Martin Wynne’s reel

This mighty tune is often played as a set with the other Martin Wynne reel I posted earlier. Martin Wynn didn’t write many tunes but I’ve never came across a bad one.

Some years ago, fiddler Johnny Cunningham recorded this as a slow reel, proving that a tune can be both “mighty” and lyrical. I learned it as an air first, then later heard it played up tempo a la the Bothy Band. They do a terrific transition from Martin Wynne’s into the Longford Tinker. The change hinges on the last bar of Wynne’s being the same notes as the first bar of Longford Tinker.

I don’t know how “mighty” it is, but it’s also well known as the opening tune on Frankie Gavin’s first solo album (w/ Alec Finn) c. 1977. An excellent album– by far his best by my lights.

Sorry, I’m thinking of the other Martin Wynne’s everybody plays in D.

At our sessions this one is generally referred to as Martin Wynne’s No. 2. We play the other one in “D” (AF (3FEF GE (3EDE) before it and finish up with the one in “G” (dged B2 Ac) which makes for a nice set. I agree strongly with Brad’s comment about never hearing a bad tune associated with Martin’s name!

Might this not be in Bm?

this is my favourite tune of all time

… and i seem to remember reading somewhere that on martin’s deathbed, or near the time of his death, he was asked what his best or favourite tune was, to which he answered _

‘martin wynne’s no. 2’

it really is a mighty tune for you tunesmith’s out there

paddy, just seen your question

the tune is in D major, but (simply) the 1st part is usually started on a three-chord sequence of B minor, A & G (repeated) [ although i prefer Bm, Em, G ] then into the 2nd part on a ‘strong D major’ (with B minor changes)

the golden touch is to do one variation on the opening with ‘F sharp minor’ (for 2) then G _that’s the one that does it …

Joe Burke and Sean Maguire play it as “Burying Poteen” on their “Irish Trad music at it’s best” album.

The play it before The Cup of Tea.

Kudos to whoever it is that keeps these lists up to date.

Flute/ pipes version based on the Bothy Band’s recording

There may be another name for this tune…the people I learned it from called it Martin Wynne’s #2

Posted here 14 years ago…..

https://thesession.org/tunes/359

(from 04:49) https://youtu.be/3QlFGTaI_8I?t=4m49s

play video

a version from Michelle Mulcahy from her album: “Suaimhneas”

One of my preferred “low reels”, next to Farewell to Erin…

Looking for chords for this tune. I was thinking of doing D, A/C#, Bm, but then saw lisaniska saying Bm, A, G. Either of these might work, but the rest of the tune needs accompaniment as well. Does anyone have any suggestions?

When working out chords I find it’s best to follow the flow of the tune rather than analysis of the individual notes - like if you had to come up with something on the fly.

With that in mind and based on the first setting, I would probably play something like:
|:Bm A|Bm|Em|F#m|Bm A|Bm|Em|F#m Bm:|
|:Bm A|Em|D A|A F#m|Bm A|Em|D A|A Bm:|

Once you have established a rough outline then you can start sharpening the corners here and there with bass runs and substitutions.

Thanks Donald!