The Grammy award winning old-time-string band consists of four members including Rhiannon Diggens (who is a founding member). Diggens met her band mates at the first ever Black Banjo get-together in Boone and she spent lots of time honing her skills with the band's mentor Joe Thompson. Thompson was made famous for preserving the tradition of the African-American string band. His story inspired the young musicians and they dedicated themselves to learning his style of music and to understanding the cultural context of the genre. Thompson may have passed away two years ago but his legacy will live on through the Carolina Chocolate Drops as their mission is to put a new spin on his work and spread his music to different audiences around the world.
Since their start in 2005, the band has evolved and changed. Diggens has had had the opportunity to work with some talented musicians. Most recently the band announced that Malcom Parson and Rowan Corbett would be joining the band for its current tour. The Drops will keep their core style of music while adding some funky new flare.
Their most recent CD titled "Leaving Eden" features original compositions and covers, but the newest foursome announced on their website that fans should expect a new disc in 2015. So will this next record prove to be as award winning and acclaimed as their others?
The Durham-based quartet is now playing their music all over the country. Make sure you check them out. If you feel like taking a mid-week road trip they will be in Wilmington on Wednesday at the Brooklyn Arts Center. The Carolina Chocolate Drops will also be playing some bigger music festivals this Spring, like Delfest and Bonnaroo. Still not convinced? Watch this video from their recent Porch Session in Charleston, S.C., but make sure you have room to stomp your feet along with the rhythmic beats.
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