"Leaving Eden," released in February 2012 on Nonesuch Records, is Carolina Chocolate Drops' fourth studio album, produced by Buddy Miller at his Nashville home studio. Founding members Rhiannon Giddens (fiddle, banjo, cello banjo) and Dom Flemons (percussion, banjo, guitar) are joined by Hubby Jenkins (banjo, mandolin, guitar) and Leyla McCalla (cello) — a lineup expanded beyond the original trio. The album received four stars from Rolling Stone and is considered the group's most wide-ranging statement, incorporating blues, gospel, and contemporary influences alongside the string-band revival material that defined their debut. It proved a critical turning point before Giddens began her solo career. Note: personnel cache lists Justin Robinson, who had departed the group before this recording.
Tracklist
- 1 Riro's House 2:03
- 2 Kerr's Negro Jig 1:07
- 3 Ruby Are You Mad At Your Man alt version 3:47
- 4 Boodle-De-Bum-Bum 4:03
- 5 Country Girl 3:22
- 6 Run Mountain 2:01
- 7 Leaving Eden 4:36
- 8 Read 'Em John 1:54
- 9 Mahalla 1:54
- 10 West End Blues 3:02
- 11 Po' Black Sheep 3:21
- 12 I Truly Understand That You Love Another Man 2:34
- 13 No Man's Mama 4:00
- 14 Briggs' Corn Shucking Jig / Camptown Hornpipe 2:55
- 15 Pretty Bird 4:06