The first time that I heard New England contra dance music was in 1972 in St. Louis, Missouri. It was on an LP recording of The Canterbury Country Dance orchestra from New England. Among the members of that band was Bob McQuillen, the prolific composer and long-time stalwart of the New England music scene. Bob had, at last count, over fourteen hundred tunes to his credit. The reel he plays here with his band, Old New England, was composed for my wife Sandy on May 20, 2006. Bob had met Sandy at Boston College during one of the Gaelic Roots summer schools of music, song, and dance. He had received a special award from Boston College on that occasion, an award well overdue, for his amazing contributions to the world of music. Thank you, Professor, for the tune and all your music and friendship. Bob's tunes may be found in his own published collections and manuscripts.

McQuillen, Bob (piano) (composer) 11101832

McQuillen, Bob 11101832

Séamus Connolly

Boston College Libraries

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