Best of Molasses Creek: 1993-2000 ~ 2001

Off the coast of North Carolina lies Ocracoke Island, a magical place where stunning natural beauty mixes with community to create a rich melting pot of musical traditions. Square-dances, pot lucks, and back porch pickin’ are all an integral part of this tiny town whose physical isolation (its only access is by ferry) has helped to preserve a communal appreciation of the roots of culture — especially in regards to music. Molasses Creek’s humble beginnings arose and flourished amidst these rich tidewater marshes. Kitty and Gary Mitchell debuted their performing talents in productions of “A Tale of Blackbeard” in the 70’s and early 80’s, and later in a series of “Island Cabarets.” When this duo successfully lured Fiddler Dave from college (using exotic women bearing fig preserves), the final dob of sorghum dripped into place. Molasses Creek recorded their first album, “Ocracoke Island,” at the conclusion of the summer of 1993. Over the next seven years they released three more CDs “Ocracoke Island II: The Sequel,” “Wildheart,” and “Citybound.” The trio has been joined on these projects by a great many friends and fine musicians . . . Martin Garrish, Stan Brown, Louis Allen, Jubal Creech, Noah Paley, Bob Zentz, Wes Lassiter . . . Nashville legends David Grier and Vassar Clements . . . the list flows on . . . Over the years Molasses Creek’s renown has spread like . . . well . . . molasses. Slowly but surely their performances and recordings have drifted across the United States and around the world — from their very own Deepwater Theater on Ocracoke, to festivals and concert halls throughout the East, to the top of the European Country Music Association charts in 1999 (where they also received nomination for Independent ECMA Band of the Year). In April of 2000 they competed live from New York City’s Town Hall on “A Prairie Home Companion’s `Talent from Towns Under 2000’” contest, and an audience of over three million listeners awarded the band First Runner Up. This album represents a historical cross-section of Molasses Creek. It includes a veritable panoply (a common term around the Molasses household) of songs and tunes from previous albums, as well as a number of new never-before-released works. Featured on this project is the live version (from the “Prairie Home Companion” show) of the Gary Mitchell classic “The Waterman,” some new Celtic jigs from Fiddler Dave, and many more great originals that will make you laugh, cry, dance, sing, and possibly other things (of your own choosing). In conclusion, let us raise our biscuits in salute to this fine group and to all of the Molasses Heads out there that have supported them over the years. HERE’S TO MANY MORE!

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