Shank’s Mare

Shank’s Mare is a reel I learned from the music of Mike Rafferty, Irish flute player from Co. Galway who emigrated to the US and became a major figure of Irish traditional music in that country. This would seem to be his setting of the standard reel Toss the Feathers.

Mike played flute in the East Galway style – a subtle, deceptively simple style with a relaxed tempo. (Another great flute player from East Galway is Paddy Carty.)

The sheet music below shows some ideas for ornaments – mainly cuts and taps.