Poppa, Sharp collected in America, too.

Just sayin'.

The moment of collection is just that: a moment in time; a snapshot. However, those collected versions, especially the recorded ones, are our link with the heritage of the song. Imperfect it may be, but I always feel that if you're going to sing these songs, it's nice to be aware of where they came from (or at least what we know of that history). That's because of the very nature of traditional song.

I like Sam Larner and Harry Cox and Fred Jordan a lot. If I sing songs from their repertoires, I certainly don't try to copy them, but I like it that I know their version. Especially if I know a more recent version as well, as I can see what different singers have brought to the song.

And then I'll sing my own interpretation, which may be influenced by those other singers, or it may be all my own - and sod anyone who doesn't like it.