Farr’s
Merrily Kissed the Quaker (orig English but widely played in Ireland)
The Night Poor Larry was Stretched
The Orphan
Out on the Ocean
Paddy Fahy’s reel
Rights of Man
Rose in the Heather
Si Bheag Si Mhor
Tell her I am
Tell her I will
Tommy People’s reel
The £42 pound cheque

5 thoughts on “Tune of the month

  1. I’d like very much to come to the slow session on 4th January, is it possible to provide Dr Letcher’s Favourite (and any others) in alto clef for viola, as I’m not great at reading treble clef?? I don’t know how easy or difficult this is to do, but thought I’d ask! – Alison (viola)

    1. Dear Alison,
      I’ve transposed Dr Letcher’s favourite and posted it up on that page. There three other tunes I’ve already done for the alto clef, so I’ve created a file with these four tunes together and put it on the ‘All tunes for printing’ page.

      I hope this helps!

      I can transpose tunes but it just takes a little while. I do have one book of folk tunes in the alto clef, but mostly I’ve found tunes in the treble so I usually follow those (very slowly) until I can hear the tune and then learn it off by heart. It is lovely once you’ve got it in your head, but it does take some patience (well, for me). Anyway, have fun with these tunes (I think Paddy Fahey is a bit impossible on the viola) and let me know if there are others you’d like to learn.

      Best wishes,
      suke

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