Music Review: The Grascals' experience shows on CD
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In this image released by Rounder Records, the latest CD for The Grascals, "Keep on Walkin'," is shown. (AP Photo/Rounder Records)
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Jul 16, 1:03 PM EDT
By MICHAEL McCALL
For The Associated PressThe Grascals, "Keep On Walkin'" (Rounder) The Grascals jumped to the top of the bluegrass world as soon as the six-piece band released its 2005 debut. The group won consecutive Entertainer of the Year honors at he International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, and each of its two previous albums earned Grammy nominations. "Keep On Walkin'," the group's third album, deepens the Grascals' trademark blend of bluegrass roots and hard-country themes. Still a young band, the Grascals nonetheless are an experienced bunch. Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson, Jimmy Mattingly, Terry Smith, Danny Roberts and new banjo player Aaron McDaris, before starting their band, logged time with top bluegrass acts the Osborne Brothers and Larry Cordle as well as with country stars Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton, among others. The Grascals put their spin on songs from the repertoire of Country Music Hall of Famers George Jones ("Choices") and Merle Haggard ("Today I Started Loving You Again") as well as bluegrass legends Flatt & Scruggs ("Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms") and the Osbornes ("Can't You Hear That Whistle Blow"). But the group is at its best when drawing on favorite contemporary writers like Aubrey Holt ("Sad Wind Sighs") and Harley Allen ("Remembering"), which shows how strong this tight-knit combo sounds when building a repertoire of their own. CHECK THIS OUT: The go-for-broke "Happy Go Lucky" breaks modern bluegrass' moral constraints with a song that celebrates drinking, gambling and loving as worthy, wild-eyed pursuits. © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy. | 
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