Thanks for the kind words, Maryff - and for the good sense of the rest of your post. If you've ever been in the company of Sheila Stewart when she's singing ballads, you'll have heard her speak of the importance of what she calls the 'conyeach' - singing the song from the heart with respect.
An earlier post reminded me of a singer's relationship with the audience, when the appropriateness of singing ballads in a coffee shop was mentioned. I admire a singer who is attentive to an audience's needs - but who also manages to surprise them into liking something new. And that's where the pacier narrative ballads (possibly cheeky and probably with a refrain) come into their own; songs like 'The Keach in the Creel', 'The Sweet Kumadee' etc.
But isn't it just marvellous that there are still people who want to sing and/or listen to these great stories, creating the pictures in their own imaginations and without the benefit of computer-assisted graphics!
Finally, Akenaton, you might want to check Gordeanna's appearance on 25th January -- I think there's been a mix-up -- and it's a long way to travel...