Castle Kelly

Castle Kelly is a traditional tune, often played as a reel. It is known by several names, including “Kelly’s Castle” and sometimes appears under those titles.

Origins and History:

• The tune has been played and arranged by many musicians over time.
• It was recorded by Father Charlie Coen in 1979 on an album called “Father Charlie.”
• It has been played at events like a festival in Fairburn, Georgia, and a Brittany Winter School festival in Arzon, France.
• It appears on recordings by groups like The Irish Descendants, "Spirit of the West," and Tulla Ceili Band.
• It was played by Paddy Glackin and Paddy Keenan, and Marie Claire taught a setting of it in Missouri in 2002.

Musical Characteristics:

• Castle Kelly is typically played in 4/4 time.
• Many musicians believe the tune is best played slowly, highlighting a "haunting" and "almost medieval" quality. While it *can* be played fast, this obscures some of its beauty.
• Variations in the arrangement exist. Some performers, like Paddy Keenan and Paddy Glackin, repeat the B part twice, making the tune longer.
• There is debate about the key. It is frequently played in A minor (Am), and sometimes written in A Dorian (Ador). Some versions avoid the note "F natural" (or use a natural sign to indicate it) which can be challenging to play.
• Some players insert triplets or rolls to enhance the tune.
• The Burren Band's arrangement, featured on RTE Radio, includes distinctive elements like playing the first part four times and the B part twice, and incorporates sharps in specific bars.

Note: There are numerous variations in how Castle Kelly is played and notated. Some versions incorporate “The Wedding Reel” - the identity of this reel is unconfirmed. Some of the suggested notations have been found to have inaccuracies, like spurious bar lines.