Jack Campin said:

"No you CAN'T play whatever you like. Folktunes have their own expressive world, we do NOT see them as simply something to egotrip over. They are tiny, but each one has been be shaped to say something unique."

I can't play whatever I like? Thats weird, because last time I checked, traditional tunes are in the PUBLIC domain, and not kept under lock and key in your museum. Do you really think 200 years ago troubadours, entertainers and alike all played tunes the same? No.. if they did there wouldn't be the diversity in folk tunes and songs we see today. What a ridiculous attitude to take to 'the music of the PEOPLE'.

Jack Campin also said:

" We do NOT appreciate our tradition being treated as if it was Cole Porter or Lerner & Loewe, thanks."

First of all... We? is Jack Campin a band? Society of folk protectors? or do you believe you speak for the majority of folk music enthusiasts?

I think your point about slushy, simple, music hall songs being turned into something different is interesting, but sadly contradicts your previous attitudes towards arranging folk material...NEWSFLASH... folk music is simple, sentimental material..(I could be controversal and say also for the white middle classes too) and its the job of the musician/singer to bring life to the material, which is exactly what jazz musicians do, they encourage diversity and experimentation, where your attitude is to let the music stagnate and die. Most folk tunes are based around 5 notes, its simple harmonically but that gives plenty of scope for the performer to make it there own.

Incidentally, most Music Hall songs/tunes that inspired jazz arrangements (especially in the UK) were closely connected to the folk music of the time... in fact I've even heard music hall songs being played as ceilidh sets (Dartmoor Pixie Band?).. so by insulting music hall your tearing apart the music you so eagerly defend.