"if there were a demand for that sort of music the clubs, logically, would have continued to provide it. "
If that is not the case then the existing clubs would no longer be folk clubs and flying under false colours
The decline was gradual and, while the demand remained (and still does) those who couldn't find it stopped going - not everyone has the time or ability to set up a new scene - they shouldn't have to
It's like being evicted from your house and being told "if you want somewhere to live, go and buy another one"
What other definition of "folk" is there other than the one that has been fully documented ?
No-one has come up with one so far
People are entitled to put out whatever they want - if they are conning people by telling them it is something it isn't, that's sharp practice
The importance of folk music reaches far beyond the dwindling number of clubs - try calling shanty singing 'Grand Opera' and see how har you'd get
Folk song is what it has been known as since at least F J Child called his collection 'Popular Ballads (Popular = of the people'
The songs are the creation o the 'ordinary people' - their creation and their history - as such they deserve respect
JIm Carroll