This tune was a pleasant surprise. I learned the version I play from Chirp Smith’s CD “Down In Little Egypt” - (listen to track #6 on Bandcamp here - I can’t find a YouTube video). And I thought it was probably a contemporary tune written by Chirp. But I liked it. At the time I was inspired by some of the challenging phrases (for me) that made it fun to play. And then later found out - this tune has a pretty cool history, and like a lot of old tunes - has gone through some changes.
It started out as a theme tune that centered on a “minstrel show” from over in Ireland - by the name of “The Flanagans Chase the Banshee”. The earliest recording is from 1926 by the Flanagan Brothers, and includes the “comedy routine” as well as the tune - fun to listen to:
Flanagan Brothers: The Flanagans Chase the Banshee (comic sketch and reel)
The Flanagans' Banshee – Reel (single/double) from Ireland – The Traditional Tune Archive
Campbell’s (barndance) on The Session
Recorded with my phone, Fiddle tuned the key of G (GDgd).
Edited by - tonyelder on 12/22/2025 18:06:30
And we were just talking about the Flanagan Brothers in the other thread! These crossover tunes are interesting, I like checking out how they have morphed over time/across the ocean...
Sounds good, Tony!
Edited by - NCnotes on 12/22/2025 14:37:21
That tune the Flanagan's played sounds like a cousin to our old friend "Turkey in the Straw."
I know it’s a bit off topic. A fella at Friday night’s session made a point that the Flanagan’s accordion is a piano accordion set up for different notes played in and out. I’ve never heard of that being done before (I played B&C for years).
martyjoe - Your sessionmate was not quite right. This article says Joe played a "uniquely constructed two row accordion with piano style keys." newyork.itma.ie/recording-age/...brothers/
There'a good photo that shows that, although the keys are flat, they're not arranged like a piano keyboard. It looks like two rows, one white and one black. The bass are spoon type keys, maybe only two. I've also seen a photo of him with a conventional button box with four stops (Cajun or "German" style?).
There have been many variations on the accordion. I have a CD of Scottish melodeon masters, where some of the instruments have very elaborate bass sides. We have a very old piano accordion, built in the same size box as the button style - it looks earlier than what is usually reported. I also have a smallish piano accordion with piano keys on the bass side too - I guess its really more like a strange concertina, although its not bisonic. We also have a Russian button box that's not bisonic.
Nice playin', Tony! I've never heard that one but it sure makes me think of the Booth Shot Lincoln tune, especially the B part. Thanks for sharing!
quote:
Originally posted by groundhogpeggyNice playin', Tony! I've never heard that one but it sure makes me think of the Booth Shot Lincoln tune, especially the B part. Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I thought the same thing, 100% of what you said.
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