There are influences that Burns does not cover - Irish immigrants both from Southern Island and also Ulster (Scots-Irish). Its well known that the cots-Irish settled in the Appalachians. However since Sharp 'discovered' what he opined to be lost English ballads in the region the folks there have always preferred to believe that they come from English stock rather than Scots-Irish. As we all know the Irish had and still have a vast traditional music and song heritage. Burns completely ignored this in his series, including the influences that traditional Irish music might have had in the development of Country Music. During the series I d notice that many folks danced some solo steps - but old-style step dancing (low to the ground, effortless, and elegant) was prolific throughout the UK and Ireland and Appalachia. Sadly most of this has gone for more wilder forms. ====
|