City Champs

Of the three musicians who make up this swingin’ group, their collected accomplishments read as a veritable “who’s who” in the business, and although none of them is quick to brag, they’ve certainly earned the right to. BB King, Albert King, Charlie Wood, Rufus Thomas, Billy Gibson, William Bell, Kenny Wayne Sheperd and Alex Chilton are just a few names these young men have backed up over the years.Organist Al Gamble has a shy, quiet way about him—but you wouldn’t know it, listening to him tear into his Hammond each night. He’s simply ferocious. Having spent five years touring the U.S. fronting his own group, the Gamble Brothers, and countless years as a Beale St. regular, Al is a seasoned pro.Joe Restivo, guitarist and composer, holds a BFA in jazz studies from the New School in New York City, and is a captivating soloist. Seven of the ten tunes on their debut album were penned by Joe and give a nod to Stax, Blue Note, and Muscle Shoals, while maintaining a fresh, modern sound of their own.Drummer George Sluppick has over thirty recording credits to his name and like Al, also cut his teeth as a youngster on Beale. He recently returned to Memphis, after fifteen years of living in and touring every corner of America. Back in his hometown, he quickly connected with these two gentlemen, and his exciting and emotional style of drumming blends perfectly, and speaks volumes of a life spent “on the road.”The City Champs is the name of this funky, instrumental outfit—but the name of the game is SOUL.