Once an orphan instrument outside bluegrass circles, over the last decade the banjo has become a totem of authenticity for Americana acts. A dazzling technician, Béla Fleck has banjoed jazz, classical, African and more, hampered only by a lack of vocal power, whereas fellow devotee Abigail Washburn is an ethereal, Chinese-influenced singer. The pair (now married) combine styles sweetly on this debut, Washburn’s delicate voice floating over a mosaic of picking on folk songs and originals. The former prove more winning, especially murder ballad Pretty Polly, for which Washburn seeks “retribution for the ladies” on her own Shotgun Blues. A delightful outing.
