un5trung - Posted - 02/02/2011:  20:34:01

---

I wish I was kidding, but at the end of tonight's show in Lincoln Center they announced that Justin Robinson was leaving the group. He is tired of being on the road and wants to resume his education. They suggested that the group would be renamed the Chocolate Drops, but I may have misheard that.

They introduced a new member, Hubby Jenkins on guitar and mandolin. He brought on stage what looked like a 12-fret, pre-Harmony Stella parlor guitar, a 1930s National mandolin and, get this, a bare-bones. no frills Deering Goodtime banjo. He played a Robert Johnson song on the guitar but otherwise played the mandolin and banjo so quietly I couldn't hear it. A fourth member is also planned, Adam something, I couldn't catch the last name.

Dom and Rhiannon were Dom and Rhiannon. I don't know what banjo Rhiannon plays but I'm always intrigued by the way she holds it at a 50, 55 degree angle. As someone with a recent shoulder replacement I see that right arm way up in the air and think man, do that another 30 years and you're going to need a new shoulder!

I assume all three will be together at the Grammys in a few weeks, as they are up for a Grammy in the folk category. In other news Acoustic Guitar magazine released their list of top acoustic albums for 2010 and the CC Drops "Genuine Negro Jig" was listed first! Other finishers were John Prine, Justin Townes Earle, Jakob Dylan and Bob Dylan.

Set list: Peace Behind the Bridge, Georgie Buck, Trouble in Your Mind, Your Baby Ain't Sweet Like Mine, Boatman's Dance, Black Annie, Snowden's (Geuine Negro) Jig, Ol' Cindy Gal, Hit 'em Up Style, Sourwood Mountain. Encore: Traveling Shoes

Seeders - Posted - 02/02/2011:  20:56:40

---

That's too bad. They were such an amazing group! I'm glad I got to see them as the original three piece. All three amazing and inspiring musicians. I picked up playing the bones after watching Dom play them with such style and grace (and rhythm!). I did always like Justin the best though. Quiet, modest, great voice and plays some great old time fiddle. Not saying that Dom and Rhiannon aren't just as amazing but I'm a sucker for some of those fiddle parts he plays. I'm sure the new members will be great though and I look forward to seeing them again with the new lineup.

Rhiannon plays a Deering John Hartford with the pop-off resonator.

un5trung - Posted - 02/02/2011:  21:44:32

---

quote:

---

Rhiannon plays a Deering John Hartford with the pop-off resonator.

---

That makes sense, as the first time I saw them she had a resonator and tonight she didn't, but the headstock looked the same. I was puzzled, but a pop-off resonator -- which I've never heard of -- would resolve that question.

R. also plays a mean fiddle, but Justin has so much artistry. I'm sure the new iteration of the group will be fine, but like you I'm glad to have see the original three.

dbrooks - Posted - 02/03/2011:  03:37:30

---

When CCD played in Louisville at a Jug Band Jubilee several years ago, they mentioned that Justin was also there to visit his violin teacher who was in the audience. I can't recall if she was on the faculty at the U of L School of Music or if she taught somewhere else. But there was clearly a strong bond there and he had an appreciation for formal training.

David

pickinchik - Posted - 02/03/2011:  05:48:31

---

Too bad! Justin played the autoharp during the concert I saw. He played "Sea of Love" if you can believe it. It was so fun, the whole audience sung with them. I heard later from their FB page that someone stole that autoharp at a concert. *SHAME*, *SHAME*

Mandy

banjohangout.org/group/banjobandits

pearcemusic - Posted - 02/03/2011:  05:52:25

---

I saw them at Rockygrass 2008 and really enjoyed it. They'll be missed, but I'll bet they are on to bigger and better things ....

Inflexible35 - Posted - 02/03/2011:  06:28:45

---

What a shame.

TedLehmann - Posted - 02/03/2011:  06:41:07

---

So far unacknowledged here is the fact that CCD has, for the past several years, represented the most visible black voice in the nexus between bluegrass, old-time, and blues music. The contributions of an instrument that came out of Africa which has migrated into largely white musical forms and the African-American musicians who dominated its play in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries should always be recognized and celebrated. CCD was (and I hope will continue to be) a strong voice in this effort. - Ted

Yellowhouseroad - Posted - 02/03/2011:  06:51:48

---

It's always hard to hear a great group come apart. It will be interesting to here the new Chocolate Drops.

Seeders - Posted - 02/03/2011:  08:00:32

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by TedLehmann

So far unacknowledged here is the fact that CCD has, for the past several years, represented the most visible black voice in the nexus between bluegrass, old-time, and blues music. The contributions of an instrument that came out of Africa which has migrated into largely white musical forms and the African-American musicians who dominated its play in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries should always be recognized and celebrated. CCD was (and I hope will continue to be) a strong voice in this effort. - Ted

---

Well said Ted!

lespik - Posted - 02/03/2011:  08:26:42

---

That's a shame. Always a good show, and great music/dancing. I am sure the new line up with be great as well.

xixiant - Posted - 02/03/2011:  11:00:26

---

I'm beginning to feel a bit like a promoter for this event, but I'll go ahead and say it again--the Carolina Chocolate Drops just confirmed that they'll be at the Lyons Folk Festival put on by Planet Bluegrass this year. Anyone in the Denver/Boulder area in August should definitely check it out--it's always a very good time. And as far as seeing some of these acts--it's a bargain compared to buying multiple tickets. (not to mention more fun)

dustinTN - Posted - 02/03/2011:  12:17:08

---

Too bad to hear about this, but I think the Drops will remain a great act. I wish Justin the best as well as all involved.

bluemule_77 - Posted - 02/03/2011:  15:07:26

---

I knew it'd happen sooner or later. Won't be the same w/o him. Best of luck to all.

Frailinaway - Posted - 02/03/2011:  15:16:32

---

Some of us survived the breakup of the original Kingston Trio without lasting detrimental effects; I'm sure this will be no different. All the best to Justin in whatever direction his life takes him.

spiked - Posted - 03/15/2011:  07:27:51

---

Justin Robinson is doing some interesting new work with "Justin Robinson and The Mary Annettes". You can stream their EP at:

justinrobinsonandthemaryannett...index.php

I'm going to try and catch them at the Marry Durham festival this weekend in Durham, NC. They have a new album in the works according to their website.

He's also got a live show scheduled on our Carrboro, NC community radio station WCOM, on March 26 - you can stream WCOM online if you'd like to listen in.

So it looks like he's got plenty going on, probably more in a local Triangle, NC vein, but good news for us Trianglites, anyway!

mikehalloran - Posted - 03/15/2011:  13:47:50

---

They were great at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival last year - the perfect companion act for Joan Baez who followed.

Frailinaway - Posted - 03/15/2011:  14:15:42

---

Has anyone heard the CCDs in their new configuration?

torpedo - Posted - 03/17/2011:  10:51:00

---

Can't be their last, they are playing in Balto. at Pier Six on July 7th with Bela Fleck.