Echoes of America: A History of the 5-String Banjo (Part 4)

This 1 hour documentary deals with the history and music of the five string banjo and its transition from African slave banjo to classical instrument in the1800's, It's decline in the early 1900's to its re- emergence (and re-invention) in the 1920/30's and it's continuing evolution to the instrument we know and love today.

Featuring rare footage & candid interviews with some of the greatest banjo players of all time.
Including:
• Vintage performances from Uncle Dave Macon, Earl Scruggs & Don Reno.
• Current (at the time of shooting this film) footage of both Earl & Don's mentor, Snuffy Jenkins.
• A great "Twin" banjo rendition of "Devil's Dream" from Bill Keith & Tony Trischka.
• The now legendary "banjo acrobatics" of Leroy Troy on "Grandfathers Clock".
• The late John Hartford playing a beautiful solo version of his song "Gum tree canoe" in a deserted "Grand Ole Opry" on a Deering "Hartford" banjo.
• Interview's and performances from Bill Monroe, Pete Seeger, Bela Fleck, Eddie Adcock, Tony Ellis, Clarke Bluething, and many other world class players.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Banjo
• documentary

[nasty5oh]

I miss John Hartford.

[clubflush791]

If not mistaken, that Trishka/Keith duet of Devil's Dream was shot at the Eagle Tavern in Greenwich Village, NYC some time in the late70's/ early 80's. I was there that night and have always wondered whether that British filmcrew's material would ever surface in America - till now. Thank you so much for posting - I was also unaware of this "Echoes of America" video. God bless YouTube and people like you - we live in great, sharing times.

[krimskrams]

@BanjoBoyMatteo which is more than i can say from the dude stangling the cat just before him... american preachers are weird and i'm putting it nicely...

[giggleblaggle]

@nasty5oh such a beautiful sound, isn't it?

[BanjoBoyMatteo]

That's the legendary Cullen Galyean singing with the Christian Quartet at 3:28