JOHN RYAN'S POLKA. AKA and see "Armagh Polka," "Egan's Polka (2)," "Keadue Polka," "Ryan's Polka." "Seán Ryan's Polka." Irish, Polka (2/4 time). D Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. The tune also appears under the "Seán Ryan's" moniker, but is more properly called "John Ryan's Polka. It is frequently paired with "Denis Murphy's Polka (1)," after the influential recording by the group Planxty on their album "Cold Blow the Rainy Night" (it should be noted that the tune "42 Pound Cheque (The)" was played in the middle of the Planxty set, although it has not survived in the popularly played set). The tune is now considered overplayed, trite and hackneyed by many modern players; a beginner's tune.
Additional notes
Printed sources : - Brody (Fiddler's Fakebook), 1983; p. 150. Carlin (Master Collection of Dance Music for the Violin), 1984; No. 278, p. 156 (appears as "Ryan's Polka").
Recorded sources : - Free Reed Records FRR 016, Flowers and Frolics - "Bees on Horseback: English Country Dance Music and Music Hall Songs" (1977). Polydor 2382 397, Planxty- "Planxty Collection." Shanachie 79011, Planxty- "Cold Blow the Rainy Night." Shanachie 79012, Planxty - "The Planxty Collection" (1974).
See also listing at : Alan Ng's Irishtune.info [1]
