Morrison’s Jig

Jig, E Dorian, Irish traditional, Attributed to Maurice Carmody
Also known as Maurice Carmody’s Favourite; Jim Morrison’s

This tune is named for Sligo-born fiddler James Morrison (1893-1947), who recorded and popularized it. Morrison is said to have learned the tune from his friend Maurice Carmody, who may be its author. It is a tune that comes up often in Irish sessions.

If you are a bit hazy on Dorian mode, see the article “Dorian, Mixolydian, Oh My: Modes in a Nutshell” for a brief and friendly explanation.

Recordings

• Audio – Anthea Lawrence (Fiddlehead): Morrison’s Jig/The Butterfly/Swallowtail Jig – played on fiddle. From the album Fiddlehead. (Olympia, WA, USA.)
• Audio – Comhaltas: Jim Morrison’s – session recording from the album Foinn Seisiún Volume 1
• Audio – Stephen Ducke (Tradschool): Morrison’s Jig – from the book Irish Music 400 Traditional Tunes

Sheet Music

As always for traditional tunes, the musical notation and chords do not indicate the “right” way to play the tune, but are a useful reference.

Sets

Examples of sets that include this tune.

• Morrison’s Jig Set: Morrison’s Jig (E Dorian) / Kesh Jig (G) / Swallowtail Jig (E Dorian)

References and Resources

For those who want to dig deeper, here are some other resources.

• More Recordings
  • Audio – John Weed and Stuart Mason: Morrison’s Jig – played slowly on fiddle with guitar. From the album Slow & Easy Volume 1 (San Luis Obispo, California)
  • Audio – Free Fiddle Lessons (Julia Plumb): Morrison’s Jig @ 108 bpm – played on fiddle. From the album Morrison’s Jig which has this tune played at different tempos, with and without harmony. (Belfast, Maine, USA. freefiddlelessons.com)
• Books
  • Book & Audio – Dave Mallinson: 100 Essential Irish Session Tunes
  • Book – John Weed and Stuart Mason: Slow & Easy Volumes 1 and 2
  • Book & Audio – Matt & Shannon Heaton: In Harmony 
  • Book & Audio – Complete Irish Fiddle Player, by Peter Cooper (Mel Bay Publications)
  • Book – Foinn Seisiún, Volume 1 — Published by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
    Book & Audio – Stephen Ducke: Irish Music 400 Traditional Tunes
  • Book & Audio – Stephen Ducke: Irish Music 400 Traditional Tunes
• Lessons
  • Lesson –  Free Fiddle Lessons (Julia Plumb): Morrison’s Jig – fiddle lesson with video, sheet music, fingering chart, and play-along tracks.
  • Lesson – Kevin Burke (FiddleVideo) Morrison’s Jig – Irish Fiddle Lesson by Kevin Burke – partial lesson taught on fiddle. (Full lesson requires subscription to FiddleVideo.)
  • Lesson – Mando Mike (Mike Giverin): Morrison’s Jig – Mandolin Lesson (Beginner & Intermediate)
• Additional Resources
  • Article: Dorian, Mixolydian, Oh My: Modes in a Nutshell, by Jonathan Lay, TrailJams
  • Webpage – The Session: Morrison’s Jig – crowdsourced sheet music, comments and more
  • Webpage – Irish Traditional Music Archive, Playlist, James Morrison (1893-1947) – “A selection of digitised 78 rpm disc recordings from the ITMA Collection featuring Sligo born fiddle player James Morrison.”