Rolling In The Ryegrass

"Rolling In The Ryegrass" is a traditional Irish reel. It’s often compared to "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" because they sound very similar.

What it is:

• It's a short, upbeat tune often played on fiddle, flute, or pipes.
• It’s frequently played as a "fling," a style similar to a hornpipe.
• The tune can be played in either direction, meaning it sounds good going forward or backward.

Possible Origins and Versions:

• Some people believe it has been played as "The Wind That Shakes the Barley."
• Mick Coyne is known for excellent interpretations of the tune.
• Caoimhin O’Raghallaigh is known for uniquely altering and reinterpreting the tune.
• The tune appears in an old collection of Irish music from 1927.

How it’s Played:

• Some players emphasize the third beat of each bar.
• A common way to play it includes a short variation at the end of the first part.

Who Plays It and Where:

• It is common in the Clare region of Ireland.
• It is sometimes played alongside "The Boyne Hunt" or "Heather Breeze."
• It is a good choice to pair with other reels in the key of G.

Modern Popularity:

• Many modern musicians enjoy playing and interpreting the tune in their own way.

Note: There is some disagreement about the exact musical notation of this tune. Many versions exist.