Traces the story of the banjo from its roots in West Africa to its birth in the Americas, through its coming of age in the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Features over 100 of the most significant and beautiful banjos ever made, in over 300 images including stunning detail shots, with profiles of important players and spotlights on key luthiers and manufacturers. Offers historical context surrounding the banjo through the ages, from its place in Victorian parlors and speakeasies through its role in the folk boom of the 1950s and 1960s to its place in the hands of songwriter John Hartford and comedian Steve Martin. Folk, jazz, bluegrass, country, and rock - the banjo has played an important part in all of these genres. Lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully written, this is a must-have for lovers of fretted instruments, aficionados of roots music, and music history buffs. Hardcover. 8.75" X 11.25" 256 pp.
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Traces the story of the banjo from its roots in West Africa to its birth in the Americas, through its coming of age in the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Features over 100 of the most significant and beautiful banjos ever made, in over 300 images including stunning detail shots, with profiles of important players and spotlights on key luthiers and manufacturers. Offers historical context surrounding the banjo through the ages, from its place in Victorian parlors and speakeasies through its role in the folk boom of the 1950s and 1960s to its place in the hands of songwriter John Hartford and comedian Steve Martin. Folk, jazz, bluegrass, country, and rock - the banjo has played an important part in all of these genres. Lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully written, this is a must-have for lovers of fretted instruments, aficionados of roots music, and music history buffs. Hardcover. 8.75" X 11.25" 256 pp.