A Punch In The Dark reel

This is a slightly unusual version of the tune, based on Karen Tweed’s setting, but I much prefer it to Sean Smyth’s setting, which is probably more like the original, written by Gerry O’Connor. I’ve transcribed this version not only because I think it’s more interesting, but also because you’ll find a more standard session setting elsewhere on the net. Having said that, this one does not clash with the standard so you can get away with it no probs at sessions.

I’m sure this doesn’t really matter, but "The Punch In The Dark" sounds really silly. I’m sure Gerry O’Connor entitled it just "Punch In The Dark", or if you really think there has to be an article: "A Punch In The Dark".

Another thing about this tune that springs to mind - the A part has a syncopated riff a bit similar to the B part of "The Up Downey Reel", but I think this tune is much meatier, so if I had to play one of the 2 tunes, I’d go for this one every time.

True, a meatier tune, but without the beautiful combination of sillyness and darkness you get from UpDowny

This is on the first track of Wild Geese - In Full Flight, from about 1982. Gerry must have been very young then.

X: 1
T: A Punch In The Dark
M: 4/4
L: 1/8
R: reel
K: Ador
|:A3c BAcB | AcBG E3G | AcBA cBAc | Bggf gedB |
cBAc BAcB | AcBG E3D | B3E DEGA | BcdB cdBc :||
|:g2 gf gdBd | g3d fgaf | g2 gf gdBd | cA A2 cdef |
g2 gf gdBd | g3d fgaf | g2 fd (3efg dB | 1 cBAB cdef :|2 cdBc AcBc ||

I always think the B part sounds like the B part of the Flogging Reel :

https://thesession.org/tunes/195

The master himself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L03zTOMkZ2E

play video

https://www.discogs.com/de/Wild-Geese-In-Full-Flight/release/2368334