We bordered on this subject in the Rick Fielding Tribute thread, and I could not bear to introduce thread creep to that discussion – so I thought I'd introduce the discussion of Canadian Folk here (maybe I should say Canadian Folk-Style).

I visited Disney's Epcot Center a decade ago when my kids were in their teens. I enjoyed walking through the exhibits of various countries and was really impressed with the end of day fireworks and light show. Actually impressed does not accurately describe what I felt. I was floored. I was amazed! It was a sight and sound treat like none I'd witnessed before.

They highlighted each country, during the show and played wonderful recorded music, appropriate for that country, as the laser lights and fireworks painted colorful images over the country's exhibit. The last two countries highlighted were Canada and the US and as they approached the time when Canada would be focused upon, I wondered what the music would be. The music selections and recordings for the other countries had been excellent, so by now I couldn't wait to hear what they'd do for Canada (and then the US).

When Canada's turn came, the Epcot show played some absolutely beautiful Canadian folk music pieces; real folkie stuff, acoustic guitar, dulcimer, mando, etc. I don't recall the names of the few tunes they played in medley – but the choice was so right on and so lovely. It made me realize just how close my New England roots in folk-music were tied to Canada. My first thought was, "Hell yeah! That's the way folk music is supposed to sound!"

You see I had been living in Texas for a while at that point, and I do like the Texas folk/acoustic styles, too – but hearing that beautiful and powerful Canadian folk-style music just made my juices flow!

I grew up in Massachusetts. I've begun to believe that the New England folk-style I learned as a kid is more Canadian based then it is tied to any other. I say that because I am instantly at home with Canadian players and styles. My first thought is, "Oh yeah, that's the way I feel it too." And that feeling happens to me more with Canadian players then with any others, including New Englanders. OK – now I don't want to be patronizing here. There's plenty of great stuff developed elsewhere and I've enjoyed that too. I just have to say that when I hear Canadian folk stuff, it just feels like home is calling me.

So when Mudcatters hear Big Mick talking about his love for the Canadian folk scene - I think this is what he is talking about (or is it aboot?). Mick also grew up close to Canada and I suspect he felt the pull of the same influence I felt in New England.

By the way – to finish my opening thoughts about the Epcot show, I have to say that the music they chose for the USA was so perfect and right-on too that I just said, "Of course!"

They played Gershwin – but that's a discussion for another thread!