As a band that based itself on the template of the old black string bands, the Carolina Chocolate Drops were mentored in such things by the venerable fiddler and vocalist Joe Thompson, himself a veteran of such ensembles and a direct link to the tradition, which is why this live set recorded at 2008's MerleFest is such a fun and valuable recording. The Chocolate Drops open things here with a couple of tunes, but then the band brings up Thompson, 90 years old at the time (Thompson died early in 2012 at the age of 93), and ...
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As a band that based itself on the template of the old black string bands, the Carolina Chocolate Drops were mentored in such things by the venerable fiddler and vocalist Joe Thompson, himself a veteran of such ensembles and a direct link to the tradition, which is why this live set recorded at 2008's MerleFest is such a fun and valuable recording. The Chocolate Drops open things here with a couple of tunes, but then the band brings up Thompson, 90 years old at the time (Thompson died early in 2012 at the age of 93), and together they prove that tradition and the past can come alive in the present. Banjoist Bob Carlin joins in, as well, for the final five numbers, and the whole set gives off a wonderful, refreshing (and timeless) energy and spirit. ~ Steve Leggett, Rovi
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