Oldtime.ca: The Acoustic Pages

Song of the Travelling Daughter
Abigail Washburn (Nettwerk Records)

This is probably my favourite recording released in 2005. From the outset I have to admit that, although melodically beautiful, I tend to skip the two songs that Abigail has included here in the Mandarin language. She has spent a lot of time in China, and this travel abroad was one of the inspirations behind this recording, but untranslated these songs seem out of place. This is not to say that a fusion of Chinese and oldtime music cannot be achieved, as the sole instrumental track here ("Backstep Cindy/Purple Bamboo") demonstrates, but with no translation even in the liner notes, I can't help but feel that I am missing out, particularly when the title is derived from one of these songs.

This having been said, Song of the Travelling Daughter presents some of the most interesting and beautiful music I have heard in a long time. The song "Red and Blazing" has this exhilarating movement to it which, combined with Abigail's unique approach to vocals on this piece, is strongly reminiscent of the hauntingly beautiful sound achieved on occasion by the Rheostatics (Dave Bodini could very well also have sung "Rockabye Dixie," another favourite). Produced by Bela Fleck and assisted by some fine musicians, Abigail has nevertheless been given enough room to let her vision shine, and to make a strong musical statement as she explores the full range of clawhammer banjo, which emerges here as a viable and diverse lead instrument.

With the exception of three traditional pieces, including an excellent version of "Nobody's Fault But Mine," Abigail wrote all of the songs on this recording (including the two in Mandarin), establishing herself as a poetically evocative songwriter with lyrics that are spare but suggestive. Her vocal range and sensitivity multiply the poetic effect. Song of the Travelling Daughter presents such a beautifully realized synthesis of songwriting, style, and skill that it should not be missed. This recording truly represents the best of what new musical directions are being taken by traditionally-informed musicians, and as such it is a welcome complement to the work Abigail has done with the oldtime band Uncle Earl.

To find out more about Abigail Washburn, or to hear samples of her music, please visit abigailwashburn.com