The most spectacular example of what I am talking about was Steeleye Span's recording of the ballad Lamkin. Half way through the action they appear to become bored with it and play an Irish reel - now what's that about?
excellent point, Jim.
and one of my minor criticisms of Martin Carthy,he on occasions puts an instrumental bang in the middle of a story ballad,why why why.
all it does is assist to lose the thread for the listener,if one forgets the words it is a very useful ploy,but i dont think that is the case with Martin.
of course his guitar playing is excellent,but it seems to me to be pointless.