There is a point of view which defines Americana music as
rock with a little bit of country, although a more preferable definition from
my angle is where a sound draws on a blend of influences from the pool of rock,
country, folk, blues and soul. If you want to listen to an archetypal album
that fits neatly into this package then look no further than STAY TRUE, the
dynamic new record from Danny and the Champions of the World. In a switch from
their previous releases which leaned more towards folk/rock, Danny George Wilson
and his open invitation for guest musicians to become honorary Champs has added
a more soulful feel to this album which is a bubbling mix of yesteryear
designed to ensure the future is shaped with the right ideals.
With a concoction of sounds very reminiscent to what Stax
attempted to create in the sixties, Danny has let the creative ideas of both
full time and part time Champs run amok and found a winning formula to house
his vocals which echo of a bygone age. This fourth album since Danny formed the
Champs back in 2007 will find its own niche in the mature and integrity
preserved music market and will not need many listens to rocket towards the
upper echelons of your appreciation scale. In fact one spin is probably all
that’s needed to get on the same wavelength as Danny and the guys.
You will be hooked three minutes and fifty seconds into this
record as no time is wasted in introducing the stand out track. ‘(Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket’
is as good as opening song as you could expect and a delightful true tale of
exploration, wonder and dream. The soulful feel to the album extends from the
classic style ballad ‘Stop Thief’ to several
other tunes including ‘Cold Cold World’, ‘Darling
Won’t You Come In From The Cold’ and ‘Lets
Grab This With Both of Our Hands’.
For this record Danny, who has been active this summer with
his solo acoustic set, has once again called on the full time Champs of Chris
Clarke (bass), Paul Lush (Guitar), Steve Brookes (drums), Rosalie Deighton (vocals) and Geoff Widdowson
(organ/sax).The contribution of honorary Champs is a long and exciting
list including Melvin Duffy on Pedal Steel, folk duo Hannah Lou and Trevor Moss
as well as the multi talented Bennett Brothers from The Dreaming Spires. Like minded artists Ahab and Foghorn Leghorn have
also participated in the recording process. Listen
carefully and picking out the multitude of instruments is not difficult.
Two other tracks worthy of mention both possess a folk
flavour to them with the banjo sound coming more to the forefront. It underpins the re-energising track ‘Breaking Out’ which anchors the mid
part of the record and ‘Talkin’ About The
Weather’ is another tune with a roots seasoning to it. ‘Time and Again’ is the perfect closing
number dealing with a little reflection and a hit of regret.
There will certainly be no regrets with getting yourself
acquainted with STAY TRUE and when Danny and the Champions of the World hit the
road this autumn with their high energetic live show the opportunity to savour
it in a variety of lively small venues should not be missed. Album of the year?
Too early to say. Contender? Definitely.
