Ella Bruton is a fiddle player from Donegal who has just completed a BA in Music in Queen’s University, Belfast.  She interned in ITMA as part of her course.

This selection of tunes from the Paddy O’Brien tune collection reflects many of the qualities found throughout his work. Paddy’s repertoire incorporates well-known sessions tunes as well as less frequently heard tunes, which preserve the wide range of traditional music whilst also enabling musicians to explore beyond the general repertoire.

Through Paddy O’Brien’s thoughtful collection and preservation, his work has allowed many distictive and unique tunes to continue to be played and shared by the next generation of musicians. My playlist intends to reflect that spirit with my choice of common session tunes, while also incorporating some reels that are more under the radar and could add a musical edge to a session.

I chose these tunes for a playlist as they are fun, interesting and driving reels that can add energy and momentum to any session. These tunes showcase great rhythmic drive and musical variety that make the reel one of the most popular tune types to be played in sessions and other traditional musical spaces.

1. The boys of Tulla, reel
A common tune that is played in sessions, and also easily learned. It is often played at a fast speed, and it is a great opening tune to get the energy of a session going.

2. The golden wedding, reel
Thought to have originated in Canada, this is a cheerful and driving reel which contains some interesting and unexpected modulations. It is a reel that will definitely grab people’s attention with its bright and memorable character.

3. The floggin’, reel
A tune of Scottish origin and often heard played in parts of Ulster, it is a reel that is amusing to play and listen to. With musicians often introducing few variations into the melody. A great session tune, but also a brilliant party piece!

4. The maids of Mitchelstown, reel
Played by the great Tommy Potts and also The Bothy Band, this reel has a catchy and distinctive melody that is easily recognised. With just two parts, it is easily learnt and can add a great rhythmic drive to any session.

5. The curlews [comp. Josephine Keegan], reel
Composed by Josephine Keegan, who wrote many great traditional tunes. I chose this tune because of its catchy melody. It has become a popular tune in sessions and widely known amongst musicians.

6. Dinkie’s reel
A tune common to County Donegal, it is a lively and driving reel often played at great speed. It was one of the first more technically advanced tunes that I learned. It is an enjoyable reel to play within a set and is commonly known by musicians and adds an energy to a session.

7. The ash plant (1st version), reel
An E minor reel, known for its repetitive and memorable phrases. I included this one as it is widely known amongst musicians across all parts of Ireland.

8. Drowsy Maggie, reel
Played by the great John Doherty, it is a tune with many variations and versions circulating in the traditional music world. It is a great one to know, particularly for sessions in Ulster.

9. The moving cloud, reel
I chose this reel, as it combines energy with a more flowing melody. There is great variety in the tune whilst also maintaining a great reel rhythm.

10. The tempest, reel
With respect to the tunes’ title, The tempest often appears in fast-paced session settings. I always enjoy playing this tune as part of a set with McFadden’s reel. It is a brilliant tune to play and also listen to, it remains popular with pipers and flute players.

11. Craig’s pipes, reel
Another classic session tune, but also recorded by many artists. It is a session classic and a great tune to know and be paired with other well known reels.

12. The Boyne hunt, reel
This reel is very lively to play and has a bouncy rhythm that is enjoyable to play and listen to. I first heard it played by Ciaran Ó Maonaigh and it really got the crowd engaged and excited for the other tunes that followed.