Jig, E Dorian, Irish traditional, Attributed to Maurice Carmody
Also known as Maurice Carmody’s Favourite
This tune is named for Sligo-born fiddler James Morrison (1893-1947), who recorded and popularized the tune. Morrison is said to have learned the tune from his friend Maurice Carmody, who may be its author.
Recordings
- Audio – Anthea Lawrence (Fiddlehead): Morrison’s Jig/The Butterfly/Swallowtail Jig – played on fiddle. From the album Fiddlehead. (Olympia, WA, USA.)
- Audio – Irish Traditional Music Archive, James Morrison’s Trio: Maurice Carmody favourite – Morrison’s Jig, performed by James Morrison (fiddle) and Tom Banks (piano). Public domain.
- 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)
Dots (Music Notation)
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.
Play from the Dots
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.
- 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.”