Barbara Allen

[James Fitton]

There's a much more well-known song called Barbara Allen, sung and recorded by people all over the English-speaking world. This isn't that song! This is an instrumental dance tune, with the same title, probably with its origins in the North of England.

 

 

 

[Roger Hare]

40 minutes ago, James Fitton said:

There's a much more well-known song called Barbara Allen, sung and recorded by people all over the English-speaking world. This isn't that song! This is an instrumental dance tune, with the same title, probably with its origins in the North of England.

Nice! Thank you! I just happen to be wading through 'The Session' at the moment. Attached are the (slightly edited) ABC and PDF from the version I found on 'The Session' - it's the first of three settings.

 

It's a bit rough-and-ready, but it works for me.

 

I also ran the ABC past Michael Eskin's program - works fine, especially with the sampled concertina font selected  (which I can't do in EasyABC...🙁).

BarbaraAllen.abc BarbaraAllen.pdf

[James Fitton]

Thanks Roger! The version I play here is based on the melody line included in "A Northern Lass" which was an excellent compilation of dance tunes from the North-West of England, compiled by Jamie Knowles in the late 90s. I think it's out of print, but it's a great resource for anyone interested in this sort of music.

[Roger Hare]

14 minutes ago, James Fitton said:

[1]Thanks Roger! The version I play here is based on the melody line included in [2] "A Northern Lass" which was an excellent compilation of dance tunes from the North-West of England, compiled by Jamie Knowles in the late 90s. I think it's out of print, but it's a great resource for anyone interested in this sort of music.

[1] My pleasure!

 

[2] Ah! I have a copy of "Northern Frisk" (Dragonfly Music, 1988) compiled by Jamie Knowles, Pat Knowles and Ian McGrady which does not contain Barbara Allen, but which is a selection of great tunes from the North-West. I now have another book to look out for...

[Jim Besser]

Nice. I used to play this for Border Morris dancers, and always liked it.

 

Also known as Wm Irwin's Modal Hornpipe and Butchers of Bristol, I believe.