Keep on Walkin'

The Grascals

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 15, 2008)
• Original Release Date: July 15, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B0017V8PIK
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,777 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Already among the most beloved and revered of contemporary bluegrass groups, The Grascals reach new levels of power and confidence with their third album, Keep On Walkin'. Their trademark blend of traditional bluegrass and classic country with more modern elements has been further strengthened and refined by endless touring, and is showcased on an impeccable selection of songs highlighting both their freewheeling, infectious side and a more introspective, thoughtful perspective. Vocally, the trio of Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson, and Terry Smith are tighter than ever, cutting loose on driving solo vocals and soaring trios with equal fire and passion. As an instrumental unit, The Grascals have never sounded sharper, with mandolin ace Danny Roberts and new banjo player Aaron McDaris leading the charge. Versatile, soulful, and sincere, two-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners The Grascals make classic bluegrass entirely relevant in the here and now, without losing sight of the music's timeless roots.

"Excellent songwriting, incredible musicianship, and a band tightness that only comes from extensive touring makes this third Grascals record my new favorite."-Dierks Bentley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's ok, October 14, 2008

By	P. Hass - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep on Walking a CD, January 4, 2009

By	S. Jensen (Topsham, ME) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a Chance of Walking Out on Grascals' New CD , December 20, 2008

By	T. Yap "thy4568" (Sydney, NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.