Random Ramblings - June 23, 2010

by Daniel Jones

Music makes up a good part of my life. From playing guitar in high school to having it constantly playing in the background, I love music of all types.

However, recent years haven’t been kind to a lover of music such as myself, as everything new I hear seems uninspired and formulaic.

However, that changed around six months ago when a friend introduced me to a group called the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an old-time string band that performs traditional folk music from the Piedmont region of the Carolinas.

They are a group formed out of the Black Banjo Gathering, which seeks to unite African-Americans with the traditional African instrument. It wasn’t long before they were meeting with and learning from Joe Thompson, an almost 90-year-old fiddler.

Last week, the group appeared at the House of Blues in New Orleans, and I had to make the trip.

Each member expertly sang and played various instruments including resonator guitar, four and five-string banjo, fiddle, harmonica, pan flute, and even the jug.

Needless to say, they put on one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen plenty, including Blues legends like B.B. King and Buddy Guy to 70s staples like George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic and K.C. and the Sunshine Band.

If you ever get the chance to listen to their music or see them live, do it. You will not regret the decision for a second.