Lively Appalachian Strings Meet Chinese Dulcimer

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian – From China to Appalachia (Community Music, Inc. and Redeye Distribution, 2024)

Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalists Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer have joined forces with Chinese hammered dulcimer virtuoso Chao Tian for their forthcoming album, From China to Appalachia. This ambitious project masterfully combines diverse global traditions, creating a captivating fusion of American roots music, including bluegrass and old-time, with traditional Chinese music.

The trio’s collaboration originated at Strathmore, a distinguished arts and education center in the Washington, D.C. area. Since then, they have toured extensively across the United States, offering audiences a distinctive stage show that seamlessly integrates Southern U.S. and Chinese roots music, alongside various other global styles. Their performances have graced prestigious venues and events, such as the Wintergrass Festival, the Library of Congress, numerous universities, arts councils, and even a viral TikTok video.

The upcoming album builds upon their highly regarded live performances, which garnered them the 2024 Wammie Music Award for Best World/Global Artist-Group from the Washington Area Music Association. It underscores the cross-cultural connections and vibrant traditions that underlie these roots music genres. The album features an eclectic array of instruments, including the yangqin (Chinese hammered dulcimer), gourd banjo, five-string banjo, ukulele, guitars, dumbek, cello-banjo, and mandolin, hilighting the rich and diverse musical heritage of the artists involved.

Tracks:

1. August Flower (Traditional, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   “August Flower,” originally “八月桂花遍地开” from Anhui Province, China, is based on the traditional Qupai “Ba Duan Jin” and gained popularity in the 1930s. Our arrangement uses call-and-response to connect different cultures through music.
2. High On a Mountain (Ola Belle Reed, Midstream Music, BMI)
   Ola Belle Reed’s “High On a Mountain” is a staple for bluegrass and old-time bands, capturing the essence of North Carolina’s mountains where she grew up.
3. The White Snake Song (Composed by Zuo Hongyuan, Lyrics by Gong Min, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao)
   This song from “The Legend of the White Snake” uses ukulele, Chinese hammered dulcimer, and five-string banjo to bring new life to the classic tale of Bai Suzhen’s love and courage.
4. Pig Ankle Rag (Traditional, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   A ragtime piece originally by M.E. Williams in 1905, later popularized in various forms. Our version highlights the hammered dulcimer and mandolin’s playful nature.
5. Three Rules of Discipline and Eight Points for Attention (Traditional, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   Inspired by Pete Seeger’s 1975 performance, this song captures the spirit of cultural diplomacy and was recorded live in Piedmont, Virginia.
6. Yongjun Yangko (Traditional, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   Adapted from the Shaanxi folk song “Da Huang Yang,” this tune supports the Eighth Route Army and features individual musical expressions that challenge conventional views on musical geography.
7. Mary Don’t You Weep (Traditional, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   This spiritual song features the Sibao and combines ban and clawhammer banjo with fluid vocals, blending various versions of the lyrics.
8. Glory in the Meeting House/ Leader’s Glory (Traditional, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   This pairing of an American and a Chinese tune demonstrates the similarities between “Glory in the Meeting House” and “Leader’s Glory,” played on banjo and cello banjo.
9. Ruby, Are You Mad At Your Man (Cousin Emmy, BMI)
   Based on “Reuben’s Train,” this rendition combines Chinese dulcimer, gourd banjo, and dumbek, showcasing global musical influences.
10. Nan Ni Wan (Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
    Composed by Ma Ke with lyrics by He Jingzhi in 1943, this song symbolizes growth and resilience. Our version captures the core message through Mandarin lyrics and authentic melodies.
11. Little Betty Ann/Kitchen Girl/ Midu Mountain Song (Traditional, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
    Combining Chinese dulcimer, clawhammer banjo, and cello banjo, this medley includes “Little Betty Ann,” “Kitchen Girl,” and the Yunnan folk tune “Midu Mountain Song.”
12. Beautiful Grassland, My Home (Composed by Alatengaole, Lyrics by Huo Hua, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao)
    This Inner Mongolian folk song expresses love for the grasslands, incorporating American folk rhythms and blending banjo with Chinese dulcimer.
13. Hold Each Other Up (Cathy Fink, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
    An anthem promoting cultural diplomacy and human unity. Featuring hammered dulcimer and cello banjo, it emphasizes supporting each other amidst global uncertainties.

Release Date: August 16, 2024

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