Song of the Traveling Daughter in Bloomington, MN

Abigail Washburn
was busy during the first half of 2005, laying down tracks for her first solo album on
Nettwerk
and serving as a member of
Uncle Earl
on
Rounder
.
Song of the Traveling Daughter
is an apt title for the type of
folk
music
Washburn
makes: acoustic, easygoing, and tuneful. Songs like
"Sometimes"
and
"Rockabye Dixie"
give the impression of being
traditional
, and
's simple, old-style banjo accompaniment deepens this impression. However, these and the other songs on
Traveling Daughter
are mostly originals, and when they're backed by offbeat arrangements, it's clear that she wasn't born in Appalachia. These fresh elements, especially on cuts like
"Coffee's Cold"
"Eve Stole the Apple,"
present
at her best. The jazzy guitar and banjo work, catchy upbeat melody, and harmony make
a jaunty, fun bit of nonsense, while heavy bass, percussion, and sassy fiddle add a sonic blast to
"Eve Stole the Apple."
"Who's Gonna Shoe"
"Nobody's Fault But Mine,"
on the other hand, sound rather blase in comparison. Taken at a lackadaisical pace, both are pleasant, but less essential. Even here, though,
is a good singer, capable of bringing an airy quality to
neo-traditionalism
is a good first album that will appeal to fans of
the Be Good Tanyas
. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.