Michael, thank you for a wonderful bit of scholarship. I probably agree with much more than I disagree with. I fit into the singer mode, however I am determined to improve my skills. I have sang the songs of my people for my entire life and play in a pub band at a very high level. But one of the musicians that you mention, Steve Cooney, is an absolute hero of mine. I can accompany the music in a very straightforward manner that has served me well on stage for a long time. But when I listen to Cooney, as well as others, I know that to truly contribute to the tune (and never forget........it is ALL about the tune)I must learn to use the percussive rythms that these true pro's use. And so I have set about the task of deconstructing and reconstructing my style. It has been hard, and as is the way when one does this, it has set me back a couple of steps. But in the end, it will make for much more vibrant and accomplished music. Some would say I am nuts for doing this at this stage of my musical life, but I think it is worth it.

To get to your question, there is no doubt that this instrument belongs in the music. Done well it lends a depth to the music that is unprecedented in its history. The purist may sniff, but they show a lack of understanding of the musical history of our people when they do. The Irish have always borrowed and let their music evolve. The Uilleann pipes are only a few hundred years old in their present form. The Irish Bouzouki was first constructed in the mid to late 60's. Many of the tunes we play today on the squeezebox were written before the instrument existed. How about the flute, in its present form. The only two instruments that I know of that could be classified as absolutely trad are the harp and the bodhran.

It is far more important to me that any instrument used to play the music enhance THE MUSIC. That is what it is about. The Guitar, played right, absolutely does that.

I assume you are part of the Sands family that has given us so much wonderful music? If so, congratulations on having the incredibly good fortune to be born to the music. If not, thanks for sharing a well thought out and very good discourse with us.

All the best,

Mick