The Rambling Pitchfork

'The Rambling Pitchfork' is a traditional Irish tune. It is a jig, typically played at a tempo of around 400 beats per minute. It has been recorded and performed many times, with numerous variations in its melody.

Origins and Names:

The tune was submitted to an online music archive on January 1st, 2004, by Christopher Reynolds. It has also been known by other names. One unusual name is "The Flat Skulled Monkey," although the origin of this name is unknown and may be a local nickname.

Musical Characteristics:

The tune is often played in D minor or D Major. Some recordings, such as one by Felix Doran from 1949, exist. Variations in the melody are common. Some versions, like “Roland’s U-Turn”, include slight changes to the notes, like replacing longer notes with triplets. A common performance practice is to slide up to longer notes to create a "lilt." Playing the fiddle or banjo can involve techniques like cross bowing or picking, similar to what is used in "The Mountain Road.”

Notable Performances and Adaptations:

• "Roland’s U-Turn": Transcribed from a live recording at O’Conner’s in Doolin.
• The Battlefield Band: The tune is believed to be on one of their albums, either “wae’s me… ’ or ‘there is a buzz’.
• Mary Custy & Stephen Flaherty: They perform it on their CD “After 10:30,” and Mary Custy’s website includes sheet music and a recording.
• Michael Flatley: Recorded a unique version on his album "On a Different Note" incorporating a rhythmic pulse by overblowing notes.
• The Irish Descendants: A version performed by this group exists with subtle differences.
• Ballinakill Traditional Players: A 1931 recording by this group is available.
• Davy Spillane: Has performed the tune.

Related Tunes:

"The Farmer's Frolic," a song by Gaelic Storm, bears a resemblance to "The Rambling Pitchfork." Also, another tune called "The Fisherman's Widow" appears in “O’Neill’s Music Of Ireland” and is considered a slightly different setting of the same tune.