EPK - reviews

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 follow up to Grant Maloy Smith’s critically acclaimed ‘Dust Bowl American Stories’ features some of Nashville’s finest musicians and it certainly shows. The production is well thought out and rather atmospheric. The instrumentation perfectly matches the traditional themes that lie within Smith’s lyrics. From the rise and fall of the coal industry on the opening track, The Coal Comes Up to the In This Twilight, a song about a harrowing night with a drug addict, the tales Smith tells are supposed to be a snapshot of the things the region has been through over time. All the while, Smith’s husky and raw vocals, authentic in their delivery add to the weight and emotion of these tunes. Through the sometimes heavy subject matter though are light hearted, up-beat songs such as Gas Station Chicken which help to break up the intensity of the record whilst songs such as I Found Faith address the religious way of life there. That song in particular is effective with the addition of gorgeous backing vocals from Kim Fleming and Kim Mont whilst Smith’s vocals find another gear that we haven’t heard before. Credit should also be given for the thoughtful presentation of the collection, in this digital age, packaging and artwork has been an after thought for most but there’s nothing better than unboxing an album and reading the liner notes. Smith takes it one step further as a forty page booklet takes you through the stories behind each song.

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