CMT Blog: Archive

I've seen a few video clips of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, but they really don't do the band justice. I saw them play last night (Oct. 13) to a packed Basement and came away thrilled by the three members' multi-instrumental talent and with a new interest in the Southern African-American musical tradition. Few people would equate that tradition with old time string and jug bands anymore, but that's the truth. The Drops' curiosity with the music was spurred on by Joe Thompson's mentorship, said to be the last black traditional string band player, and his name comes up frequently in the show, along with many other obscure artists that may have only recorded two or three songs in their lifetime. It was like an illustrated history lesson taught with silky sweet and powerfully soulful voices, bouncy fiddles, and a thumping jug. The band has been a hit on festival stages and in theaters, and judging by the crowd's reaction last night with multiple song requests, Joe Thompson may not be remembered as the last after all.