Staunton - Sometimes the most surprising events become the most rewarding when you enjoy something that you least expected.  When a friend of mine suggested I listen to a band called Chatham County Line, and since we share some of the same interests in bluegrass, I anxiously anticipated their performance at the new venue the Mockingbird in Staunton, Virginia.  This happened all within a 24-hour time period, which makes this review surprising, yet memorable because of how much I enjoyed Chatham County Lines’ North Carolina twang infused with rockabilly romance.  The four-piece band was composed of Dare Wilson, (lead vocals, guitar, and harmonica), John Teer, (violin, mandolin, vocals), Chandler Holt, (banjo, backup vocals), and Greg Readling (stand up bass, backup vocals).  The Mockingbird proved to be a very warm and inviting scene for the show, with close viewing and excellent service throughout.  The owner Wade Luhn and manager Kellie Eckert were in charge of hosting the event, and as Luhn introduced Chatham County Line to the stage with their single Chatham County Line microphone, I knew this was going to be a show that I was sure to enjoy.  It was interesting to see how they maneuvered around their single microphone, altering the emphasis of specific sounds and instrumentation at different moments around each other, but still maintaining unity and a tight-knit assembly that echoed striking harmonic and melodic intonations.

This being their first stop on their Wildwood Tour (in honor of their fifth release Wildwood) they began nicely with an enthusiastic fan base by their side equally impressive as the players that graced the stage.  It was a privilege to be privy to their performance as I sat up front and center.  The music filled our ears with buoyant rhythms, and put the audience in extremely high spirits.  I ached to kick my chair back, grab anyone willing, and start dancing the two-step.  There is no mistaking North Carolina bluegrass.  It is unique as it is traditional.  Bluegrass has a way of making you feel alive.  I cannot express the joy I feel when I think of the Appalachians, the bluegrass that has sung for years through its mothering trees, making you want to wrap your lover up in a waltz, and dance through the mountains.  As Chatham County Line opened, dressed in their suits and boots, I felt right at home.  My feet rocked along to the intricate rhythms and vocal synchronization that reverberated throughout the floor.  My mind cleared, and my heart filled while blissfully listening to pretty notes that made me blush and my hair stand up on my arms, which is the effect of instantly liking music that you hear for the first time.

When Chatham County Line emerged, it was just the introduction to their personality as a band. They were clever and upbeat, putting that emotion into their music at every moment, while transferring that energy and enthusiasm to the crowd.  It seemed every song was a reflection of true emotion.  Songs such as "Honeymoon" and "She Waits for Me" were sweet Carolinian lullabies that brought back poignant memories.  The ambiance of these particular songs captures the memory of falling in love that includes everything that is beautiful, hypnotizing, and piercing.  Music such as this results from fine instrumentation and sharp lyricism.  Musicians that pull this off have the power to transfer such intensity of emotion into the music - where music, experience, and emotion bleed together becoming one smooth ride…

It is impossible to review Chatham County Line without speaking of the players that made such music possible.  Dare Wilson’s guitar and two sets of harmonicas were fluid and serene motions that radiated heat.  His teeth-gritting vocals along with John Teer’s vocal skill made a nice arrangement of harmonic substance that was excellent.  John Teer’s higher vocal range echoed throughout the Mockingbird, and in fact sounded like a mockingbird himself… When he started playing the violin, it was almost as if another voice joined the group.  It, along with his heavenly mandolin, added another layer of density that graced our presence.  There were string quartet and gospel accents that highlighted these layers which ricocheted like invisible bullets throughout the audience and settled into the hearts of us all that listened.  Chandler Holt, who played the banjo and John Readling, the bassist, were the two elements within the band that I considered the backbone and the consistent force behind this Chatham County line.  Both Chandler and John were flawless.  Chandler’s banjo rang as if someone was tap dancing upon the instrument, never missing a beat.  As the banjo danced, the violin sang, and the harmonica added an essential spark that Chandler handled with accuracy.  In regards to the internal backbone, John Readling provided taut support and structure found within the core of the performances.  He held tight to the rhythms that stirred like a deep tenor within an opera, gracefully making subtle strides within the underpinning of the beat, much like waves rocking a boat along.

In conclusion, the Chatham County Line was an unexpected surprise I will not forget.  It was as impressive as it was refreshing to listen to music that has continued to surround and inspire me throughout the years.  Chatham County Line was a performance that was a joy on every single level!  No one should miss such a superb act.  They also indulged the audience with three encores that left everyone standing in ovation.  For future i nformation and show listings, please visit ChathamCountyLine.com.  You can visit additional shows at the Mockingbird, as well as observing their “artisan fare and roots music,” located at 123 West Beverley, Staunton, Virginia, 2401.  They have been open since October, and offer an array of fresh ingredients from local farms in the area, as well as offering spirits and the aroma of hospitality.  The music hall is specifically a listening venue, which enhanced our attention to Chatham County Line’s performance and we eagerly await another opportunity to absorb other exciting music at the Mockingbird.  You can find the Mockingbird at Mockingbird123.com.

By Director and Correspondent: Helen Brown

Although originally from Marion Junction, Alabama, Helen has been living in Virginia for the last three years because she absolutely loves the Blue Ridge Mountains.  She attended Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia, gaining a degree in Philosophy and Psychology.  Helen moved to Charlottesville on a whim because of the unique music scene, interest in the food and wine Industry, and the desire to incorporate music into her professional aspirations.  She is looking forward to listening to an array of eclectic music, observing the local talent, and meeting some interesting people while working with the Magazine33 team!  See you around town ...

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