Off To California

'Off To California' is a traditional tune, classified as a hornpipe. It is typically played in the key of A Major.

Musical Characteristics:

The tune is generally played with a characteristic "bounce," but it should not be overly exaggerated. Some players use triplets in the early sections, though this is a matter of personal preference. The second half of the tune has a "cascading" sound and is similar to the second half of the tune 'Far From Home'.

Origins and History:

The tune was published under the name 'Off To California' by Francis O'Neill, who reportedly heard it in California. A similar tune, often called "Miss Johnson's Hornpipe," exists and appears in various locations including Australia and the UK. It is speculated that the "Off To California" name may have been a local designation that O'Neill adopted. Some believe that “Miss Johnson’s Hornpipe” later acquired lyrics about people departing for California.

There's a popular idea that the tune was played *as a farewell* to those leaving for California, rather than being played *in* California.

Related Tunes & Variations:

The first part of 'Off To California' shares similarities with 'The Sweet Flowers of Milltown' and a reel called 'Tom Morrison's'. Different versions of the tune exist, including a setting in the key of Bb that appears in an Irish Session Tune Book. It has also been linked to a setting in A found in a manuscript from County Wexford, previously notated as the hornpipe version of 'Whiskey in the Jar'.

Notable Performances and Recordings:

The tune has been performed and recorded by several musicians, including Padraig O’Keeffe (as transcribed in an interactive score on ITMA), Dan O’Leary (recorded in 1975 after playing a jig version), and Johnny B. Connolly.

Disclaimer: Some details regarding the tune’s origins remain speculative based on discussions within online music forums.