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This is the first of a two-part podcast where I interview the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an old-time string band from Durham, NC. They play early African-American folk music that was popular before there was even a record industry. The three members of this group, Justin Robinson, Dom Flemons, and Rihannon Giddens are all exceptional multi-instrumentalists and dynamic performers. Among the instruments they play in a typical performance are the guitar, fiddle and banjo (of course), and also rare instruments like the kazoo, bones and the jug. I caught their show at legendary St. Louis Blues joint BB’s Jazz Blues And Soups.

Also let me know what you think of the changes I’ve been making to the format of the shows. Leave a comment here or use my contact page to send me an email or … call the voice mail number at 206-338-5634. Thanks!

One more thing … how many times does Dom Flemons change his hat in this interview?

12 Comments

• At 2007.01.30 20:14, Chris Daniel said:
  

  Good to see NC artists! I like the format change as well. Looking fwd to seeging part 2.

  [Reply]
• At 2007.01.30 21:24, Anthony said:
  

  This was awesome Bill. It’s been a while since I’ve come to visit LoFiStLouis. I liked this episode a whole lot. It is great. I liked the format a whole lot. I liked the music. The interview was really good informative, educational, entertaining. Really great stuff Bill. This is all awesome. You are doing a great job here!!!!
  For some reason hitting the text link for flash video doesn’t work for me. Other than that all is great.

  [Reply]
• At 2007.01.30 21:28, Al said:
  

  Bill, this is great! I like the interview, the band featured, and how you kicked Al Lien (or whatever your mascot’s name was) back to outer space! It was about time you took over the introductions.

  I, too, am looking forward to part 2 of the interview!

  [Reply]
• At 2007.01.30 22:22, Justin Simonsen said:
  

  This was an outstanding episode. I’m definitely going to recommend it to my friends. Shows like lofistl are why I haven’t turned on my TV tonight. Thanks for helping me unplug. I’m glad I found this show.

  [Reply]
• At 2007.02.01 12:27, Tony said:
  

  I have been watching for maybe 6 months now, and I have to say I like the new format of the show. Seeing Bill and hearing his commentary on the segment is cool.

  I do miss some of the interstitials though. But having one segment now kind of removes the need for them.

  But keep up the good work Bill. I will definitely keep watching.

  [Reply]
• At 2007.02.01 13:26, Bill said:
  

  Thanks all for the feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Part 2 is in the can and will be up before the weekend.

  Some things that I’m working on:
  A little doc about a group of actors who got together to make an old time radio show
  A piece about a burleque troup here
  An interview with the makers of a independent film called ‘A’
  And a bunch more stuff …

  [Reply]
• At 2007.02.02 21:02, john leeke said:
  

  Now don’t get me wrong, I like the “new” Bill, he cleans up real nice considerin’ his ol’ low down days down by the rivah. Maybe Al-ien can co-host from time to time. But, for heaven’s sake, please do include the old orchestral intro.

  Content is sailing, keep it up.

  John
  by hammer and hand great works do stand

  [Reply]
• At 2007.02.02 22:54, Bill said:
  

  Hey don’t worry John, nothing is dead. It’s all just taking a break for the moment. The format is a work in progress … pretty much like anything else in life, i guess.

  [Reply]
• At 2007.02.03 22:43, Michael Meiser said:
  

  Love the second song, acapaella. The girl can sing!

  Can’t wait to see the second episode.

  [Reply]
• At 2007.02.20 15:45, Web and New Media Studies » Video Blogs said:
  

  [...] Lo-Fi St. Louis: Caroline Chocolate Drops (Part 1) [...]

  [Reply]
• At 2008.05.30 17:10, carolina chocolate drops said:
  

  [...] and dynamic performers. Among the instruments they play in a typical performanhttp://lofistl.com/2007/01/30/episode-135-the-carolina-chocolate-drops-part-1/Amazon.com: Dona Got a Ramblin Mind: Carolina Chocolate Drops: MusicThe carolina chocolate drops are [...]

  [Reply]
• At 2008.08.31 10:29, LO-FI SAINT LOUIS » Blog Archive » #136 The Carolina Chocolate Drops (Part 2) said:
  

  [...] is part 2 (get part 1 here) of a two-part podcast where I interview the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an old-time string band from [...]

  [Reply]