In very broad terms, bands either perform live to help finance their recordings or record albums so to have songs to sing on stage. Few bands seem to juggle both with equilibrium; as to the good time ensemble known as The Carolina Chocolate drops their best moments clearly come in front of an audience. Which is not to suggest their five album catalog is in anyway inconsequential, merely the symbiosis that occurs between the band and their loyal, and often rapturous fans, cannot be denied.
The three original members met in 2005 at the Black Banjo Gathering at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, drawn together by their mutual love of bluegrass, jug music, and primitive country and rock. The strictly acoustic musicians played a lively combination of standards and originals rooted in those styles, but in no way beholden to them.
Sporting tongue-in-cheek, old-timey outfits and a spirited irreverence that belies their extraordinary technical facility the group, whose current lineup includes Dom Flemons (4-string banjo, guitar, jug, harmonica, kazoo, and snare drum), Rhiannon Giddens (5-string banjo, fiddle, kazoo), Adam Matta (Beatbox and tambourine), Hubby Jenkins (guitar, mandolin and 5-string banjo), and cellist Leyla McCalla, evoke an experience not unlike the depression era traveling “medicine” shows that worked the Southern circuit.
Their 2006 debut, Dona Got a Ramblin Mind, was released on the Music Maker label to wide acclaim. They then recorded three additional independent albums before signing with Nonesuch Records, who heavily promoted their first widely distributed effort, 2010’s Genuine Negro Jig. The group’s next release on the label, which appeared early in 2011, was a four-song EP recorded with the New York City-based Romanian Gypsy punk band the Luminescent Orchestra. It was during that period that they added McCalla and Matta to the fold. Both players contributed mightily to this year’s Leaving Eden (produced by Buddy Miller) and it’s from that album that much of the current set list is drawn.
There will of course be favorites from their prior releases at this upcoming show as well as a few cover tunes and stylistic twists and turns. Intrigued with the central role African-Americans played in shaping our nation’s popular music from its beginnings more than a century ago, the band is committed to exposing their audiences to a framework of music, string-band, jug-band, fife and drum, early jazz, not readily heard these days. Yet none of this education is at the expense of a good time.
Their concerts are first and foremost fun, a lively experience that just happens to teach us a thing or two about our rich heritage. When the Carolina Chocolate Drops stop by for a visit be prepared to be both entertained and enlightened.
If You Go: The Carolina Chocolate Drops with guests The Two Gentlemen Band Saturday, December 8 at the Orange Peel in Asheville. Doors open at 8 p.m. for this 9 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 advance and $22 day of show.