Watson,

I agree with you totally that there are far better performances of traditional songs. Sinead's CD is NOT Sean-nos music. I don't think that she made it because she is trying to capture fans from the traditional scene. This is not a CD meant marketed to Mudatters. She is exploring music as an artist and creating something new for HER audience.

The Kingston Trio's version of Tom Dooley was taken from a recording made by Roger Sprung and Erik Darling who learned it from Frank Warner who learned it from Frank Proffitt. The Trio's recording sounds vastly different, and yes they were a product of their time. The rock-a-billy beat that permeated Rock and Roll at the time can also be felt in the Trio's performance - subtle but it is there. The arguements about what Sinead has done with some of these trad songs were heard when the Kingston Trio dipped into the well. Donnegan did the same.

True, the Kingston Trio and Donnegan were groundbreakers and I respect (and play) their music.   The point I was trying to make is that audiences unfamiliar with folk music DISCOVERED the genre from the Trio & Donnegan.   Those that were hooked by the sound went on to discover Frank Proffit and Hudie Ledbetter. My point, as you originally asked, is that some of Sinead's audience MIGHT be turned on to folk music in 2002 because of her recordings.

While I don't think Sinead will have the same influence as the Kingston Trio or Lonnie Donnegan, I do think there will be some new attention paid by a new audience.   I think that is very healthy.

Ron