First off, I received this CD as a gift from someone who saw the band live. I was underwhelmed because I don't care much for bluegrass music and I tossed it aside. My wife was cleaning up one day and put the CD in my travel case (I spend a lot of time on the road). On a trip one day I played the CD out of curiosity. I'll be honest and tell you that I didn't linger too long on the old timey stuff at first (like the first track). But the disk has a variety of styles (the next cut is a blues number) and the quality of the musicianship and especially the singing blew me away. I guess you have to hand it to anyone this talented, even if you're not really drawn to the category of music they play. And some of the music on this disk is not bluegrass at all. The title cut is more "rockabilly" and the last song, "In the Hollow of Your Hand" should probably be called a "pop" number (it's my favorite on the disk). Anyway, I've called the person who gave me the CD to thank them. It's become one of my most-played CDs.
(Road Warrior)
Fantastic!
Every now and then you just stumble on a fine piece of music! If you like bluegrass music with a modern flair you will love this CD. I smiled all they way through this one! Top notch!
("JP")
Wonderful...
Opening act BlueGrace dressed more country than (Josh) Turner, in Western-cut shirts and masculinely boxy dress jackets, but the local gospel bluegrass-fusion group draws from more than rural roots. Between their takes on the standard "Are You Washed In The Blood Of The Lamb" and Brother Claude Ely's "Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down," they worked wonders on The Four Tops' "Reach Out (I'll Be There)" and recalled the acoustic guitar riff driving Neil Diamond's "Cherry, Cherry" on their original "Sweet River." The band might be a CCM or Southern gospel marketer's nightmare (or boon), but they fill their unique niche in a way that merits greater national attention. "
(Jamie Lee Rake, The Phantom Tollbooth)
Not Your Grandfather's Bluegrass Gospel...!
These guys reshape the Gospel Genre into an exciting, unpredictable romp. They will pathologically rattle the "purists," but these guys aren't just "pickers," but musicians. I can't wait to see what they'll do next!
(Gus Townes)
Sweet River
This is an excellent collection of songs from beginning to end. The musicianship is superb. The album matches its title: a sweet selection of tunes, flowing evenly to the end, and leaving you wanting more. No tricks or gadgets, just down-home pickin' and grinnin,' with the emphasis on grins in the form of punch and precision. Cool!
Wow
Wow, what an enjoyable evening with you sharing the gospel at the cup November 4th. Wow, two band members turned 50, got tattoos, and still looking stunning. I wish one of you would stop scratching...hahahah. Your bass "was" good eye candy, too. I felt a little uncomfortable coming alone, feeling as if I was the youngest independent attendee (32), but once ya'll started playing, my nervousness was washed away.
Thank you Jesus for using Blue Grace to refill my spirit. I look forward to purchasing your new cd. Have you thought about making a Christmas cd? Please come back to the cup again. This was only my third time at the cup. I look forward to seeing you again.
p.s. I didn't come to the cup with much this evening and I wanted to send you my sincerest thank you for the cassette you allowed me to have.
Aimee
I'm not a Gospel Music fan. Especially not a BLUEGRASS Gospel fan. This CD, however s not only "out of the box," it's actually hip. Forget the "Hee Haw" gene that's infected the bluegrass equivalent of the devout civil war re-enactors this is great, artistic, iconoclastic stuff. Get it, and you'll fly away!
(Romi)
Unbelievable...Blew me away it was so good!
My dad sent this to me because I make him listen to MY music and he said turn about was fair play. I play this album all the time now and so does everybody in my dorm. You gotta hear it to believe it.
(Jazmin Lennon)
Totally different...in a good way!
I have the passing thru album and was helping my mom download it from itunes when I noticed this new album! A more organic sound from the last disk but quite a wide range of styles on one CD from almost pop country, to classic bluegrass to acoustic blues. Very enjoyable.
(JP)
Do you like the style of the Grateful Dead?
Wow. This was totally unexpected. I received this CD in the mail as a gift from one of my church going relatives. I expected to hate it, of course, but eventually gave it a listen during a long drive and was I ever surprised! I played through it 3 times straight, and on my return trip I listened again. (And I can't tell you the last time that's happened). No lie, musically they make me think of the Dead, but with an unobtrusive message of faith. Elements of Union Station, The Dirt Band, Jerry Garcia and even Ryan Shupe, but in a lot of ways they've created a unique sound all their own (blues organ...are you kidding!?). I thought all the great musicians were in the "Secular" world, but I stand corrected. If BlueGrace wasn't a so-called "Christian" band, you'd see them on Austin City Limits for sure, and who knows where after that? Check out the vocals on "Ain't No Grave." Absolutely STUNNING. Nashville studios, have you heard these guys? BlueGrace won't be unknown for much longer.
("Average Music Lover")
Best Live!
Saw BlueGrace open for Josh Turner and picked up the Passin Thru CD. A very unique blend of Country, Bluegrass and gospel. The CD is great but go see them live. . .even better!
(Adam Nelson)
From Juneau, Alaska
Dear BlueGrace, God bless. Thank you so much for Sweet River.
(Sarah Palin, Governor)
What A Blessing
Itīs a blessing to know that there are servants as you whom serve the Lord with the whole heart and with the gifts God has given you.
You are doing a great work, whenever we expand the Kingdom of God to all creature and bring a life to Him we are doing the right thing and the Lord will reward us with His wealth in glory, not only in this earth but also in Heaven. Continue ahead because the Lord is with you as powerful giant! God bless you all abundantly!
With love in Christ,Greetings, Blue Grace from Tennessee !!
Dayana
(via email from Cuba)
I am the great nephew of Brother Claude Ely, author of "Ain't No Grave." I am presently writing a book on his life and the influence of his music for the University of Tennessee Press. I would love to know how you folks became acquainted with his song "Ain't No Grave." One chapter in my book features artists through the years that have recorded his music since he passed away. I would love to quote your group in my own book. Any information you could provide me would be greatly appreciated.
God bless,
Macel Ely II