City of Refuge

iTunes Review

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.