Danny & The Champions Of The World 'Live Champs' - Loose

     This well recorded album captures the band in full flight and serves as a reminder of what sounded a good night for all on both sides of the stage as well as a perfect introduction (and greatest hits collection) to their blend of soul, country and rock with a little jazz thrown in for good measure.
     The band are fronted by Danny George Wilson who has previously released solo and Grand Drive albums as well as several albums fronting his Champs. The double album of thirteen tracks shows a band at the peak of their powers and perception. Firing on all cylinders with Danny acting as host and heart. The five piece band all show their skills and combine the textures of pedal steel and sax to give the songs a Caledonian via Camden soul setting. But guitarist Paul Lush does’t let the side down either with some edgy and tasty solos, witness the solo in the song of Elvis and Tom Parker The Colonel And The King as one example. This is all delivered over a robust rhythm section who give the songs the solid base they build on.
     Wilson has a distinctive voice that fits right on top of  his strong and evocative story telling songs that have an obvious connection while offering enough diversity of mood to show the versatility of the band. There are a number of highlights across the two albums and those highlights can change with each listen. A knockout for all involved.