A common quandary, I am an English fiddle player that is most often found playing Irish music, (mainly because these sessions are most prevalent).

I play with lots of rolls and trebles commonly associated with Irish playing, although there is evidence to suggest that traditionally these were used in English trad playing too. If I play English tunes in this manner (highly ornamented and perhaps a little up tempo) in a session advertised as English, people look at me as-if-to-say I've walked into the wrong bar.

Since I am English, living in England playing English tunes, is my style of playing enough to make it not traditional. After-all there are unfortunately not many old recordings to listen to guide us.

Any thoughts?

Alex