apologies to 8 pints,it is a question,[at that point I had not stated my opinion].
his reply gave a suggestion that I might have answered yes.
the question can be answered yes /no,then the responder qualifies his answer,just as I did by mentioning Walter Pardons opportunity to perform.
Bobs answer that the folk revival has contributed hardly anything to the repertoire is in itself irrelevant,because it doesnt disprove the relevancy of the revival,the revival is relevant to the tradition,if it all it ever did was provide traditional singers and musicians with a platform to perform.
personally I think it has done more than that because it has also exposed traditional singers and their music to a wider audience.
Finally Bobs argument that it has to be solo is flawed,Bob and Ron Copper,Rita and Sara keane,The Wexford Carol Singers,the village bands[that also played in church]as described by Thomas Hardy.,the Wren boys,and so on.