Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet

The great thing about music is that every once in a while something comes along that really stretches a listeners ears and mind in ways that have never been done before. This record is a true rare gem. Odd at first listen, but will hook you very fast and not let go.

I had the pleasure of seeing Abigail Wahburn & The Sparrow Quartet in concert recently and it was phenomenal! I have long appreciated and enjoyed Bela Fleck and his banjo virtuosity, but was new to the other members of this impressive group. Each member possesses talents that in tandem make for a rich and refreshing sound - from Abigail's clear and beautiful voice, Ben's rich and dark cello, Casey's impressive fiddle that add's a percussive element at times, and of course Bela's genius banjo playing. The mix of songs, their influences (from traditional American roots to Chinese folk) and the textural variety make this a very refreshing musical experience. I highly recommend it!

SHE JUST EXPLODES! LISTEN TO A FEW SONGS AND YOUR HOOKED FOR LIFE!

I give it 5 stars and six adjectives- unique, fresh, musical, soaring, cinematic and spiritual.

This is an astounding album of music that is simply not to be missed. If you liked "Appalachian Waltz" or Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, then you will love this. Abigail Washburn has done some very good stuff with Uncle Earl and solo, but nothing in her past recordings prepares the listener for the pure audacity of this recording. Preconceived notions of what music should be are challenged at every turn, and is entirely successful. Abigail's vocals and Bela's banjo are the foundation for these amazing arrangements, but everyone works together to create a complete presentation.

This album is a fantastic collage of stlyes and languages. Casey Driessen and Bela Fleck fulfill their positions as solid bluegrass figures accompanied by the creative Abigail Washburn and newcomer Kentucky cellist Ben Sollee. It was a pure pleasure to see this group perform at Merlefest 2008 and it's incredibly exciting to see such well-known players take part in the Cello-lution!

I am a big fan of Abigail and Uncle Earl and BELA FLECK and this Sparrow Quartet project is just astounding! Thanks Abby! Ban-Joey

Two enthusiastic thumbs up for Abby & Bela's latest project (Casie and Ben do their parts exceptionally, too). Abby & Bela have transcended what modern bluegrass and world music can be with their rich mix of incredibly interesting and rich banjo picking and fiddlin'. For fans of "Song of the Travelling Daughter" or Uncle Earl, you won't be disappointed. For Bela Fleck & the Flecktones fans... you'll once again applaud Bela's banjo mastery. A truly enlightening and addictive listen!

I have seen Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet twice in concert and I loved it both times! Their album is amazing and her voice is soothing. I think it's also pretty cool that Abigail know Chinese and incorporates that into her album through songs. Everyone should try and listen to this cd :)

The music on this album is just amazing. Excellent combination of banjo, cello and violin. The music is in a league of its own. Can wait for more!!!