Hi guys,
I came across these below but I am not sure what type of tunes they are. Have not heard any of these played before but am curious. I am researching lots of Trad music and need some help.
1- “Molly Ban”. Is this a reel? Is it Trad?
2- “Aisling Gheil”. Sounds like an air to my ears. Is it Trad?
3- “The Pretty Milkmaid”. Air or slow reel? Is this Trad?
Thanks for your assistance.
Not sure about #1, but the name would seem traditional enough. It sounds familiar. After a search, all I find is a reel in E Dorian with that name so far. Aisling Geal (or Gheal; unsure which is correct or if it matters, but it should be spelled in any case with an “e” preceding an “a” in the Irish) is a traditional air as I recall, sometimes described as a waltz but that would depend on how you interpret it. As for “The Pretty Milkmaid”, I’d have to hear it; I know a traditional air, An Cailín Deas ag Crúite na mBó (commonly translated as “The Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow”, and the like): I know of one version in Am on flute, and that was with a waltzy pulse to it, and another version in Em on the box, and although that version was far less metered, the seeds of the waltzy pulse were still there. So maybe we’re thinking of different tunes, here.
All traditional. Recommended recordings might be ;
1 - The Bothy Band recorded “Molly Ban” as “Gorman’s”. There is 1 other reel by that name, I think.
2 - Sure Noel Hill recorded it somewhere.
3 - Harry Bradley has a great version, but I’m pretty certain this is originally a song. I think Finbar Furey recorded a slow-air version, and possibly John Doherty.
This is of course assuming we’re talking about the same tunes. Would be easier if you could post a few bars of “abcs”.
I’m agreeing with nanohedron here in that I’m assuming your 3rd tune is “The Young Girl Milking Her Cow”. Possibly you’re referring to a different tune altogether.
Thanks for your help 
.
Just heard from a member that “The Pretty Milkmaid” is on an album called, “Irish Music In Chicago”. Released around 98-99? Laurence Nugent is the flute player for the track. If anyone has heard this piece please respond here if possible. I am sure I could get the album. If you already have the CD what do the liner notes reveal regarding the track.
The member did not mention what type of tune it is. Slow reel, air? I’ll try e-mailing to see what type tune this is.
Appreciate the assistance.
I believe I know the track of Larry that you mean, and it is the one I referred to above (and the source from which I learned the tune). Not a reel at all. Although it’s a slow air, he tightens it up and plays it more as if it were a waltz (which can be done), waltzes being 3/4 time. Reels are in 4/4 time, and whether played mensurally or nonmensurally, The Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow definitely has no relationship to reel meter whatever. Or rather, it shouldn’t, if I understand the tune at all, and I’ve been playing it - and hearing others who know the tune well play it - for a while, now.
I’d try an ABC to see if we’re talking about the same melody (and I think we are), but I’m only semiliterate at ABC notation and trying ABCs for 3/4 time kicks my butt. I could write it as if it were in 6/8…
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/1758
Is this it ? This has been transcribed from Harry Bradley’s 2nd solo CD. He plays it as a “swingy” kind of waltz. I’m sure Finbar Furey plays it as a slow -air on his first solo LP, which is now available as CD. 2 very different takes on the same tune. If you look at the front page of the “sessions” tune transcription, it gives a list of recordings of tunes by that title, but there’s never any guarantee that that’s the same tune as you’re looking for.
I’m sure I used to have the “Chicago” recording referred to above - on the Rounder label ? - but really don’t remember Larry Nugent being on it, although I could be wrong. I didn’t think he’d moved to the States until later than 1998/99. Larry [ now L.E. ] McCullough was on it though, I seem to rememeber. Sure it wasn’t him ?
“Aisling Geal” is the last track on the CD recorded by Noel Hill and Tony McMahon - might be McMahon who plays it, actually - I’d have to check.
Good luck with your search.
Aisling Gheal can be heard on at least two uilleann CDs, Padraic Mac Mathuna’s “Blas Na Meala” and Declan Masterson’s “Tropical Trad”.
About the Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow, I’m used to hearing it as a waltz but the Bothy Band play the same tune as a jig and reel. I don’t know how ABC format works but the waltz goes:
3/4 GBG/F#AF#/ED etc
The first part is E minor-ish while the second part is in G.
“The Leitrim Jig” & “The Sword In Hand” - I can see slight similarities, but no more than that.
Custer LaRue sings the words to Pretty maid milking her cow on the Baltimore Consort album The mad buckgoat.
Thanks for the reply’s.
Aisling Gheil. Obviously in Gaelic. Exactly what’s the English translation of this Air?
I did google it and found out that this was an “air” recording by a number of folks.
Incidentally, I just purchased the “Irish Music In Chicago” Cd. It was really easy to find since I live in the Chicago Area. Yes, Nugent plays it as a waltz. Very nice!! Looking forward to learning this soon . His version is really very smooth.
P.S. Hey Kenny,
Yes, Nugent is on the track and I believe one more track. Excellent CD.
Aisling Geal, Talbert. Not “gheil”. Geal. It means “Bright Dream [or vision]”. Geal is a commonly used adjective with positive connotations.
The closest word in Irish to “gheil” in this case is the genitive singular of giall (hostage), which is géill. Grammatically it works, but there’s no “Dream of the Hostage” that I know of. 
Thanks Nanohedron!
That’s so helpful. I am truly greatful for all the reply’s. I love the title! I Look forward to trying to create something around this traditional air sometime in the future. I heard it briefly. It’s fantastic stuff. Perfect title for the mood it places you in!
Much appreciated guys.
Take care.
I like using the Ceolas Fiddler’s companion when I have questions like this.
http://tinyurl.com/3dh8ej
It’s pretty thorough.
Excellent!
Always nice to learn more source materials. My big thing for so long has been to interpret the music in my own way. However, I am finding it quite nice to be also able to explain where the history lies. It’s handy. Knowlege is very powerful. It’s a real education since I did not grow up playing the music.
thx
I missed out on that one. Never heard the jig or reel versions (but my Bothy Band selection is appallingly low, something for which I have yet to suffer my rightful punishment, curiously); I’m assuming those were - what would you call them - experimentations, then?
Man, where haver you been? Leitrim Jig/Around the World for Sport (aka Sword in Hand)/… . Essential Bothy track. The track is called Rip the Calico, and it’s on Out of the Wind Into the Sun, which I would pick as my fav Bothy Band album (if I had to pick one).
Where have I been? I dunno. Learning from my 3D flesh-and-blood betters, I guess. You know: the traditional way.
But you’re right. I need to expand my library, if belatedly. A good education demands the classics.