Note: The conversation with Halim El-Dabh begins with a discussion of the schimburi, the principal accompanying instrument of Georgian bardic song. Alan Lomax reminisces about his visit to Georgia, and describes their banquets where drinking alternated with poetry recitations and choral song ("They have the custom of the Greek Symposium"). The culture of the Caucasus developed in narrow, isolated valleys. Lomax asks El-Dabh to sing a Nubian song. El-Dabh demonstrates Nubian and other Egyptian rhythms from Aswan. Lomax asks if these rhythms are related to anything in life. El-Dabh: Yes, you visualize certain situations, like a small boy paddling a little boat, searching. Lomax: Can everyone play drums? El-Dabh: Yes. Other instruments are the violin, horns, bells, pipes, and whistles. Alan Lomax notes that huge instruments are associated with big Empires. Exception: giant idiophones of Indonesia. Lomax praises Brownie McGhee, "a stupendous talent," and recommends him to Halilm El-Dabh as someone suitable for a university position. Sonny Terry's ability to do quarter tones and blue notes on the harmonica. Great cultural riches of the Congo. Recommends film about the Pygmies.