Okay I suppose it's time to stand up and be counted(though this might not be the "right medium" Mary).. You probably alone will know I say this without any vindictiveness as you are well aware of my love of "Irish Music".. BUT and a big one at that... if we are talking about the diddly stuff.. i.e. that apart from "Carol's" and what a strange name for a man.. YES.. it is all English or Scots in origin.. Jigs are definetly Scots.. Hornpipes came into being through the British Navy (Nothing to do with the Irish).. Reels are somewhat clouded as having an input from Scottish, English and Italian traditions.. as for instruments by which to play this music.. the only "pure" Irish one is the harp which no doubt the Welsh would contest most vehemently.
But we have today a very succinct "traditional" concept of what should or should not make up instrument wise a "Irish Ceili Band". And the tenor banjo along with the fiddle, and box is at the forefront.. it's all to do with long and short notes.. plus attack and sustain..
This is getting boring even for me...
Rick can I say this?... What the hell as Bob Dylan got to do with it?.. let alone the Clancy's etc.. we're talking about people who can really play "the music" and yes I included the Dubliners.. No one on this planet could dnce a reel to the rendition of the Mason's Apron.. (If you can please send me a video tape)..
This has got too long a thread...
Mick