One of the problems with relating to each other's music is that we, in the UK, tend to know only those American acts who cross the pond to perform. This leaves us able to respond only by saying "Who?" when first class local American acts are being discussed.

I suspect that the same is true in t'other direction.

It would be a great help to have a way of hearing these people through posting examples of their work for members to enjoy. The same would be true of hearing Mudcatter's songs.

More and more I find myself ashamed to be a countryman of those who refer to "American music" with a slight, but noticeable, sneer as "not folk".

It is long past time that they realised that EVERY country has its own traditions, all equally valid.

Brits, in particular, are prone to refer to "a thousand years of history", when in fact very little music can be traced back further than 200 years, and much of that belongs in genres other than folk.

Just my 2p worth of opinion, which will, no doubt, result in my being cut to ribbons by the purists. Still, thats how I see it.

Don T.