"The Maid Behind the Bar" is a very popular tune frequently played at Irish music sessions. It is known by many names, a common occurrence in Irish music. While it’s often called "The Maid Behind the Bar," it’s also been referred to as “Judy’s Reel,” “Little Judy’s Reel,” and even “The Green Mountain.” It appears in collections under these various titles.

The tune exists in multiple versions. It shares structural similarities with other reels like "The Green Mountain," "The Tinker’s Daughter," "The Silver Spear," and shares some bars with "La Ronfleuse Gobeil," a French Canadian reel.

How it's Played:

The tune is typically played on fiddle and mandolin. The second part of the tune can be challenging due to high notes that require finger stretches. Musicians often suggest practicing slowly before attempting to play it at a faster session tempo. A common variation involves playing the first phrase (FAAB) as a triplet. Some players perform the tune as a hornpipe or even a strathspey, altering its character.

Historical Connections (Speculation):

The tune's origins are complex. It has appeared in early banjo collections, like Buckley’s New Banjo Method, alongside a piece called “Empire Hornpipe.” It was played by fiddler Neil O’Boyle who referred to it as “Harvest Home” and “The Green Mountain.” There's speculation about a possible traditional connection between these tunes.

Variations & Recordings:

Many musicians have their own arrangements of “The Maid Behind the Bar.” Tommy Peoples has a well-known version that leaves some dotted quarters unornamented. Versions exist in different keys, including C, which some players, like Jim McKillop, have popularized. Mairin Fahy has recently performed a version that some believe to be the lesser-known C setting.

The tune has been featured in various recordings, including those by Patrick O’Keeffe, Denis Murphy, and Vincent Griffin.

It appears in multiple collections of Irish traditional tunes, including David Speers’s compilation and Ryan’s MC.