PJH Studios

Tag: banjo

  • Carolina Chocolate Drops – Genuine Negro Jig

    Carolina Chocolate Drops’ album 51F2l76c-YL._SL160_.jpgGenuine Negro Jig is a throwback, reviving traditional country, bluegrass string and jug music. It begins with an instrumental led by a fiddle that sets the tone for the remaining tracks–music from an era that mp3s forgot. Simple, direct and earnest, the album includes a mix of originals and traditionals. The originals, such as Hit ’em Up Style, Kissin’ and Cussin’ and Trampled Rose feel almost contemporary. Hit ’em Up Style has a hip hop beat and emphatic delivery as the fiddle carries the song. Kissin’ and Cussin’ has a sultry vibe with Rhiannon Giddens delivery. The traditional tracks, Cornbread and Butterbeans, Trouble In Your Mind and Snowden’s Jig are playful, energetic and spirted.

    Stand out tracks:

    • Trouble in Your Mind – fun and spirited
    • Hit ’em Up Style – most contemporary track on the album
    • Cornbread and Butterbeans – catchy banjo and homely lyrics
    • Kissin’ and Cussin’ – great delivery
    • Why Don’t You Do Right – great vocals

  • Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More

    Mumford & Sons Sigh No More paces a contemporary blend of folk, Americana, blue grass and rock across 48 minutes of diverse instrumentation.  Starting slowly with the title track, Sigh No More, the song builds into a foot stomping jam.  The lead vocals seem raw at time, but powerful and emotive with four part harmonies adding coolness to tracks such as The Cave, Winter Winds and Roll Away Your Stone.  Little Lion Man is a rocking, angry song, and Dust Bowl Dance tells a story straight out of Dorthea Lange’s Depression era photos.

    If there’s a comparison, Mumford & Sons could be an edgier Fleet Foxes but with a banjo and darker lyrics.