Even in their origins as a bluegrass-oriented band, North Carolina’s Chatham County Line always emphasized songcraft and lyrics. It comes naturally to their lead singer, guitarist, and principal lyricist, Dave Wilson, whose mother is the noted poet Dede Wilson.

That’s not to disparage their picking skills: They’re terrific players. But it makes sense, given these tendencies and their influences, that they’ve evolved toward Americana and even rock, incorporating electric guitar and drums, without abandoning John Teer’s graceful mandolin and fiddle. On Thursday evening at Jammin’ Java, CCL proved once again what a great band they truly are.