Annotation:Night Cap (1) (The)

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NIGHT CAP [1], THE (An Biread Oidce). AKA and see "Judy Callaghan's Jig." Irish, Double Jig. G Major (O'Neill): D Major (Treoir). Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. Captain Francis O'Neill first published this tune in 1903, based on his own recollection of hearing it played in his childhood in Munster. The earliest sound recording appears to be by fiddle player John Gerrity in New York in 1920, at the beginning of the 78 RPM era. It was more famously recorded in 1934 by banjo-mandolin player Michael Gaffney (1896-1972, Mullaun, Arigna, County Rosommon). Gaffney paired with flute player John McKenna (1881-1947) for a number of important recordings. McKenna was originally from South County Leitrim, and started his working life as a weigh-master for a coal mine, then emigrated and became a member of the New York City Fire Patrol. Age 41 at the start of his recording career, he made some of his most celebrated tracks when in his 50s. Paddy Ryan says McKenna recorded another version of "The Night Cap" under the title "Judy Callaghan's Jig."

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: Giblin (Collection of Traditional Irish Dance Music), 1928; 84. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; p. 73. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903; No. 723, p. 135. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907; No. 23, p. 20. Treoir, vol. 32, No. 3, 2000; p. 20.

Recorded sources: Columbia 33029-F (78 RPM), John Gerrity (1920). Decca 12041 (78 RPM), Michael Gaffney (1934. 1st tune in medley, followed by "Mysteries of Knock). Shanachie Records, Michael Gaffney - "Wheels of the World" (2005. Reissue recording, various artists). Tara CD4011, Frankie Gavin - "Fierce Traditional" (2001. Obtained from Jackie Small, who had it from Harry Bradshaw and Nicholas Carolan).

See also listing at:
Alan Ng's Irishtune.info [1]
Jane Keefer's Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources [2]

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