Abigail Washburn is an American clawhammer banjo player and singer whose work seamlessly blends the ancient tones of traditional Appalachian music with the intricate complexities of Chinese folk tunes. Her career, which spans across various solo and collaborative projects, is marked by a deep-rooted passion for cross-cultural musical exchange and storytelling.

A lawyer turned musician, Washburn first drew attention with her solo album, "Song of the Traveling Daughter," which showcased not only her distinctive banjo skills but also her proficiency in Chinese language and culture, reflecting her earlier studies in China. She continued to build her reputation through the innovative fusion of her 2011 album, "City of Refuge," and her partnerships with the all-female American roots group Uncle Earl and the multicultural Sparrow Quartet. Building on this rich tapestry of influences, Washburn's collaboration with her husband, virtuoso banjo player Béla Fleck, resulted in the eponymous "Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn," which won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2016. Washburn's partnership with Chinese multi-instrumentalist Wu Fei saw her furthering her exploration into the shared harmonies between American and Chinese folk traditions, as evidenced in their self-titled album "Wu Fei & Abigail Washburn."

Not just a boundary-crossing musician, Washburn's work is infused with a consciousness for social issues and global perspectives, as seen with the "Afterquake" project that addressed the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake. With every pluck of her banjo strings, Abigail Washburn continues to tell stories that transcend borders and foster an interconnected world of cultural harmony.

Genres

Banjo

Clawhammer Banjo

Old-time

Progressive Bluegrass

Latest Release

Christmas Time's A Coming (And I Know I'm Staying Home)

Béla Fleck•

Abigail Washburn

Single - Released December 18, 2020