The Carolina Chocolate Drops received critical acclaim with their Grammy-winning 2010 album, Genuine Negro Jig, which reached #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart. They returned with 2012’s Leaving Eden, and have been touring North America in support all this spring. On this release, founding members Dom Flemons and Rhiannon Giddens have added multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins and cellist Leyla McCalla to fill out the album and live shows. The album is clearly rooted in bluegrass, but builds on the group’s unique, modern interpretation of the genre by incorporating hip-hop, soul, and traditional African-American music.

Recommended Tracks: #3 “Ruby, Are You Mad At Your Man?” #5 “Country Girl,” #11 “Po’ Black Sheep,” #7 “Leaving Eden”

FCC Warning: #10 “West End Blues”

Going for spins now

Label: Nonesuch