New Directions in Appalachian Music is an "old-time" folk performing project that Chadbourne's been working with over several years. Frequent collaborator percussionist Paul Lovens and improv vocal phenomenon Phil Minton join Doc Chad on banjo, Mike Cooper on lap steel & dobra and Cedric Prive on violin. It's an impressive set of musicians to front any style of band, and they give it their all. Appalachian music itself developed in America from traditional Scottish, English and Irish music, so it's fitting that Minton add his voice, particularly given his involvement in projects like Lindsay Cooper's Rags. Chad and company pay utter respect to Appalachian song forms while tearing them apart and putting them back together inside out and sideways. There are odd and impressive improvisational moments - not surprising given the players involved - but really it's about the songs and their exuberant instrumental interludes. Minton and Chad share the vocal duties, Chadbourne handling the more narrative material. Together they work in call/response, with Minton sometimes responding in a flat basso, or yodeling out Appalachian refrains in his distinctive voice. It's all a bit twisted, but musically a joy: an excellent set of songs with great instrumental and otherwise opportunities.