ApalAsia - "Cargo"

ApalAsia creates its own traditions by blending American string-band instrumentation (banjo and mountain dulcimer, usually) with the erhu, a two-stringed Chinese violin whose keening wail you've heard if you've ever seen a period film about China. The group's been around a few years, playing in clubs, the lobby of PSO concerts, and recently at First Night. Though many of its songs are based on folk classics either Chinese and American, all AppalAsia's songs are "original" in the sense that none's ever played them before. The percussive runs on Sue Powers' banjo blend beautifully with the earthy airs Mimi Jong's bow draws from her erhu and the throatier rhythms of Jeff Berman's dulcimer. Most of the songs are instrumental, though Powers (who plays with Berman in American roots group Devilish Mary) and Jong sometimes contribute vocals.