EPK - reviews

"(Grant’s) songs are masterfully crafted, skillfully performed, and most importantly heart-felt. He is an artist that understands how music is put together and as a producer, knows the right people to call to carry out his vision. In addition to his musical chops, Grant is very easy to work with. So, if you're looking for a singer, player or producer who has a deep knowledge of his craft, you've found him right here."

Matt Combs, Grammy-winning Nashville musician and songwriter.

Facebook (Official Janis Ian page)

"I love Grant's voice. It sits in that ground between Willie Nelson and George Jones, for my money two of the greatest singers of my era. His vocal does the song justice, and I was thrilled when he invited me to play on the track. We cut my parts at Sarasota's Burnt Orange studio, my favorite local room. It was my first time back in the studio since I’d lost my ability to sing, a bittersweet moment. But I’ve always loved playing on other people’s albums, so it was a real treat."

Janis Ian, legendary Grammy® award-winning songwriter and recording artist

"Memphis" (from MISSISSIPPI: American Stories)

Roots Music Report

“Grant Maloy Smith’s countrified tenor makes the album whole as he relates his stories with poignant effectiveness and comforting warmth. Appalachia: American Stories has what we’ve come to expect from Smith…”

Joe Ross

Appalachia: American Stories

"In a time when Appalachia is still commonly presented in a negative light, Grant Maloy Smith’s album APPALACHIA: AMERICAN STORIES is a welcome and very well-performed recompense."

Dale Farmer, director of the film "The Mountain Minor"

Appalachia: American Stories

Bluegrass Today

“Appalachia: American Stories comes across with such absolute authenticity. …the arrangements shine with such craft and consistency…”

Lee Zimmerman

Appalachia: American Stories

Maverick Magazine

“…the tales Smith tells are … a snapshot of the things that (Appalachia) has been through … his husky and raw vocals, authentic in their delivery, add to the weight and emotion…”

Zoe Hodges

Appalachia: American Stories

“Grant Maloy Smith has delivered a musical tapestry with his new album, APPALACHIA: AMERICAN STORIES. His strong, heartfelt vocals and guitar work speak of a different time when music rang freely from through the mountains and from old porches! Smith is keeping this tradition alive for future generations.”

Eric Dahl, Host of Fox 17 Rock and Review and writer for Maverick Magazine

Appalachia: American Stories

MusicRow Magazine

One of the year’s most ambitious productions is Smith’s Appalachia: American Stories. The vinyl version comes in a box with a 40-page color-illustrated book of lyrics, liner notes and background information on every song. He is accompanied by a who’s-who of acoustic musicians during its 43-minute running time...

Robert K. Oermann

Appalachia: American Stories

Artisan Music Reviews

"Country singer/songwriter Grant Maloy Smith joins master percussionist Kevin Lucas of the Kevin Lucas Experience to celebrate the memory of the lost people known as the Cahokias. Mysteriously disappearing from their homeland in what is now Central Illinois, their contribution to civilization in the Americas had literally gone unsung until now. Listen and revel in this percussion soaked tune 'Cahokia Winds' and honor true American history."

R.J. Lannan

Cahokia Winds

Americana Highways

“If you took a few ounces of Willie Nelson and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, mixed them carefully Grant Maloy Smith would appear...One day we’ll be talking about how Grant Maloy Smith is a national treasure – like John Prine. I’d be the first to say it’s so.”

John Apice

Dust Bowl: American Stories

The Bakersfield Californian

"From the opening track, 'Old Black Roller'… this album hums, rolls and churns. The album's biggest standout is the rousing song ‘I Come From America’ — inspired by the Woody Guthrie anthem ‘This Land is Your Land.’”

Cesareo Garasa

Dust Bowl: American Stories

No Depression Magazine

“…songs that have the lyrics and music as potent as Woody Guthrie, as intense as John Trudell and dusted with the trials and tribulations of Tom Joad – Steinbeck and ‘The Grapes of Wrath’…Grant’s music … is filled with outlaw-Appalachia, Depression-era folk, railroad spikes, Oklahoma crude and hospitality with Guthrie determination…a reminder of the darker period of Bob Dylan (“Not Dark Yet,” “Mississippi”) -- and it’s that good, that memorable ... Grant’s ability to capture the heartland in his music is amazing. This is Grant Maloy Smith’s “Nebraska” and he has written a heartland masterpiece.”

John Apice

Dust Bowl: American Stories

The Alternate Root

​“Grant Maloy Smith gives a soundtrack to the land, its people, and their passage through an era… ‘Old Black Roller’ sweeps …as the opening track…”

Editor

Dust Bowl: American Stories

The Knoxville News Sentinel

“Smith’s songs are sweet, sad, defiant and full of sentimentality … There’s not a hint of cynicism or guile. Smith is old-fashioned and the music has old-fashioned values…. The players are all first-rate… ‘Dust Bowl – American Stories’ (is) … thoughtful and grown up...”

Wayne Bledsoe

Dust Bowl: American Stories

Music Tips and Tricks (Italy)

MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES is not just an album to put on your record collection; it’s an odyssey—a journey along the most iconic river in America, where history and myth wind together like the waters themselves.”

Roberto Diane

MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES

Sound Wave One

Grant is an American musical gem. The album MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES is a musical masterpiece that breathes purity from start to finish, featuring powerful storytelling. It's a truly phenomenal music album from a remarkable talent at his finest. Grant is an American musical gem. MISSISSIPPI is a musical masterpiece that breathes purity from start to finish … it’s powerful storytelling.” ~ Steven F.Adams, Sound Wave One

Steven F.Adams

MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES

"Well, right away in the first strains of the first song, 'All I Gotta Do', with its early introduction of the horns, it is clear that we are about to be taken on a wild ride by Grant Maloy Smith and 'all we gotta do' is hold on! Next, in a beautiful mix of Cajun and Celtic stylings, we are introduced to one of my favorite songs on the album, "Headstrong Waters," with its beautiful melodies and historic lyrics. In the beautiful duet arrangement of 'Caernarvon Levee', we are introduced to the beautiful vocals and harmonies of the great Carrie McDowell - a powerhouse of a singer! The only cover on the album is Smith's poignant and tender version of "Memphis," written by Janis Ian and Deana Carter, and Ian joins Maloy Smith in this beautiful rendition. The tempo is raised, along with our spirits, in the infectious 'River Of Ages' - just a magical track on all levels! The lovely 'Vicksburg Town' just makes you want to tap your toe and sing along with its driving beat and infectious hooks. Everything about the mellow track 'If The River Keeps Rising' has hit song written all over it, from the stellar instrumentation - that actually evokes the menace of a rising river - to Grant's impassioned performance of this magnificent song. Another standout track for me is the poignant 'You Don't Love Me Anymore' which I cannot help but hear as a duet... But then the anthem 'Fade To Gray' really hits home for everyone ever exposed to war, suffering, and the loss of our young men on the battlefield. The prayer that is 'O Faithful Heart' brings the soothing sounds of Grant's versatile and multi-genred voice - a welcome interlude after the angst that has gone before, in some of his other songs. But the beautiful closing song 'The River Runs For Everyone' gently brings us all back home to where we were before starting to listen to MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES - a stunning album full of stellar songs, maybe Grant Maloy Smith's best album to date, and that right there is sayin' somethin for sure!"

Helen O’Shea, award-winning songwriter and recording artist

MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES

"This album is so powerful. So emotive, my heart is full. 'Caernarvon Levee' – such emotion, a Peter Seger vibe. And 'Memphis,' featuring Janis Ian – vulnerable, bare, and stunning. With River of Ages – I’m kicking up my heels. 'Lord Knows I Cried' – a plaintive plea. I’m just bowled over by the river of emotions your album creates. I think this is my favorite. I feel the message in my bones. Wow. 'End of the Line' also brought tears to my eyes. But 'Mother Mother' – dammit, I’m crying; this is also one of my favorites; those we’ve lost never leave us. 'The River Keeps Rising' – I feel that lyric “there’s more ghosts than living…” – perfect. 'You Don’t Love Me Anymore' – a classic, universal. And 'Fade to Gray' – pure. 'When the Devil Comes' – I thought of the crossroads immediately—evocative and Rocking. 'O Faithful Heart' – the river feels like a holy place. 'The River Runs for Everyone' – perfect ending. Epic album. EPIC!!! woohoo

Andrea DeAngelis, award-winning Jazz vocalist and performer

MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES

Americana Highways

“Smith isn’t a retro country singer despite embracing old traditional C&W fashions. He’s not hokey, hokum, or twangy with silly songs… Grant’s an ambitious, creative, and wholly original entity … He mixes the gumbo generously with Country, Blues, and Folk. Even the arrangements … are applied with ingenuity, punch, and grandeur seldom heard … today.”

John Apice

MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES

"Listening to ‘All I Gotta Do’ was an absolute treat. As always, your beautifully crafted songs captivated me from the first track. The album’s opening immediately grabbed my attention, with its soulful horn arrangement setting the tone for what followed. Tracks like ‘Headstrong Waters’ and ‘End of the Line’ further showcase your ability to mesmerize the listener with expertly moving lyrics and vocals. ‘Lord Knows I Cried’ is another standout, with its profound depth and breathtaking arrangements. These are just a few of my favorites, but the entire album is exquisitely recorded and produced. I absolutely love it, Grant. Congratulations on a remarkable work!"

Wouter Kellerman, multi-Grammy® winning recording artist

MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES

Americana Highways

“Sometimes, music expresses things the history books can’t. That’s where Grant Maloy Smith works. He does a damn good job of it. Always has.”

John Apice

MISSISSIPPI: American Stories

Buzzslayers

“…a full-bodied and extremely flavorful brand of southern soul in the form of genre-bending blues, Americana, country, folk rock, and so much more...outstanding performances on a multitude of instruments…This is the kind of album you should listen to from beginning to end... there's a soul and heart intertwined throughout these songs. This is a gorgeous record.”

Buzzslayers

MISSISSIPPI: American Stories

Broadway World

"An exquisitely crafted work of Americana mixed with Blues, Country, and Folk influences, the album has been a lifetime in the making. The backstory of each song on MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES is explained in detail in a beautifully produced 80-page hardcover coffee table book, written and designed by Smith, complete with photographs and illustrations, available as an option with the CD or digital download. The song credits are also worth reading, as they are impressive, including Smith's collaboration with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Janis Ian."

Josh Sharpe

MISSISSIPPI: American Stories

The Alternate Root

“Grant Maloy Smith is a natural storyteller, his emotions clearly heard in the excitement he brings to each tale… stitches a dark edge in “When the Devil Comes” with a rumble of rhythms and sonics.”

Danny McCloskey

MISSSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES

Recording Artists Guild / Ragtalent

“The instrumentation across the record is lush and beautiful. Violins, guitars, piano, and much more combine to build an atmosphere you fall right into…there's something about his lyrics that wrap themselves around you. This is the type of album you listen to in full…the instrumental performances are outstanding and have plenty of passion and soul…but Grant's vocal performances…capture the moment. (His voice) has a perfect authenticity to it, so when you listen to his music, you can relate to a lot of it naturally.”

PENNY BALLADS

New Music Weekly

“…the album features 11 beautiful, “American Rootsy” ballads. Grant sang all the vocals, bringing his unmistakable voice to the project.”

PENNY BALLADS

Americana Highways

“Grant maneuvers through his little chapters filled with people, places, and things. A Charles Kuralt journey in every song. The trio of American Stories (the charted Dust Bowl, followed by Appalachia and Mississippi) has made Grant Maloy Smith the aural equivalent of Ken Burns in country music...Grant has a deep well of inspiration … he injects sentimentality, reflection, and reverence into his work. Not beer, pick-up trucks, or getting rowdy...Grant slowly sculpts his own Country-pop texture & it’s always durable. A satisfying listen.”

John Apice

PENNY BALLADS

The FaLaLaLaLa Fireside

"The Christmas Heart" is a very adult Roots Americana (with some modern touches) AND, for whatever my opinion is worth, it's very good… while Grant definitely has a spirit and sound of rural (and Appalachian) America, he's not above jazzing things up…

Editors

The Christmas Heart

Americana Highways

“…Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s soul brother but with a more accessible mainstream tonality, Grant Maloy Smith ambitiously sculpts an imaginative 10-track Christmas set.”

John Apice

The Christmas Heart

Americana Highways

“‘All On Christmas Day’ … is a beauty, light on the country curves but heavy on the splendor that is the holiday spirit. “Joy To The World,” miraculously is re-invented … an upbeat exceptionally arranged rousing version that’s downright soulful.”

John Apice

The Christmas Heart

Broadway World

“When Grant Maloy Smith performs traditional Christmas songs, he does so in a non-traditional way. Smith is ordinarily associated with the guitar, but his piano skills are also on full display on several tracks, perhaps most notably on ‘O Holy Night.’”

Michael Major

The Christmas Heart

A&R Factory

"...Grant Maloy Smith has achieved the very same evocative effect as “Wild World” with his latest single “Waiting for the Good Old Days Again ... There is an incredibly nuanced and matured air to this latest single, which can only come from an artist who has dedicated their life to their art."

Amelia Vandergast

Waiting for the Good Old Days Again

MusicRow Magazine

“Smith has a penetrating, searing tenor voice that brings his lyrics of everyday Americans vividly to life…(in) this piercing, country-folk ode to coal miners.”

Robert K. Oermann

“The Coal Comes Up”