The Grascals Long List of Heartaches is a bluegrass CD from a six person, all
male group together since 2004. In only three short years, they have figured out how to make music which people enjoy. Even better, they can create tunes so their music will continue to fly off store shelves.
In 2005, the first self-titled CD was released. It earned not only praise from the International Bluegrass Music Association, but several awards as well. Fans will probably be familiar with "Me and John And Paul," which took home "Song of the Year" honors.
"Hoedown in Motown" tells the story of a couple still enjoying the simple pleasures of country living. Steve Wariner, who co-wrote the song, also performs, adding his acoustic guitar to the mix in an instrumental solo. Between the fiddle, mandolin, and banjo, the effect is pleasing to the ear. It reminded me of people sitting on the back porch who enjoy a bit of light music in the early evening hours.
"Roll Muddy River" has the kind of beat one that makes one want to tap his toes. Every member of the group combines their vocal talents in order to make a pleasant and memorable tune. The two rhythm guitars are put in up front in order to get the listeners' attention. A fiddle solo takes one down to the river for a day of fly fishing. I can easily see a local dance hall using this to choreograph dance moves.
"Hard Times" is the first fsong with a different lead vocalist. With the first notes of the mandolin opening this piece, I could visualize a prison yard where convicts have just been let out for some "recreation." Jamie Johnson sings about a man down on his luck who manages to put on a cheerful attitude despite troubled times.
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