DOCUMENTARY MINISERIES PREMIERE: In this new documentary series, PBS tackles one of my more obscure and enthusiastic musical interests (okay, I have lots of those, but still). American Epic is the story of what is now called American roots music – the music that bubbled up, like moonshine from a still, from mountain hollers and bayou backwoods. Tonight’s episode is called “The Big Bang,” and looks for the originals of country, bluegrass, and other forms of American music. And it all leads to a new musical embrace, with a fresh recording project called American Epic, recording new versions of old American classics, and recording them on what literally is the oldest surviving music recording device in the country. Taking part in that are, among others, Willie Nelson and the late Merle Haggard. For a full review, see David Hinckley's All Along the Watchtower. Check local listings.

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