Chatham County Line
at
Low Spirits
Ticket price is subject to change at door
Ten years in, the four gentlemen of Chatham County Line [web site | Amazon.com] have a lot to reflect on: sold out shows in the US and abroad, appearances on national radio & TV, four solid selling records, and four really dirty suits.
"We want to be the band that puts on the most professional show in the business of what we do," says singer/guitarist/songwriter Dave Wilson. "If you've taken your time to be there for us, we are going to prove we are there for you."
It's that sincerity of showmanship and professionalism that has led to countless miles on the road for CCL. "We've worn out two vans by now and I've actually worn out a few ties as well," says John Teer, who plays mandolin and fiddle and sings high tenor for the band. "You ever hear of someone wearing out a tie?"
It is this commitment that has fans driving hundreds of miles to see Chatham County Line at work on the road. "We've had fans travel from another country to catch a show," reflects banjoist Chandler Holt, continuing, "That's when you know you're doing something right." Releasing IV to critical acclaim in 2008, CCL was invited to be on Later. . . with Jools Holland on BBC 2 in the UK, alongside such acts as The Raconteurs, Nick Cave, and Bon Iver. "Now that was a party," muses standup bassist Greg Readling. "When you've got those guys coming up and introducing themselves to you, all the miles just melt away."
The newest addition to their catalog, Wildwood, is no departure from the path CCL has been carving during its decade of existence. Another strong batch of songs, with solid melodies and lyrics, telling the tales of what all those years on the road have brought to them. "I guess I'm out of the running / Thanks for your applause," sings Dave Wilson on the track "Out of the Running." "We may never grace the cover of Rolling Stone," Dave says, "but at this point, that is not something we care about. We might reach for the stars, but we're mostly concerned with making great music that speaks to us and our fans."
"Perhaps the most striking thing is the balance and harmony of the vocals. Wilson is lead singer with his distinctive and emotive voice. He's joined on most songs by John Teer with [Chandler] Holt and [Greg] Readling all added their voices to powerful effect. Using the central microphone situation of traditional bluegrass, they weave in and out of position to allow one instrument or another to take lead focus... The audience loved them." (Lonesome Highway)
