Originally Posted July 2012 Reposted and Updated Nov 2025

The other band that I’ve been listening to over the last few days is Molasses Creek and their new album An Island Out of Time.  The island in question is Ocracoke Island, NC. which according to their website is:

Only accessible by ferry, Ocracoke is an enchanting step out of modern times into a world of captivating natural beauty, rich maritime history, ghostly shipwrecks, heroic lifesavers, crafty pirates, and a community of 900 independently minded residents.

 An Island Out of Time is  the twelfth albums they’ve recorded over the past 19 years. In April of 2012, An Island Out of Time  reached the #4 spot on the National Folk Radio DJ Charts! (It is now at number 61, which is where  I spotted it)

About Molasses Creek

Molasses Creek’s is a collaboration of some great musicians including:  Gary Mitchell (guitar/vocals), Fiddler Dave Tweedie (fiddle/vocals), Lou Castro (dobro/bass/vocals), Marcy Brenner (mandolin/banjolin/bass/vocals), and Gerald Hampton (mandolin/upright bass). Their musicianship is for me the highlight of the album and their vocals and harmonies are not far behind!  

What others say about the band:

 The band’s combination of harmony, humor, and love for the island they call home gives their work a distinct sound and vision.
~ Sing Out Magazine

Molasses Creek seamlessly blends traditional sounds with a contemporary vibe. They are extraordinary musicians with an uncanny blend.
~ Sandy Oxx, Executive Director of the Carroll Country Arts Council

My Thoughts

So if you haven’t heard them check them out, as for me as always I have their back catalog to check out!!

Well, you know I love the fiddle player in most bands and Dave Tweedie joins my ever growing list of favorites, so here is a video that features Dave and some great fiddling! (oh, and I always enjoy the instrumentals on most albums)

Post Update

Usually this point in a post there is a video or playlist. But tonight I want to add some extra thoughts. Since I’ve written this post I have listen to less and less folk and bluegrass music. Actually, when I first started this post I didn’t really remember Molasses Creek. But once I saw the album cover memories of the band came floating back. Finally, when I listened to the album I said “Yes” I remember the band now! Great vocals and songs and even better instrumentals. You yes I still thinks Dave’s fiddle playing is outstanding!

So here instead of a short playlist of the tracks on An Island Out of Time here’s the whole album!

An Island Out of Time

My Last Words

Molasses Creek’s music is like a fine wine — it can be savored long after it was first poured. And as for me, I fully intend to keep enjoying every drop.

The post Molasses Creek Music from “An Island Out of Time” appeared first on .

What stuck, what faded, and the thrill of the hunt

Back in [Year of Original Trip], my son Nick and I made a trip to the Princeton Record Exchange.
Nick had a gift certificate from his brother Andrew and some birthday cash from us.
We both came home with a boatload of CDs.
As usual, my picks fell into three categories:

• Known and liked
• Heard the name, not the music
• Complete unknowns

Looking back now, years later, here’s what stuck with me and what didn’t.

🎵 Known and Liked (The Safe Bets)

1. Mary Gauthier – Between Daylight and Dark
   A great songwriter with a gift for capturing the Southern sense of place.
   This one stuck—I still return to her songs, especially after rediscovering The Foundling.
2. Jeffrey Foucault – Ghost Repeater (2006)
   Produced by Bo Ramsey, this album still hits.
   The title track became a quiet favorite over time.
3. Grayson Capps – Wail & Ride
   I loved his storytelling and post-Katrina New Orleans vibe.
   “Can’t Find My Way” became one of the lasting tracks from this haul.
4. Milt Jackson – The Harem (1991)
   At the time, I hadn’t spun it yet—but this lineup (Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Cedar Walton, Kenny Washington, Bob Cranshaw) is hard to beat.
   It ended up sticking as a late-night jazz favorite.
5. Greg Trooper – Floating (2003)
   Greg has always been a favorite.
   I still smile thinking about “Muhammad Ali (The Meaning of Christmas)”—a track Steve Earle said he went home and learned after first hearing it.

🎧 Heard the Name, Not the Music

6. Walter Parks – [Album Name, 2009]
   At the time, I was curious. His tremolo guitar and swampy Americana sounded promising.
   It didn’t become a rotation staple, but it was a pleasant surprise for a few months.
7. Nawang Khechog – Karuna (1995)
   I bought this knowing her work with R. Carlos Nakai.
   Produced by Kitaro, it turned into a perfect work‑day ambient listen, even if it never became a personal classic.

🔍 The Unknowns

This is where crate‑digging is pure adventure.
Some of those unknowns were one‑and‑done spins; others quietly became hidden gems.
Looking back, these are the albums that faded from memory versus the ones that still pop up in my rotation.

🎵 Reflection

Trips like this remind me that music collecting is part treasure hunt, part memory bank.
Some albums become lifelong companions.
Others were just passing acquaintances—but even those had their moment.
Years later, I can trace these CDs back to that day with Nick at PREX, which makes them all part of my musical journey.

🌱 Roots and Leaves in music – some songs take root, others drift away.
Explore More Music Memories →

💿 Next Crate Safari Awaits!
Exploring thrift stores, record exchanges, and dusty shelves has its rewards.
Some albums become instant favorites, others are happy surprises along the way.
Browse More Crate Safaris →

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