Re: BG: Re: Folk Music & Mtn.Bluegrass

[JPlemen]

I'm a little offended that it is being suggested by our good friend in England that traditional Irish music had no influence on our mountain music. Instead he implies that it was merely the Scots and the English when most Americans' hertitage is Irish. I also do not recognize the term Ulster, as it is Northern Ireland. When refering to the "Ulster Scots" you exclude the native Irish that have lived there for generations and who were forced off of their land by the Engish who moved their Scottish brethren into the North of Ireland to "civilize" the Irish colony in the 1600's. If you are planning to speak as an authority in England on Bluegrass music you are misguided not to include the Irish influence as well as the influence of the Blues that has greatly influenced Bluegrass music.  Many of Bill Monroe's mandolin tunes have very bluesy licks as do many modern performers of bluegrass music. Perhaps more research on your part is needed.   J.P. in Kentucky