In the late 40s, when I was in The Columbus Boychoir (now The American Boychoir), we did a tour that took us to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada.  It was there that I first experienced their music, with concertina and all, much influenced by American country & western.  This also had an influence on "Upper U.S."- to follow.  I've never been on a "whaling ship", nor had a "good guitar", but I know the feel of high waves and heavy parkas!