A slow jig named after my paternal grandmother, Catherine McNally (nee McCormick) of Glenburn in Paisley.
Duncan’s Boots
This reel was written in the summer of 1997 after a memorable time at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye during the fiddle and step dance week.
Captain Service’s Trip to Whitehead
Here’s a wee march that I wrote in 1997 and dedicated to Campbell Service, or Paddy as he was known around Oban.
The Tempting Seamstress
This tune was written back in 1996 when I had nimble fingers due to all the busking.
Fitas de António
This tune has been floating about my head for a month or two. I wasn’t sure if it was a Portuguese tune that I had heard somewhere or a figment…
Lisa Cronin’s Jig
Another tune from 1995. This jig was written for my girlfriend at the time, Lisa Cronin of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. Like many young traditional musicians I had discovered syncopation…
Mike Campbell’s Reel
I wrote this tune back in 1995 and named it for one of Oban’s characters, the late Mike Campbell. I first met Mike when I was still in school as…
Willie Hoffleman’s Unbelievable Reel
In 1995 I spent a month or so in Munich with some Irish friends. At that time the Deutsche Mark exchange rate was very favourable to those using the pound…
Ruaraidh’s Hornpipe
Over the coming months (edit: and years!) I’m going to attempt to transcribe, record and post many of the tunes that I have composed. I started writing tunes pretty early…
Old-Time Tune: Barlow Knife
I’ve had this tune floating around my head for a number of years now, one of those tunes that you can hum but never get round to learning. Well, I…