Favorite Album of 2008

I honestly never thought I would be very interested in an album featuring two banjos, a violin, and a cello, and yet here I am declaring that my favorite album of 2008 is the self-titled Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet (YouTube, Amazon). Carrie and I saw them perform during SXSW last March, and it was my favorite performance of the whole festival. I’ve listened to the CD many times, and still thoroughly enjoy the so-ridiculous-it-wraps-back-around-to-incredible fusion of Chinese and American folk music. Abigail’s vocals are amazing, and I probably don’t need to mention that Bela Fleck’s banjo skills are superb. Casey Driessen’s violin is solid, and Ben Sollee alternates between making his cello sing and rocking out some fresh rhythmic sounds. Check out the overture that kicks off the album.