"Inspired by Dena Epstein, this is the first book to use a holistic approach in exploring the history of the banjo; it is an excellent compilation of articles for those interested in the music of Africa and the Americas."--Jacqueline Cogdell DjeDje, author of Fiddling in West Africa: Touching the Spirit in Fulbe, Hausa, and Dagbamba Cultures
"As far as I know this book has no real equivalents. Several of the essays are pioneering contributions to the esoteric but intriguing field of banjo research and folklore and ethnomusicology generally."--Robert S. Cantwell, author of Bluegrass Breakdown: The Making of the Old Southern Sound
Publication of this book was made possible in part through a donation from the Uncle Shlomo's Brooklyn Kids Fund for Music, dedicated to ensuring that Shlomo Pestcoe's generous spirit will continue to enrich us with the music he so loved to share, and by a grant from the L. J. and Mary C. Skaggs Folklore Fund.