An interesting thread.

I believe we all have the right to at least try be the sort of musician and songwriter that we want to be. Much of it is determined by the music we grow up with, or what we make a conscious effort to surround ourselves with, because for some unaccountable reason we emotionally identify with it.

That old cliche of 'the global village'has never been more true.

I was quite disappointed when I first heard Guy Clark - Jack Hudson of Derbyshire sings his songs so much better than he does. With Jack there is a unique shaft of melancholy in his interpretation, which is pure 'Derbyshire' - like a twist of lemon in a cocktail.

I've heard several Irish people refer to Patrick Walker of Sheffield as 'the best Irish fiddler, outside of Ireland' - despite Patrick being a Sheffield lad. And who would have thought the world's greatest jazz guitarist would turn out to be a Belgian gypsy.

Best of luck to you Sooz in promoting this concert. Bottom line, its about some people who are making a creative effort, and in the long run - that's the best thing for all of us, and the world.

Diane is right, in that we DO need to be aware of where we are coming from. But I think with artists of talent - this emerges whether they want it to, or not.