“For over a century, the Banjo has always been a vital part of the musical history of North America. Its early history is represented in this 40 tracks boxset by banjo specialist Gérard de Smaele. These titles reflect the adventure of the United States of America in an outstanding anthropological topic, detailed in a 36 pages booklet with both French and English notes. From its African and European origins until the roots of the “Folk Revival”, a decisive entry into American culture and identity.” Patrick Frémeaux