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Editorial Reviews
Leaving Eden, CCD's second full-length Nonesuch disc, was produced by Nashville stalwart Buddy Miller, the go-to guy for artists ranging from Solomon Burke to Robert Plant to Emmylou Harris. On this 15-song collection, recorded live in the studio with all the players in a single room, the Carolina Chocolate Drops illustrate their own adaptability to grow and change. Following the amicable departure of founding member Justin Robinson, band mates Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemons recruited three exceptional new players for the recording and expanded their repertoire to incorporate more overt blues and jazz elements and straight-up folk balladry alongside brilliantly rendered string-band tunes. Robinson's replacement is Hubby Jenkins, a Brooklyn-bred guitarist, banjo player, and singer who had previously busked his way around the country. Joining the revamped trio in Miller's studio were beat-boxer Adam Matta, introduced to them by the NYC gypsy punk band Luminescent Orchestrii, with whom CCD released a live EP on Nonesuch, and New Orleans-based cellist Leyla McCalla.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By Rick Raymo
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Rhiannon Giddens' voice in the title track, with Dom Flemon's chops.... And I am home!
Delivering a wonderful sonic mixture of Mid-to-late 19th Century Black American Music and reels, jigs, hoe-downs, near-folk-rock, a killer ring-shout, and even Caribbean-influenced tunes--put this album on a par with the Grammy-winning Genuine Negro Jig from a couple of years back.
This outstanding recording is clearly live in studio (as I hear everything while these amazing musicians go all out, full-tilt, and cakewalk to town and back and then do it again!) and being live on recording was a great call. It gives the Carolina Chocolate Drops a touch of their on-stage feel in your house, car, living-room, headphones, and on--and that makes it all the better. This recording is a blast to listen to, no-matter where you are while enjoying this outstanding album or what your audio player of choice happens to be, in the moment.
The Carolina Chocolate Drops are wonderfully all over the map with their instrumentation and the sheer virtuoso performances by each and every musician (including the outstanding new multi-instrumental member Hubby Jenkins--who replaced Justin Robinson,) this album surpasses the last (major album--as they have lots of little EP's and co-operative efforts) in sheer exuberance. It is impossible to ignore (nor would one want to!,) Adam Matta as the Chocolate Drop's mouth-music-making beat-boxer extraordinaire. Listen to Country Girl, and you'll think he is the drummer--until he plays around a bit to prove that it is all his fantastic face (um, sound-wise;-) making those noises. And last, but not least, the Carolina crew had a killer cellist named Leyla McCalla sit in--and she's (apropos, no?) a perfect fifth.
As with my previous complaint, the album is short--coming in at about 45 minutes (hey, we got six more minutes! Yay!!!!) But, I'm not sure that it isn't just a "leave them wanting" moment. Yet, I do want the full 70 plus minutes available on a cd from CCD.
It is somehow apt that their near-mentor and 93-year-old fiddler Joe Thompson gets a big nod with the first tune on the album--his Riro's House, as he died in the past couple of weeks--and now he continues to live-on-in-and-with these wondrous music mavens who kindly allow me to buy and see their music.
This album is a return to Eden in a great number of ways--and I'm thankful for that.
Buy it and gift it. Buy it and gift it some more.
Delivering a wonderful sonic mixture of Mid-to-late 19th Century Black American Music and reels, jigs, hoe-downs, near-folk-rock, a killer ring-shout, and even Caribbean-influenced tunes--put this album on a par with the Grammy-winning Genuine Negro Jig from a couple of years back.
This outstanding recording is clearly live in studio (as I hear everything while these amazing musicians go all out, full-tilt, and cakewalk to town and back and then do it again!) and being live on recording was a great call. It gives the Carolina Chocolate Drops a touch of their on-stage feel in your house, car, living-room, headphones, and on--and that makes it all the better. This recording is a blast to listen to, no-matter where you are while enjoying this outstanding album or what your audio player of choice happens to be, in the moment.
The Carolina Chocolate Drops are wonderfully all over the map with their instrumentation and the sheer virtuoso performances by each and every musician (including the outstanding new multi-instrumental member Hubby Jenkins--who replaced Justin Robinson,) this album surpasses the last (major album--as they have lots of little EP's and co-operative efforts) in sheer exuberance. It is impossible to ignore (nor would one want to!,) Adam Matta as the Chocolate Drop's mouth-music-making beat-boxer extraordinaire. Listen to Country Girl, and you'll think he is the drummer--until he plays around a bit to prove that it is all his fantastic face (um, sound-wise;-) making those noises. And last, but not least, the Carolina crew had a killer cellist named Leyla McCalla sit in--and she's (apropos, no?) a perfect fifth.
As with my previous complaint, the album is short--coming in at about 45 minutes (hey, we got six more minutes! Yay!!!!) But, I'm not sure that it isn't just a "leave them wanting" moment. Yet, I do want the full 70 plus minutes available on a cd from CCD.
It is somehow apt that their near-mentor and 93-year-old fiddler Joe Thompson gets a big nod with the first tune on the album--his Riro's House, as he died in the past couple of weeks--and now he continues to live-on-in-and-with these wondrous music mavens who kindly allow me to buy and see their music.
This album is a return to Eden in a great number of ways--and I'm thankful for that.
Buy it and gift it. Buy it and gift it some more.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The CCDs do it again! Roots music, Mountain Music and crossover appeal!
March 23, 2012
Format:Audio CD
I've loved the Carolina Chocolate Drops ever since their first release on the Music Maker label and I've had the pleasure of seeing them perform, both together and individually, at a few folk festivals as well as the International Folk Alliance. They continue to astound me with both their knowledge of a wide range of music styles and their talent at performing on an amazing variety of instruments - all acoustic.
The group consists of multiinstrumentalist Dom Flemmons, vocalist and fiddle player Rhiannon Giddens and guitarist/mandolin player Hubby Jenkins About half of the 15 tracks here are "traditional" while others come from early music pioneers like J.E. Mainer, Cousin Emmy and Hazel Dickens. But they really mix it up by including the Tin Pan Alley song "No Man's Mama" composed by Lew Pollack and Jack Yellen and originally recorded by Ethel Waters. "West End Blues" is not to be confused with the classic Louis Armstrong instrumental but is the song that banjoist Etta Baker wrote to which Giddens added lyrics. Speaking of Giddens, if you liked her take on the pop hit "Hit `em up style" on the last CCD album, you'll love "I'm A Country Girl" on this one.
I could go on and on about how great this album is but listen to some samples and I think the Drops will convince you (that is, if you aren't already a fan).
I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
The group consists of multiinstrumentalist Dom Flemmons, vocalist and fiddle player Rhiannon Giddens and guitarist/mandolin player Hubby Jenkins About half of the 15 tracks here are "traditional" while others come from early music pioneers like J.E. Mainer, Cousin Emmy and Hazel Dickens. But they really mix it up by including the Tin Pan Alley song "No Man's Mama" composed by Lew Pollack and Jack Yellen and originally recorded by Ethel Waters. "West End Blues" is not to be confused with the classic Louis Armstrong instrumental but is the song that banjoist Etta Baker wrote to which Giddens added lyrics. Speaking of Giddens, if you liked her take on the pop hit "Hit `em up style" on the last CCD album, you'll love "I'm A Country Girl" on this one.
I could go on and on about how great this album is but listen to some samples and I think the Drops will convince you (that is, if you aren't already a fan).
I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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Carolina Chocolate Drops
"Leaving Eden"
(Nonesuch, 2012)
--------------------------------------------------
A richly diverse, challenging record from a vigorous, intelligent band... another wily mix of old-timey music and backwoods blues from a contemporary band that mines the more obscure corners of the African-American musical heritage. The Chocolate Drops hearken back to the 19th century minstrel show days and the bluesy jug bands of yesteryear. Their fourth album pushes the group into more self-consciously modern territory, with songs such as "Country Girl" and "Leaving Eden" that stray from their more traditional roots, and bring them closer to the style of Americana groups such as the Be-Good Tanyas, Uncle Earl, et.al.. You gotta love their unruly sound, though, with the squeaky fiddle and super-plunky, thrashed-out banjo, particularly when paired up with now-arcane, old-school instruments such as the hambones, as heard on their version of "Ruby, Are You Mad At Your Man." Highlights include "Boodle-De-Bum-Bum," a great jugband tune that's one of many styles in an eclectic mix that adventurous Americana fans will want to check out. Fun stuff! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To Country Music)
Carolina Chocolate Drops
"Leaving Eden"
(Nonesuch, 2012)
--------------------------------------------------
A richly diverse, challenging record from a vigorous, intelligent band... another wily mix of old-timey music and backwoods blues from a contemporary band that mines the more obscure corners of the African-American musical heritage. The Chocolate Drops hearken back to the 19th century minstrel show days and the bluesy jug bands of yesteryear. Their fourth album pushes the group into more self-consciously modern territory, with songs such as "Country Girl" and "Leaving Eden" that stray from their more traditional roots, and bring them closer to the style of Americana groups such as the Be-Good Tanyas, Uncle Earl, et.al.. You gotta love their unruly sound, though, with the squeaky fiddle and super-plunky, thrashed-out banjo, particularly when paired up with now-arcane, old-school instruments such as the hambones, as heard on their version of "Ruby, Are You Mad At Your Man." Highlights include "Boodle-De-Bum-Bum," a great jugband tune that's one of many styles in an eclectic mix that adventurous Americana fans will want to check out. Fun stuff! (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To Country Music)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great American Music
Great American Music. Quality song interpretation, flawless execution, song choices that make us consider how our racial culture has changed (and not always favorably). Read more
Published 9 hours ago by Walter S. Newsom
5.0 out of 5 stars
cd review
We heard this band in concert several years ago and fell is love with the band. Mixed between Louisiana crawfish, Dixieland, and Carolina Mountain Music, they will make
you... Read more
you... Read more
Published 6 days ago by none
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favorite music styles.
The song "Leaving Eden" is a must-hear. Rhiannon sings Laurelyn Dossett's song beautifully. If you like string bands, this is a must-have album.
Published 13 days ago by ALice A. Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Great string band album. Excellent playing and vocals.
An insight into a performance culture which is now so rare.
Will now seek out more of this genre and this band
An insight into a performance culture which is now so rare.
Will now seek out more of this genre and this band
Published 16 days ago by Mr. Aj Gilchrist
5.0 out of 5 stars
great music and artists.
I like the history of the songs they sing and how they explain where the songs come from in the pamplet inside the cover.
Published 25 days ago by Ronald D Jones Jr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ear-Candy
Like creamy semi-sweet chocolate, immersing yourself into the sounds of regional Americas.
How better to re-introduce yourself to the sounds that doesn't assault you with... Read more
How better to re-introduce yourself to the sounds that doesn't assault you with... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kanaka
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spirited
Above all: it's fun. The players are talented, know what they're doing; and are clearly enjoying themselves. Nor is it something you're likely to hear every day.
Published 2 months ago by Marduk
4.0 out of 5 stars
great recording
I continue to enjoy the musicianship and vocals of The Carolina Chocolate Drops! Very soulful. Leaving Eden did not disappoint!
Published 2 months ago by R. Lohse
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even better than Genuine Negro Jig
Although their previous album was great, this is even better still. It's much more accessible without sacrificing any of the authentic flavor that made the other one fantastic. Read more
Published 2 months ago by R. MCRACKAN
5.0 out of 5 stars
great bold authentic sound
Wonderful instrumentation, voices, lyrics. Makes you want to get up and dance, or sing along (privately, because who can compete with these voices? Read more
Published 3 months ago by Madrigal Madame
