BASED in North Carolina, the Carolina Chocolate Drops comprise of the versatile Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons and Justine Robinson who perform blues, jazz, jug band and old time mountain folk music in a joyful manner. Music of a nature that you can’t keep your feet still or fail to applaud, regularly. A band best heard live.
Within seconds of striking up, the trio had the audience tapping their feet and clapping in time as music of the bluesdominated Piedmont region of America’s South, older than the Old Town Hall itself, was brought to the North-East.
Giddens – often sat down, apart from a spell when she played some darting fiddle and showed off her dancing skills – along with the relaxed Flemons and Robinson are unique and energetic acts who want to share the traditional music of their forbears with music followers.
They’re all fine vocalists too.
A rollicking version of the Blu Cantrel pop hit Hit ‘Em Up Style, the a cappella Travelling Shoes and blues gospel gem Lights In The Valley had liberal helpings of quality and genuine fun had by the musicians on stage was passed on to the audience.
Prior to the Carolina Chocolate Drops knocking ‘em dead, emerging Edinburgh singer-songwriter Steph McLeod furthered his reputation with a fine set as his songs of redemption and former alcohol addiction evoked some stark imagery.
Maurice Hope
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