Excellent post Marje.

I agree with the poster above who said the musical culture of these Islands is a shared one. None of the traditions anywhere in the Isles developed in isolation, and it's this diversity that is our strength (I'm sure some of the more cynical would disagree with that comment), if only we could all play to it - pun intended. A look at many folk CD's who-plays-what will show how great the crossover is between the four countries.

But to go with modern national boundaries, for English music try listening to Bellowhead and any Spiers and Boden, Kathryn Tickell etc for some fine rollicking music.

Folk -nfluenced rock groups who have taken some inspiration from traditional English music include Led Zepplien, Jethro Tull, The Levellers and Chumbawumba.

"English music is twiddley dee and morris prancing. Obviously.