Big John’s reel

This is a little gem from “Hidden Fermanagh Vol.1,” on which fiddler John McManus himself plays it with his son Pat on fiddle and Cathal McConnell. My transcription is mostly based on their trio playing but has some subtle changes to suit my fancy. A slightly different setting of the tune is on the Hidden Fermanagh Book. It informs us John got it from his uncle, and Cathal named it after John.

The very first time around they play like this: *D2FA* d2AF|GEBE GEBE|….

Goodman had this reel (Goodman 4/79f) as “Fanny”. [See Shields, Hugh and Lisa, Tunes of the Munster Pipers 2, (Dublin, 2013), No. 1009, page 190]

This is how Gerry O’Connor plays it on his album “Last Night’s Joy”, track 3a.