Appalachian Living Strings Meet Chinese Dulcimer

Cathy Fink and 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 teamed up with Chinese hammered dulcimer virtuoso Chao Tian for their upcoming album, From China to the AppalachiansThis 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 began at Strathmore, a renowned arts and education center in the Washington, D.C. area. Since then, they have toured extensively across the United States, bringing audiences a distinctive stage show that seamlessly integrates Southern and Chinese roots music, as well as a variety of other global styles. Their performances have graced prestigious venues and events, including the Wintergrass Festival, the Library of Congress, numerous universities, arts councils, and even a viral TikTok video.

The upcoming album builds on their highly acclaimed live performances, which earned them the 2024 Wammie Music Award for Best World/World Artist Group from the Washington Area Music Association. It highlights the cross-cultural connections and vibrant traditions that underpin these roots musical genres. The album features an eclectic array of instruments, including the yangqin (Chinese hammer dulcimer), gourd banjo, five-string banjo, ukulele, guitars, dumbek, cello-banjo, and mandolin, showcasing 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 the principle of 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 the North Carolina mountains where she grew up.
3. The song of the white snake (Composed by Zuo Hongyuan, lyrics by Gong Min, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao)
   This song from “The Legend of the White Snake” uses a ukulele, a Chinese hammered dulcimer and a five-string banjo to breathe new life into Bai Suzhen’s classic tale of love and courage.
4. Pig’s ankle rag (Traditional, arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   A ragtime piece originally composed by ME Williams in 1905, later popularized in various forms. Our version highlights the playful nature of the hammer dulcimer and mandolin.
5. Three rules of discipline and eight points of 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 of musical geography.
7. Mary, don’t cry (Traditional, arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   This spiritual song features the Sibao and combines banjo ban and clawhammer with flowing vocals, mixing different versions of the lyrics.
8. Glory in the Boardroom/Glory of the Leader (Traditional, arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
   This combination of an American tune and a Chinese tune demonstrates the similarities between “Glory in the Meeting House” and “Leader’s Glory,” played on banjo and banjo-cello.
9. Ruby, are you mad at your man? (Cousin Emmy, IMC)
   Based on “Reuben’s Train,” this rendition combines the 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/The Kitchen Girl/The Song of Midu Mountain (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 meadow, my home (Composed by Alatengaole, lyrics by Huo Hua, Arr. Cathy, Marcy, Chao)
    This folk song from Inner Mongolia expresses love for the grasslands, incorporating American folk rhythms and mixing the banjo with the Chinese dulcimer.
13. Support each other (Cathy Fink, 2 Spoons Music, ASCAP)
    An anthem that promotes cultural diplomacy and human unity. Featuring hammer dulcimer and cello banjo, it emphasizes mutual support amid global uncertainties.

Release date: August 16, 2024

Buy From China to the Appalachians.

Author: Douglas Sanders