Jig-a-Jig (song) explained

Jig-a-Jig
Type:single
Artist:East of Eden
B-Side:Marcus Junior
Released:May 1970
Genre:Progressive rock, Celtic rock, Psychedelic rock
Label:Deram
Producer:David Hitchcock
Prev Title:Northern Hemisphere
Prev Year:1969
Next Title:Ramadhan
Next Year:1971

"Jig-a-Jig" was a UK Top 10 hit single, released in May 1970 by the progressive rock band, East of Eden.[1] It peaked at No. 7 in the UK Singles Chart in early 1971.[1] It is also the title of a full-length album by the band. The piece is actually a set of three traditional reels, not jigs, namely "The Ashplant Reel", "Drowsy Maggie" and "Jenny's Chicken". The arrangement is based on electric violin with bass guitar and drums providing a rock rhythm backing. Electric guitar is used to underscore some of the high points of the fiddling.

In 2006, the British folk metal band, Skyclad, released their Jig-a-Jig EP, with the tune and three tracks from the recording sessions of the band's previous album, A Semblance of Normality. While the "Jig-a-Jig" is traditional, the arrangement of Skyclad's version is similar to East of Eden's, so it is sometimes considered as a cover version.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Roberts , David . 2006. British Hit Singles & Albums. 19th. Guinness World Records Limited . London. 1-904994-10-5. 176.