Bill H - Posted - 09/15/2023:  03:40:14

Bottom of the Punch Bowl is a Scottish reel by James Oswald.

I found the following brief biography of Oswald on the website, Talk Classical:

James Oswald was a Scottish composer and publisher. He was born in Crail, Scotland in 1710, and died in Knebworth, Hertfordshire on January 2, 1769.

Oswald worked as a dancing master in Dunfermline until 1736 but, realizing that it was poorly paid moved to Edinburgh. Oswald set up as a publisher. He published a collection of minuets in 1736 and a Curious Collection of Scots Tunes in 1740. He also composed fiddle variations on Scottish folk tunes. Much of his output was under the pen name 'David Rizzio.' It is believed that the classic reel Flowers of Edinburgh is his composition although he never claimed it.

In 1741, Oswald moved to London. He became a composer for the publisher John Simpson until the latter's death in 1747. Oswald then established his own publishing firm producing mostly popular music and variations on popular tunes. The Caledonian Pocket Companion, a collection of Scottish folk tunes, counts 15 volumes and went through many editions.

He was a member of "The Temple of Apollo", a secret musical society of composers in London along with Thomas Erskine, 6th Earl of Kellie, John Reid, Charles Burney and others. He was appointed Chamber Composer to George III in 1761.

The tune name, "Bottom of the Punch bowl," is also the name of a nineteenth century Scottish country dance, probably developed with this tune in mind. The tune appears in the Gillespie Manuscript of 1768 and in the well known Gow Collection of Scottish Dance Music of Scots Tunes in 1740.

Sheet Music and audio

Grady Hopper

Adrienne Caravan

France Musique

My Version: youtu.be/DfTGxDWwQcA

Bottom of the Punch Bowl tab

Edited by - Bill H on 09/15/2023 03:53:40

Bottom of the Punch Bowl

 

Mtngoat - Posted - 09/15/2023:  07:23:02

Bill, thanks for a nice tune well played. Will tackle it this weekend.

JanetB - Posted - 09/15/2023:  14:23:21

A refreshing choice to have a Scottish reel, Bill, thanks.  Your version is spot on.  I noticed an Em on your tab. That would be interesting to play along with and hear what a minor chord does. Did you use the notation?  I  liked the French group you linked, which was listed as being an "interpretation" of the tune.  It had some nice syncopation and skipped notes, so I went with it.  When I recorded, I didn't play all of the 5th string drone clawhammer rhythm which is on the tab, so if anyone uses my tab remember to feel free to use it as you wish.  I also looked at your tab, Bill, and we did several parts the same.

Bottom of the Punch Bowl

The Bottom of the Punch Bowl