In 2009 we saw a performance by the “Carolina Chocolate Drops” in San Diego – our first introduction to this great group. Rhiannon Giddens, playing fiddle/banjo, came out on stage barefoot – asked if all the lights could be turned since she wanted to “see” the audience she was playing to -and began a spellbinding performance!. We were hooked! Their music is a cross (in my view) between old-timey, bluegrass & blues.
They are a new group (2005) so much of their material is on YouTube – some favorites are “Cornbread and Butterbeans” – with fiddle/banjo –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xOxHyTP91c
and “Wayward Girl” with DoBro guitar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kactUjHB2PM&feature=related
I keep following at their tour schedule – but they haven’t appeared near here. This March, they are playing at the Black Banjo Gathering in NC.
Enjoy!