The Butterfly

Slip Jig 9/8, in Em or E Dorian

Composed by the Irish fiddler Tommy Potts (1912-1988), although the tune is generally said to be cobbled together from previously existing slip jigs which Tommy may have learned from his father, the piper John Potts. Tommy's rendition can be found on his only album, The Liffey Banks, 1971. Another seminal version is that of the Bothy Band in their first album, The Bothy Band, 1975. Kevin Burke, who later joined The Bothy Band, has also recorded the tune, with The Bothy Band and on his own. The tune has become quite well-known and is the theme music for the film The Secret of Roan Inish. Born in Dublin, Tommy Potts was unusual in that his playing of traditional tunes was very improvisational. He would often play in Martin Hayes' home when Martin was a child and Tommy's playing is said to have influenced the fiddling of both Martin Hayes and Frankie Gavin.