As the Gray Brothers were born in Northeast Tennessee, there was a wealth of music history to be found right there near Bristol, Carter’s Fold, and the Appalachian Mountains, and therefore to tap into. By 2005, all three brothers were moving into a new phase of their lives and careers, either turning 25 or 30. Vincent and Adam had played together in a band in college, and Ernie had been playing in serious bands throughout his 20s before settling in East Nashville. Our father had just finished building a gorgeous loft residence above the garage, adorned with beautiful reclaimed wormy chestnut wood, and had always been a crappy and hot practice space before now. It was now time for the brothers to play and record together, which had not been done since 1985 with the Electric Situation (another story). With laptops now deployed, recording somewhat “live” was possible, and what better opportunity to record the music of the region. Also, we have just inherited our grandfather Aaron’s upright bass (who was also a twin that played county/folk/bluegrass together in Alabama).
Called The Whiskey Sessions, the brothers began recording together whenever at the family home through the end of the decade. In the first volume, we only played “traditionals”, generally with all instruments cut live, with only the vocals overdubbed later. In latter sessions, we helped each other craft and record each other’s more singer-songwriter and folky pieces, as well as folky covers of modern songs. Though not everything was magic, there emerged some cuts that showcased the potential of genetic beings harmonizing together.
When each session was finished, CDs were burned and handed out to friends and family over the holidays, with the intention of only being a document and a “passing on” of a tradition we inherited. Below is a selection of the sessions, with various brothers taking lead, and Vince playing upright bass when needed. Keely Lane added drums in Ernie’s studio on many tracks as well.
1. Dink’s Song (Traditional)
2. Crawdad Song (Traditional)
3. Help Me Write This Song (V. Gray)
4. Queen For A Day (A. Gray)
5. My Sweet Rose (E. Gray)
6. Ballad of the Gray House (E. Gray)
