Carolina Chocolate Drops :: Full Session via Liveset

With their 2010 Nonesuch debut, Genuine Negro Jig-which garnered a Best Traditional Folk Album Grammy last year-the Carolina Chocolate Drops have proved that their old-time, fiddle and banjo-based music has a living, breathing, ever-evolving sound. The New York Times has declared their live performance as "an end-to-end display of excellence...".
This session was streamed from Esplanade Studios which opens to the public September 1, 2012.

[@jimhurt3224]

These guys have revived a nearly lost chapter in American music, the Black String Band. Join me in expressing our gratitude...

[@mgb5170]

Including the women

[@mikefoote2301]

Goes without saying.

[@spartacusmills3569]

I came hear for awesome music, not a dirty snot wrag of wokeness 🤭

[@spartacusmills3569]

@@mgb5170 "thank you Stan"

[@Elvenlord4]

Yessir!

[@gheeman5115]

This is what makes America great.

[@bernadettesullivan6036]

Thank you

[@tigranpetrosyan5975]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ-vnoBvoMh1gdUsi=n8u8_UCnL6kw00Sn Abby and Chris 😊

[@vasocreta]

These are not just brilliant musicians, they are highly knowledgeable, humble historians. This simply blew my mind. The impact of this is made even greater when one takes the time to research a bit the roots of this music's history.

[@donaldretherford108]

Whether you are a miner from Kentucky or a cowboy from Montana a retiree from Florida, a hippy from Oregan. Or Hanai farmer of China a European banker or a fisherman from Peru you got to like these people. These are the people who remind you that overall humankind isn't that bad. Matter of fact the human race can be full of joy and even in the depth of darktimes rise up and feel joy. When you've just about giving up on the human race you watch these fantastic musicians and feel good again.And they are one of thousands around the world.

[@deerhound1952]

Lovely comment and such a positive one! We all need reminding that there is an awful lot of good in the world as well as good people when we're bombarded with negativity daily.

[@rujumisa]

Yes...thats right !! Thank you for your words !!

[@87sailorgirl]

Amen brother, amen.

[@guylebras9880]

Amazing comment. I will quote you on my facebook page post devoted to this marvelous folk band

[@funkymonkey1198]

Donald Retherford Amen. As my musician friend said, "folk music is the same all over the world"

[@DentyOne]

After 2020, we need this healing music.

[@kystars]

I agree

[@iowa887]

what happend in 2020 didnt watch the news just hanging out in the yoop same old same old lol

[@billsgarage1964]

More than ever bring it on love it!!~~~~~

[@jasonbaldwin273]

*& 2021

[@greasemonkey1228]

These folks thrill me to my soul. The real history of America is right here in this music. Amazing and moving. And a damn good show.

[@jesticejohn9467]

i'm late by a few years........but hey better late than never......thats my excuse.....and a bad one it is.......this session is a national treasure......it exist as a unique american experience

[@gillygil8747]

The most beautiful thing in this world is watching the light come on in these kids eyes as they play. I'm pretty sure God finds this sight pleasing from his point of view.

[@sundru7315]

Music like this transcends cultural, national and language boundaries. Love it.

[@patriciajrs46]

Yes, it does. It's great!!

[@michaelhendrickson5287]

This is true, original country music, it's Americana, it is soul and you can hear it in their voices. These young people are gifted, talented and unique.

[@patriciajrs46]

I am glad they are reving real Americana, soul music. Hits your soul right in the gut.

[@hangdogit2]

This is what authentic country music should be: driving beat, great down-home singing -- all done with infectious enthusiasm. Two thumbs up!

[@patriciajrs46]

Yes, and no electronics!! They are just pure, good music.

[@michaellowe5625]

Twenty seven minutes and three seconds of pure musical genius.

[@gunnarmunch6137]

I came across it because of Rhiannon Giddens and I am just thrilled! This is the side of the United States that I love! Great musicians!

[@mosessupposes2571]

Dude playing guitar and mandolin! I mean every one of them. But dude playing guitar and mandolin! I’m so grateful I just got a big ole sack of ear candy and I didn’t even have a penny. Thank you ❤️

[@mosessupposes2571]

And banjo. Dayum 😎

[@lungflogger9]

not only is their music beautiful but their vibe and their expressive faces are breathtaking.

[@shannonjones5203]

The Chieftains brought me to this group. Wow! What talent! Rhiannon's voice in the high ranges in Leaving Eden brings tears to my eyes. So glad I found this group.

[@myrahealy238]

Tremendous music, musicians. The very best people to be bringing us these songs! Each is a master!

[@r.a.lautenschlager6840]

I host a weekly Folk Music show in the Canadian Maritimes and found these folks, and played them on my show starting back then. Never disappointed, and I absolutely love this live show. Thanks Carolina Chocolate Drops for your wonderful music that makes me and many others happy!! R.A. Lautenschlasger

[@Godlovesyu]

THESE FOLK ARE FREAKIN' AWESOME!! I WISH I WOULD'VE FOUND THEM LONG AGO!!

[@gvrpresentsbearwilliams]

It's SOOOOOO refreshing to experience history in the form of The Wonderful Carolina Chocolate Drops. Love it!!! Love it!!! Love it!!!

[@Squarerig]

18 people have signalled their disapprobation!What is wrong with them?Who could dislike this wonderful music?

[@patriciajrs46]

Predjudiced people with closed minds.

[@idcook]

I so miss this group! Glad we’re able to at least see and and hear them again on this platform.

[@Kelsie154]

They just got themselves a new fan! Holy crap, they're fantastic! No idea how I haven't heard of them before.

[@rosejoy2007]

I know that’s the truth!! Moved and loving every stanza!

[@thomasgibbons353]

It's a bigger worll now a days.

[@pafree4402]

I absolutely agree

[@yaisum]

these guys are ridiculous...just going to sing with a voice that blows 90% of popular singers out of the water, switch to guitar and pick like a demon, pick up this ol' drum over here and knock out a steaming rhythm section on a single skin. All with joy and humility. It's nuts, they are soooo good.

[@joannamiller33]

yes, Yes, YES!!!!!!

[@williamboyle5041]

Rhiannon is a classically trained singer. She can sing opera as well as she sings old-time. :-) Her vocal range is amazing!

[@gillygil8747]

yaisum: Sorta makes one wonder about how the music business really works. Doesn't it.

[@oppamaclare]

Why did they break up?

[@mobilechief]

Old Time Music

[@losmazeman]

This is big medicine, which I needed today. Thank you all for sharing your gifts.

[@ryanmoore13]

They should be all over the radio.

[@patriciajrs46]

Yes, they should!!!

[@kennyb4871]

They are....if you are listening to the right station ;-) It's KNiCE to find Magic when you are least expecting to find it

[@sbluez6444]

Goosebumps when Dom starts singing the Milwaukee Blues. What a beautiful rendition.

[@keiramadeiracake]

Everything about this is so lovely! "Dying's just another way to leave the ones you love." Such a touching lyric, really stood out to me.

[@virginiaorru6848]

I know I'm 6 yrs late but where have you all been in our music world and where are you now???? love your music. gigi

[@unclefester9113]

Thank GOD for CBS SUNDAY MORNING..... She was recently showcased in the morning. ..... I can listen to this stuff all all all day. No matter how pissed off I am..... That stuff changes.....

[@mslindafreeman]

Anyone ever heard of "Bessie Smith"? I have researched Bessie as I am a singer and influenced by so many Black singers and musicians! The sound these musicians are getting reminds me of Bessie and the music from the early 1920's. This is the most authentic sound from those years I have ever heard. These young people, surprisingly have adopted the sound and are doing wonderful things! Keep on singing and playing as the world needs to hear you. Best of Luck and God Bless

[@reliefaswas]

mslinda freeman Right on Sister !

[@pfroge]

mslinda freeman I'm from St. Louis. I am spoiled. We have this kind of music here all the time. I am addicted. Was raised on it and I love it. I appreciate all kinds of music.....but this is where my heart is at. American roots music is making a bit of a comeback and I love it.

[@mslindafreeman]

hi sharon, these young people are having such a good time with their music, and the beautiful lady has such a GRRRReat voice!!! Lucky YOU Sharon, I had no idea this was prevelant in St. Louis. Thanks for telling me what genre' also.

[@pfroge]

mslinda freeman Yes, they refer to it as American Roots music. It sort of envelops all musical styles that are uniquely born in America. Both blues and jazz were born here in St. Louis...so there is a lot of people here who try to keep that alive in the newer generations. There is a club here called Off Broadway....another called Blues City Deli....and a radio station called KDHX 88.1 that plays and tries to nurture the local music scene. We also have record stores that are putting out new albums and encouraging talented newcomers to perform there. If you like the Carolina Chocolate Drops you may like a St. Louis group called Pokey LaFarge (currently on world tour),.....check out his Central Time, Middle of Everywhere, and Something in the Water albums. Also, check out the Loot Rock Gang.....both of these bands are DYNAMITE in their live performance. If you get the chance GO! Take a huge group with you. A guaranteed good time.

[@karinablacktie]

mslinda freeman I can't help but smile at your question and (oh, please don't get this wrong) its innocence. Have I heard of Bessie Smith? That reminds me of when my daughter was about thirteen discovering some "old" music and asked me if I had ever heard of Jimi Hendrix. Mslinda, continue your personal research. You are discovering some vital musicians of our past. Please also listen to Robert Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, John Lee Hooker, Big Bill Broonzy, Sippie Wallace, Son House, .... oh, I hope I got you started. Have fun. Lots of it.

[@kjones5723]

This is why I spend so much time "You Tube Surfing". I've gone from Maceo Parker, to Esperanza Spalding; Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, and now Carolina Chocolate Drops (whom I didn't know until stumbling upon this video -- Grammy in 2010, huh?). Music, the international language. Politics separate us; religion separate us; social issues separate us; ahhh, but music -- everybody loves good music ...

[@ricksilva4544]

Check out The Wood Brothers and Lake Street Dive..........two more bands I discovered "You Tube Surfing".

[@lisahill4386]

Try Tuba Skinny, New Orleans music, early blues, a little ragtime too.

[@EricLayland1]

100% but I'd add good food and drink to the mix. Along with good music and you've got a party.

[@KaitoShinja]

I would also recommend to y'all the Ebony Hillbillies. Great stuff they play.

[@cornshucker77]

Great sound. Belong on the Grand Ole Opry stage instead of some of the so called country singers of today.

[@Jerichocafe1]

there is some amazing music out there, one must not overlook the huge industry called the music festival, the corporation took out the art-culture. and roll out another one just like the other one...." paint me another starry night man"...

[@patriciajrs46]

Very true!!

[@duncanb410]

This is one of my favorite bands ever. I just recently discovered them on the Amazon Music Bluegrass channel. That Cornbread and Butterbeans song is just so catchy. I had to look them up here. I love these guys. They're fantastic live in this video. ❤

[@janahiker9091]

I love that one too!!

[@RickDavis-q3p]

Unfortunately they broke up and no longer perform together.

[@sophiazaynor2089]

Her gestures during "No Man's Mama" made me smile so hard. I loved it!

[@handbonewadenorth1346]

how could somebody vote negative???? jealous!! i m stuck listening..i cant stop! been waiting 10 years for this!!! love this vibe!

[@vgrof2315]

How fun!! How can you help but love those two ladies?

[@jeffreyscottharris]

First time hearing these folks - I'm a fan.

[@mariapoutre8300]

Flew to Kentucky last year to see them. Yep. That good. Dom left the band which sucks but the band seems to be running the same awesome course. Amazing musicians, all.

[@johnfletcher1179]

this recording, the sounds, the pickups, acoustics, whatever it is is unbelievable. Great sound detail.

[@mattobermiller5041]

Still can't believe her VOICE!! I'm still blown away every time I listen.

[@melissabaxter7166]

I want these guys back!!!

[@sdthrapp]

This has to be one of the most amazing livesets on the internet. Incredible talents. Tears me up.

[@dyerstraite]

You folks are fantastic! I play Banjo, bluegrass Gospel, and it's wonderful to hear where what I love came from. Can't stop watching your video! Please never stop!!!!!

[@jamesfennen4683]

THIS must be soul music, because it resonates in me and fills me with joy.

[@Petergoforth]

Thank you, Ken Burns, for introducing me to Rhiannon Giddens, and from her the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Unbelievably beautiful sound and such gifted musicians.

[@EliteNinjaTurtle]

Which Ken Burns do they feature in??

[@annmccarthy177]

@@EliteNinjaTurtle His series on country music. On the concert performance that goes with it.

[@sandydundas9787]

Get these magnificent musicians to the Edinburgh Festival!!

[@eugenealvarez4741]

I love this music type of music it makes me happy during this dreadful, stressful, depressing pandemic. No matter what the world, governments, and inconsiderate people bring, I can be on my death bed and when I hear this type of music it makes me alive with joy. Thank you Chocolate drops. I am going to purchase your albums on Amazon.

[@nikkidegasperi6246]

I can't believed I'm just now discovering these guys. Top notch.. Amazing!

[@RIJU9285]

Had the good fortune of watching these guys perform at a music festival in 2011 in Allegheny county, PA. It was an amazing experience!

[@stevethatcher101]

I'm not a fan of country but I love the sound of this band and have just bought Rhiannon Giddens debut album. Just wish they would come to the UK and play some gigs.

[@kystars]

I'M Here after 5 years to view this again. Her voice is so beautiful! All of the performers here are truly great!

[@billderinbaja3883]

How did I never hear Rhi Giddons when she was with Chocolate Drops? Hottest, strongest woman on the planet. These four are a profoundly deep well of talent.

[@bernadettesullivan6036]

Didn’t she sing at Obama’s White House gospel concert??

[@jefferygravelle9358]

I'm so thankful for watching this, truly fantastic!!!

[@001qwertyy4]

Not a man of movement when it comes to dance. This group got me moving. Beautiful sound you guys make. Thank you and blessings to all.

[@ChrisBreemer]

Last Chance is totally awesome. Amazing that four musicians can create such a lovely ruckus ❤

[@edicamon8486]

La diversitat de música als Estats Units és sorprenent. Sempre descobreixo grups talentosos com aquest de Carolina del Nord. Sóc fan des d'avui, són genials. Gràcies des de Barcelona

[@jeffstumpf9129]

No fancy words necessary, this group is a joy.

[@horsedrawnfarmer6885]

Brilliant! Cheered my morning up no end. Much obliged folks!

[@allen.lpersingerjr6408]

You four are the most beautiful talented musician singer players I have ever seen , I love your music ,Down to earth music basic music for me ,,thank you so much . I just love you all clean good music.

[@miriamsilvati]

I am from Peru and I love them,Carolina Chocolate Drops !!

[@gsco82]

As a recent convert to old fashioned country music and a long time fan of acoustic music, this band is really excellent. Love Rhiannon's singing and fiddle playing.

[@trashman1358]

It is both wonderful and terrible to arrive so late to the party - to love it so much and realise, google search, that's it's all over. Such bitter sweet. But this? This is the bomb! :DD

[@duncanb410]

Same here. I just recently discovered them.

[@myrahealy238]

Truly out of this world! Amazing!

[@tonypaulprince]

"Leaving Eden"---I worked in a textile mill in Eden 25 years ago. That song really hits home

[@mattobermiller5041]

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!!!! WOW! Can't believe she's actually singing this not in a studio. Sounds way to good.

[@saroyafanniel8932]

These young folks are awesome!! I was the firstborn 'up North' in Jersey. This music brought back memories of spending my summers, from ten years old and into my teens (1970 to '76) on my mother's family farm in N. Carolina. Playing in the dirt out front, running through the cotton, corn and peanut rows; feeding the horses and pigs, shucking peas and corn, fresh butter and milk straight from the cow and peanut punch. Jumping from the the top of the barn into the mountains of drying tobacco and hoping out picking round worms off. The outhouse waaaay in the back. The pump behind the house where we filled buckets with sweet underground aquifer water. Heading to an uncle's house to listen to the radio and crusty old characters jamming on into the night playing banjos, guitars and clacking rusty spoons. Amen!!

[@johnreynolds8508]

I like em,,, !!! Just discovered them --- love the sound !!!!

[@mcgee227]

+John Reynolds to bad they are already broke up...

[@danielwallach8265]

+Curtis Blanton They didn't breakup! They were on a short hiatus because of Rhiannon's solo project, but are still trucking on, though without dom flemons...

[@jeanieb1942]

+Daniel Wallach Thats good to know since i just now discovered them

[@DanFrechette]

These musicians are extremely tasteful. This is an educational video for how to make the absolute most of a few acoustic instruments and voices.

[@patriciajrs46]

Yes, it is. Many musicians today could take lessons from these young people.

[@robertfox499]

Best 27 musical minutes I've spent in a long gtime! I'm an official fan now. Thank you for preserving this amazing music with your awesome individual talents. You are all extremely gifted 'master class' musicians imho.

[@The14weed]

They always send energy thru my soul when I listen to the beautiful music of the Carolina Chocolate Drops :)

[@Austongold]

Love the passion of this group, they sound great but it seems more than that.....they are special in a way that is hard to explain......keep it up guys!

[@redrooster9852]

This is so beautiful music they play. Thank you all for this.

[@cavecookie1]

Wow, these folks sound like they just stepped out of the 20's! Cool stuff!

[@grahammcnamara4803]

this is so much fun to watch. i had to smile at the 21 minute mark! i really need to get all their mucis very soon! so glad i got to see this.

[@dawgyv72]

She has such a classic style of singing! I love it!

[@alphadesignerone]

I've had the pleasure of seeing/hearing them play a couple of times---once out in San Francisco, at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Fest....and I think the other one was on the Blues Cruise.....I'm getting dementia......LOL...I totally adore their music and their hearts and their style! They are so incredibly talented and full of love!

[@b.bailey8244]

i love "no man's mamma now" - Rhiannon can SING! (and play guitar, banjo, etc.) So nice to hear and see this "roots" band in action.

[@errolfellows409]

DAMN! WHAT SHEER JOY, EXUBERANCE AND TALENT! WONDERFUL! I'm lost for superlatives, so shouting in caps it is!

[@xloveXghoulx]

Wow how have I not heard of them until now?! I love their sound and gosh they are so talented. Bringing back that old Americana flavor....! Love it.

[@patriciajrs46]

Me, too.

[@shaggybreeks]

One sound! So tight, with each instrument's part distinct, yet perfectly blended. Really amazing orchestration.

[@ryankc3631]

KZbin is like a creek up in mountains where you pan for gold. It can often be disappointing but sometimes I find a big nugget, like this! I wish more young people would discover this fine music.

[@williamboyle5041]

Once at the Old Town School before the concert Don was sitting on the stairs, obviously very tired. I gave him a shoulder rub to re-energize him! All that touring has to take its toll on the musicians! Apparently it worked. They gave an amazing concert!

[@B.Murphy]

This is one of the greatest things I have seen in a while. And, I'm always looking.

[@charlesbutler4646]

Superb talent. Fresh, new, and unlimited ability to create auditory art.

[@Classsseaissues]

It's so 1920's I love them and their music brilliant

[@st.apollonius5758]

Music I could listen to all day and night long. plaid and sung beautifully.

[@anguspodgorney1969]

I love authentic music that takes us back to our roots. In today's divided world some people are quick to project their own insecurities and hate by assuming that "country" music is racist or only geared towards a certain race or segment of society. In reality, this music has its roots in Africa, which is where the banjo originated. Black people played this sort of music generations ago and it then was adopted by the rest of the country during the 19th and 20th centuries. Glad to see there is a segment of black society that understands and acknowledges those who came before them and wants to share the untold stories of an earlier time, both the good and the bad. A refreshing change from the ADHD mentality of many youth today who think the world began the day they were born and have no respect for their elders, and care nothing for learning where they came from.

[@kirkbaddley7439]

Excellent comment! I agree wholeheartedly.

[@MyGrassIsGreenest]

If you're digging CCD, then you've definitely got to check out Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton. I'd recommend the songs 'When an Ugly Woman Tells you No' and 'Texas Traveler'.

[@rogercouleau3521]

Gordon Mari us

[@tubemagpie]

Mm! I think it would be more accurate to say that much of this music was the music of the poor people and the different races of the various states in which it evolved. Influences came from a variety of sources including England, France and Africa. This is part of the roots of what is now called country music.

[@harryf200]

I don't hear 'black', I don't hear 'white'. What I hear is great music and fantastic musicians, one of the best I've heard playing music like this.

[@FalconMidget]

Banjos, fiddles, violin’s and instruments I don’t even know. Lovin it !

[@MichaelCarolina]

What a great North Carolina Band.

[@mikekeyes6102]

This is real living music - lovely group of musicians, wish them all the best.

[@BasementCreatorsNetwork]

This was a delightful session to stumble upon while falling down the KZbin rabbit hole. Great job to everyone involved in this production! 😍

[@JackJenningsGuitarist]

wow who are this guys??? This kind of music will last forever as long as there are people like this playing it.

[@ebnphlo]

I got to see them perform a couple years in Dayton, Ohio. I had never heard of them but I was thoroughly impressed, entertained & excited that they have real passion for the genesis of blues & jazz. The beat box specialist: don't know how he did what he did but I was completely blown away! Very authentic & talented group!

[@FrankyBangkok]

I can not respect this more ... This people keep tradition alive. And they are not bad at all. Well done!

[@benwilliams85]

I loved every minute of it! Beautiful music and truly amazing talent on display!!

This band is incredible! Please never change. First time I ever heard blues played on a mandolin, or funk in a country song (Country Girl).

[@mrhappydude33]

This is wonderful. I don't understand how you downvote something like this

[@jamesmcqueen2618]

I'm not downvoting the music or the singer, I can tell they are very good. Just trying to tell them how they could be 100% better by cutting the music level back a little leting the singer come through a litte clearer.

[@danielfraserii2954]

acoustics of the space and placement of the mics. unless you didn't mean to criticize the musicians themselves, bc I wouldn't put that on them

[@jamesmcqueen2618]

They are very good musicans but they don't seem to understand how to keep their singer out front and the music in the back ground. LIsten to the Riff Raff band singing( Moma I'm coming Home) . on you tube. The singer is out front and the wrods to the song are very clear. Bands should never try to override the singer that is giving the message of the song. When that happens It's only alot of noise.

[@jamesmcqueen2618]

Go to You tube--type in --Waverly Sessions Hurray for the Riff Raff Look out Mama, This is the way the singer should be out front and it's what Ive been trying to tell you. the band shouold never over ride the singer.

[@mikeoleary3]

its about the music

[@Synaesthesia99]

No idea why the Tube figured that this video ought to be "recommended for me" but i'm quite glad it did (for the chalkboard as well as the music itself)!

[@PaddyRock]

That banjo playing is incredible..!

[@paretashutanggura8227]

Your songs charge me for the joy of life.

[@wcvalvestem]

As a natural born Carolina Tarheel, I take offense to the adjective description "Negro Jig". Tunes from this GREAT GROUP are both of a Black and "Scotch-Irish" heritage. I take tremendous pride in these fine musicians endeavors. May they continue on, like the old saying, "keep on keeping on".

[@char08fal]

I'm a Rocky Top girl but raised in Carolina, and I agree

[@johnnynanners]

The voices, the instrumentation, perfect together.