“This ain’t about being pretty.” That’s the first thing the guys in Grayson will tell you about why they do
what they do. This, despite the fact they’re all jaw-droppingly handsome.
Alright, so let’s get real. This is, after all, what Grayson is all about – real American music for real
American folks. Gristly guys and fiery girls with honest jobs and authentic lives. And if that’s not
glamorous enough, consider catchy-as-hell, heartfelt songs about love, lust, broken relationships,
breaking relationships, good times, bad times and, well … just plain old boozin’ it up.
From beer and whiskey laments to barnburner anthems, Allmans to Waylon, Springsteen to Cash,
Grayson embody the very essence of American roots music. Take a dash of soulful Southern harmony, a
pinch of razor-sharp musicianship, and a heaping helping of Northwoods grit and you’ve got one of the
highest demand headliners on the upper-Midwest live circuit – and they’ve maintained a fiercely loyal
following, playing thousands of shows for almost the last ten years.
How precisely, pray tell, does that happen? “We started out just wanting to play anywhere, with just a few
friends,” says Paulson. “Off the bat, we never shied away from throwing cover songs in side-by-side with
our originals. We were proud to choose unique but instantly recognizable songs, then just worked hard to
put our own stylistic stamp on them.” That lack of pretension quickly helped them to form and enjoy
undeniable rapport with a wide range of audiences, and enthusiastic support for their original material
followed naturally, hand-in-hand. Grayson has always aimed to eliminate the line between band and fan,
lending a real family feel to the shows; a camaraderie sensed on both sides.
No doubt, audiences also pick up on the chemistry between fellow singer-songwriters Paulson and Gray,
who grew up together and have played and written music with one another from early on.
Cutting Their teeth in various garage bands, it was the formation of Grayson that finally afforded them the secret recipe
upon which bigger banquets could be built.
Since their inception, Grayson has self-released four EPs and two full-length CDs (accompanied always
by rowdy, full-to-capacity release parties), toured throughout the Midwest to the tune of 160 shows on
average per year, and shared the stage with dozens of national acts, including The BoDeans, Gin
Blossoms and Tom Petty. In 2004, they were named “New Artist of the Year” by Billboard, which included
their song, "Shine", on a nationally-distributed compilation. Featured frequently on regional TV and radio,
2008 also saw them winning title of the Cities '97 Basilica Block Party “Best Band in Minnesota”.
With a decade-long tenure and an always-demanding schedule, periodic lineup changes have proven
inevitable. But, as Gray enthusiastically offers, “hey, endings lead to new beginnings.” With the recent
addition of multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Mark Allen (Shaky Jake), bassist
Mark Juenemann (Patrik Tanner & The Faraway Men) and drummer Tony
Kamana (GB Leighton), Grayson sport new faces and crisp energy, fused with the
core heritage Gray and Paulson helped shape.
Long-time fans haven’t missed a step, and fresh ears are perking up. With their collective musical
accomplishments, Grayson are sure to keep feet stomping and libations flowing for as long as a hardearned
night-on-the-town can endure it.
Watch out for your gut. That’s where they aim to hit you.
-Jon James
