Here are the resources that were used as part of the music course 2023. A limited number of resources will contain some ‘Hints & Tips’ and backing tracks to aid use of them. There are no chords at the beginning or the end of these tracks. The tempo of these files is also slightly slower than dancing speed.
Harmonisation of tunes:
The convention for the chords that appear this collection of music places the bass note first then the chord. Where there is only a single capital Letter then the bass and the chord are the same. Where there is a forward slash then this indicates that the Chord will be the same as the previous beat and that the Bass note will be the 5th of the chord. For example:
G / would denote G bass and chord for the first half of the bar followed by D in the bass and a G chord for the second half.
The tunes have been chorded principally aimed at pianos/keyboards. If you are new to the more complex harmonies indicated by the chord extensions (for example E6, Bm7, A7+, Gmaj7) it is the first two letters of the chord symbol which are ‘key’. Where numbers exist the note is calculated by counting the notes from the root of the chord. For example, C6 would contain the notes C,, E, G, A, Bm7 – B, D, F#, A. ‘maj 7’ indicates it is the major version of the chord. Gma7 – G, B, D, F# – the F# being the major 7th note and not the more usual minor 7th in 7th chords. Accordionists will find some of the chords use extensions that are not available on the instrument (for example Bm7, A7+) it is the first two letters of the chord which are most appropriate. Some of the bass and chord combinations are challenging. In this case decide whether it is the bass note or the chord that you feel is important. You might have to ‘fudge’ the aspect that you feel is not important. For example F#/b7 – if in the sequence the F# is important it might be more natural, and therefore easier to use the D chord instead of the Bm chord.
Please Note:
Wherever possible we have acknowledged the composer and publisher of the tunes used. These sets are for the RSCDS BHS Branch Music Course use only and should only be used in this context. They should not copied for use elsewhere except for private personal use.
Evening Programme:
Joie de Vivre (8×32 Jig) – Andersons, Kenny the Gemme, Ian Mackintosh of Pine House, The McLeod’s of Mishnish, Andersons
The Sailor (8×32 Reel) – The Davey Hornpipe, College Hornpipe, Laxaburn, Mona’s Delight, The Davey Hornpipe
Backing Tracks – First 64 bars & last 32 bars
The Silver Tassie (8×32 Strathspey) – Lady Charlotte Campbell, Lady Spencer Chichester, Dan R MacDonald, Mrs Margaret Holmes
The Blooms of Bon Accord (4×32 Reel – Two Chords) – Cocker’s Roses, Glenbucket Lodge, Market Chorus, I’ll Gang Nae Mair to Yon Toon
One or two musicians have asked as to whether there is a mistake in the B music of Cocker’s Roses – the 2 D#s. As originally composed by James Scott-Skinner the second half of the tune is in E major – hence the D#s. Below is a copy of the original manuscript in Scott Skinner’s own hand. It is interesting to note here that Skinner calls the tune The Blooms of Bon Accord with a written dedication to Messrs Cocker, ‘Prize Rose growers, Aberdeen.’
Backing Tracks:
Triple Happiness (3×32 Strathspey) – Triple Happiness, Captain Jimmy Bain, Heather Dewar’s Strathspey *
Backing Tracks:
Major Ian Stuart (8×32 Jig) – The Scottish Horse, Andy de Jarlis’ Jig, Jig for Archie, Cleveland Park
The Flowers of Edinburgh (8×32 Reel) – The Flowers of Edinburgh, The Doon Hingin’ Tie, The New High Level, Kaela’s Peerie Tune
Farewell to Balfour Road (96 Jig) – Miss Ogilvie of Islebanks Jigg, John D Wallace, Scarce ‘O Tatties
Backing Tracks:
Mr Iain Stuart Robertson (8×32 Reel) – The Langport Celidh, St Marys’, Tom McVicars, The Grants of Millbank
The Dream Catcher (96 Strathspey) – Rosie, Sir Henry Daniel Gooch
Backing Tracks:
Kellaholm Jig (8×32 Jig) – Kellaholm Jig, Danse de Chez Nous, Luggin the Amp, Helen & Jimmy King of Achmelvich
Jean Martin of Aberdeen (3×32 Strathspey) – Jean Martin of Aberdeen, The Drampire, Vectis 70
The Starry-Eyed Lassie (8×32 Jig) – Miss Elizabeth Fereguson’s Favourite, Miss Sally Hunter of Thurston, Harry Carmichael, Mr Morrison of Bognie
Reel of the 51st Division (8×32 Reel) – The Drunken Piper, Sitting on a Toy Train Merryn’s Reel, Thieves Road