Because of the revival in the sixties/seventies, a huge number of folkie children have matured as musicians at the same time. There is, all of a sudden, loads of young performers around, instead of the trickle through of past few years. This is bound to have an unnatural effect on the way traditions are passed down, and I expect a change will come as the different bands/individuals are all trying to create a different sound from the many others aroung them.

My main point is that a tradition is a tradition, the strongest will survive, it's a darwinian thing. you can play tunes in different ways, put a drum and bass track on it if you want, but as long as people (including young people) are still playing the tunes and singing the songs - AND ENJOYING IT - it doesn't really matter how far the music is being taken, let it get on with it in it's own time, it's done OK so Far!!!