The tune is named for Northumbrian musician Jamie Allen (1734-1810), who was a famous smallpipes player. He was son of a gypsy woman, made improvements to the design of the pipes, was often a fugutive from justice, and died in prison seven years into a life sentence for horse-stealing. The prison, under Elvet Bridge in Durham UK, was a night club in 2008 and 2009.
The tune is from the Hebrides Islands, off the north cost of Scotland. An alternate title Lewis Bridal Song refers to the Isle of Lewis, which may be its origin.
