Customer Reviews

Keep on Walkin'

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

I dont know about this critic but I think Sad Wind Sighs is the best song on the disc. Great story and the picken brings tears to your eyes.I wonder how he could be soooooooooooooo wrong,

Thanks Amazon for making getting what you want asap without having to travel all over town!!

The Grascals are a top notch bluegrass group who have received much critical acclaim. They are a group of talented musicians and anyone who likes bluegrass/country music should check out their music. They have a great mix of harmony vocals and instrumentation with fiddle, banjo, etc. I have seen them in concert twice and they sound just as good live as on their albums. Bluegrass does not get much attention in today's society, but The Grascals deserve to be applauded. All 3 of their CDs are excellent and I would highly recommend them.

I listened to this album twice, and put it up for swap. The quality of musicianship and recording is superb, but to me there's something irritating about the "whiny" Appalachian sound of old time traditional bluegrass. Do not buy this if you are looking for "Progressive Bluegrass" (anything from Grisman and Sam Bush's Newgrass Revival to Railroad Earth and Green Card).

I'll say one thing, Rounder knows how to save a buck. It matters not who comes and goes---as long as the Grascals remains a six-piece band, this cover shot should work until they retire.

If for nothing else, I encourage every Bluegrass fan to buy this to hear their version of Rollin' My Sweet Baby's Arms. Of the hundreds of recordings made of this classic song, this has to be the most---RECENT.

[Turn the page]

Overall this album is a cut above the prior two releases in terms of mixing and mastering. The vocals are a bit more in your face, the instrumental solos are cut back just a tad, and the bass level and tone are much better. All of this is a welcome, albeit subtle, change.

The continued presence of original material is what draws this reviewer to these boy's products. They have proven a knack for finding good songs, and on that, careers are made. A whole album of fresh originals would be the dream buy, but 2/3 is close enough.

Covers are again present (a distraction), however they have at least pulled most from the Country genre, so then, a purpose is served. Of these, it took guts to lay down Waylon's, "The Only Daddy That Will Walk the Line". Being a fan of Waylon, it is nearly blasphemous for anyone to attempt this song (it being one of those records that simply cannot be topped---when it was done, it was DONE); however, I must say, these boys definitely did it justice---Good Job. Does anyone know who Hargus Robbins is and why he is on this CD?! The Grascals do, and hearing his piano work again is a joy. Push the roots---careers are made on originals, but their roots build the foundation. For these reasons alone, I forgive the boy's use of covers.

Personnel changes have obviously done the band little damage with their recordings, although (grinning) it should be said that overuse of another's banjo lick can't often be hidden once burned on a mass-marketed CD. [note "Man Of Constant Sorrow"].

This is another fine album from the Grascals.