Bert, Effendi, thanks, that was interesting (I mean that most sincerely!). I suppose a hobby horse is easier than a hobby camel to construct. Isn't it true that some UK Morris sides have a "Saracen" character? Seems the global village predated McLuhan by a few centuries. It does seem that while the English are open to musical influences from all over, we don't export it well. Must be something to do with the strong pound! More likely as a society with lots of inward immigration we absorb foreign cultures more readily than some politicans would have us believe. This would parallel the US. I'm in danger of being serious here I better lie down in a dark room for a while.
RtS
:o)
PS On Monday 5th June on BBC Radio2 there is a celebration of Chris Barber's 70th birthday with guests including Lonnie Donegan. If it is anything lke the Barber Band's 40th Anniversary sessions it should be a blast for those of us stuck in the '50s!