Béla Fleck is surely the finest banjo player on the planet, a virtuoso who can switch from bluegrass to classical, jazz and African styles, while his wife, Abigail Washburn, is also an impressive banjo performer, influenced by China as well as Appalachia. They have worked together before, in the adventurous Sparrow Quartet, but this is their first album as a duo. Recorded at home in their basement, it’s an easy-going affair that provides a reminder of their favourite instrument’s subtlety and range, and also of Washburn’s fine, unforced singing. The instrumental duets include a reworking of Fleck’s breezy New South Africa, written to celebrate majority rule two decades ago, along with pieces by Bartók, while the songs range from Washburn’s gutsy Shotgun Blues to a poignant traditional weepie, What Are They Doing in Heaven Today? Recommended even to those who think they hate banjos.
