City of Refuge

On her third release banjoist, singer, and songwriter Abigail Washburn blends Appalachian folk, bluegrass, pop, and subtle East Asian influences into a gorgeous set of songs. Working with songwriting partner and multi-instrumentalist Kai Welch the two craft some remarkable tunes, with arrangements that place Washburn’s lovely, lilting voice and evocative lyrics into a wide range of settings. There’s banjo-driven folk (“Corner Girl,” the title track), chamber pop (“Chains”), gospel (the near a cappella “Bright Morning Stars”), and full ensembles featuring orchestrated strings, keyboards, horns, and percussion (“Bring Me My Queen,” “Ballad of Treason,” “Dreams of Nectar”). Washburn and Welch are joined by a host of first rate musicians on *City of Refuge*, including bassist Viktor Krauss, guitarist Bill Frisell, members of My Morning Jacket and the Decemberists, and drummer Tucker Martine, who also produced the album. Presented with such stellar material this cast really shines and collectively they create countless beautiful passages. Lushly detailed and emotionally rich, *City of Refuge* is inspired from start to finish.

Abigail Washburn may have married the country's foremost banjo star in 2009, but don't call her Mrs. Béla Fleck. Having spent the past half-decade dividing her attention between the Sparrow Quartet and Uncle Earl, she steps out on her own with City of Refuge , her second solo album and finest effort to date. City of Refuge rolls a number of rustic traditions into its eleven tracks, which celebrate the roots of folk and bluegrass without sacrificing Washburn's crossover appeal. An Illinois native, she approaches Appalachian music from an outsider's perspective, adopting some of its traditions while also th...

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World and Americana styles blend effortlessly with Washburn's fine singing. Rating * * *