Carolina Chocolate Drops - Carolina Chocolate Drops & Joe Thompson album reviewed in Living Blues
Reviewed by Roger Gatchet
Launching their careers with the Music Maker Relief Foundation in 2006 with Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind, Justin Robinson, Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemons recently joined the board of directors of the Durham, North Carolina- based nonprofit headed by Tim Duffy. As affirmed by David Whiteis in his cover story on the young trio in LB #197 the CCD’s have “already moved into the forefront of the contemporary folk and roots-blues scene,” and their recent signing with Nonesuch Records puts them in the company of popular established artists like Davide Byrne, the Black Keys, and Wilco (their Nonesuch debut is set for release in early 2010).
Here, the trio teams up with their original inspiration and mentor, Joe Thompson. This North Carolina legend, who was 89 at the time of this performance at the annual Americana Festival Merlefest in 2008, is believed to be the last of his generation to carry on the African American string band tradition. Thompson was originally scheduled to make only a brief appearance with the CCD’s during their set, but as Flemons explained via email, “All of us in the group knew that wouldn’t happen. When Joe plays, we make it his show no matter what.”
After the two opening cuts, performed by the trio and CCD collaborator Sule Greg Wilson-Memphis Shakedown, a rousing frenzy of banjo, washboard, jug and kazoo, and a cover of the Carolina Sunshine Trio’s Corn Bread & Butter Beans- the elder Thompson emerges, is greeted with a standing ovation, and proceeds to own the show. “I’m a country boy, you know I’m gonna get my honey tonight,” he teases, and then launches into energetic renditions of Dona Got a Ramblin’ Mind and John Henry. Thompson’s fiddle playing is lively and deep, emitting an almost haunting tone, and his vocals are surprisingly strong, especially on the disc highlight, an inspiring version of the gospel tradition I Shall Not Be Moved, and Old Corn Liquor, where he demonstrates the lost art of calling a dance. Banter from Thompson and Bob Carlin, who has spent over two decades playing with Thompson and sits in on banjo for the final five tunes, channels the spontaneity of the live show.
The CCD’s are at the top of their game here, and the mutual respect and instrumental support they offer Thompson makes for an inspiring and downright fun listening experience despite the disc’s short running time.
-Roger Gatchet, Living Blues, Issue #202, Vol. 40. #4
