BONNIE POLKA, DA. AKA - "Boanie Polka (Da)." AKA and see "Jenny Lind (1)," "Last of June." Shetland, Polka (whole or 2/4 time). D Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). ABB (Miller & Perron): AA'BB' (Anderson & Swing). One of the few traditional Shetland polkas, along with "Seven Step Polka (Da)" and "Sister Jean (2)." The tune is not unique to Shetland, however, and was popular under the title "Jenny Lind (1)."
Additional notes Source for notated version : - Tom Anderson obtained the polka from the playing of fiddler Jean Pole o' Waas (of Stove, Walls, Shetland), who was born in 1880. The Shetland Times[1] gave this brief sketch of her at at 2016 unveiling of a carved headstone for her and her family:
Jean Pole was born at Stove, Walls, in 1880 and lived there with her family. Her father,Tammie, a seaman and sometimes whaler, played the fiddle and both Jean and her youngersister Clemmie taught themselves to play at an early age. The sisters even made themselvessimple fiddles when they were about eight years old. Unusually for that time, Jean,from the age of about 18, played at dances and weddings. Sadly, in her late 30s, heryounger sister Clemmie died. Two years later her brother Tammie (a photographer) alsodied just weeks after their father. Jean then had to assume the family responsibilities –including her disabled older sister. She kept house but was also an early pioneerof women carrying the post.
While her public playing stopped, she still enjoyed playing with friends and neighbourspassing on tunes, local variations and the traditional style of playing. Tom Andersonwas a frequent visitor and famously she taught him "Da Hens’ Mairch Owre da Midden" whichshe called "Da Chickie Reel". Several tunes still bear her name.
Printed sources : - Anderson & Swing, (Haand Me Doon Da Fiddle), 1979; No. 9. Miller & Perron (101 Polkas), 1978; No. 28.
Recorded sources : - Olympic 6151, The Shetland Fiddlers' Society - "Scottish Traditional Fiddle Music" (1978).