The Grascals

Chris Davis Joins the Grascals

10 May, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Grascals have announced the addition of bluegrass veteran, Chris Davis on guitar and lead vocals. Davis is no stranger to bluegrass music, having worked with some of the top bands in the industry since he was a teenager. Growing up in the bluegrass hotbed of southwestern Ohio, Davis follows in the tradition of The Osborne Brothers, Larry Sparks, Dave Evans, and more bluegrass stars who got their start in the Dayton, Ohio area.

Chris is a third generation bluegrass musician. Chris’ father, Danny Davis, is a respected traditional bluegrass singer in the Miami Valley of Ohio. It is with his father and grandfather (Elzie Davis) that Chris got his start as a teenager playing alongside them in the Davis Brothers Band. Chris remained a fixture in the regional bluegrass scene for many years, before bursting on to the national scene with Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time in 2006.

In addition to Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, he has worked with some of the biggest names in bluegrass and beyond. Over the years, Davis has provided support to Melvin & Ray Goins, Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Wildfire, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, and even country superstars, Diamond Rio.

Chris Davis’ talent as a harmony vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist is very well known to bluegrass fans. However, he is really excited for the opportunity to showcase his abilities as a lead singer and guitarist.

I’ve always wanted to play guitar and sing lead in a band, and I never dreamed it would be with The Grascals! I am so excited for this change in my music career, and I can’t wait to hit the road and get in the studio… this is going to be great – Chris Davis.

The Grascals are really looking forward to this new chapter. Having been a fan of Chris for a long time, they are excited to showcase his talents, and show audiences why his lead singing is the “best kept secret in bluegrass,” according to Danny Roberts, founding member of The Grascals.

We (The Grascals) can’t wait for our fans and friends to hear Chris Davis with us in his new role as lead singer/guitar player, along with John Bryan.
Chris is a gifted, soulful singer and a great guitar player, and the vocal blend with Terry (Smith) and John (Bryan) is outstanding! The Grascals are very pleased to welcome Chris Davis to the band — Danny Roberts.

The Grascals’ award-winning banjo player, Kristin Scott Benson previously worked with Davis and can speak first hand for what he brings to the table.

I traveled with Chris for five years prior to The Grascals, and I always enjoyed working with him — musically and personally. I’m really stoked that he’s one of us (The Grascals) now – Kristin Scott Benson.

The addition of Chris Davis to The Grascals follows founding member, Terry Eldredge’s decision to leave the road. The Grascals wish Terry all of the best in his future endeavors. He has been a veteran of the bluegrass industry for decades, and has been a hero to many, including Kristin Scott Benson.

I grew up watching Terry Eldredge play and sing. He’s a hero of mine and it has been an absolute privilege to stand beside him for eleven years – Kristin Scott Benson.

More importantly than gracing bluegrass stages for three decades, Terry Eldredge has been a friend to the entire bluegrass industry, and we will definitely miss his smile on the road. Fellow Grascals founder, Terry Smith shares these words about his good buddy, “El”.

It has always been hard for people to think of one Terry without thinking of the other. After nearly 30 years of performing together, it’s tough for me to even imagine being on stage without him. I have never had a better friend or a better band mate than Terry Eldredge. I will certainly miss him and I wish him the very best.
I have known Chris Davis and his musical talent for some time. He is a wonderful musician and singer and I am looking forward to having him as one of the Grascals – Terry “Smitty” Smith.

We wish you the best, El. Once a Grascal, always a Grascal. Thanks for the memories.

The Grascals are currently working on a new album for Mountain Home Records, slated to be released in 2019. For information on the band, visit their website, www.grascals.com.

The Grascals – Heartbreak Hall of Fame

12 Nov, 18 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Smooth but driving with a classic sound, Heartbreak Hall of Fame merges vintage Country with modern Bluegrass in just the right way, a combination the Grascals do so well. Written by Larry Joe Cox, Ray Edwards and Dicky Minor, it tells the story of unrequited love and a man whose suffering is endured through this bitter lament.

Lead vocals are performed by the band’s young, talked-about singer John Bryan with sterling Grascals harmonies by the recognised voice of Terry Eldredge and the resonant baritone of Terry Smith. Heartbreak Hall of Fame is the most recent single from this band’s upcoming release that follows the success of their 2017 release, Before Breakfast.

“Somewhere in the record books, There will be your name, and a list of all the hearts you broke while you played your cheatin’ game”

Take a listen to Heartbreak Hall of Fame.

About The Grascals:

Great musicians will always find a way to make good music, but for great musicians to make great music, they must form a bond – one that, more often than not, goes beyond the purely musical to the personal. For The Grascals, that bond has been forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years.

Their cutting-edge modern bluegrass is delivered with a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. It’s a unique sound that has earned three Grammy® nominations and two Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as national media attention that seems to perpetually elude acts entrenched in niche genres. Such appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS’ The Talk. All the while, stages that represent the strongest bastions of tradition continually welcome them, as evidenced by the over 150 performances on the Grand Ole Opry. Honours also include performing twice for President George W. Bush and at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ball at the Smithsonian.

As their records prove, The Grascals’ rare musical empathy gives them an unerring ear for just the right touch to illuminate each offering’s deepest spirit – whether they’re digging into one of their original songs or reworking a bluegrass classic or a pop standard. Take for instance, fan favorite, “Last Train to Clarksville.” Non-bluegrass listeners enjoy a new take on a familiar song, while diehard bluegrass audiences who may have never heard the Monkees classic, respond in-kind, not even realising that the song has been Grascalized.

Grascals New Album Before Breakfast Released

3 Sep, 17 by Greg McGrath

The Grascals’ newest album, Before Breakfast is now available.

This album is heating up the charts and lighting a media fire. Fans can buy the Mountain Home Music Company offering from a variety of online offerings while radio presenters can access the new music via AirPlay Direct.

The Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Bluegrass Album Chart shows tha Before Breakfast holding the #6 slot, while their hot-as-fire new single, Sleepin’ With The Reaper jumps to #10 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Chart.

Theis album release finds the award-winning Bluegrassers at a career high point vocally and musically, and reviewers are hailing the band’s energy, focus and distinctive sound. Roots Music Report calls the album “all-around superb,” while Nuts About Country notes the disc is “vibrant … an absolutely delightful breath of fresh air.” Midwest Record Recap dubs the project “killer stuff” and adds that it’s “sure to make new Bluegrass fans,” and Country Music People’s David Allan declares the project has “twelve exhilarating tracks.” Additional reviews can be found in Terre Haute Tribune Star, Bluegrass Notes, Exclaim!, Digital Journal, Roughstock, Music Matters Magazine and Stacy’s Music Row Report.

The group features founders Terry Eldredge on lead vocals and guitar, Terry Smith on lead vocals, bass and Danny Roberts on mandolin, Kristin Scott Benson on banjo, Adam Haynes on fiddle and John Bryan on lead vocals and guitar.

More on the The Grascals:

Timely yet timeless, The Grascals deliver cutting-edge Bluegrass that is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet grounded in a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. It’s a unique sound that has earned the group three Grammy nominations and two Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as a level of national media attention that seems to perpetually elude acts from various niche genres.

High-profile television appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS’ The

Talk. The bastions of Country and Bluegrass continue to welcome them, as evidenced by 150-plus performances on the Grand Ole Opry. Additional honours include President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Ball at the Smithsonian and two performances for President George W. Bush.

The Grascals Online Access:

The Grascals – Before Breakfast

8 Jul, 17 by Greg McGrath

The Grascals’ newest album, Before Breakfast, offers us all a hot-shot of diversity with a freshly brewed mix of Bluegrass perfection. This new 12-song collection will be available to us from 1st September this year. You may pre-order now and receive Sleepin’ With The Reaper in advance.

Before Breakfast finds the award-winning group at a career high point vocally and musically, and the record’s energy is palpable. A more relaxed pre-production approach led to easy song choices. The band chases demons, finds salvation and dances their way through what will surely become essential listening for lovers of the Bluegrass art form.

This is the second album for this Grascals lineup. The current group features founders Terry Eldredge on lead vocals, guitar, Terry Smith on lead vocals, bass and Danny Roberts on mandolin, plus longtime banjo ace Kristin Scott Benson, fiddler Adam Haynes and John Bryan on lead vocals/guitar.

We’re even breathing together vocally. The Osborne Brothers always said that when you get to that point, it was right – and they were on to something –Terry Smith.

This cohesiveness allows the band to navigate the diverse material, which ranges from traditional to contemporary Bluegrass and includes Inspirational tunes as well.

The album kicks off with Sleepin’ With The Reaper, which Benson calls “a departure for the group but a good fit nonetheless.” John Bryan’s haunting vocal brings a sense of menace and urgency to the song, which sets the stage for the next dynamic track. Vocalist Terry Eldredge believes the best songs are about life and truth, and that lyrically, there is nothing but the truth in Demons. El’s vocal versatility is obvious on Clear Corn Liquor, a steamin’ hot, fiddle-filled ode that he delivers with sass. Delia features John on a band first,” says Danny Roberts. “His clawhammer banjo is unique for us and gives a great old-timey sound to the song.” Terry Smith is in fine form on the melancholy, universally themed ballad Lonesome, which he co-wrote with his brother Billy. John brings glorious gratitude to the Gospel jewel, I’ve Been Redeemed.

Before Breakfast Track List:

1. Sleepin’ With The Reaper (B. Buller/G. Williams)
2. Demons (B. Anderson/J. Randall)
3. Delia (J. Weisberger/C. Chamberlain/C. Humphrey III)
4. I’ve Been Redeemed (M. Dylan/R. Edwards)

5. Lonesome (B. Smith/T. Smith)
6. Beer Tree (H. Allen/R. E. Orrall)
7. Pathway Of Teardrops (W. P. Walker/W. Pierce/J. Hazlewood)
8. Lynchburg Chicken Run (D. Roberts/A. Haynes)

9. He Took Your Place (L. Flatt/E. Scruggs)
10. Lost And Lonesome (P. Overstreet/ B. Smith)
11. There Is You (K. Harrigill)
12. Clear Corn Liquor (T. Stafford/B.Starnes)

About The Grascals:

Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now, while acknowledging the traditional values that birthed the genre. Their cutting-edge modern Bluegrass is delivered with a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. It’s a unique sound that has earned the group three Grammy® nominations and two Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as national media attention that seems to perpetually elude other acts entrenched in niche genres. High-profile appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS’ The Talk. The bastions of Country and Bluegrass continue to welcome them, as evidenced by 150-plus performances on the Grand Ole Opry. Additional honors include President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Ball at the Smithsonian and two performances for President George W. Bush.

The Grascals New CD and then there’s this

20 Dec, 15 by Greg McGrath

The Grascals three-time Grammy nominated, and twice named IBMA Entertainer of the Year. They’ve made numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, and on nationally syndicated TV shows. They are now in their 11th year since those early days touring with Dolly Parton, with numerous number one songs and top-charting albums to their credit. Now, a highly anticipated new release continues their legacy as one of the most powerful and groundbreaking bands in Bluegrass.

And then there’s this... is set for release from Mountain Home Music Company on 8th January, 2016.

Since their last album, 2013’s When I Get My Pay, The Grascals have welcomed the very gifted John Bryan on vocals and guitar. John joins the tight-knit group that is composed of Terry Smith, Danny Roberts, Kristin Scott Benson, Terry Eldredge, and Adam Haynes.

Songs like “Sweet Little Mountain Girl” and the Bill Monroe classic, “Highway of Sorrow,” bring to the album a traditional style and the return to an earlier Grascals sound. The original, “Autumn Glen” showcases the writing, arranging and performing abilities of The Grascals’ award-winning instrumentalists, Danny Roberts and Kristin Scott Benson, along with first-rate fiddler Adam Haynes.

Great songs from tried and true bluegrass writers such as “True Hearts,” co-written by Harley Allen and Billy Smith; “Delta Queen,” from Larry Cordle and Carl Jackson; and “A Place to Hang My Hat” from the co-writing team of Shawn Camp, Brice Long and Byron Hill; all combine to make and then there’s this… arguably the most exciting and traditional new release from this beloved and highly awarded band.

Lead vocal duties are primarily shared between Bryan and Eldredge, but the album includes sophisticated group harmony arrangements like those on “Warm Wind” and “Old Friend of Mine.”

With a well-earned reputation as one of the most formidable record labels in the genre, Mountain Home Music Company (an imprint of the Crossroads Label Group) touts some of the top artists in Bluegrass, and has been home to The Grascals since 2012. Label President, Mickey Gamble, shared his enthusiasm for this latest release from the band.

Listening to a great song is very much like stepping into a room where good friends are having a great conversation, where each person in turn listens before speaking, and then adds something new and vital. The dialogue flows like a river – never pushed, but building and ebbing like a series of lazy waterfalls. Listening to a great album is to be immersed in such conversations with an interesting string of topics and welcome surprises. It is an experience to embrace because of this, oh and now that: a sense of ‘and then there’s this’ over and over again – Mickey Gamble.

With all The Grascals have accomplished over the last decade, the group would be perfectly justified in coasting on its many past successes. But not this group, because; and then there’s this…

Track Listing:

1. I Know Better
2. Road of Life
3. Sweet Little Mountain Girl
4. True Hearts

5. Old Friend of Mine
6. Warm Wind
7. If You Want Me To
8. Delta Queen

9. I Like Trains
10. Autumn Glen
11. A Place to Hang My Hat
12. Highway of Sorrow

The Grascals – And Then There’s This…

17 Nov, 15 by Greg McGrath

The new album from The Grascals, And Then There’s This… is now available for pre-order on iTunes.

And Then There’s This… is set for release from Mountain Home Music Company on 8th Jan 2016, but fans can begin to enjoy the music of this multi-award winning, and three-time Grammy nominated band. By pre-ordering now, you will receive immediate gratification with “grat tracks” from iTunes. “I Know Better” is available now with album pre-order.

Since their last album, When I Get My Pay, released in 2013, The Grascals have welcomed the very gifted John Bryan on vocals and guitar. John joins the tight-knit group that is comprised of Terry Smith, Danny Roberts, Kristin Scott Benson, Terry Eldredge, and Adam Haynes.

The band is preparing to launch a fresh new website soon. Meanwhile, visit www.facebook.com/grascals to keep up with the band.

Pictured right (L-R): Terry Eldredge, Adam Haynes, Danny Roberts, Kristin Benson Scott, John Bryan and Terry Smith. Photo Credit: Mountain Home Music Company.

The Grascals – When I Get My Pay

16 Nov, 13 by Greg McGrath

The highly anticipated 8th album from The Grascals will be released on Tuesday, 19th Nov. When I Get My Pay, (Mountain Home Music), is currently available for pre-order from iTunes.

When I Get My Pay includes 13 songs that range from toe-tapping and fast-pickin’ to the occasional tender ballad. Fans will be delighted to hear award-winning banjo player, Kristin Scott, share her vocals on “Are You Up For Getting Down Tonight.”

The three-time Grammy nominated band has already released the companion video for one album cut. “American Pickers” was penned by Jamie Johnson, Susanne Mumpower Johnson and Jeffrey East after members of The Grascals met and became friends with Mike Wolfe of the hit History Channel television show, American Pickers. Country superstar and Grascals’ pal, Dierks Bentley, lends his vocals to the album cut and appears in the music video, along with Wolfe.

“We all love the American Pickers TV show, so it was a thrill when I got to meet Mike,” Jamie Johnson says. Wolfe and Johnson met at a celebrity waiters’ event for charity about a year ago and struck up a friendship.

“I told Mike we’d like to write a song for him and he thought that was a pretty cool idea,” Jamie says. “The song and making the video have been great fun for us, and that includes Dierks and Mike. Fans seem to be getting a kick out of it.”

The music video was shot on location during The Grascals’ Riverstage appearance at the 2013 CMA Music Festival in Nashville and at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, TN, a property owned by the Johnny Cash family.

The Grascals are among the most beloved and acclaimed bands on the bluegrass scene, The Grascals have been repeatedly honored for their work. The reigning SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year (for the 3rd year in a row), the group was named SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year 2010. The Grascals have also received the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Emerging Artist of the Year award (2005) and Entertainer of the Year award (2006, 2007). Kristin Scott Benson is a four-time winner of the Banjo Player of the Year Award and Danny Roberts has been honored as Mandolin Player of the Year. The band recently welcomed fiddler, Adam Haynes, to the fold as the newest band member.

The Grascals are three-time Grammy Award nominees. They have nearly 150 appearances on the legendary stage of the Grand Ole Opry to their credit.

To learn more, visit www.grascals.com

Grammy Nomination For The Grascals

7 Dec, 12 by Greg McGrath

It was while performing with other songwriters at a Nashville benefit for Operation Troop Aid that Jamie Johnson, a founding member of The Grascals, learned that the band has been nominated in the 55th annual Grammy Awards.

“I stepped off the stage and my phone was all lit up with text messages,” Johnson says. “I didn’t know what to do first, call everyone back or just dance a jig!”

The Grascals are nominated for Best Bluegrass Album for Life Finds A Way. Released in March, it is the 7th album by the two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year. The project is the first for the band on the Mountain Home Music Company label, with which they signed earlier in the year. The Grascals are Terry Eldredge, Danny Roberts, Kristen Scott Benson, Jamie Johnson, Terry Smith and Jeremy Abshire.

This nomination is so great because it’s true,” Gamble says. “Life does Find a Way and the Grascals live that message every day – Mickey Gamble, president of Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing / Mountain Home Music Company

The Grascals, who’ve been nominated twice previously for Grammy honors (in 2006 and 2007), share the category this year with albums by Dailey & Vincent, Noam Pikelny, Special Consensus and Steep Canyon Rangers.

The Grammy Award nominations special was held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the first time the event has been held outside of Los Angeles. The 55th annual Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 10th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with awards being handed out in 81 categories. The program will air live on CBS.

For more on The Grascals, visit their new website at www.grascals.com

For a full list of Grammy nominees, visit www.grammy.com/nominees

Grascals Take on Vietti

1 Aug, 12 by Greg McGrath

Two-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners, The Grascals, are pleased to announce a promotional agreement with Vietti Foods.

The band unveiled a brightly wrapped tour bus touting The Grascals and images of the sponsor’s products.

The highly acclaimed band is currently touring in support of the album Life Finds a Way a collection of familiar and new songs (Mountain Home Music Company).

Vietti Foods has a reputation for creative marketing concepts that include alliances with music and the arts. Philip M. Connelly, President of Vietti Foods Company, Inc., acknowledges the value of his company’s relationship to the renowned bluegrass artists.

The Grascals are thrilled and grateful to be a part of the Vietti Foods Company. We will work hard to represent both Vietti and bluegrass music across the country. We consider the good folks at Vietti our family – Jamie Johnson of The Grascals.

We are excited to support The Grascals’ tour and their phenomenal talent with a custom motor coach that will showcase our brands around the U.S. – Phillip Connelly of Vietti Foods Company.

Johnson reminds fans to look for the colorful bus as the band rolls down the highway, “As we sing in our jingle ‘Get Ready for Vietti’.”

For more on The Grascals, visit www.grascals.com

For more about Vietti Foods, its products and association with music, visit www.viettifoodsinc.com.

The Grascals – Dance Til Your Stockings are Hot and Ravelin’

2 Feb, 12 by Joe Ross

The award-winning Grascals’ Tribute to the Music of the Andy Griffith Show is a fitting way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the television show which ran from 1960-68. In the show, The Dillards (Rodney Dillard, Doug Dillard, Mitch Jayne, Dean Webb) played The Darlings, a backwoods clan of musicians in the mountains near Mayberry, N.C. At the time, old-time and bluegrass music was often associated with hillbillies, and the music occasionally made its way into situational comedy. Despite the stereotypical connection, a show like Andy Griffith’s could be viewed as quite influential in introducing many throughout the nation to bluegrass music as Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife dealt with moonshiners, rock-throwing neighbors, and criminals from out-of-town. The Dillards were certainly on top of their game when performing on the show, even though they only appeared in six episodes (between 1963-66) and played a total of 14 songs during the show’s 9-year run. The music always generated large amounts of fan mail.

Fifty years later, The Grascals are now in their prime as they regularly release top-selling albums with their signature commercial sound. The well-rounded unit is discriminating and resourceful, but this EP could be viewed as a little rawboned and lean. Nonetheless, the band’s six members serve up a high degree of showmanship and entertainment. One is left wondering, however, why they picked the songs they did for this short, extended play (EP) project that The Grascals were asked (by Andy Griffith) to produce after he heard and liked what they’d done with the Mayberry’s Finest (food company) jingle.”

There are classics from the show (Dooley, Boil Them Cabbage Down, Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer), Ol’ Joe Clark, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms). At Griffith’s request, The Grascals also wrote and recorded a short one-minute original song entitled “Boy, Giraffes are Selfish” that was inspired by a famous Barney Fife quote after a bunch of dogs were released in a thunderstorm. Barney Fife said, “A dog can’t get struck by lightning. You know why? ‘Cause he’s too close to the ground. See, lightning strikes tall things. Now if they were giraffes out there in the field, now then we’d have trouble.” Barney’s point was that giraffes are selfish because they walk around with their heads in the clouds and don’t take care of each other. The Grascals are familiar with many quotes from the television show, and they are known to resurrect a few now and then during their travels and shows. And who says a song can’t be written about nearly anything?

The EP is a good conceptual idea, but it left me wanting more. I wonder if they were on a tight production deadline, and they only got enough material recorded for a 15-minute release. The Grascals do a good job with the old bluegrass standards, but they could’ve really infused them with new fire and life. Further, with only a few more songs, the tribute project could’ve been full-length album. With only a little more time invested, some fantastic new originals could’ve been inspired by the antics, advice and wisdom of the original Mayberry bunch. Remember the episode where The Darlings are discussing the song they are going to play at Charlene’s wedding? Briscoe asks, “How ‘bout ‘Don’t Hit Your Grandma with a Great Big Stick’?” Charlene replies, “No, Paw, That one makes me cry!” Now, in my opinion, there’s a great idea for a song just itchin’ to be written for an album like this. Or how about when Barney was asked to sing “A cappella”? Snapping his fingers in rhythm and singing “A cappella, A cappella,” he quipped, “Well, I don’t remember all the words.” There’s no question that the show was and still is “awesome family entertainment,” as Grascals’ guitarist Terry Eldredge describes it. To satisfy my lingering appetite, however, I reckon I’ll have to break out some DVDs of the old shows.

BluGrascal Records BGR-CD-1001
www.mayberrysfinest.com