Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson have unveiled “Marching Jaybird,” an instrumental track from their forthcoming album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, due April 18. Revisiting this tune recorded by Etta Baker, one of their musical heroes and a key inspiration for making this new album, and recording it at Baker’s Morganton, NC, home "was a magical moment for Justin and me," Giddens says. "Walking into her house, which is frozen in time, looking just like it did when she was alive, very much reminded us of women in our families; sitting in her living room and recording this piece learned from her playing was pretty profound." You can watch the video here. Giddens has also announced a number of new tour dates, including the Hollywood Bowl, and shared more details about her Biscuits & Banjos festival, which takes place in Durham, NC, April 25–27.

Rhiannon Giddens reunites with her former Carolina Chocolate Drops bandmate Justin Robinson on What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, due April 18. Produced by Giddens and Joseph "joebass" DeJarnette, the album features Giddens on banjo and Robinson on fiddle, playing eighteen of their favorite North Carolina tunes. Many were learned from their late mentor, legendary North Carolina Piedmont musician Joe Thompson; one is from another musical hero, the late Etta Baker. Giddens and Robinson recorded outdoors at Thompson’s and Baker’s North Carolina homes, as well as the former plantation Mill Prong House, accompanied by the sounds of nature, including two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803, creating a true once-in-a-lifetime soundscape. A video of “Hook and Line,” a traditional tune from Joe Thompson’s repertoire and filmed at his home in Mebane, NC, may be seen here. The duo, along with four other string musicians, embarks on Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue Tour April 25.