The Mason’s Apron reel

This is a monster of a tune, but it’s a lot of fun to play.

There are many variations of this tune and I’ve tried to include as many as possible in this setting. Quite often, though, the tune is played simply as a two part reel.

One way of introducing the variation, as practiced by Matt Molloy, is to introduce a new part with each round. So, the first time ’round, just play the first two parts, the second time ’round, play three parts, etc, right on up to that last tricky, jazzy part.

Sometimes this reel is played in G, so be prepared to transcribe at a moment’s notice. Maybe you’ll find G is more comfortable for you anyway.

As regards ornamentation, there’s plenty of room for triplets. In the very first phrase, for instance, it sounds a bit hornpipe-like as it’s written here. Turn those As into triplets to liven it up a bit.

By the way, this tune is something of a banjo benchmark test.

If anyone wants the version of this tune Keiran Hanrahan plays on his CD just send me an E-mail.

I strongly believe that i play one of the best versions of this tune ever, this version has 10 parts and is a real flashy, virtuoso piece of music, the first 6 parts are the Hanrahan version but the rest i wrote myself, this is a unique and different version, if anyone would like me to send it to them, email me.
This version is for banjos only i’m afraid as it goes waaaayyyy up to the 16th fret! this is one monster of a tune.

T:Mason’s Apron
M:4/4
L:1/8
S:Micho Russell
R:reel
Z:g.m.p
K:G
dBAB GAGE|DEGA BGGz|AcBG AGEG|Gz(3Bcd edge|
dBAB GAGE|DEGA BGGz|c2cd edge|dBAB G2z2:|
~G2dz egdG|~G2dg egdB|A2eg ~g2ec|c2eg gedz|
~G2dz egdG|~G2dg egdB|BA(3Bcd edge|dBAB G2z2:|

Hello folks,
Can anyone recommend a guitar chord sequence to accompany the Masons Apron (A major).
Regards
Gary

Depends on who’s playing it and how they’re playing it, I guess. But I can ask my guitar player if you like. We’re playing a gig tonight.

Zina

Depending on how many parts you are playing, and the style of the melody player (to echo Zina’s comments), it’s probably best to keep it simple… stick to your basic three-chord trick set-up (I-IV-V, or A-D-E for those keeping score at home). For variety, you can substitute the relative minor (vi, or f#) for the A chord. For instance, you might try, instead of I-IV-V, to sub vi-iii-ii-V, that is f#-c#-b-E (note minor chords in lower case, Major in Upper). But don’t do this too much as it occludes the melody and makes a great tune sound like a guitar solo with melody accompaniment. Better to focus on tasteful movement in the bass line– walking down, using inversions to accentuate chord progression– than on getting too involved in outrageous chord substitutions.

I have spent a good while a few months back searching on the internet and even posted this in a Riverdance discussion forum but got no reply. Where does the verson of the Mason’s Apron that Michael Flatley played in the opening Riverdance show in 1994 come from???

I have never heard a version like it. Matt Molloy plays the same 7 part Mason’s Apron but Flatley’s, although similar, seems to be different to the point that I can’t believe it’s just all variations.

Anyway, This is the tune that after hearing it I said to myself. “I have to learn to play the flute” And I’d love to know if anyone knows about this rendition of the Mason’s Apron.

I heard that this multi-part version was associated with
Sean McGuire, the old timer flashy fiddle player…..
( This guy: http://www.jimmaginn.fsnet.co.uk/keanemcguire.htm )
Usually its played in G on the flute, cos its easier, though I don’t know if fiddlers prefer to play this multi part version in A ?

PjH

I have not heard Flatley’s version but I do know Sean Maguire’s. It is very flashy (loads of third and fourth position variations) and had the same effect on me as a kid as Flatley’s version has had on you. I took my violin (previously only used for classical music) out of the cupboard, where it had been gathering dust, and began the first step, of many, to turning it into a fiddle.
That was over thirty years ago.
That Sean Maguire has a lot to answer for! (I’ll say it before anyone else does).

I have a 9 part or even 10 of it for the banjo but it goes to high for a flute. Lovely instrument the flute I’m thinking about buying one and just wondered are they difficult to play?

Sorry Sean!
McGuire….wrong spellling.

Not according to Monty Python. You just blow across the hole at one end and move your fingers about over the other holes. Simple.

Wouldn’t it be great if it was as easy as that. Is it better to start off on a tin whistle then move on to a flute?

I would say yes, but only cos the only other instrument I tried to learn was the Uilleann pipes and I didn’t persist. Yeah, give the flute a go, I’m trying to convert more and more fiddle players.

Re: Starting on a whistle……. to become a flute-player ?

I think the whistle is more of a distraction/unhelpful tool for a serious flute-player. I used to play mostly whistle, now I never play it.

Sure you can transfer basic tune shape-fingerings, but in my experience thats where the similarity ends,
You cannot develop breathing, fingering , ornamentation ( B and A rolls esp. ), tone, cranning, 3rd octave, bottom/hard D , embouchure, high-note-tone-control ( ie: lips versus “blow harder” ) etc, for the flute by playing the whistle. You can, however delay your progress in all these areas on the flute by playing a whistle.

If you want to be a flute-player, play the flute, every day.
Thats been my experience

PjH

As a showpiece, the Mason’s Apron on the fiddle is much more spectacular (and slightly easier) in A than it is in G.
Trevor

For a further discussion of the variations on this tune have a look at the comments on the tune posted in this database under
https://thesession.org/tunes/74.
O’Neill and Henrik Norbeck have several examples.
Trevor

Fiddlers read A and e rolls as bowed triplets.
K:Gmaj
|:ge|dB~B2 AGEG|DEGA B2AG|EA~A2 BA~A2|(3B^cd ef gage|
dB~B2 AGEG|DEGA BGAB|~c3d edeg|GDBA G2:|
|:dc|BG~G2 eGdG|~G2dG eGdG|ce~e2 ge~e2|degb aged|
Bd~d2 ed~d2|GABG AGEG|~c3d edeg|GDBA G2:|

I had the good fortune to hear Cathal McConnell (Boys of the Lough) bring down the house (Kelly’s in DC) with his version of Mason’s Apron, with so many variations I lost count or otherwise couldn’t distinguish, on the whistle. Man that whistle went every where it had too and beyond. Cathal was a little ***ssed at the crowd for being too noisy so he shut them up right proper. Anybody know if Cathal ever recorded it? That was quite a few years ago, like more than 10.

If someone knows of a recording with Cathal I would like you to e-mail me the info. We play a two part version at our sessions and have began experimenting with it. I use a Shaw Low A whistle that compliments the fiddle.

I am nearly sure McConnell recorded his version of “The Mason’s Apron” on a very early BOL album.

Longnote, Do you know which tape. I have all of the tapes but would like to know which one to look for since they are archived somewhere in my liitle black holes.Anybody?? Phil

it was on their second album.. the last track, the second tune of the set.

Halo everyone,
I’m looking for some variations on the tenor banjo for the masons apron. I’ve heard that a long time ago a really good version was played and recorded by Barney McKenna and the Dubliners but i don’t know how to find it or anything. Does anyone know where i could find that if they’re familiar with it? or does anyone have a few variations they know of they could pass on to me?

Much appreciated
Scott

Scott
I have a very interesting version of Mason’s Apron.
Problem is that it isn’t in the computer system
If You give me a fax number, i can send it to You right now. It is a version for fiddle, with many nice variations, but I’m sure it will fit
the banjo as well.
ciao
Massimo

There’s a ton of variations for Mason’s. Some of them are to be found here in the tune archives. Gotta run right now, but will be back later and if someone else doesn’t give you links, I will. 🙂

Listen to Kieran Hanrahan’s version on his CD “The Irish Tenor Banjo.” It’s technically brilliant. A bit too showy for my taste, though. (I’m not too fond of banjo solos - even my own. I’d rather hear it blend in with the other instruments.)

I like playing the tune “The Devil’s Dream” as a variation. Is has basically the same chords, but gives i a different feel to it than Masons Apron… Devils Dream is somewhat a Bluegrass tune, but I think it originates from Scotland or Ireland…

Lars.

i thought the devil’s dream was a new england/contra version of De’il Amongst the Tailors? at least, that’s where i’ve heard it, and it seems much more similar to that tune than the Mason’s…

Mason’s Apron….hmmm…I don’t know this tune yet and feel it should be part of my repertoire for session playing. Problem for me is there seems to be a lot of different versions and some have more than 2 parts I believe. Plus it’s in a difficult key for a keyless flute player. My music mentor in Boston didn’t really have a good version for me to learn so I guess I’ll just wait. He said it was more of a fiddle tune.

Matt Molloy plays an amazing Mason’s Apron on Shadows of stone (but I’m not ready to learn that one yet). Scott, I don’t know how Molloy’s version would sit on the banjo, but it’s worth a listen.

If anyone can recommend a recording that has a more simple, yet common setting of the Mason’s Apron, I’d really appreciate it.

Joyce

In over 30 years of playing, I have only heard this tune once at a session – when myself, Gary Hastings and the singer Brian Mullen lilted the full Sean M version.

This is a great tune that Matt Molloy has turned into a showpiece. The tune is played in A, but when Matt goes into his extended solo on it, he wisely switches to G, because on flute, the tune is unplayable at tempo in A.

I am always reluctant to start this tune in G at sessions, because I’m not sure anyone plays it in that key. I’d like to hear from flute players about playing the tune, and players on other instruments about playing it in G.

Cheers.

i’ve learned a lovely version of the mason’s apron written by Frankie Gavin, which i personally call “Frankie’s Apron.” It’s in G. I find it too difficult in A. But you’re right, G is not as session friendly. But heck, it’s not that hard of a switch. I’d say go for it in G!

The Micho Russel version of the tune is also posted. Thanks to Gian Marco for the ABC as shown above.

Thanks to Gian for the ABCs - but listening to Frankie Gavin’s version, I’m at a loss to identify the key - first note seems like F natural ???? Anyone else notice this?

im really having terouble with the b part from the second fret 2cnd stri ng and the 2cnd fret 1st string on the tenor banjo a realy pain in the bum

Here is the transcription I made from their ‘74 LP. Perhaps (for sure !) some errors in it ?
It demonstrates that tin whistle is NOT a toy ( ;o) Pat Higgins) and I know what I’m saying being myself a flute player.
It shows too that the key of G is not so bad (;o) lazyhound) and suits especially well with the key changing of A.
And finally that this version is , no doubt (;o) Liam “banjo” Vernon), the best version ever (despite yours, the one of Matt Molloy and that of the Dubliners).
Didier
X: 1
T: Mason’s Apron, The
S: The Boys of the Lough / Second Album / Lowrie Tarrell ; The mason’s apron
Z: Did VdB 2006/06/14
M: 4/4
L: 1/8
R: reel
K: Gmaj
N: Cathal McConnell solo on whistle (beginning at 1’19“)
P: part 1 (1’19“)
f | gGGG BAGE | DEGA BGAB | cAAG ABAG | FGAB cdef|
gGGG BAGE | DEGA BGAB | cBcd edeg | dcBA G3f |
gGGG BAGE | DEGA BGAB | cAAG ABAG | FGAB cdef |
gedB GAGE | DEGA BGAB | cBcd edeg | dcBA G3A |
P:part 2 (1’34“)
BGdG eGdG | BGdG eGdB | BAeABAEA | BAef gedc |
BGGG eGdG | BGdG eGdB | ABcdefge | dcBA G z2 |
BGdG eGdG | BGdG eGdB | BAeABAEA | BAef gedc |
G2G2 eGdG | BGdG eGdB | ABcdefge | dcBA GGGA |
P: part 3 (1’50“)
B2 dB eBdB | B2 dB eBdB | c2 dc ecdc | c2 dc ecfA |
B2 dB eBdB | gBfB eBdB | c2 cd edeg | dcBA G2 GA |
B2 gB fBeB | B2 gB eBdB | c2 dc ecdc | c2 dc ecfA |
B2 gB fBeB | gBfB eBdB | c2 cd edeg | dcBA G2 GA |
P: part 4 (2’05“)
B2 GB FBEB | GBFB EBDB | c2 Ac GcFc | DcEc FcDA |
B2 GF GBEG | BEGB DGBc- | c2 cd edeg | dcBA GGBd |
P: part 5 (2’13“)
gd d2 edef | g2 fg edeg | aeee fefg | a2 ga edBd |
gd d2 edef | g2 fg edef | gfge dBGB | AGAB GGBd |
gd d2 edef | g2 fg edeg | aeee fefg | a2 ga edBd |
gd d2 edef | g2 fg e2-ef| g2 ge d2 GB | AGAB G2 GA |
P: part 6 (2’29“)
B2 GB dGBd | GBdG BdGB | c2 Gc eGce |GceG ceGA |
B2 GB dGBd | g2 fgegdB | cBcd edeg | dcBA G2 GA |
BdGB dGBd | GBdG BdGB | c2 Gc eGce |GceG ceGA |
B2 GB dGBd | FBdF BdFB | cBcd edeg | dcBA G2 ^g2 |
P: part 7 (2’29“)
K:A
aAAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dBBB dcBA | GABc zefg |
agaf edcB | AGAB cAEA | dcde fefa | edcB A2 z2 |
P:(joining Aly Bain on fiddle and Robin Morton on bodhràn)
aAAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dBBB dcBA | GABc defg |
aAAA cBAF | EFAB cBAc | Bcde fefa | ecdB A2 z2 ||

I find it a bit hard to understand how the tunes here actually work. I wanted to learn the masons apron on the accordion and it came up but it doesn’t seem long enough to be the masons apron, is it not like a ten parter!! Any help greatly appreciated because I find it very hard to try and find good books to learn good tunes from, so this web site is ideal. Any help greatly appreciated!

I looked up Mason’s Apron on this site, and it is 5 parts, each part repeated.

That would seem to be correct, so there doesn’t seem to be a problem. Can you clarify your difficulty?

That’s because each tune has many different variants. The Mason’s Apron posted here is the version that the poster plays. This is an older setting of the tune. The newer flashier version which goes right up the scale is not suitable for all musicians, let alone the instruments. But it’s all based in the key of A so if you have a recording of it, LISTEN!

The Mason’s Apron is two parts, or any amount more - the other parts being variations. Learn the first two parts, then listen to different players’ versions. Like Barney McKenna’s with the Dubliners. It’s often performed as an onstage show-stopper, not really the way you’d play it at a session or dance.

Some books have written out all the variations they know as if they were formal parts and some players believe that they are.

Some variations depart from the harmonic structure so it’s not just like improvising over chrods but requires different accopaniments for each part. (This sort of thing seems to be popular with Scottish dance tunes)

But to ignorant old me, they’re all just variations on the first two.

PaddyC already put it better than me!

There is a very good version on The Sessioneer website.

Flute/whistle player Cathal McConnell (if I’ve spelt him right) played a showpiece version of “The Mason’s Apron” on the whistle. I assume it’s recorded somewhere, most likely on an early Boys Of The Lough album.
Failing that, try solo or other albums he made.

it is on a Boys of the Lough album, could be Far from Home…

You can see in my earlier post (14th june 2006) that the Boys of the lough’ s album is entitled “The second album”.
Good work !

Listen to him talk about and play this tune: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thelatesession/rams/27march.smil (starts around 19:50) The whole programme “A Tribute to Sean McGuire” was originally broadcast on 27th March in 2005, and found in the Late Session Programme Listing 2005:
http://www.rte.ie/radio1/ceilihouse/1034199.html

Key signature: A Major
Submitted on February 5th 2004 by rog.
https://thesession.org/tunes/2473

Michael’s version is on youtube —
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXs6hle5ELY

play video

I watched The Fureys and Davey Arthur the other night and Davey did a show stopper of Masons Apron on the tenor banjo with George Furey on the guitar. Although it is good, I think it was a little too fast, I play the version posted here on the b/c button accordion and it is pleasing to the ear, lets face it, its not a race to see who can play it faster. There is a version of Davey playing it on YouTube and it also has the late Paul Furey on spoons.

I’m surprised no one has put up one of McGuire’s versions yet. He was the first to add extra parts to this otherwise simple tune. Pretty much everyone else who’s played the Mason’s Apron (as a showpiece) since has copied at least some of McGuire’s variations. I got this version from the album McGuire did with the Four Star Quartet. Most of McGuire’s various variations and parts are here. I’ve written all the parts out twice, so there’s no repeats, and this is the order that he played it most of the time, I believe. The first, seventh, and tenth parts are the same, just with different variations. The last 2 parts are played only at the very end, so if you’re repeating the tune (as McGuire usually did), you would play the first 10 parts twice, and then add the last two at the very end. This is obviously a fiddle version of the tune. The fingering on the high and low parts is a little tricky and I can explain it if anyone wants.

X:1
T:The Mason’s Apron (Sean McGuire version)
M:4/4
R:
K:A
[e2G2][e4G4] eg|aA(3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dB (3BBB dcBA|GABc defg|aA (3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dcde (3fgagf|edcB A|
efg|aA(3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dBcd ecde|fdef gefg|aA (3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dcde (3fgagf|edcB A|

GAB|cA (3AAA fAeA|ceAc fedc|dB (3BBB gBfB|dfBd gfed|cA (3AAA fAeA|ceAc fedc|Bcde fagf|edcB A
GAB|cA (3AAA fAeA|ceAc fedc|dB (3BBB gBfB|dfBd gfed|cA (3AAA fAeA|ceAc fedc|Bcde fbbg|afec AGAB|

c2 ec fcec|(3ccc ec fcec|d2 fd gdfd|(3ddd bd gdfd|c2 ac gcfc|(3ccc ac gcfc|dcde (3fga gf|edcB A|
GAB|c2 ac gcfc|c [a2c2] cgcfc|d [g2d2] dfded|d [b2d2] dfded|c [a2c2] cgcfc|(3ccc ac gcfc|dcde (3fga gf|edcB A|

efg|ae (3eee aefg|a2 ga ^f=f^fa|bf (3fff bfga|^ab^ab gede|ae (3eee aefg|a2 ga fece|~a3 f ecAc|=B_B=Bc A|
efg|ae (3eee aefg|a2 ga ^f=f^fa|bf (3fff bfga|^ab^ab gede|ae (3eee aefg|a2 ga fece|~a3 f ecAc|=B_B=Bc A2|

(3eee|ac’ea c’eac’|bd’eb d’ebd’|eac’e ac’ea|gbeg begb|eac’e ac’ec’|bd’eb d’ebd’|eac’e gbea|gefg agaf|
ea (3c’ae ac’ec’|bd’eb (3d’be bd’|ea (3c’ae ac’ea|(3gag eb gefg|ea (3c’ae ac’ec’|(3bc’b eb d’ebd’|eac’e gbea|gefg a2|

c’2e’c’ f’c’e’c’|(3c’c’c’e’c’ f’c’e’c’|d’2f’d’ g’d’f’d’|(3d’d’d’f’d’ g’d’f’d’|c’2e’c’ f’c’e’c’|(3c’c’c’e’c’ f’c’e’c’|d’c’d’e’ f’d’e’d’|c’abg a2|
=c’2|^c’2e’c’ f’c’e’c’|ac’e’c’ f’c’e’c’|(3d’d’d’f’d’ ad’F’A’|d’F’A’d’ f’d’e’d’|(3c’c’c’e’c’ f’c’e’c’|(3c’c’c’e’c’ f’c’e’c’|d’c’d’e’ f’d’e’d’|c’A’B’G’ a|

efg|aA(3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dBcd ecde|fdef gefg|aA (3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dcde (3fgagf|edcB A|
GAB|cA (3AAA cBAF|EDCE A,CEA|dFBc dfba|gfaf gfed|(3cdc (3BcB AGAB|ceaf ec (3ABc|defd ceaf|edcB A2|

efg|agaf edcB|AGAB cAEA|dFBc dfba|gfaf gfed|(3cdc (3BcB AGAB|ceaf ec (3ABc|defd ceaf|edcB A|
efg|agaf ecAG|ABce aecA|dFBc dfba|gfgf eded|(3cdc (3BcB AGAB|~c3e aecA|dfBd ceaf|edcB A|

_A,2|=A,2CE AECE|A,CEA, CEA,C|D2FB, DFB,D|FB,DF AFDB,|(3A,A,A,CE AECE|A,CEA, CEA,C|DCDE FAGF|EDCB, =A,_A,=A,B,|
C2EC A,CEG|AECE A,CEC|(3DDD FD A,DFG|AFDF A,DFD|(3CCCEG AECE|A,CEG AECE|DCDE FAGF EDCB, A,|

efg|aA (3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dB (3BBB dcBA|gfe^d (3ffe (3dcB|AE (3EEE ABcA|EAce fece|(3fga gf edcB|AEGB A|
efg|aA (3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dBcd ecde|fdef gefg|aA (3AAA cBAF|EFAB cABc|dcde (3fga gf|edcB A|

GAB|cA (3AAA aAce|AcaA ceAc|fA=cf A=cfA|=cfA=c fA=cA|^cA (3AAA aAce|Acea fedc|Bcde (3fga gf|edcB A|
GAB|cA (3AAA aAce|AcaA ceAc|fA=cf A=cfA|=cfA=c fA=cA|^cA (3AAA aAce|Acea fedc|Bcde fbbg|afec A|

GAB|c2ec Acec|^Gcec =Gcec|d2fd Adfa|(3bag af edcB|c2ec Acec|^Gcec =Gcec|dcde (3fga gf|edcB A|
GAB|c2ec Acec|^Gcec =Gcec|d2fd Adfa|(3bag af ef=g^g|(3aba(3gag(3fgf(3efe|(3ded(3cdc(3BcB(3ABA|(3GAG(3FGF(3EFE(3DED|(3CDC(3B,CB,A,4|[A2C2][A4C4]||

Key signature: A Major
Submitted on December 17th 2007 by FidDLe01.
~ /tunes/8048

X: 5
T: Mason’s Apron
S: Sean Maguire’s playing / FidDLe01’s transcription
M: 4/4
L: 1/8
R: reel
K: A Major

P: A / 1 of 12
[e2G2] [e2G2]- [e2G2] eg | aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dB (3BBB dcBA |
GABc defg | aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dcde (3fga gf | edcB Aefg |
aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dBcd ecde | fdef gefg |
aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dcde (3fga gf | edcB A |]

P: B / 2 of 12
GAB |\
cA (3AAA fAeA | ceAc fedc | dB (3BBB gBfB | dfBd gfed |
cA (3AAA fAeA | ceAc fedc | Bcde fagf | edcB AGAB |
cA (3AAA fAeA | ceAc fedc | dB (3BBB gBfB | dfBd gfed |
cA (3AAA fAeA | ceAc fedc | Bcde fbbg | afec A |]

P: C / 3 of 12
GAB |\
c2 ec fcec | (3ccc ec fcec | d2 fd gdfd | (3ddd bd gdfd |
c2 ac gcfc | (3ccc ac gcfc | dcde (3fga gf | edcB AGAB |
c2 ac gcfc | c[ac]-[ac]c gcfc | d[gd]-[gd]d fded | d[bd]-[bd]d fded |
c[ac]-[ac]c gcfc | (3ccc ac gcfc | dcde (3fga gf | edcB A |]

P: D / 4 of 12
efg |\
ae (3eee aefg | a2 ga f=f^fa | bf (3fff bfga | ^abab gede |
ae (3eee aefg | a2 ga fece | ~a3 f ecAc | B_B=Bc Aefg |
ae (3eee aefg | a2 ga f=f^fa | bf (3fff bfga | ^abab gede |
ae (3eee aefg | a2 ga fece | ~a3 f ecAc | B_B=Bc A2 |]

P: E / 5 of 12
(3eee |\
ac’ea c’eac’ | bd’eb d’ebd’ | eac’e ac’ea | gbeg begb |
eac’e ac’ec’ | bd’eb d’ebd’ | eac’e gbea | gefg agaf |
ea (3c’ae ac’ec’ | bd’eb (3d’be bd’ | ea (3c’ae ac’ea | (3gag eb gefg |
ea (3c’ae ac’ec’ | (3bc’b eb d’ebd’ | eac’e gbea | gefg a2 |]

P: F / 6 of 12
=c’2 |\
c’2 e’c’ f’c’e’c’ | (3c’c’c’ e’c’ f’c’e’c’ | d’2 f’d’ g’d’f’d’ | (3d’d’d’ f’d’ g’d’f’d’ |
c’2 e’c’ f’c’e’c’ | (3c’c’c’ e’c’ f’c’e’c’ | d’c’d’e’ f’d’e’d’ | c’abg a2 =c’2 |
^c’2 e’c’ f’c’e’c’ | ac’e’c’ f’c’e’c’ | (3d’d’d’ f’d’ ad’F’A’ | d’F’A’d’ f’d’e’d’ |
(3c’c’c’ e’c’ f’c’e’c’ | (3c’c’c’ e’c’ f’c’e’c’ | d’c’d’e’ f’d’e’d’ | c’A’B’G’ a |]

P: G / 7 of 12
efg |\
aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dBcd ecde | fdef gefg |
aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dcde (3fga gf | edcB AGAB |
cA (3AAA cBAF | EDCE A,CEA | dFBc dfba | gfaf gfed |
(3cdc (3BcB AGAB | ceaf ec (3ABc | defd ceaf | edcB A |]

P: H / 8 of 12
efg |\
agaf edcB | AGAB cAEA | dFBc dfba | gfaf gfed |
(3cdc (3BcB AGAB | ceaf ec (3ABc | defd ceaf | edcB Aefg |
agaf ecAG | ABce aecA | dFBc dfba | gfgf eded |
(3cdc (3BcB AGAB | ~c3 e aecA | dfBd ceaf | edcB A |]

P: I / 9 of 12
_A,=A,B, |\
=A,2 CE AECE | A,CEA, CEA,C | D2 FB, DFB,D | FB,DF AFDB, |
(3A,A,A, CE AECE | A,CEA, CEA,C | DCDE FAGF | EDCB, =A,_A,=A,B, |
C2 EC A,CEG | AECE A,CEC | (3DDD FD A,DFG | AFDF A,DFD |
(3CCC EG AECE | A,CEG AECE | DCDE FAGF | EDCB, A, |]

P: J / 10 of 12
efg |\
aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dB (3BBB dcBA | gfe^d (3ffe (3dcB |
AE (3EEE ABcA | EAce fece | (3fga gf edcB | AEGB Aefg |
aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dBcd ecde | fdef gefg |
aA (3AAA cBAF | EFAB cABc | dcde (3fga gf | edcB A |]

P: K / 11 of 12
GAB |\
cA (3AAA aAce | AcaA ceAc | fA=cf AcfA | =cfAc fAcA |
cA (3AAA aAce | Acea fedc | Bcde (3fga gf | edcB AGAB |
cA (3AAA aAce | AcaA ceAc | fA=cf AcfA | =cfAc fAcA |
cA (3AAA aAce | Acea fedc | Bcde fbbg | afec A |]

P: L / 12 of 12
GAB |\
c2 ec Acec | Gcec =Gcec | d2 fd Adfa | (3bag af edcB |
c2 ec Acec | Gcec =Gcec | dcde (3fga gf | edcB AGAB |
c2 ec Acec | Gcec =Gcec | d2 fd Adfa | (3bag af ef=g^g |
(3aba (3gag (3fgf (3efe | (3ded (3cdc (3BcB (3ABA | (3GAG (3FGF (3EFE (3DED | (3CDC (3B,CB, A,4 |
[A2C2] [A2C2]- [A4C4] |]

Sean McGuire’s “Mason’s Apron”

I know this tune is already on this site, but I thought someone ought to put McGuire’s version up since he was the one who originally made up all the extra parts. Anyone else who plays this tune now has gotten at least some of their variations from McGuire.

I think this is the most complete version of Sean McGuire’s that’s been posted on this site. I got this version from the album McGuire did with the Four Star Quartet. I’m not sure if I have all the variations and parts in the exact same order that he plays it on the recording, but they’re all there.

# Posted on December 17th 2007 by FidDLe01

S: ~ ? ~ FidDLe01 deleted submission…
N: ~ ? ~ This is the one just previous, which has numerous problems, aside from the massive bulk of it, which is probably why it was deleted, went “POOF!” ~ but a valiant effort deserving a commendation or commitment… 😉

Thanks for the corrections, ceolachan. I learned the tune entirely by ear from McGuire’s album and am no good at writing out the dots, especially for such a massive tune. I appreciate the fine-tuning. I just wanted people to have an easier time of learning McGuire’s version than I did! I believe the tune got deleted because it’s already been posted here. I thought McGuire’s version should be the main one, with sheet music and all, but I got an email asking me to post my “version” (even though it’s the original multi-part version) under the comments section. Oh well, someone else beat me to it….

That 12 part version is just MENTAL!

Put it into the Tune O tron on Concertina.net and put L:1/16 and listen to the midi file….omg what a tune!!

~ (even though it’s the original multi-part version) ~ FidDLe01

A valiant effort and sentiment, appreciated. However, the simple 2-part tune is to be credited as ‘the original’ ~ in Scotland, Ireland, America and beyond ~ whatever multiple of variations have been built on that over time…

The version of this that I have in my head is probably from Iain MacKintosh’s singing of “Oor Hamlet” - The plot of Hamlet in 3 minutes set to The Mason’s Apron by Adam MacNaughton. I assume this is a Scottish version of the reel… I heard this so often in the Glasgow area folkclubs, and still fell about!

You really need to hear it in the original Glaswegian but for now this gives an idea of how it goes…
http://www.mikeagranoff.com/rec.htm - click on the lyrics and mp3 snippet for Hamlet. (The chorus goes to the B part)

Vanilla version of the tune.
X: 1
T: Mason’s Apron, The
T: Oor Hamlet (Adam MacNaughtan)
M: 4/4
L: 1/8
R: reel
K: Amaj
ed | c2 A2 ABAF | EFAB c2 BA | d2 B2 BcBA | Bcde f2 ed |
c2 A2 ABAF | EFAB c2 BA | BABc defa | edcB A2 :|
ed | cAeA fAeA |cAeA fedc | dBfB gBfB | dBfB gfed |
cAeA fAeA | cAeA fedc | Bcde fefa | edcB A2 :|

There’s a fairly full account of the history of this very old tune in http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/

Any chance of anyone having the sheet music for mat molloy’s version of this tune for the tinw/flute

“Quite often, though, the tune is played simply as a two part reel.”

To be honest, I hadn’t bothered with this tune up until now because I thought it was a bit long and repetitive, but now I find it to be a KILLER tune with just the first two parts. 😀

Yes, if anyone has the Matt Molloy version, 6 parts? for flute/whistle I’d be grateful. 🙂

Tie yourself to the seat for this one………..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn70NAPW4hg

play video

This is one of the best tunes xxx

This is a superb version of the Mason’s Apron as posted by Bogman.
I would like to learn what he is playing in the B Part.
It seems like a very complex roll.
Any thoughts or advice?
Thanks.

Harry

Has anyone got the keiran hanrahan version of this tune?

I don’t think Paul-Kin uses his anymore

Hi,
Does anyone here know the 7th part of the mason’s apron from matt molloy’s version???
If so could you pleae help me out
=}
Thanks

7th part?

I thought after about the fourth part you just put your had as high up the fiddle neck as you can get it and hit notes at random.

…and get the guitarist to play some jazzy backing..

Click on the comments section here, there’s a 12 part version there if the seven parts isn’t enough. Great way to wreck the auld tendons I’d say!

https://thesession.org/tunes/74

Sorry, should have said the seven part version is there as well.

I came across this version in the last couple of days, fairly quality!

It starts at 1.21

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_bX5xqw92M

play video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtSjM3YU7Qw

play video

All I can say is WOW

I saw this fella play this on the banjo on youtube and he played this i think for his all ireland solo and won the competition. the tune just unbelievable and especially on the banjo and i play banjo as well but no way near as good as this fella. I just want to know, this might be stupid but how to read the ABC parts? are the small letters the high ones or are they the low ones and what are the numbers there for? please try and answer this because then i would be able to read every other tune 🙂

http://trillian.mit.edu/~jc/music/abc/doc/ABCtutorial.html

Brian, everything you need to know and more about ABC music notation by John Chambers is in the link.

To turn ABC into the familiar staff, use an ABC converter, just copy and paste the abc code into the box on this link, hit submit, convert to a pdf, print, play.

http://www.concertina.net/tunes_convert.html

Hey there-
I’m studying Brain Friel’s play ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ for A level English Lit, and was wondering if anybody knew anything on the origins of this tune in particular (as it’s used during the major dance scene in the play). I can’t really find anything on the web regarding the history of this tune and just thought it best to ask some of the experts on here haha (as I’m convinced the use of this reel is significant compared to other popular irish ones!)

Thank you 🙂

X: 9 is from the 1939 Paddy Killoran cylinder recording

Is there any trick to this part? I keep drifting out of tune whenever I play high notes like this….

Whistle friendly version, played on a E whistle it should come out in A major.

After many versions with great variations, here is a much simpler version of this wonderful tune, found in James Aird “Selection of Scotch, English, Irish and Foreign Airs”, vol. 5, Glasgow, n.d. [1801], p. 52, no 138 as “The Masson Laddie”. Sometimes, it is (also) good to get back to old versions.

This very simple version (similar to X: 7) appears in P.W. Joyce’s Old Irish Music and Songs (1909), vol. 1, p. 164-165, no. 357, as Lady Carbury.

https://youtu.be/PBRlx9-WFF8

play video

Hi all, I transcribed the full version from Eamon DeBarra (hope this is spelt right!), which includes a bit of a “show-off” cadenza, but I find it useful for fingering and practice. Hopefully I will find a way to add the pdf file! Cheers for an Italian with an aspiring Irish heart 🙂

actually, is there a way to upload transcriptions in pdf? Thanks!

And sorry, I meant ‘Cheers from an Italian’ 🙂…

Here is the tune called Micho’s Mason’s apron by Michelle Mulcahy in his solo album Suaimhneas :
X:13
T:Micho’s Mason’s Apron (The)
D:Michelle Mulcahy-Suaimhneas
R:Reel
M:C|
K:G
dBAd ~G3E|DEGA BG~G2|cABA AGEG|G2Bd edge|
dBAd ~G3E|DEGA BG~G2|cGcd edge|1 dBAB Gfge:|2 dBAd GEDE||
|:G2~G2 eBdB|GABd eBdB|A2eg ~g2eg|cdeg gedc|
G2~G2 eBdB|GABd eBdB|ABcd edge|1 dBAd GEDE:|2 dBAd Gfge||

How complicated is this tune? There are like 20 lines there.

Sorry better phrasing it “how many parts does this tune have?”

well, that’s how *I* heard it …

this version is from Nigel Gatherer of Edinburg Scotland

Anyone know of a slow version? I really want to learn this.

Michelle mc this is the 1 I learned yesterday easy enough version key of D sounds nice 2 https://goo.gl/images/s25aHd

Key of A I meant

@Michelle Mc : https://youtu.be/shzr-87xzy4

play video

https://youtu.be/PMNzoTmUoEI

play video

As Orlaith McAuliffe plays this tune on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBRlx9-WFF8

play video

This could be merged into https://thesession.org/tunes/74

This used to confusingly be called the Mason’s Apron, causing some confusion at my local session. Since it is slightly easier than the full version of the Mason’s Apron it has been Nicknamed the Mason’s Apprentice to avoid such confusion.

Trying to figure out what’s going on here… Is this tune the Mason’s Apron but just moved out of time? It looks more like you’ve just got the bars in the wrong place, and if so this is just a version of the Mason’s Apron. The “full “ Mason’s Apron has only two parts, everything else are just elongated versions.

@Noah Cockett: With a little shifting of barlines, I’ve posted a tidied-up version of your setting (I assume this is
how it is meant to go). But, as Bogman says, it is unmistakably a version of The Mason’s Apron https://thesession.org/tunes/74 and should be added as a setting of that tune, not as a separate tune.

“how many parts does this tune have?” - As many as you want. The original tune is a basic 32 bar, two parts repeated tune. Everything else is THAT PLAYER’S variations.
Use the wonderful things that great musicians (esp. Sean McGuire’s amazing set that started this off) have done with this tune as inspiration, but guys, this is traditional music, which means you can find in it whatever you want - the challenge is to add something new and YOU!

This is Matt Molloy’s solo version on the 1992 Chieftain’s album “An Irish Evening” There are a few recording of him playing it and they are all a little different.

Barney McKenna version Part 1 and 2

Matt Molloy version on “Youtube” :
https://youtu.be/fAeOVtMpyo4

play video

I feel like I’m just joining the fray here with X:23 (!), but this is Ellery Klein’s version. I felt it was different enough to warrant putting it in.

A solo fiddle version for those looking to learn the tune. I like her playing. Hope it helps.

https://youtu.be/-ysu2dFA6NY

play video

Sorry for adding another version, but here’s a not too over-the-top version by Joe Burke. Suitable for B/C button accordion. I’ve not included any cuts.

This is more or less the version I heard in southwest Donegal, as far as my recordings allow me to reconstruct it…

This is the version Michael Flatley played in Riverdance. Although most people rave about Matt Molloys version, I personally prefer this setting. While they both play it at a frantic pace, molloys performance sounds rushed and too forced whereas this is very soothing on the ears and much more melodic.

https://youtu.be/jCWw27UqvCQ

play video

Michael Flatley’s version played in Riverdance.

In my humble opinion I would state the rushness vice versa….

I think Molloys version is awesome, I was referring to his performance of the Masons apron at a chieftains concert that is no longer available on youtube which is a pity. It’s amazing playing but for me I just thought it sounded a bit rushed whereas Flatley’s is very smooth and I prefer Flatley’s sweeter and more mellow tone compared to Molloy’s hard and powerful tone but its all personal preference.

“I was referring to his performance of the Masons apron at a chieftains concert that is no longer available on youtube which is a pity”.
Yo, Sarge - not the video, but the audio recording from the Belfast concert is still up on Youtube :
https://youtu.be/yIesFe5Iutc

play video

Thanks Kenny, but I really want to see the video of him playing, its one of the greatest flute solos ever, do you have any idea who uploaded that video, it would be a shame if that video is lost. Somebody, surely has a copy of that performance. I should have downloaded it from YouTube years ago, I’m doing it now with my favourite flute clips just in case they’re ever removed or taken down from YouTube.

Hi Sarge - I think I may have a recording of Molloy’s “Mason’s Apron” on video tape, but not necessarily from the Belfast concert released on CD. If I find it, I could upload it, but the fact that the video has been removed indicates that some copyright holder might be objecting to it, and I wouldn’t want a Youtube “strike” against the other videos I have put up.
I’ll send you a PM.

PM sent.
PS - don’t miss this clip :
https://youtu.be/aTQMbSjdgZA

play video

I like this simple version stripped back to the basics, but still with plenty of energy.

This again is a mix of the 25 versions above but is more in keeping with the way I have heard it played at sessions. It can be of course played as a 2 or 3 part tune and leave te last2 parts and its still a substantial tune particularly with the dramatic ending I have included.