Les, FYI: "Duncan and Brady" is classified as a "blues ballad," a narrative form derived from the blues, just like "Stagolee." I repeat, Chris Smither sings primarily blues in his concerts, with a heavy sprinkling of cover songs and a minority of Smither originals.

Other matters: I think "Dick Gaughan" is a good answer to the question, too: he is a masterful interpreter of traditional song and a fine guitarist -- for me, the sore point is his writing. Did Nic Jones write much? Does anyone know? (Ian probably does). Not that I care much, one way or the other, but I am curious.

And I have another American name for the list: Jody Stecher is a multi-instrumentalist, an accomplished singer and a fine interpreter of traditional song. He performs and records solo, as a duo with his wife Kate Brislin in various old-time bands. Oops, and another, the singer-guitarist Larry Hanks should be on the list, too.