Campbell 's Great Acoustic Sound
Bruce Von Stiers
I recently got an album in to review. The album is from Bay Area singer / songwriter Jeff Campbell. I thought that his name looked familiar. Then all of a sudden it dawned on me. Jeff is the touring partner and friend of one of my favorite singer /songwriters, Megan Slankard.
Because of his connection to Megan, I looked forward to listening to the album. I was almost positive that this would be a great album. And I was right. The title of the album is Stop And Go. It is set to be released this January. The album is on the Sonic Zen Records label.
Besides touring with Megan, Jeff is the front man for the band Pine and Battery . Although it is a rock band, Jeff has written and performed a lot of folk styled music.
It was when Jeff was sifting through some old demos that he decided to do an acoustic album. He got together with Charlie Wilson at Sonic Zen records and came up with the basis for this album.
The album has eleven songs and lasts forty-six minutes. Jeff wrote all of the songs except one. He produced the album along with Charlie Wilson.
Jeff recruited several Bay Area musicians to help him out on the album. Max Delaney was on guitar for a song. Ryan Manley played the Hammond organ on a couple of songs. Megan Slankard did vocals and played guitar on a few songs. Other people helping out on vocals were Joel Ackerson, Larissa Waters, Brad Brooks and Charlie Wilson. Wilson also played the bass and a few other instruments. On the beatbox and helping with vocals was Austin Willacy. Ezra Lipp was on the tabla. Kyle Caprista played a bit of drums and did some vocals. James Deprato played electric guitar. And Jeff was on guitar, drums and lead vocals.
Shut Your Mouth is the first song. It is a melodic tune that is actually a damning indictment about someone not really changing. The song is lyrical and contagious and you might find, like me that you're singing the chorus with Jeff. There is some nice harmonizing from Megan.
Next up is a tune with terrific acoustic guitar. The song is Somethin For Nothin. It is a love lament about giving what you can but it doesn't seem to be enough.
Leftside is nothing if not a wonderful, lyrical acoustic guitar piece. Another great song about the human condition.
4th Street gives forth the age old relationship problem. He's from one place, she another and part of their problem is not being able to forgive and forget. Far too many of us can relate to that.
Southern has some terrific guitar. I guess I keep going back to the guitar work. But Jeff has such a lyrical sense with his playing that you can't help but like it. Both Kyle Capistra and Larissa Waters do a great job on harmonizing vocals.
Dollars For Dimes is a slow, melodic yet aching ballad. Once again there are great harmonizing vocals, this time from Brad Brooks.
One surprise on the album is a cover of the Cars song Drive. I have heard this song done a few times by other artists. But I've got to say that Jeff's is the best that I've heard. The acoustic music is spot on and Jeff, along with Megan and Brad Brooks definitely do justice to the vocals.
It Stopped Raining is yet another song with terrific harmonizing. Megan brings in a heartfelt presence that greatly complements Jeff's vocals.
Do I Get A Moment is an aching love lament. Larissa Waters helps out well with harmonizing in parts of the song.
Laundry Day is the only song to feature electric guitar. It is a cool ballad that has great lead and backing vocals with fantastic music. In fact, the harmonizing vocals made me think of a few The Eagles songs. Even though it isn't strictly an acoustic song it is still my favorite on the album.
The final song on the album, Promise, is a smooth song that features just Jeff on vocals and guitar.
Jeff Campbell is really talented. From his songwriting abilities to his vocals and his guitar playing, Jeff seems to have all of the right stuff. With this acoustic album, he may well find a national, perhaps even international, audience for his music.
Jeff is offering copies of Stop And Go at select shows. It can also be streamed and downloaded from his official site. Or you can order the album as well. The site also offers up sample tracks from the album.
The official Jeff Campbell site is http://www.jeffcampbellmusic.com/ . Jeff is also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jeffcampbellmusic
© 2012 Bruce E Von Stiers