Humours of Whiskey (The)
“The Humours of Slip Jig” is a slip jig very much associated with Donegal music. I learned it from accordion player Dermot Byrne, who is now based in Clare.
Altan
Highlandman (The)
This strathspey comes from the playing of Altan, they recorded it on their first album. I remember hearing this tune at a great session down in Miltown Malbay during the Willie Clancy Summer School.
Comb Your Hair And Curl It
Maybe more common as a Hop Jig, I learned this Slip Jig version of “Comb Your Hair And Curl It” from Altan’s album “The Blue Idol”.
Cat That Ate The Candle (The)
“The Cat That Ate The Candle”, which I learned from the late Frankie Kennedy (Donegal flute player, founding member of Altan), is one of the few tunes on this site that actually has nothing to do with Doolin. It is simply the opening reel of one of my favourite tracks ever, Frankie’s solo on Altan’s very first album.
Bó Mhín Na Toitean
“Bó Mhín Na Toitean” is a strathspey I learned a long time ago when I was still in Switzerland. It comes from the playing of the great Donegal band Altan.
Atholl Highlanders (The)
“The Atholl Highlanders” is a tune of scottish origin. Mostly played as a jig, even though it was originally a march I believe. It is very much associated with the fiddle music of Donegal and was recorded by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy on their legendary album “Ceol Aduaidh”.