Annotation:Jersey Lightning

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JERSEY LIGHTNING. American, Dance Tune (2/4 time). A Minor. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. Labelled a 'jig' in Ryan's Mammoth Collection, referring not to the familiar 6/8 Irish jig, but rather to a type of syncopated old-time banjo tune often known as a "straight" or "sand" jig (as it was performed on a sanded stage). The title may refer to a dance step, although it is more likely that it refers to illegal moonshine. In fact, since Colonial times 'Jersey Lightning' has referred to applejack (hard cider).

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; p. 80. Ryan's Mammoth Collection, 1883; p. 113. Songer (Portland Collection, vol. 2), 2004; p. 100.

Recorded sources: Great Meadow CD 2007, Mary Cay Brass and Friends - "Green Mountain."

See also listing at:
Jane Keefer's Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources [1]

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