Martin Simpson & Wu Man - Music For The Motherless Child (2001) [SACD]

Martin Simpson is a renowned fingerstyle guitarist. Though he's British, and the folk music he's best known for comes from his homeland, he can teach American musicians a lot about their own music. Reaching deep into America's past, Simpson manages to maintain the American spirit while making the magic we simply call music. Music for the Motherless Child is a compassionate feast for the ears. Wu Man plays the Chinese lute. She's a deeply evocative pipa player, and her duets with Simpson strengthen their respective influences. Wait until you hear the title track--Simpson sings the melody with his slide guitar and Wu Man responds with a wavering, gentle echo. Recorded by Kavi Alexander, this record is a lilting tribute to why people make and listen to music. -- Bob Boilen