This CD is a rare and historic live-in-the-studio recording of a blues legend. John Campbell recorded these magical performances as demo, years before his Electra contract and untimely death. On these recordings you will hear one man with a presumably a 1930’s era National Resophonic, a then pristine 1952 Gibson Southern Jumbo, and all his heart and soul, whisking you away on a mystical journey.
No electronic tracks were used to alter John’s renditions of these blues classics that were woven with the charm and heartfelt passion of a man who lived his craft. You’ll hear the incredible syncopation of his hands, his ethereal voice, and the beat of his foot keeping time. Robin Hood Studios captured Campbell’s complete essence; metal on wood slide guitar rattles and the very breath and snarls of a brilliant apprentice to the blues. They were also able to chronicle a musician steeped in deep country blues, whose performances during this session were not destined to be heard until now.
“Campbell imbibed the spirit of the masters of the blues. If you were lucky enough to have witnessed his shows you would have been a participant in a classroom where the blues was the subject. John gave lessons in the blues on a nightly basis. His venues became his classroom where he lectured ancient blues theory. He demonstrated piano and banjo style blues guitar methods, as well as Mississippi-delta slide technique. Audiences the world over were enthralled at his sheer finger picking ability and his thunderous right hand technique.” *
Mojo Hand, a fitting epitaph, is presented on this recording where you’ll hear John’s derelict plea of “I’m Goin’ Back to Louisiana.” Welcome home, John Campbell, welcome home.
*Excerpt from the future release of the biography, Road of the Conqueror, the Life of John Campbell.
TECHNICAL AND SESSION NOTES:
Master Tape Speed: 15 IPS
Scully ¼” ½ track stereo analog recorder
Electrodyne Console
Microphones: Neumann U 67/U 87 – Shure Sm 53/57 – Telefunken ELA M 250
Recorded at Robin Head Studios, Sunnybrook, Tyler, Texas
Engineer: Robin Hood Brians
John Campbell, guitars and vocals
Produced by: Scott R. Van Dusen for Sphere Sound Records, USA
Transferred/Mastered at Bravura Sound & Frank Scheidt Audio, Rochester, N.Y.
Mastered by Matthew D. Guanere with Scott R. Van Dusen
Analog to digital transfer April 1996
Mastered May 1999
Legal: Christopher J. Calabrese, Attorney at Law
Trademarks: Robert J. Bird, Attorney at Law
CD Artwork at Packaging: Ron Brancato – Brancato Creative
Label re-issue design: Scott R. Van Dusen and Andrew Lesny
Package photography of Campbell’s 1952 Gibson: Anmari Linardi
Robin Hood Studio photo courtesy of Robin Hood Brians
Shreveport Journal photos reproduced with permission
Editor of Scott’s ambient pen, William Nowlk
Website: www.spheresound.com
Gracias: John Campbell, Sr., Ellen and Jeff Searcey, Dolly Fox-Campbell, Bill Campbell
Dedicated to the spirit of John Campbell, 1952-1993