Banjo Hangout Newest 100 Songs

Original progressive clawhammer tune.

Original progressive clawhammer tune. Composed and arranged during a residency in Astoria, OR.

Key of G. Ozark version.

Key of G. Ozark version.

3 finger Banjo arrangement for Fields of Gold . if anyone wants a jpg copy of the tab .,.. just email me on :- [email protected]

Played by Butch Robins

This traditional air honors the Irish soldiers who left Ireland to fight for France. The last time they left marked the 1691 Treaty of Limerick , a momentous time in Ireland's history which ended the Williamite war and the reign of King James, who left, too, after the Battle of the Boyne (which has a namesake tune as well). When the Chieftains recorded The Wild Geese they were picturing women singing on shore while the soldiers sailed off forevermore to fight elsewhere. At the end of my recording listen for the geese flying off...

There was really a harper in Ireland called Maire Dhall (Blind Mary) who is known to have taught harp to friends of Turlough O'Carolan (1670 - 1738), so it's assumed he knew her, too. The melody is rather dramatic and you get a feeling of respect for this woman, who, like O'Carolan, must have traveled, played harp, and taught for a living.