Carolina Chocolate Drops: Genuine Negro Jig (Nonesuch, 2/16/10)
Carolina Chocolate Drops: “Hit ‘Em Up Style” (Blu Cantrell)
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Carolina_Chocolate_Drops_Hit_Em_Up_Style.mp3|titles=Carolina Chocolate Drops: “Hit ‘Em Up Style”]
Beholden to the traditions of Americana and early African-American folk, the string trio Carolina Chocolate Drops continues blurring the lines of old and new. On Genuine Negro Jig, the group’s fifth album, a few original numbers and a trove of traditionals take root in banjo, fiddle, and percussion. Three-part harmonies shimmer on the famous folk tune “Trouble in Your Mind,” and simplicity shines on gripping renditions of “Why Don’t You Do Right?” by Kansas Joe McCoy and “Trampled Rose” by Tom Waits. Most surprisingly, Genuine Negro Jig includes an enjoyable rendition of “Hit ‘Em Up Style,” an unintentionally farcical pop hit by Blu Cantrell.