Grady Champion One of a Kind

August 26, 2016

Grady Champion

One of a Kind

Malaco Records

Grady Champion was born in October 1969 and grew up in Canton, Ms. He was the youngest of 28 siblings. He moved to Miami, Fl. and in the early 90’s had a brief career as a rapper performing under the name MC Gold. He discovered his love for the blues, learned the harmonica and released his first blues album in 1998 called “Goin Back Home”. Champion was signed by Shanachie Records and released “Payin For My Sins” in 1999 and the 2001 follow up recording “2 Days Short of a Week”.

In 2003 Champion wrote “Trust Yourself” with Kevin Bowe and the song appeared on Etta James’ Grammy Award winning album “Let It Roll” which also won a Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Album of The Year. Champion followed with 2008’s “Back in Mississippi” and won the IBC band competition in 2010.

In 2011 Champion’s “Dreamin’” was nominated for two Blues Music Awards “Best Soul Blues Album” and “Song of The Year” for “Thank You for Giving Me The Blues”. He signed with Malaco Records in 2013 and his album “Bootleg Whiskey” established him as a torch barrier for the Mississippi soul blues label. “One of A Kind” is Champion’s sophomore album on Malaco, the same label that brought us Bobby “Blue” Bland; Little Milton, and Johnnie Taylor.

The core band consists of Champion, harp and vocals; Eddie Cotton, rhythm and lead guitars; Carroll Mclaughlin, keyboards; Myron Bennett or Ken Smith, bass; and Sam Scott, drums. Guest guitarists include Theodis Ealey, Elvin Bishop and Mr. Sipp. The four piece Jackson Horns are utilized throughout the recording.

Champion has authored eleven of the twelve tracks; five of them co-written with G. Robinson including my favorite “Heels and Hips” with a great vocal by Champion, Cotton’s rhythm guitar, Mr. Sipp on lead, and McLaughlin on the keyboards. Also written by them are the title track and “When I’m Gone” featuring background singers Jewell Bass and Lisa Palmer.

Four more songs were co-written with guitarist Cotton including “House Party” again with the Horn section and backing singers. “Leave Here Running” is another good vocal with Cotton on rhythm and Ealey on lead guitar.

“Life Support” features great harp and a fine vocal from Champion and McLaughlin again on the organ. The closer “G.C. Boogie” is a funky instrumental featuring Champion’s harp; Cotton’s lead guitar; McLaughlin’s organ and Bennett’s bass.

This is more of a blues album than Champion’s “Bootleg Whiskey”. It’s good but I miss that deep southern soul.

Richard Ludmerer