Explanation

Known as The Black Book (and also the Toronto Black Book), this collection of mostly Irish tunes came to me in the late 1980's.  At that time a bunch of us living in Peterborough Ontario became enthralled with traditional music and were hungry for tunes, especially tunes played by the experienced session players from beyond our little Patch.  Into this group of musical friends came The Black Book via Nedd Kenney who got it from Kim Vincent in P.E.I. around 1988. Hence the “Peterborough Rendition”.

The Black Book seems to be of unexplained origin and appears to be a compilation of at lease four different books, judging by the print.  It was alleged to contain tunes common to experienced traditional session players.  There are some 342 tunes here and many are indeed great session tunes.

Many have found this collection useful.  Who originally put it together for others to enjoy remains a mystery, but a “thank you” is due.  The intent of this particular rendition of The Black Book is to continue the tradition of sharing the tunes with anyone interested. 

New to the Peterborough Rendition of the Black Book is (finally) an index of the tunes and the pages have been numbered sequentially.  Tune names are as they appear in the book and multiple versions so noted.  Markings in the book as I received it remain.  Blank stave paper has been inserted between each of the original four sections and at the end. Last but not lease, the Peterborough Rendition is available in PDF format. Please feel free to submit corrections or comments to me (address below) .

Readers will be interested in Nigel Gatherer's annotated index of the tunes found in " Music Of Ireland" which offers clarification of names and alternates, recording and sources.

Have fun.

Ken Brown
September 2006