Annotation:Butcher Boy (1) (The)

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BUTCHER BOY [1], THE. American, Dance Tune (2/4 time). D Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AB. Listed as a 'jig' in Ryan's Mammoth Collection (1883), referring to a composition in the style of old-time syncopated banjo tunes rather than the Irish 6/8 jig. Kerr lists it as a "clog dance," and White's as a "sand jig." These titles indicate its use as a vehicle for clog or step-dancing, probably for the stage -- a 'sand jig' refers to the practice of spreading sand on the stage to facilitate the sliding of the dancer's shoes on the floor.

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: Cole (1000 Fiddle Tunes), 1940; p. 81. Kerr (Merry Melodies), vol. 2; No. 418, p. 47. Ryan's Mammoth Collection, 1883; p. 115. White's Unique Collection, 1896; No. 30, p. 6.

Recorded sources:

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