Traditional reel · A Dorian
The Swallow's Tail
Also known as Earball An Áinleoige, Eireaball Na Fáinleoige, The Heron On The Water, Miss Wright's, Molly's Nightcap, Pride Of The Ball.
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ABC notation
X:1 T:The Swallow's Tail R:reel M:4/4 L:1/8 K:Ador |:eAcA eAcA|cdef gedB|G2BG dGBG|cdef g2fg| eA (3cBA eA (3cBA|cdef g2fg|afge dBGB|AcBG A2 gf:| |:eaag abag|edef gedB|(3GFG BG dGBG|cdef g2fg| eaag abag|edef g2fg|afge dBGB|AcBG A2 gf:|
Copy this into any ABC tool, or open the setting on The Session (transcribed by Jeremy). The Session lists 30 settings of this tune and 3 recordings.
Playing it on a wind instrument
Traditional reels are dance music — lift and rhythm matter more than speed. Learn the tune slowly by ear first, then add ornaments (cuts, taps, rolls). Clarinet and sax players: use the transposition menu above so the part matches the fiddle and flute players.