01 by Grasping At Laws

The first line or two pulls me in and I find myself paying less attention to what I am doing and more attention to what you are saying - the story you are telling." Braxton agrees, "It's about the lyrics."

While the core of Grasping At Laws has always been the duo, the sound has frequently been complemented - both live and in-studio - over the years by a variety of talented musical friends. Notables include Tom Proutt, Thomas Gunn of Neuronimo, Julie Goldman, and Jeff Romano (producing and contributing to the upcoming CD). We like to think that says something about the songs and spirit of Grasping At Laws. We have always made room for and encouraged friends to sit in, open our shows and share billing.

The substance of the sound is in understated, roomy rhythm guitar, djembé and vocals, providing an ample foundation for the lyrics at hand while leaving room for instrumentalists to sit in and lend the musical touches they are inspired to.

Greg's influences as a songwriter and performer are wide ranging - from early roles in musicals featuring traditional songs to days on the road with hometown rock bands to vinyl, 8-track, cassette and cd encounters with everything from Gary Puckett to Elvis to Townes Van Zandt. And REM.

Greg began writing songs in 1992 and performing regularly in 1996. Braxton has been drumming since he came down the chute basically, and played with a variety of bands on the Charlottesville scene growing up. Carter Beauford (of the Dave Matthews Band) once responded to an interview question by listing Braxton as one of his early drumming influences. Grasping At Laws met in 1996 when, as previously mentioned, they were invited to work with Granite Ghost. That didn't last, but an important friendship came out of it.

8 plus years later we are going strong, beginning to distribute our music around the world via radio, tv & internet, re-record our originals, invite some of the 'cream of the Charlottesville crop' to sing and play on the upcoming cd, and helping SongSharing chart previously uncharted waters. (see www.SongSharing.org for more on that)

The simple fact that we perform live dozens of hours each month lends a great deal. A paying venue, a senior home, a children's hospital or a juvenile detention center - across a diverse array of venues we're challenged to engage dynamic, attentive audiences in unique ways, week after week. There's something in that... something which has become an important intangible part of Grasping At Laws.

It's about the lyrics, and more importantly, it's about living them...

Our first studio EP was finished in May 2001 and was entitled 01. The CD received local and regional airplay and we self-produced and sold a decent amount of copies at shows. Guest appearances from BJ Clifford (guitar & vocals), Justin Thisdell (bass) and Julie Goldman (vocals). Several of these tracks can be heard at www.MySpace.com/graspingatlaws.

Our 2nd EP - Live at Rapunzel's - was released in June 2003 and recorded live in Lovingston, VA at - of course - Rapunzel's, a bomber coffee shop/bookshop/music mecca. Guest appearances from Thomas Gunn (of Neuronimo) and Tony Horning. This CD was produced as a give-away to build awareness for SongSharing, and was extremely effective to that end.

Our 3rd CD is in process at Greenwood Studios, Greenwood, VA with engineer Jeff Romano. This CD will sell to benefit SongSharing and will feature guests Julie Goldman, Tom Proutt and Jeff Romano - occassional SongSharing volunteers.

Frequently Asked Question: Are you guys attorneys or something? Where did you get that name?

Frequently Offered Response: We'll answer after you pay for that CD.

Actually we are not attorneys, although we know some, and have employed them from time to time. On good days, as well as bad, thank you.

Grasping At Laws - it's a people thing...

Average Customer Review: 3