Mayomick: "possibly a reference to Roma street performers' improvised music ?" No - a sample was played on the radio show, and it was of the Hot Club of France variety.

Jack: I'm surprised by your post. Other than in the odd TV show or movie, I've never seen any particularly "anti-Gypsy racism and ethnic stereotyping" coming from the US. Although I was long ago apprised of the existence of anti-Gypsy prejudice in North America, I in fact never observed any anti-Gypsy prejudice until I started reading posts from Brits on mudcat, and, subsequently, comments largely from Brits under youtube videos. Very much something I associate far more with Britain and Europe generally than with anywhere else ... ?