"Bernard MacMahon’s landmark documentary series is one of the most interesting music programmes ever broadcast. A gorgeous history lesson. Exceptional television."
- Mike Bradley, The Observer -
"An extraordinary star-studded four-part music documentary exploring the birth of the recording industry and its impact on world culture."
- Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Times -
American Epic is an award-winning 3-part documentary series about the first recordings of rural music in the U.S.A. and their cultural, social and technological impact on the world.
In the 1920s, record companies in search of new styles and markets sought out regional musicians, from the streets of Memphis to the Western prairies and the islands of Hawaii. Using recent interviews, early recordings, and a wide range of period film, photographs, and documents, many of them previously unknown or unpublished, American Epic explores the varied sources and extensive impact of this explosion of American popular culture.
"A mammoth project with worthy intentions and a big heart - a feast of musical and educational riches."
- Stephen Dalton, The Hollywood Reporter -
"If you like music of any sort, there’s only one word for this project. Essential"
- Simon Cosyns, The Sun –
"One of the highlights (and audience prizewinner) of last year’s Sydney Film Festival was the American Epic series of documentaries by British filmmaker Bernard MacMahon and producers Allison McGourty and Duke Erikson. The American Epic Sessions, brought together a wealth of contemporary talent. It’s an exquisite representation of the primitive power of American roots music and its enduring charm - music that stirs the soul."
- Iain Sheddon, The Australian -
"American Epic is going to carve a niche in the pantheon of TV’s great documentaries."
- Jonathan Webster, Long Live Vinyl -
