Vivian Campbell’s Two Sides of If
Putting together a top-notch band that includes multi-talented drummer
Terry Bozzio and harp player Michael Fell, Campbell proceeds to step in front
of the microphone and knock out a set of smoky, fiery blues standards and
modern blues-rock covers that sidesteps any questions of authenticity.
Campbell is a world-class guitarist and quite up to the task of reimaging
these songs to showcase his skills. Def Leppard fans expecting metallic
shredding may be sorely disappointed, Campbell choosing instead to display a
range and tone he never needed to pull out of the toolkit with his previous
bands.
The guitarist’s vocals are especially surprising, Campbell
proving quite adept at conveying the subtlety and passion of the blues, his
understated approach bringing a tacit emotion to the material. He’s not
Coverdale or Dio, but he ain’t ‘alf bad either, you know... Two Sides of If
includes red-hot covers of classic Willie Dixon and Robert Johnson (naturally)
tunes, most notably Dixon’s “I Ain’t Superstitious,” redone as a riff-driven
punch-up that would do Kim Simmonds proud, and “Come On In My Kitchen,”
Johnson’s country blues spiced up with just the right amount of humility and
scorching guitar licks. Campbell tries his hand at some timeless soul, as
well, hitting up Booker T’s Stax hit “The Hunter” and Lowell Fulson’s
“Reconsider Baby” while also paying homage to Fleetwood Mac and Z.Z. Top with
well-chosen covers.
The Reverend’s Bottom Line
The highlight of Two Sides of If, though, may well be Campbell’s
respectful reading of fellow countryman Rory Gallagher’s “Calling Card.”
Performed with Van Morrison cool and jazzy undertones, the song frames
perfectly both Gallagher’s songwriting skills and Campbell’s impressive
six-string technique. It’s just one fine moment among many on a solid debut
from Vivian Campbell, and one well worth checking out for any fan of
old-school British blooze-rock. (Sanctuary Records, released 2005)
Review
originally published by Alt.Culture.Guide™ zine, 2005
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Vivian Campbell’s Two Sides of If
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