Search - Grascals :: Keep on Walkin

It's ok

P. Hass | 10/14/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm new to bluegrass, but do like this Grascal's cd better than one from a couple years ago. Takes me to the hills when I listen to it."

Keep on Walking a CD

S. Jensen | Topsham, ME | 01/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"saw this group at a Bluegrass festival and though not being a big bluegrass fan - really enjoyed them."

Not a Chance of Walking Out on Grascals' New CD

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 12/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Remembering, Indiana, Choices



It's not nugatory to be handpicked by Dolly Parton to be the diva's opening act. In fact, ever since the inception of this sextet, Parton could not stop singing their praises. And to prove that those were not just mere flattery, within a few short years since their debut CD, this sextet has already won IBMA's Entertainer of the Year for two consecutive years. Call it three times the charm, "Keep on Walkin'" their third Rounder CD is also by far their best. Just like their previous efforts, these guys have once again infused raw fundamental bluegrass virtuoso backings with thoughtful well-chosen songs carried along in equal measure by the requsite crystalline vocals of Terry Eldredge and Jamie Johnson. Endemic to most bluegrass records, the Grascals are quite self-contained as they play most of the instruments themselves and further, they have also helmed the record themselves.



Most to be congratulated about these six men is that they are adventurous in their song selection. Never one to be confined by any rote rules, the Grascals have adventurously recorded some of country staples such as Merle Haggard's "Today I Started Loving You Again," George Jones' "Choices," and Waylon Jennings' "The Only Daddy that Will Walk the Line" in their own unique neo-bluegrassy style. "Choices," a Mike Curtis and Billy Yates composition, is a stark and dark exposition of the depravity of the human will that is well brought out by the Grascals' understated delivery. While "The Only Daddy That Will Walk the Line" enjoys a bright and sparkling treatment with some delightful dobro licks.



Of the original tracks, Harley Allen's "Remembering" is a touching story about the life an old World War 2 veteran from told from the time of "the sin of 1948" to his death. This is heart moving stuff and the Grascals avoids the maudlin by dint of unadorned reading which adds a realistic sheen that is so engaging. The reflective "Indiana" is one of those picturesque narratives that transports you to the wild fields in the summer breeze; it's a winner in every sense of the word. While the traditional "Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Arms" gets a spirited treatment showcasing some reeling lightning speed banjo works. The harmonies on the old Gospel-number "Farther Along" are so divine that even the atheist will even shed a tear.



However, such high caliber is slightly tapered by a few mediocre tunes. Not that it's ropey in any sense but "Sad Wind Sighs" (which has such a great title) is letdown by its average melody. Even the vocal input of Vince Gill could not save "Sad Wind Sighs" from its banality. Likewise, "Feeling Blue" is one of those obligatory sped-up bluegrass rompers that bears not much identity on its own merit. Nevertheless, despite these quibbles, Grascals' "Keep on Walkin'" is a keeper. Bold, brash, exciting and heartfelt--bluegrass in the hands of these six men is a feast to be enjoyed again and again.

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