Malaco Records artist: Grady Champion - Bootleg Whiskey - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Bootleg Whiskey, from Grady Champion and it's an interesting blend of R&B, Blues, Soul and Gospel. Opening with Beg, Borrow, Steal; Champion has his harp on point and Taylor Scott is hitting it hot on guitar. With a twist of country and rock, this blues number is fast paced and nicely crafted to feature Champion's skills on harp. Bootleg Whiskey has a definite R&B feel with warm backing vocals from Darrell Luster, Ray Braswell and William Purvis. Addition of horns by Kimble Funches on trumpet, Micah Brown on sax, and William Brown on Trombone add additional depth to a very cool track. Don't Waste My Time takes a definite turn to the blues featuring Champion laying down some nice vocals with strong horn support. Home Alone maintains that horn feel but with a funkier groove. David Hood plucks a nice bass line driving the track and Champion alternates between vocal lead and harp echo and solos with a smooth feel. Ten Dollars has a real nice laid back feel and Champion put out some of the finest vocals on the release. A full horn sound punching the vocals and and Forrest Gordon setting the line on drums punctuates this as one of my favorite tracks on the release. South Side oozes R&B and Champion really captures the "South Side" feel. William Purvis on keys and Michael Thomas on B3 fill out the track nicely and backing vocals are perfect. Who Dat has that "special feel" bringing Al Green to mind. I love Al Green so his basic sound is a great start for anything. JJ Thames adds lush backing vocal on this track and Castro Coleman adds some cool guitar riffs. Very nice! I Tripped And Fell In Love has an easy R&B groove with Vick Allen and Sonya Allen adding really nice backing vocals to a solid front line vocal from Champion. Mr. Right is an easy going soul infused pop track. It has a smooth melody and a cool hook. Wrapping the release is White Boy With The Blues, having a really solid gospel like backing from The Crowns Of Joy (singing richly including Amazing Grace). Champion speaks the story as The Crowns carry the vocal melody and Clayton Ivey on warm enriched key work. Very nice!

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