World Champion

Paul Steward

The debut album of Paul Steward, lead singer and guitarist of Twice As Good. This album is a long time coming project of Paul's to venture into a more modern sound of blending Blues, R&B, Rock, into what he calls "Pop Blues."

The album features 3 originals by Paul; his debut single "Come on Girl" which is a danceable Southern Soul groove

The debut album of Paul Steward, lead singer and guitarist of Twice As Good. This album is a long time coming project of Paul's to venture into a more modern sound of blending Blues, R&B, Rock, into what he calls "Pop Blues."

The album features 3 originals by Paul; his debut single "Come on Girl" which is a danceable Southern Soul groove elevated with some B.B. King style lead guitar. The Blues shuffle, "Doin' My Thing," based on an alternative 12-bar progression with some hot Albert Collins style lead guitar. And, the song "Myanik Xe (Beautiful Music)" the first ever commercially-released Blues song sung all in Southeastern Pomo language and chants; a tribute to his tribal heritage of the Elem Pomo. This version is a slight remix of the original single released by Twice As Good.

The album includes six renditions of other songs: a remake of Freddie Hughes' 1968 R&B hit "Send My Baby Back" in honor of Freddie who passed away in January of 2022 and was a friend and inspiration to Paul. "Seasons," a groovy love ballad written and released on an album called KABACHUTI by Dry Creek Pomo musical artist Ross Cunningham aka Ras K'dee with whom Paul has collaborated with for many years, playing guitar in the studio on many of Ras and Audiopharmacy's tracks. Slam Allen, a great Blues man, friend, and mentor to Paul, wrote and released the tune "That's Where You Are," on his album FEEL THESE BLUES which Paul presents here in his own arrangement. Evoking the great Blues power of the artist Magic Slim and of the Chicago Blues style, and giving it a heavier dance beat, Paul presents a rendition of the song "If You Gotta Love Somebody" with a Coda that drifts through a few different bass-line and beat variations including the songwriter Jimmy Dawkins' original idea. "World Champion," the title track is funk song from the 1980's by Leon Sylvers III that was part of the soundtrack to the movie DC Cab. The soundtrack has been long forgotten and is not currently available in wide distribution, only on the old existing used vinyl records in circulation. Lastly, "Grenade," is a cover of the huge 2010 Pop hit by Bruno Mars revisioned in Paul's Bluesy style and certainly with more guitar than Mr. Bruno Mars could play.

From the liner notes: “To my fans, friends, and family, thank you. You know that I love music and you support me on my journey, I appreciate you for enjoying my artwork. I work hard and give the best I can as was the original dedication of my dad and I long time ago, we will be twice as good. Thank you to Slam Allen for your mentoring, friendship, and your music. Thank you to Ras K’dee my relative for your wisdom, your spirit, and your music. This album is me, the Blues Music, the Soul Music, the Pomo Music, the Pop Music. I am a world champion! I can not be outdone because, I am fighting for you all and for my son William. Together we will rise!” - Paul

Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Elevated Studios by 2XG Records, from July 2021 through August 2022.

All Drums, Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Piano, Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Saxophone, Vocals, performed by Paul Steward, except:

Myanik Xe (Beautiful Music) (Remix) featuring: Richard Steward (Paul’s Dad) - Vocals, Pomo tribal chants and melody Leroy Smith (Paul’s Uncle) - Vocals, Pomo tribal chants and melody, Pomo clapper stick

If You Gotta Love Somebody featuring: Skylaer Palacios aka Sky Palace - Vocals, backing vocal harmonies

Album Artwork and Design by Diana Flynn, instagram @dianaflynn_

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