Jewish immigrants brought this 400 year old Eastern-European traditional music to America, along with the Yiddish language. For a time you could dance to both. Everything is fusing with everything. At the same time, it is important to remember that all branches of what we call Western popular music can be traced back at some time or another to Africa. From tango to rock 'n' roll to flamenco .
Roots become branches, and the branches grow into new roots.
Africa does not start south of the Sahara. There is as much African spirit in Ghana as in Morocco. Weston has concertized with the Moroccan master musicians of Jajouka, and with Gnawas from the southern Sahara. It is our past as well as our future. African music is more present in our lives than ever.