The Grascals

The Grascals’ latest release blends old-time bluegrass (the plucky instrumental “Blue Rock Slide”) and tales of the Old West (the title track) with classic country (“Satan and Grandma”). Hank Williams Jr.’s gravelly voice sounds great backed by the group’s pure harmonies on “I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome,” a true blend of country and bluegrass written decades ago by Hank Williams and Bill Monroe. As evidenced by their 2005 recording of Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas,” The Grascals master a cover song like few other bluegrass bands. They do not disappoint here on their grassy version of The Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville,” sung entirely in three-part harmony. A gripping version of “Give Me Jesus” rounds out the album. The Grascals raise the bar again with this tasteful country-influenced bluegrass.