EPK - reviews

"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 Grant's 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