Clogs

[peter mcelligott]

In browsing through "1000 Fiddle Tunes", M.M.Cole Publishing Co., there are a number of tunes identified as clogs. These don't appear to be what I'd consider

traditional Appalachian tunes, in fact many are labeled as "Lancashire Clogs",

and are quite ornate in structure. Rhythmically they appear similar to hornpipes.

Can anyone enlighten me, particularly as to what might be an appropriate tempo?

 

Pete McElligott

[Chris Timson]

I don't know the book, but I would hazard a guess that you should play them at about hornpipe tempo. Solo Lancashire clog (as opposed to Lancashire clog morris) is a step dance not dissimilar to tap (Fred Astaire's tap dance tutor was a former Lancashire clog champion - not many people know that) and is frequently danced to hornpipes like Boys of Blue Hill.

 

Chris

[Stephen Chambers]

"Lancashire Clog" was a form of dance popular throughout the English-speaking world, popularised by professional dancers such as the Music-Hall great, and Champion Clog Dancer of the World, Dan Leno. Even the young Charlie Chaplin started his career as a clog dancer.

Edited March 23, 2004 by Stephen Chambers

[Chris Timson]

"Where is Dan Leno now, where is good old Dan?". He died in a lunatic asylum; last words, "Is that clock right?", "Yes", "Then what's it doing in here then?". A life that well repays study.

 

Chris