Ahead of their new album, Tightrope, which is out now on Yep Roc, North Carolinians Chatham County Line have put together a very special collection of songs hand-picked by the band from throughout their 20-odd year career. The time has seen them release six studio albums, seamlessly blending their take on the traditions which they are part of, and their strong sense of southern musical heritage.
The CCL sound is strong and distinctive–made up of Dave Wilson (guitar), John Teer (mandolin, fiddle), Chandler Hold (banjo), and Greg Readling (bass)–with the different parts fitting together like the cogs of a trusted machine. The way the instruments “drop in” together on opener “The Traveler” is something to behold. The song acts as a memory of the experiences of travelling and realising that there is nothing in the world like lost love. Wilson is more than just another guitarist-lead singer, with real range and depth to accompany the sliding guitar and popping, rolling banjo.
The CCL sound rolls and ranges, adding blues harp to “Out Of The Running.” Here, the addition of steel guitar sends the song into slightly Simon & Garfunkel-like territory, all longing and bittersweet, blending country and bluegrass together in a natural fit.
I really did experience a sensation of shock and wonder when I heard “The Carolinian”–shock and wonder as to how good it is, and how real the story and the emotion feels. The song takes you right into that place, onto that train, into the mind of the character, as he “began to wish my life away…” It’s helped by a perfect bluegrass backing. The way Hold’s banjo drops in unites the classic and the modern, as we reflect on life’s chances and opportunities, wondering how it would be if things had been different.
“By The Riverside” is a more relaxed, lazy ode to kicking back, letting go of responsibilities, and doing what you want. We return to train stories with the stately “Louisiana Freight Train.” The story may be one of regret, but the harmonies and instrumentation show the completeness of a band in total control of their work.
“Chip Of A Star” is just great, epic music, rolling along as a mirror to life. Conjuring summery highways, meadows, and relaxing evenings with incredible, real music, the banjo roll and chopping rhythm is risen above by the soaring voices. A loving, reverential tribute to a “beautiful friend”, it is yet more evidence that the band offers bluegrass and more; and that’s the way CCL does things others don’t.
“Wildwood” has a more classic sound, which introduces other sounds–a piano line around a constant fiddle and banjo presence. Closer “Let It Rock,” as the title suggests, hangs loose with a live, rock approach. This fun, tongue-in-cheek outro evokes the Byrds or the Eagles, with bluegrass instrumentation.
Rendezvous is a treat, for fans old and new, showing off the style and versatility which have made Chatham County Line enduring favourites throughout their career. It contains some wonderful songs, played and sung quite brilliantly. Make sure you check it out, and also pick up their new album, which is available now.
http://noisetrade.com/chathamcountyline/rendezvous
Originally published on Strictly Roots
