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. As their releases 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 pop standard. 

Vocally, the trio of Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson and Terry Smith are tighter than ever, cutting loose on driving solo vocals and soaring trios with equal fire and passion. As an instrumental unit, The Grascals have never sounded sharper, with mandolin ace Danny Roberts, fiddler Jeremy Abshire and banjo player Kristin Scott Benson leading the charge. As a result, 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 two of their previous releases (THE GRASCALS, 2005 and LONG LIST OF HEARTACHES, 2006) Grammy® nominations for International Bluegrass Music Association’s Best Bluegrass Album.

The Grascals are among the most beloved and acclaimed bands on today’s bluegrass scene, having won SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year award in 2010, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2005 and earning its Entertainer of the Year honor in both 2006 and 2007.

Whether being light-hearted and jovial or soul-searching and reflective, The Grascals are at the very top of their game.   Though it is still – at least in bluegrass terms – a new group, the web of friendships, band memberships, recordings and personal appearances that binds The Grascals together has produced an ensemble of unsurpassed cohesion and focused artistic direction. Whether in the studio or on stage, The Grascals honor the past and forge into the future, bringing fresh yet familiar sounds to the bluegrass world and beyond.

THE RIGNEY FAMILY BLUEGRASS BAND

The Rigney Family Band hails from Normandy, TN, just outside of Nashville. Their unique, appealing blend of family vocal harmonies and innovative bluegrass instrumentation exemplifies everything that is right about family playing together. They offer traditional bluegrass mixed with fresh originals and driving instrumentation that exhilarates your soul with youthful energy, laughter, and emotion.
They play over 70 dates a year ranging from festivals, concerts, radio/TV shows, private parties, restaurants, weddings, and similar venues.  Their music is a great balance of the traditional and fresh new sounds.  Their third CD “Familiar Paths” released in September 2011.  Produced by Stephen Mougin of the Sam Bush Band, the project offers 12 original songs (three of which were written by Andrew Rigney) taking you down often-traveled paths of life.  This project also features guest vocalist Becky Buller.
Mark Rigney began playing banjo as a teenager. He gave up his beloved Gibson to buy Melissa’s engagement ring in college. He did not play again for 17 years. Then she surprised him one Christmas with a banjo under the tree and that is the beginning of their story. Mark also sings lead and harmony vocals for the band.
Melissa Rigney studied music at an early age on piano.  When the guys in the family started rolling, they wanted her to join in and she decided they needed a bass player. Now she is the bands solid beat.
Andrew Rigney (age 18) He plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, and bass. His hard-drivin’ smooth sound gives the band its tight drive. Andrew sings lead vocals and harmony and contributes much to the band with his original songs and arrangements.  He recently added to his many accomplishments by placing 1st in flat-pick guitar at the Tennessee State Championships for the second consecutive year and placing 2nd in Guitar at Merlefest 2010 & 2011.  Andrew keeps a busy schedule teaching guitar, mandolin, and banjo as well as recording for other artists.
Grant Rigney (age 15) He plays mandolin, fiddle, bass, guitar, and tenor guitar.  His accomplishments include 3-time National Championship Youth Instrumental Entertainer of the Year at the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree and 2009 Alabama State Fiddle Champion for his age category. The title track on their second CD “Never Just Once” was written by Grant at the age of 12.  He also has numerous other awards across his instruments from many contests. Grant also sings harmony for the band and often works studio sessions recording for other artists.  Grant also teaches mandolin.