Wildwood

North Carolina’s Chatham County Line are a band of strong, traditional bluegrass musicians who are not afraid to expand the definition of bluegrass. Sure, they can burn the barn down with the quick-stepping “Heart Attack,” or use their banjos, mandolins and fiddles to remain true to their music’s tradition, but they’re also not afraid to add drums on “Saturdays and Sundays” and “Out of the Running” or throw the pedal steel guitar in there for some deep country on the title track.  “Porcelain Doll” could be an acoustic ballad on a folksinger’s album from the early ‘70s; its gentle orchestration is simply sublime. There’s as much Gram Parsons as Bill Monroe in their wheelhouse and the extra territory makes Wildwood an emotionally compelling listen. “Honeymoon” aches with the sound of a musical joy that one wishes could be forever sustained. “Blue Jay Way” (not the Beatles tune) works through somber harmonies and a cautious pace for true poignancy. CCL have found a way to balance tradition with a fresh approach that’s equally authentic.