Search - Grascals :: Long List of Heartaches

Chad H. from CROSS CITY, FL
Reviewed on 6/11/2007...

Excellent CD!

Getting better

MrQ | USA | 09/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These boys do a right fine job and are definitely worth following. It's apparent that they are shooting for a distinctive style, something above the usual and overdone fare of most Bluegrassers today.



The selections on this CD are well balanced in that they keep light listeners interested while also providing keen observers a good showcase for their diverse talent. Close study reveals that Terry Eldredge and Jamie Johnson both make for outstanding lead singers. The trios are as expected---Good, but this reviewer finds the duets to be the most entertaining. Terry and Jamie have obviously worked hard to match one another's phrasings and slurs, so much so that they leave the listener yearning for more.



As for the boy's picking abilities, here are some random thoughts:



**Unbelievable as it may be, the rhythm guitar is actually playing RHYTHM---as opposed to a stream of punchy syncopated nerve-racking stabs that MIMIC rhythm. KUDOS.

**Having one good lead singer in a band is a plus, but two is nearly unbeatable. Let Jamie sing more, please.

**The fiddle is charmingly understated but excellent. Thanks Guys.



If any criticism is worthy of mention, it would be this: LOSE THE COVERS.

Flatt, Scruggs, and Monroe songs, notwithstanding their importance, have been done to death, to the point that the carcass no longer attracts the skinniest of vultures. As for the Osborne Brothers' signature songs, there's no way under the sun that the boys will ever come close to reaching the peak of that mountain, much less Base Camp. Replace "Roll Muddy River" with another "Long List of Heartaches"---THAT'S where the money is.



If the Grascals continue striving for better recordings, that is, sharpen their abilities, select their material more carefully, and make their sound palatable for more folks, then success is just around the corner for them."

Second "cup" good as the first!

John A. Gregorio | Castalian Springs, TN | 09/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whether in concert or the studio the Grascals have set the bar high for contemporary bluegrass bands! The music is real bluegrass not so diluted with other influences as to be "no-grass" The guest stars,George Jones, add to the music rather than just add a name to the cd for selling power.

The playing is top notch and the vocals are perfect in harmony and pitch. These guys can sing.

Highly recommended."