Annotation:Dr. Taylor

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DOCTOR TAYLOR (An Doctuir Tailiur). AKA and see "Bloom of Youth (The)," "Tansey's Favourite (1)," "Downshire Reel (The)," "Gardiner's Favourite (1)" "Highland Bonnet (The)," "Highland Lament (The)." AKA - "Dr. Taylor's Favourite." Irish, Reel. G Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AA'B (O'Neill/Krassen): AB (O'Neill/1915, 1001 & 1850). The reel may have been derived from the Scottish "Countess of Sutherland (1)" and "Glasgow Ladies Reel."

Source for notated version: "McFadden" [O'Neill]. Chicago fiddler John McFadden, originally from Carrowmore, near Westport, County Mayo, was known to O'Neill by reputation, and first heard by him when he played at the wedding of a friend in 1897. McFadden was, at the time, in his late 40's. O'Neill was impressed with his playing, but struck by the stiffness of his bow hand, and the fact that he only used the first half of the bow. McFadden was also an 'ear' player, and could not write or read music, but nevertheless composed many tunes. He was also an 'incorrigible practical joker', who managed to stay on the payroll of the City of Chicago through both Democratic and Republican administrations [see O'Neill, Irish Minstrels and Musicians, 1913, pp. 395-396].

Printed sources: O'Neill (O'Neill's Irish Music), 1915; No. 264, p. 136. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; p. 125. O'Neill (Music of Ireland: 1850 Melodies), 1903; No. 1359, p. 254. O'Neill (Dance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems), 1907; No. 613, p. 111.

Recorded sources: Drumlin Records BMNCD2, Brian McNamara - "Fort of the Jewels" (2004).