Hi Walkabouts.

I learn so much from this site over the years. I never would have guess that the English peasant lack so much in imagination as to never musically experiment with the one instrument they likely could afford. Their voices. I just can't buy your premise Walkabout. Not because I can prove it but because when couched with human nature it doesn't make sense.

At some point someone will get bored with what they are singing and rather than leave the After Witch Burning party, they'll try something a little different.

Sea Chanteys were meant to keep time, I can almost buy the idea in this arena. But Foc'sle Chanteys were for entertainment and even on the eve of the Spanish Armada I'll bet some three parters of The Royal Albion lifted above the grates.

I think a chordal structure is common in the way we string tones together to create a melody. Even Ben Franklin had some words on the subject regards to Scottish music.

This could become a doctoral thesis so I thank you for the point to ponder. But excuse me if I think you are a little off base.

Don