I am sorry to see Keyplr has erased all of his posts and vacated the premises. That was not my intent, and for that I am sorry. Since I am fairly sure curiosity will at least bring him back to read this - I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.

However, it should not come as a shock when a comment depicting another culture as "prehistoric" generates a bitter response. If you have any doubts about whether a comment is offensive, I suggest inserting your own culture, ethnic heritage, religoun, etc.., in it's place. Then take another look at it. It's not even a matter of being politically correct. It's a matter of truth.

I would also suggest that if you make a statement claiming authority on a subject (in your case the "definitive" author) you be prepared to support your claim with evidence AND be willing to look at others' ideas. It is possible that I was wrong in what I posted about collective improvisation in North Indian music. Maybe I have a bad source or misunderstood what I had found. But from your response it also appears you didn't even give the idea a chance. That is too bad. This could have been a really great thread.

And thank you Bob for giving me a bit of support. I appreciate that a lot.

Chuck