January 2026 - "Jamaica" — Tull Glazener

This month’s tab is an arrangement of the traditional English country dance tune “Jamaica”. First published in the 4th edition of John Playford’s “The English Dancing Master” in 1670, it also appeared in the next 12 editions, sometimes under the alternate spelling of “Jameko”. The tune emerged shortly after England seized Jamaica from Spain in 1655, a major event that sparked a wave of ballads and popular songs referencing the island.

Over 350 dances were published in the combined editions of Playford’s books, each of which included detailed instructions for each dance's steps, along with the melody line of the tune to be used for that particular dance.

English country dancing originated during the Renaissance and remained popular in England up through the 19th century. “Jamaica” remains a popular tune among English Country Dance, contra dance, and old-time circles.

Here’s a link to a YouTube video of the tune being performed by quartet Bare Necessities, one of the most influential English Country Dance bands in North America.

Enjoy!

In music and friendship,

—Tull

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