Chatham County Line @ The World Cafe 4.6.08

It does make you feel kind of cool, sitting at the bar of upstairs of The World Cafe, drinking a Chimay that I can't really afford, and next to me a camera that I really have no idea how to use. I've spent the past three hours in the fantastic coffee shop next door, and I'm anxious for the show to begin.
The opening band is a groups of Philly locals who go by the monicker "The Great Unknown"; a four piece comprised of two guitars, a drummer, and a banjo. They play a simple, sweet kind of blue grass that keeps the crowd's attention, particularly the drunk sitting next to me at the bar.
The drunk is dressed in the "Traveling Business Man" uniform, complete with a spring pastel color button down shirt (collar loosened of course) and black suit pants, you could just picture the toiletry display that is still set on the sink in the his hotel room. In between songs the manager (who was dress similar to our business friend) informs the upwardly mobile traveler that he needs to stop shouting at the band before, during, and after the songs. Of course Foster Brooks takes great umbrage to being approached in such a manner, and leaves about a minute and a half before being thrown out.
There is a fine line between clever and gimmicky, this much being especially true when it comes to blue grass. But it is clear from Chatham County Line performance that evening that they avoid these pitfalls through strong song writing and sound that does not limit itself to the definitions of Blue Grass. The venue was the ideal setting to see a band that has a intimate sound. Most audience members had an enjoyable time, eating a late dinner and enjoying some evening refreshments.

Posted by
Matthew Byrd