An Evening with Chatham County Line April 14, 2011

Ten years in, the four gentlemen of Chatham County Line 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. "You ever hear of someone wearing out a tie?" Teer plays mandolin and fiddle and sings high tenor for the band. 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."

It's this sense of dedication that fuels songs such as Crop Comes In, a great showcase for the addition of drums to the band's usual all-string lineup. "Yeah, so we have Zeke Hutchins (Tift Merritt, Sara Watkins, Hotel Lights) sitting there in the studio on a rare break from the road, so lets put him to work," Wilson explains. "Though we're still going to tour as a four piece acoustic band, a record is something special, right?

A moment that lasts forever." It's this feeling of an album as an encapsulated work of art that drives Wildwood for the listener. But where drums creep into the background of a few choice cuts, it's the acoustic roots of the band that really shine on the record. Evidenced in songs like Wildwood, Honeymoon, and especially Porcelain Doll--an ode to the children appearing in their midst. "Yeah, all my friends have kids and car seats and diapers and can't go out on the weekends anymore," states Dave, "so I put a song on there for them, 'cause I understand the beauty of that little life in your hands." As for the future, CCL plans on touring extensively behind Wildwood over the next year as well as continuing to write the songs that got them this far. "As long as they keep building vans and making ties," Dave says, "we're gonna keep wearing them out."

The band is currently on their never-ending tour, focusing on Wildwood as well as their previous four records. On the road they've been seen on the stages of festivals such as Merlefest, Grey Fox, Rockygrass, The Winnipeg Folk Fest, Pickathon, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Shakori Hills, Bristol Rhythm and Roots, Pickin' in the Pines, 3 Sisters, Bergenfest (NO), Lowlands (NL), Take Root (NL), & Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots (IE). Radio and TV appearances include Later. . . with Jools Holland (BBC 2), God Morgen Norge (NO), Bob Harris Country (BBC 2), McLean's Country (BBC IE), Shouting Boots Radio 6 (NL), NRK Lydverket (NO), World Cafe Live (WXPN), The State of Things (WUNC), and numerous other national, regional, local, and interweb broadcasts. As always you can stay up to date at www.chathamcountyline.com.

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