Regarding the 'debate' about traditional vis a vis singer-songwriters: This all sounds strikingly similar to stuff I heard in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and now the 00s. When the traditional stuff was written, singer-songwriters had a hand in it. Let's first define 'traditional' and maybe cull all those who think anything new is bad. Where exactly does traditional start and stop? Are we saying that tradition is formed when it is given the approval of time? How much time? "Blowin' in the Wind" has been sung by more people than Carter had liver pills. Is it now traditional? I hope so! If it isn't, where are we going to get new traditions from?

Just some thoughts.