Hi,

Good thread topic - I think trying to get young people interested in traditional music is crucial to keeping the music alive. The band I play in use all acoustic instruments and I agree that bass and drums can blast out the more subtle nuances of the music - I think that percussion if used correctly can add drive. Recently the band that I play in appeared at a folk festival on the same bill as a band featuring drums, bass and electric guitar (playing very loud) and we were really pleased and surprised to recieve this review which I think is exactly what you are talking about. http://www.freefolk.com/ceolta.htm

The editorial of the freefolk web page is also in agreement with yourself.

The other thing that makes me smile is that it takes me about 20 seconds to put my fiddle in its case and make my way to the bar while the drummer is still putting their kit away 20 minutes later, and the bass player is trying to put their back in joint after carrying a bass cabinet 20 years later.

Ian