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While the politicians engage in high level summitry, The Takeaway looks at another instrument of power — the banjo. Songwriter and banjo player Abigail Washburn is being sponsored by the State Department to carry out a ground breaking diplomatic mission of her own. She has been speaking to Matt Wells, a correspondent for Takeaway partner the BBC.

Banjo player Abigail Washburn has cornered the market on a sound that fuses Appalachian and Chinese music. Her creation is loyal to both traditions, yet undeniably fresh.

Banjo player Abigail Washburn has cornered the market on a sound that fuses Appalachian and Chinese music. Her creation is loyal to both traditions, yet undeniably fresh.

While cultivating roots sounds in the all-female string band Uncle Earl, clawhammer banjo player Abigail Washburn also immersed herself in Chinese culture and language. Her latest project is the Sparrow Quartet, which blends traditional American and Chinese styles. Among the quartet’s ranks: master banjo player Béla Fleck, who also produced ...