11.8.13: Pop Goes the Banjo
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The banjo has been on a long, strange musical trip since its first appearance in America. \\xa0The instrument was first fashioned by enslaved Africans during Colonial times, a musical descendent of their native kora. \\xa0From there, the banjo rang out through the hills and hollers of Appalachia, a mournful accompaniment to mountain balladeers. \\xa0Meanwhile, the strumming of the plectrum banjo found its way onto early jazz recordings. \\xa0Then along came the fast-picking Bluegrass style of Bill Monroe. \\xa0Recently, the banjo has been enjoying a warm embrace in the world of contemporary rock music, from Modest Mouse to Mumford & Sons. \\xa0Now, local singer / songwriter Jacob Panic is stretching the banjo\\u2019s boundaries one step further, and he visits with Signal producer Aaron Henkin\\u2026
