First off, I totally agree: Ndidi and Allison are amazing talents! Not only did Allison write “If Wishes Were Gold”, she also plays banjo and clarinet on the album. I’ve witnessed Ndidi mesmerize thousands of people with her voice and charisma. See them both live!

I also agree: the songs are all over the place—from the 1830s Jump, Jim Crow to Allison’s millennial original is a pretty wide swath. Perhaps it was too wide. Are you familiar with the first album, Colored Aristocracy? That one, too, is broad—including classic blues, early jazz, jug band, one Jamaican tune, spoken word, even an African-based song, Jalidong. (https://www.discogs.com/Carolina-Chocolate-Drops-Sankofa-Strings-Colored-Aristocracy/release/7677291)

Yes; the selected tunes may have worked better either done live, or as a CD with audio interludes. Great idea….

You don’t agree with the track order; you make a good arguement. I know it’s been a long time, but I would love to hear what you think a better sequence would be; really.

Glad you loved our re-working of Sly’s 1974 recording, “Can’t Strain My Brain’, too. Proud of that one, for sure!

I noticed you mis-heard the lyrics for “Brown Skin Girl”. Yes; “make her brown skin mine” sounds kinda creepy. The line is to trip on down the road and “…make that Brown-Skin mine”.

One more thing: what’s the “cringe-worthy awkwardness” of “What’s the Use of Getting Sober”, a classic tune from my father’s generation? Was it the minstrel/vaudeville/Amos & Andy-like banter? Do let me know. Have you heard Louis Jordan’s original (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1kUGewkFpQ)?

Thanks for the overall positive review.

Súle Greg Wilson
http://www.SuleGregWilson.com

PS: Could you clarify this: ““Sankofa” Played with this name by timing the song to a perfect four minutes and twenty seconds.”?

Thanks! — SGW