Does anyone know the name of the very lovely air that preceed “the Job of Journeywork” on the Best of the Chieftains album? … brings tears to me eyes…
Ron Steed
I recall the tune you’re referring to. I loved it, too, but assumed that it was the same tune, varied and made into an air of sorts. 
Ah, yes, one of my favorites as well, both to play and to listen to.
The set you’re referring to is entitled “The Job of Journeywork,” and it includes the air and the jig. If you listen, they are ALMOST (but not quite) the same tune, played at drastically different tempos. At the Rocky Mountain Sessions we tend to refer to the jig as “Mack’s Jig” to distinguish the two. But that’s just us.
Hope that helps.