Yesterday, bluegrass fiddler with the Grascals, Jeremy Abshire, announced that he was leaving the band to start the next chapter of his musical career. In a comment on his facebook page, Jeremy says, "Friends, As some of you may or may not know, after Six years with The Grascals, a handful of recordings together, and a lifetime of memories, it's time for the next chapter of my musical journey. I wish the band much success and am grateful for my time there, and the many wonderful opportunities shared. I look forward to new musical adventures to come. I'm currently available for gigs, sessions, tours. Stay Tuned.."
Fiddler Jeremy Abshire burst onto the bluegrass scene as a member of Billie Renee and Cumberland Gap (winners of the 2006 SPBGMA International Bluegrass Band Championship), and came to The Grascals’ attention as a member of IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Dale Ann Bradley's band.
His style is both fluid and hard driving, owing to the influences of Benny Martin, Scotty Stoneman, Chubby Wise, Bobby Hicks, Kenny Baker, and Stuart Duncan – whom Abshire cites as his favorite fiddle player. As for joining The Grascals, Abshire explains “It was an easy choice for me. I had been around the guys, and the personalities meshed really well. The thing that excited me the most was the fact that when I went out to play with them, they didn’t want me to play like anyone else. They just said, ‘Play what you feel,’ and when I did, it brought everything together. I couldn’t have picked a better group of guys to hang out with ... I’m out there having a blast!”
The six years he spent with The Grascals were creative and exciting years. His performances were always solid, fluid and smooth. There is no doubt that the polish went into the artist during those years and brought out the best for both. The performances and recordings that he contributed his artistry on will be memorable for the fans as well as the band itself.
Many of the facebook comments reflect the same praise and there is a good following that are anticipating his next chapter. Whatever he decides to do we know it will be a class act. It always has been.