THE GRASCALS

THE GRASCALS
BEFORE BREAKFAST

Mountain Home
MH16872

One of the many charms and attributes that have won The Grascals a multitude of fans in recent years is the band’s capacity to convey everything from heart-stopping earnestness to lighthearted, even goofy humor. On the one hand, there are heart palpitators: The mournful “Demons” (written by Bill Anderson and Jon Randall); a lovely revival of “Pathway Of Teardrops”; a honky-tonk oldie composed by Webb Pierce and Wayne P. Walker; the subtle but powerful Kelsi Harrigill-penned gospel ode “There Is You”; and the eerie opening track “Sleepin’ With The Reaper” (Becky Buller and Grant Williams).

Then, on the latter and more lighthearted side, we have the tongue-in-cheek “Beer Tree” (Harley Allen and Robert Ellis Oral) on which co-lead vocalist Terry Eldredge serves up an aptly cornpone vocal performance. Eldredge hits a similar stride on a delightful reprise of Jim Stafford’s and Bobby Starnes’ “Clear Corn Liquor.”

One of the many cuts where this celebrated sextet brings its full range of vocal and instrumental artistry and exuberance to bear is the celebratory “(Dance With Me) Delia” (Jon Weisberger, Charlie Chamberlain, and Charles R. Humphrey III). It’s one of many reminders herein as to why this band has made such a name for itself since its 2004 debut. (Crossroads Entertainment, P.O. Box 829, Arden, NC 28704, www.mountainhomemusiccompany.com.)BA