Fiddler thought to be John Locke (1871-1947), Leominster, HerefordJOHN LOCK(E)'S POLKA. English, Polka. G Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AA'BB'. The melody was transcribed from a wax cylinder recording in the possession of the British Library, probably made by English collector Cecil Sharp (1859-1924) around 1909. The musician on the recording is thought to be gypsy fiddler John Locke[1] (1871-1947) , of Leominster, Hereford, of whom Sharp made other cylinder recordings, and Locke's name is written on the outside of the recording's box. Barry Callaghan (2007) points out that although the tune is known by the 'polka' title, it may be more properly considered a hornpipe.
Additional notes
Printed sources : - Callaghan (Hardcore English), 2007; p. 39.
Recorded sources : - Fledg'Ling Records, John Kirkpatrick - "The Duck Race" (2004). Island HELP 24, Ashley Hutchings - "Rattlebone and Ploughjack" (1976).
See also listing at : Hear John Locke's cylinder recording at EFSS [1] (scroll to bottom of page, find #2 under "Music")
