I agree with Barry. I can understand why one might feel the way you do about Loreena McKinnet; in many ways I agree. However, I have to respect and admire her for bringing traditional music to a broader audience than most of are able, or willing, to do. I, for one, would never be able to commercialize the traditional music I so love to the same extent she does. Nevertheless, as a fellow Canadian, Loreena has, to some extent, made it easier for me to reach audiences who have never heard ballad singing before. People, however rightly or wrongly, liken what I do to what she does. Eventually, after they listen to a more traditional way of performing the same sort of music, they will learn to appreciate the music for what it is, regardless of who's performing it.

As to Mudpuppy, the person who started this whole thing--If you want to learn some of Loreena's material, go right ahead. But why don't you use her as a starting point and come up with your own arrangements on the instrument of your choice. My guess is, you will probable do as good a job, if not better, and then the songs will be truer to yourself.