Dom Flemons
The American Songster: Prospect Hill
Music Maker Relief Foundation

Dom Flemons was one third of The Carolina Chocolate Drops who formed in 2005 immediately following the first Black Banjo Gathering. They’ve recorded five albums; three for The Music Maker Relief Foundation and two for Nonesuch Records. This is Flemons second solo recording and first since he has left the Chocolate Drops.

One might compare The Carolina Chocolate Drops to The Weavers. The Weavers recorded between 1948 and 1964 and at times featured Pete Seeger and Erik Darling (The Rooftop Singers). The Chocolate Drops music is similar to theirs but also draws on Piedmont Blues. Piedmont Blues includes elements of ragtime, country music and popular music. It is performed acoustically usually as a duo or trio. The Chocolate Drops music also includes early jazz, hot band string music, and African and Caribbean music. We are reminded that the banjo originally had four strings and is an African instrument.

On this album Flemons plays guitar, harmonica, jug, banjo, and snare drum. Guy Davis guests on eight of the fourteen tracks. Flemons reverence for this music is obvious and his clear vocals a pleasure to hear. He has written or re-arranged most of the music but credits his influences. “Til The Seas Run Dry” features Brian Horton on clarinet. Flemons states this song is influenced by his love of New Orleans jazz. “Polly Put The Kettle On” is a string band tune Flemons learned from a Sonny Boy Williamson compilation. “But They Got It Fixed Right On” is from Georgia Tom Dorsey and Tampa Red. “Have I Stayed Away Too Long” comes from Blind James Campbell. “I Can’t Do It Anymore” was influenced by Fats Domino, Carl Perkins and Hank Ballard. “Too Long (I’ve Been Gone)” reminds me of a song by Tom Paxton. It’s about the loneliness of the road. “San Francisco Baby” reminds me of a song from Jesse Fuller. “My Money Never Runs Out” is from Gus Cannon.

Flemons is the real deal and this album a significant step in his career. He is a pleasure to listen to and his work for The Music Maker Relief Foundation evidence of a reverence for those who came before him. If you are unaware of Flemons you absolutely have to hear this album.

Richard Ludmerer