“Boston Boy” is an old-time fiddle tune, a reel in the key of D. It was a favorite of the Kentucky fiddler “Uncle Pen” Vandiver, the uncle whom Bill Monroe immortalized in song, and it passed into the bluegrass repertoire through Monroe and others.
A bright, danceable breakdown, the tune is closely related to other reels in the old-time stock; its first strain echoes part of the tune known as “Texas Gals.” It has been recorded by Monroe, David Grisman, and Ricky Skaggs among others.
“Boston Boy” remains a staple of bluegrass jams.
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