What is a simple working class lad from Hull with a modest musical tallent suposed to do Mr Guest?

Sing in a Rock and Roll band?

Forgive the jest. I think the answer is to just enjoy the music, where ever it may originate. We get tied up with this tradition thing so much, when it is mixed up with national pride as well, it is a disaster.

For what is played now at sessions IS your tradition, wherever it is played. That is what it means, to continue the way it is done now, not the way it was done ??? number of years ago. A good tune, played with love is all that is required and I challenge most folk to be able to correctly tell the nationality (if it has one) of any tunes played at sessions with any consistent success.

For the purposes of enjoying the music, it matters little, if at all.