Carbon Leaf has to be one of the best kept secrets in folk rock. Although the band is now marking their 20th anniversary and has recorded nine albums, the Richmond-based group has never opted for the more commercial sound that would have launched them into the big time.

“We don’t release our music until it’s time,” said Barry Privett, the band’s lyricist. “”We always try to dig a little deeper than before and [let the music] grow.”