Roy Campbell
April 2001

Ethnic Stew And Brew
Delmark
2001

Reviewed By
Mark Corroto
Derek Taylor

Roy Campbell's musical journey began when he started with piano lessons at the age of six. By the time he entered high school he had mastered the flute, recorder, violin, and trumpet. By 1971 Roy had joined the Jazz Mobile Workshop where he studied and played with jazz masters Lee Morgan, Kenny Dorham, and Joe Newman. He also attended Manhattan Community College where he studied theory and arranging with Yusef Lateef and majored in trumpet with Dick Vance and Leonard Goines as his teachers. He graduated in 1975 with an Associates Degree in Music.

By 1973, Roy had just turned twenty and was leading his own band "Spectrum". He was also in great demand as a sideman and studio musician. Some of the leading innovators of contemporary music he worked with during that time include Woody Shaw, Sun Ra, David Murray, Cecil Taylor, Henry Threadgill, Rashied Ali, Eddie Harris, Ken McIntyre, Billy bang, Graig Harris, and Carlos Garnett. His travels and world wide exposure helped Roy to develop an international following. During the years of 1988-1992 he had spent time in Holland as a performer, lecturer, workshop teacher, and big band leader of such groups as the Thelonius New World Orchestra, Black Tulips in Transit, Ruud Bergamin Quintet, and many others.

But there was a part of his creative spirit that polished musicianship alone could not satisfy. He began writing and arranging for himself and others which represented a new vehicle of expression his talents and took him in some new directions. In 1978, Roy met bassist William Parker who invited him to join Jemeel Moondoc's Ensemble Muntu. This asscocation led to many different opportunities

Roy has done the film scores for the documentary " The Selling of Harlem" and "Survival in New York." His compositions and arrangements were featured in the off-Broadway productions of "Ludwig" and "Parole by Death". His television credits include appearances on PBS, ABC, and NBC. Roy has also been ac actor in independent films and also been part of the "Music Under New York Program" for the MTA and was featured as a model for a poster advertisement for the program. He was also the featured artist for "The Knitting Factory Jazz Marathon" in Groningen Holland in 1988.

In 1988 Roy formed "Tazz" a group that reflected various styles and backgrounds. The mission of Tazz was to breakdown cultural barriers through a sound that is eclectic, progressive, and funky. He also leads the Pyramid Trio which focuses on world cultural music with a jazz overtone. He is also founder and co-leader of Other Dimensions In Music which plays improvised music of all styles.

Roy Campbell's life experience reflects his belief that music is the voice of universal truth. He has composed music and plays in a wide range of styles including jazz, funk, rock, classical, and reggae. Whether he is performing, writing, arranging, or producing, his ability bursts forth in an electrifying stream of talent and originality. His virtuoso trumpet and flugelhorn performances have been praised by fans, critics, and he fellow musicians.