By Nicholas Allen | April 7, 2020
Musicians Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn have release their self-titled debut album as a duo. Each is a highly accomplished virtuoso of their instrument; the guzheng for Wu Fei and the banjo for Washburn. The album is a unique venture that boldly crosses musical genres as well as international borders as the two unravel and weave back together storied melodies from their respective folk traditions with the inspiration and refinement that define their careers. American listeners may recognize tunes such as “Back Step Cindy” and “Cluck Old Hen,” staples of the Appalachian folk tradition, but will be captured by the seamless integration of the guzheng and traditional Chinese melodies on the same tracks.
The 2019-2020 World View Global Music Fellows Program culminates in the creation of educator resources and teaching materials based on the album, Wu Fei & Abigail Washburn. Those resources will be freely available to educators later this spring.
Listen to “Water Is Wide/Wusuli Boat Song” in the player below.
Cover image: Shervin Lainez/Courtesy of the artist