You're welcome, Spleen Cringe. If you're still around, check out "Ethnic Music" on the pulldown menu under "Dulcimers" for a real treat! Though the discussion is not the most satisfying, I've been googling some of the references, Bob Davenport, for instance, and have found good things to listen to.

For those unimaginative sorts who have problems understanding why people would enjoy singing about things that are 3000 miles away, I will point out that California is nearly 3000 miles from the New York Island. I doubt it helps you, though.