I'll really have to stop agreeing with these McGraths.

When Frank says, about Ireland: "Everybody here has been influenced by the Irish folk tradition and they recognize tunes and songs they have heard a thousand and one times"

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That is the difference. The English do not. They never will, if the tunes are played in English only sessions. People don't like a tune because of the nationality of that tune and why should they? I do not see much of a future for a music that is largely defined by what it excludes. Museum piece music in a glass case? Is that really the attraction of it to some? Or even worse, is it more part of the 'Jingoism' that the other McGrath refers to earlier in the thread?

Look at the 'new' instruments that are now considered as part of Irish traditional music. The bouzouki and the low D whistle for example. Is the bodhran (played well) really welcome at these English only sessions? I believe that the concept of these exclusive sessions will only serve to further remove fine music from English people and everyone else.

I don't think that I have ever been to an Irish session that played exclusively Irish music and most of the people listening and enjoying it wouldn't know (or care) what nationality the tune was, even if that could be established? The tunes sounding different depending on where the session was.……. Let us think carefully before we introduce these artificial divisions into music and allow the music to develop naturally and unite us, not divide us.

The English may not now have a living tradition like the Irish and if that fact is recognised it is not entirely a bad thing, for they then have a number of choices. If they choose Belly Dancing, then that is then their tradition. It would be nice to see elements of this English tradition retained, in whatever is chosen but you can't force it on people, if it won't now fit. I would have to make as much of a conscious decision to take up Morris, as I would to take up Belly Dancing. Though I am beginning to develop the necessary equipment for the later (as I notice have a lot of Morris dancers too).

I think I notice this important distinction possibly more than some other English people because I have lived among such a living tradition as Frank describes. I lived in The Shetland Islands for many years. Most of the younger people there, at that time chose American Country Music and would talk less than enthusiastic about the Shetland fiddle tunes and dances. When it came to dances in the local halls however, all ages were there, enjoying what obviously and quite naturally belonged to them. Judging by the young talent that I see now coming from Shetland, this tradition is still very much alive.

I am coming to believe that English Traditional music re-started with the introduction into the void, of the guitar and the re-introduction of (some of our) songs and tunes from America, with 'skiffle' in the 1950's. Then Blues, R&B and Rock & Roll. With, Woody Guthrie and Buddy Holly demonstrating and encouraging the writing of original material. This in turn resulted in The Beatles and English style Blues guitar, taking the music back and in turn stimulating a whole generation of American youth.

"Honey, That's A What I Like". The Big Bopper (Late,Traditional Musician)?