CD review: Chatham County Line

The sixth studio album from this Raleigh, North Carolina, string band is a celebration of that exuberant mix of technique and traditional instrumentation (acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, double bass).

Add to that a process that allows informal jams to be spun into well-crafted, harmony-laden, lyrically strong songs and the result is essential listening for any roots-inclined soul.

This band has spent many an hour on the road and stage, and that experience is palpable, from the intricate interplay of Tightrope of Love to the quiet respect shown on piano-driven closer Final Reward.