Joe Peter’s jig

Cranford Publications News
http://visitor.benchmarkemail.com/c/v?e=206DCB&c=22C60&l=2C9B165&email=WPN3aoDKmmDnA3xenJtZNgif8GG0Zxj9&relid=D161D5FB

Joe Peter MacLean ~ "Two weeks ago Cape Breton lost Joe Peter MacLean, a fine fiddler, character extraordinaire and Gaelic icon. There was a lovely send off for Joe Peter - a state funeral (Cape Breton style). It was standing room only with about 350 people filling the church followed by a spirited reception including Gaelic songs and fiddle and pipe tunes that lasted for many hours.
Joe Peter was perhaps the last Cape Breton Gael who wasn’t educated in an English speaking school. A native speaker, his mother home-schooled him and he picked up the fiddle by ear from his father. Somewhere along the way he taught himself to read music and to play many instruments. His repertoire ranged from instrumental versions of Gaelic songs to the latest fiddle tunes from contemporary compilations. He shared this music in many kitchens and concerts throughout the island and during trips to the Hebrides.

Joe leaves behind memories of his quirky and often funny ways, plus his many kindnesses to those around him. Tunes and tributes have poured in."

~ with more in the newsletter, including links to a poem and a march composed by Brenda Stubbert - "Memories of Joe Peter", and "Joe Peter’s Jig" composed by Paul Cranford.

http://www.cranfordpub.com/
http://www.cranfordpub.com/tunes/psc/JoePetersJig.htm

This is quite a jolly jig, and I started playing it in Paul’s key, F, but I found I kept slipping into either D or G, and was considering adding my take on it in one of those two alternate possibilities, which I will, but for starters I felt it was best, given all, to just start with Paul’s own transcription and key, let it sit on its own for a spell, and then I’ll add my own jollies with it, at least in one of those two alternatives, up or down… 8-)

Likely D, as that will allow anyone with an F wind to follow the D fingering when playing this. I’ve been playing one of Misha Somerville’s F Kelpies lately, MK Whistles, and loving it, and then along came Paul’s tune, perfect, though, as said, otherwise I do find myself also playing it and having fun with it as well in the keys of D Major, down a few steps, lower, and up a step in G Major.

"Joe Peter MacLean: Back of Boisdale"
with Janet Cameron, Paul Wukitsch and Gordon MacLean. (Rounder record 7060)
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/jpml.htm

http://www.cainntmomhathar.com/speaker.php?sp=10&l=e

http://www.capebretonfiddlers.com/index.php?/Latest/the-passing-of-joseph-peter-maclean.html

& for your listening pleasure
http://www.cranfordpub.com/recordings/JoePeter.htm

http://www.myspace.com/ceolasuist/photos/13385827

YouTube ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qL88MR3APU

play video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfbtWKb6h7I

play video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3LZc8GGqBQ

play video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYxSJUGm3Ww

play video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab9i5pUK8j0

play video

I met Jo Peter 2 years ago at Ceolas, in South Uist. very nice chap, we had a wonderful session… I’ll miss him…

Thanks for the transcription Swiss, it means I don’t have to rush. ;-)

Yes Nikita. We only crossed paths at dances on the island, and the occasional house party, and never really got to know the person. I love the history behind the character, the raw humanity of his music, and one who also had a beautiful way with the Gaelic, true of many of the older generation of Cape Breton ~ high respect!

Adding that promised ‘other’ take on this, I find myself playing between octaves…