Jed, the ties between the Maritime Provinces of Canada and New England ( AKA "The Boston States") are part of an emigration pattern that go back over many generations. As an example Cape Breton Island was largely settled by Highland Scots, many of them clearance exiles.
Here until this day the Gaelic language influences the music and song.
A secondary but larger,over time, emigration from here to the Boston States carried this "Scotch" music to your shores. I believe that much the same can be said for the music of the Irish and Acadian French. Family ties made visits back and forth frequent and music was always freely exchanged. Living by and from the sea made us neighbours with many common interests.