CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS

Genuine Negro Jig

2010-03-01

This interesting trio were all drawn, individually, to the Piedmont musical jam sessions run by old-time fiddling legend Joe Thompson. Don Flemons came from Arizona; Rhiannon Giddens was classically trained from Oberlin College in Ohio; and linguistics major Justin Robinson from in-state North Carolina. They wound up going to old Joe's house every other week and developed into a band that respects its historical roots, but also takes liberties to expand the black string band tradition's boundaries. The group's name is a tip of the cap to the Tennessee Chocolate Drops who played to mixed audiences in the '20s and '30s. They are fully aware of the provocative nature of their band's name and even this CD's title, but that's part of the education they hope to achieve in getting people to listen and to dialogue. This set is terrific, with gems such as "Hit 'em Up Style" (#4), "Snowden's Jig" (#6), "Kissin' and Cussin'" (#9) -- as well as a new take on the Tom Waits tune "Trampled Rose" (#12). Outstanding. 03/10 Michael J. F-Traditional

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 07/2011

    HENRY WOLFE
    Linda Vista

  • reviewed 10/2008

    ELEANOR MC EVOY
    Love Must Be Tough

  • reviewed 10/2006

    DIRTY MARTINI
    Tea and Revenge

  • reviewed 08/2017

    Merlin Snider
    One Light Many Windows

  • reviewed 05/2009

    JEN SYGIT
    So Long Pollyanna

  • reviewed 05/2011

    FAIRPORT CONVENTION WITH SANDY DENNY
    EBBITS FIELD 1974

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.