The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #91497 Message #1741001
Posted By: greg stephens
15-May-06 - 12:38 PM
Thread Name: Folklore: Adopting Alien Traditions
Subject: RE: Folklore: Adopting Alien Traditions
Ernest: of course she is entitled to her opinions, as we all are. And we also entitled to change them. And we are all entitled to pint ourt if other people change theirs. But that is a very minor point, in a very interesting discussion.
I instinctively react against the use of the word "alien", but I dont go as far as the McGrath line, which indeed would seem to lead to the conclusion that there is no such thing as traditional music(or traditional anything). He seems to think that we can all exercise free will, and play what we like. Well, partially. I've played blues, and jazz, and Irish tunes, and cajun tunes, and Caribbean tunes too, and will continue to do so.
But having said that, when I play my old Cumbrian tunes, from where my ancestors lived, and think about my grandparents when I'm doing it I feel there is another dimension going on there. So, I'll reserve the right to sing Leadbelly songs, whether Richard Bridge wants me to or not. But I'll also feel there is something specially "mine" about tunes from where I'm from.