Congratulations on an informative, attractive and easy-navigable site on a somewhat "neglected" musical culture. I never would have guessed that the dulcimer was so popular in Ulster.

I'm surprised that Azizi didn't mention the existence (formerly?) of fife-and-drum traditions in some African-American communities (asleep at the switch, Azizi?). Whether these derived more from Scotch-Irish, American military, African and/or other influences, I have no idea.

One quibble - and I'm not trying to start nothin' - but while on the one hand you humbly present your point of view as that of an observer and student (of the music), on the other hand, some of your remarks (under "What is Scots-Irish Music?") suggest a musical agenda (NOT political!) coming from a more enlightened background. You make it clear that you feel the lack of "session" playing is a major shortcoming of the Ulster musical culture, and encourage Ulster musicians to depart from their traditional ways of doing things in order to accomodate your sense of where the music should be going. Wouldn't it be more appropriate simply to observe and report what the musicians and their audiences/communities are doing?

Just some food for thought; I'm not trying to start a long involved debate because I probably won't have time to say much more on the subject, so don't feel obligated to respond. And I'm certainly not trying to be "negative"; I'm grateful to you for putting together the site and giving people like me the opportunity to learn more about "Scots-Irish" music. Again, congratulations on a good piece of work!