CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS
Leaving Eden
Nonesuch 529809

www.nonesuch.com
www.carolinachocolatedrops.com
 

The second Nonesuch CD from the Carolina Chocolate Drops is an aural wonderland! I’ve been listening to this band since their days as Sankofa Strings and what started out for me as a curiosity has become a source for further investigation.

The band remains Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemons but with the addition of Adam Matta on beat box, guitarist and banjo player Hubby Jenkins and cellist Leyla McCalla, and with the assistance of master producer Buddy Miller they are now able to create music with much more depth and variety.

Variety is the word. Imagine a collection with tunes from J. E. Mainer, Hazel Dickens and Cousin Emmy. The title tune comes from Polecat Creek’s Laurelyn Dossett and sits comfortably alongside traditional numbers from a variety of sources and styles including jazz, blues and early balladry. Each selection has been given a highly imaginative arrangement by the band members.

All taken together you have an exceptional recording from a band that’s just beginning to reach their potential. I can’t wait for what what might come next!

— Tom Druckenmiller