'freestyling in a folk-like idiom'.

Phil, I'm fascinated by your account. Is it likely that this young man was acquainted with folk music? Was he somehow pastiching folk music? was his audience folkscene related in any way? In what ways was it like a folk idiom?

I used to run late-night bawdy sessions at Whitby Folk Festival. One year Johnny Handle came along and stood at the bar drinking without passing comment or contributing any songs throughout the whole session. We were just about to go at the end of the session when Johnny staggered into the middle of the room and proceeded to make up a song on the spot which included a different verse about everyone in the room, most not very flattering, but we took it in good part. Amazing performance!