Rhiannon Giddens: A Musical Homecoming in Feathers

Rhiannon Giddens embarks on a musical homecoming with her latest album, "Hope Is the Thing With Feathers." This collection anchors her wide-ranging explorations in her deep Carolina roots, signaling a return to her origins after a decade of diverse solo work. The album celebrates community and resilience, drawing from Giddens' rich musical past.

"Hope Is the Thing With Feathers" features a vibrant tapestry of collaborators, uniting musicians from across Giddens' career. This includes long-time associates like Dirk Powell and Jason Sypher, alongside Congolese guitarist Niwel Tsumbu and fellow Carolina Chocolate Drops member Justin Robinson. The inclusion of studio chatter and raw renditions of folk standards like "Old Cluck Hen" lends the album a loose, live feel.

Giddens masterfully balances original material with interpretations of influential folk artists such as Elizabeth Cotten and Ola Belle Reed. Songs like "Carolina Rain" hint at her smoother solo work, while others, like the ballad "Wish in Vain," address poignant contemporary issues like the refugee crisis. The album's title track, inspired by Emily Dickinson, sets a tone of enduring strength.

The collection seamlessly blends diverse musical eras and sensibilities, from traditional gospel duets with her sister Lalenja Harrington to modern-day social commentary. Giddens emphasizes the connective thread of human experience, demonstrating that within her music, borders of time and culture dissolve into a universal celebration.