Art, I do see the point that you and Richard are trying to make. However, let me use your example.   There are people who would not touch the concotion simply because it is not scotch served with a splash of water and others that would not drink it because it isn't a vanilla shake with ice cream and milk, period.   There are others that would leap at the chance to see how good, or bad, this experiment will taste. I am sure the person who invented the White Russian was faced with the same dilemma, but now it is a staple in most establishments. It isn't for everyone to drink, but it is there and has people that enjoy it. I certainly would not move my barstool if someone sitting next to me was drinking one.

Diluting a clear vision?   Is it a clear vision when a white kid from a wealthy family who attended prep school in Connecticut and then went on to Harvard and then goes around singing native African folk songs?   Doesn't sound like a folk singer,and the roots are surely diluted, but I think most of us accept Pete Seeger.   Pete never played the songs in an "authentic" style, but he fused his own musical upbringing into his performance.

Believe me, I do know what you are saying.   I think it is extremely important that field recordings are preserved and that people understand what the traditions are all about.   At the same time, I think it is important that we keep an open mind about "fusion". Some of it can be quite satisfying and it will open doors for new "fans". I grew up on Bob Dylan, and I began to search out the roots.   I know fans of David Grisman who have gone further into the music to learn about the Carter Family and their sources.    We truly need to preserve our traditions.

Now I am going to look for my blender and the bottle of scotch I received last Christmas.