'BH - its not that i don't believe there is a tradition. i just don't believe you and jim have a clue what it consists of.

I'm not sure that you're really in a position to say that Al, as you don't actually have any idea of my knowledge of the tradition. What I do know is that we have a tradition, that is not as you say 'intangible' as it researched and documented and a matter of fact. What I do believe however, is that the tradition is still alive and developing, albeit in a different way to they way it was historically, and I know how that tradition has developed during my lifetime. The only thing that is 'intangible' is how it will continue to develop in the future!

I never questioned your 'belief' in the tradition' as I pointed out it is historic, but what I do see from your posts here is what appears to be an almost vitriolic distaste for that tradition and this is where my confusion comes from. I front a folk/rock band, performing a mix of traditional, new and original material, I see that as maintaining and developing the tradition, but would always acknowledge the debt to the tradition, and therefore have no issue with using the the terms originally coined to describe that tradition. You, on the other hand, seem to display no respect for that tradition, but still want, by using the word Folk to associate your music with it, that's what I don't understand.

Perhaps you could explain what you think the tradition consists of as I don't have a clue?

John