Blue Water and Bluegrass
The Grascals
My general rule of thumb is: If it’s got banjo in it, it’s probably awesome. The only thing that makes banjo better is a violin accompaniment. Fiddle is like the fair maiden upon the shore, bereft from her traveling banjo-mister lost at sea; lying in wait, while crooning songs of adventure and longing. And when they reunite, the marriage is magical. Banjo + Fiddle = Magic. That being said, the South Bay may have a magical Monday night on their hands April 11 at Saint Rocke with The Grascals.
The Grascals are an award-winning bluegrass outfit, applying a blend of country and bluegrass to their original work, classics, and even pop standards. The banjo-fiddle exoticism is joined by mandolin, upright bass, and good ol’ acoustic guitars, sans drums/percussion.
The music’s got the dirt and grit, while the dynamic vocal trio of Terry Eldredge (guitar), Jamie Johnson (guitar), and Terry Smith (bass) can soften the stiffest blue jeans. Booming vocal solos and the rapid intensity of Jeremy Abshire’s fiddle can starch them right back up if necessary.
Altogether, their organic sound seems to whisper through the woods, wind down the river, and blow across the plains in search of good conversation and a story to sing.
The Grascals have accumulated a staggering number of awards over the past six years, amounting to at least 20. Between 2008-09, Kristin Scott Benson received three different Banjo Player of the Year awards alone, while Danny Roberts was awarded Mandolin Player of the Year in ’08 as well; and the group as a whole was granted Bluegrass Band of the Year in ’08 and ’10, and Instrumental Group of the Year in ’08 and ’09.
2011 has already seen the release of “The Grascals & Friends – Country Music with a Bluegrass Spin” (featuring the biggest names in country music, including Dolly Parton), and the newest album out in March “Dance Til Your Stockings Are Hot And Ravelin’, The Grascals Present: A Tribute To The Music Of The Andy Griffith Show”. With the year just coming into full bloom, this down-home bunch is likely to sweep more recognition under the rug like dust blowing across the prairie.
The Grascals perform Saint Rocke’s Country Mondays in Hermosa Beach, Apr 11 at 8 p.m., doors at 5, tickets $15. Also playing is special guest Keesha Scott. If you like country, folk, old-time or bluegrass – check out Brothers Comatose, Luke Philbert, Shoemaker Brothers, Elison Jackson, Mark Adams, Jon Eric, Brook and River, Hangdog Expression, Bill Adams on DirtyHippieRadio.com. ER