Hey, DADGBE:

I guess the distinction I'd make is that everyone should make the songs they do their own. Whether they've written them or learned them. The level of "originality" isn't the issue in my book. Whether the music expresses the musician is the issue... at least in folk, jazz, blues and other lessl formally composed music. It might seem that in classical music that you're hog-tied with all those little black squiggly lines on the page, but even there, there can be a strong element of individuality and personalization going on. Otherwise, people would just buy a CD of classical music with no regard to who the artists are.

Just for myself, I like to feel that I am connected to a musician when I hear them sing, or play. Music is not just expression to me, it's connection. If there's no connection, it's like the tree falling in the forest that no one hears.

Jerry