I came across this CD when it was an in-store play earlier this year. It has the reputation of being one of the most hated CD's we've ever had playing at Barnes & Noble (the most hated being the 'Mamma Mia' soundtrack). I would actually have my co-workers calling me up and asking me to change it ASAP.
I, on the other hand, LOVE it. It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea. I won't be offended if you tell me you hate it, by all means do. I bet 90% of you will.
But listen to the woman sing! She has a beautiful, powerful voice...she can sing her ASS off. Like, her ass actually falls off, gets on a stool next to her, picks up a banjo, and starts playing.
'Hit 'Em Up Style' really caught my attention. The lyrics are awesome. Look at that chick go on the violin!
If you don't like bluegrass, I don't think you'll like 'Cornbread and Butterbeans' at all. But I'm going to include it anyway just in case you do.
Notice how they switch instruments. The three musicians play about 4 or five instruments each. They call come from very musical backgrounds. The beat-boxing dude's mother was an opera singer and a cellist, and his sister plays the piano.
This video is a six minute mini-documentary about how the three young black musicians all met and came to play this kind of music together. Cool to hear where their influences came from, what their backgrounds are like. They're very interesting people.
I'm passionate about this versatile band. This partcular CD has bluegrass, celtic, folk, jazz, and blues tunes on it. I've hand-sold a lot of them at the store.
They're playing in Durham in Septemeber, at Duke University. I'd really love to attend, and I'm hoping Chuck and I will make a last minute decision and just go. Depends on work. Damn work. ;)
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13 comments:
Dear Kyna, I should love to say that I share your taste in music. I do not! Now, I am confident that you will not be offended for, as you say, if life hands you a lemon.....!
I hesitate to suggest that this may be a sign of the generation gap, but increasingly I feel completely out of touch with what passes for music with the young [and you are still very young, dear Kyna] of today. Perhaps in another thirty years or so, you too will come to love the sound of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Wagner.....[but perhaps you already do].
The Chocolate Drops were performing for free last fall in Durham and we had planned to go - but life intervened. I've listened to them online and think they're fantastic. I'll look forward to watching what you've posted.
Edith: You're right, I'm not offended! Everyone I know has a different taste in music. That's what's awesome! Variety is the spice of life.
I'm sorry you don't like anything I post on What Are You Listening To? Wednesday. I've only done 2 of these posts. I post to introduce things that people may not already listen to. To introduce people to what I may enjoy, and what they may learn to enjoy. Or things that people don't like, and hear their opinons on such music.
I wish you did know me personally, and realize that I LOVE Mozart (who is my favourite classical composer), Beethoven, Bach and Wagner. I LOVE classical music. One of my favourite activities with my Mum was going to see an opera or a symphony, when I was in Edmonton. But I am not in Edmonton anymore. Jacksonville, NC is very isolated, culturally. Even so, Chuck and I are listening to the Vienna Philharmonic on public television as I type!
If you are out of touch with contemporary music and 'what passes for music' for the young, that is your own misfortune. There are some very nice musical influences that happened after the year 1900. And I am into a lot of that. Bluegrass has a lot of roots in music from the 1800's, I can harldy call that 'new'.
I feel that you are very fortunate to live on a continent where events have taken place before the 17th century. But I do not live in such a place. Music is totally subjective. And I love a piece of everything! Music changes with the decade here, and I appreciate new and old. Mozart and Eminem. Bach and Beck.
Our good friend Dave plays the stand-up bass in the Louisiana Philharmonic. He has influences from Brahms to Led Zeppelin. And you can listen to it all when he plays, in his tuxedo.
I respect you, Edith, even though I do not know you. I know you and I have very different backgrounds.
Ginny: I'm sorry you did not get to see them :( I'm glad you want to sample what I've posted.
And I've got happy news! I showed Chuck my post, and he immediately bought me tickets and a hotel room for the night of the concert in Durham. I'm so happy, I'm going!!! :D I don't think I'm able to stop hugging him...
Who needs a drum machine? The woman's voice is great, but I couldn't help but think that it's not easy to sing, and play a violin! Well, not at the same time anyway, but she seems to switch back and forth very well :D I think you should just go and see them last minute, as planned, don't you? :P
Clare: We're on our way! Thanks to Chuck! Happier than you can believe. :)
That's some talent! I like!
I've never heard them before, but I loved it. I found myself tapping my foot along with both the songs you featured. They are very talented people - what a gift they have.
How lovely Chuck's bought tickets - keep on hugging him!
Laura: I'm glad you liked it! :D
Bub: Gifted is right. I'm happy you enjoyed it too. :D
Bluegrass? You Johnny-Come-Lately! What's wrong with a bit of Old Time Clawhammer?
Good one on Chuck; he played you well there. You owe him big time, and all he has to do is get drunk and listen to some bluegrass!
Mostly I am listening to the rain on the roof. It's a shitter here at the moment.
Kyna, I'm so glad you've decided to do these weekly posts. It seems I never have time to search for new music these days and this is a great way to hear music I wouldn't have found otherwise. I think the first song is actually a cover, I remember Blu Cantrell singing this but not sure if hers is the original either. Incredibly talented band. Thanks again.
thumbs up for the Cornbread and Butterbeans.
IG: So I looked up clawhammer banjo on YouTube. Aside from different technique, it all sounds like banjo doesn't it? I just like saying banjo. If you say banjo enough times, it doesn't sound like a word anymore. Banjo banjo banjo banjo....
Marguerite: And I'm glad you enjoy them! I may not always post something new going on in music, but I hope it was always have some sort of entertainment merit.
Chicken: I effing love that song.
Kyna kid I am back tracking with posts .. so this might screw with your head a bit .. god knows i have loose screws .. maybe that is why "Edith" never touches the soil of my blog ? LOL .. I am snort giggling here sorry.
My request of a Christmas gift from my new daughter-in-law ?
Carolina Chocolate Drops and make sure Snowdens Jig is on it !
I too love classical music it heals my soul in a different way than any other I still believe Beethoven's eighth symphony is his greatest .. aside from that quirk .. I am so open to hearing different styles of music .. it is in constant flux .. those who can't get past that point .. well .. I feel deeply sorry for them and what they are missing.
Thank you for the amazing Chocolates .. I am a FAN !
Joy
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