With blurred lines connecting all different subgenres of country music, it”s often hard to know where to start. But fans of americana/roots rock/singer-songwriter genres have an entry point for bluegrass with Chatham County Line. The band”s lead singer Dave Wilson has put together another stellar set of songs that include, but are not limited to, traditional bluegrass instruments (banjo, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and bass). The band is not afraid to show off its instrumental chops too. They have the sound of one microphone. Where instruments and voices fade in and out of the spotlight as needed. They blend together and stand apart when necessary.
Many bluegrass bands focus deeply technique but CCL is a bit different. Oh sure, they certainly have the chops, but they are focused on the songs. Dave Wilson said of the new album, “you want to write songs that have a reason for existing. For Tightrope, there was a lot of scrutinizing. We wanted every song to make the future Greatest Hits.” Take the leadoff track “Traveler.” The lead-in is straight acoustic guitar strumming. But when Chandler Hold”s banjo appears, you know it”s true bluegrass. Another singer-songwriter/americana sounding lead-in comes starts “Girl She Used to Be.” The verses feature Dave Wilson and his acoustic guitar with standup bass, and only in the choruses do we get the sonic texture of banjo and John Teer”s mandolin. Wilson”s acoustic guitar playing sounds more like rock licks in spots than bluegrass runs.
Back to uptempo bluegrass, “Tightrope of Love” has a much more driven rhythmical bluegrass sound. The band”s tight vocal and instrumental harmonies casino are certainly on display here, particularly Hold”s up the neck banjo playing. While the instrumental passages, hallmarks of bluegrass, are certainly present, they never get in the way of the song.
Another beautiful composition, “Hawk,” showcases Dave Wilson”s songcraft. The tune builds into the same driving bluegrass sound in the chorus. And wait, there”s that pedal steel in the background. It doesn”t dominate the song so much as accentuate the emotional moments and heighten them.
Dave Wilson used to be in a rock band in Raleigh (Stillhouse) and he clearly brings much of that experience to the genre of bluegrass. The band has managed to bring tight songcraft, harmonies, and musicianship together in one package. And that unmistakable joy is present particularly on “Will You Still Love Me.” It”s a song I could listen to over and over.
Once you listen to this album and get a hankering, I wouldn”t waste any time and get a few more CCL records. You won”t be disappointed.
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.