I've been familiar with Royce Campbell's music for nearly 30 years, ever since I bought his Tribute to Henry Mancini album in 1995. Royce played with Marvin Gaye, toured with Mancini for 19 years and has released more than 40 albums. Royce has a terrifically tasteful touch, he swings beautifully, his chord voicings are engaging and his jazz playing is sublime. He also has composed more than 1,000 songs. A couple of weeks ago, he sent along two of his most recent albums. Both are exquisite.
The albums are Cool School (2021) and Originals (2023). On Cool School, Royce takes on the relaxed feel of cool jazz, and all 11 songs are originals. He's joined by Bob Bowen on bass and Marlon Faster on drums. I particularity love how Royce runs lines on this album and pauses to let his hip chords reply to what he has just played. Bob and Marlon are wonderfully gentle and hushed, respectfully providing just enough rhythm and texture behind Royce.
The tracks are Don't Stop the Music, Another Chance, Cool School, A Dream Come True, The Hubbub, Sometime Thing, Now I Know, Amber, You're a Shining Light, Skyline Silhouette and One for Duke.
Originals (2023) again features Bob on bass and Marlon on drums as Royce sails through another 11 of his compositions. Royce's swing here is exemplary as is his gentle touch and chords. The tracks are Playground Swing, Ocean City Blues, Just Say the Word, On the Sly, Think Swing, It Looks Like Spring, Skyline Silhouette, Likewise, Out of the Way, Good Fortune and On the Scene.
If you're picking just one, go with Cool School. There something nocturnally Peter Gunn-ish about the laid-back sound. Perhaps it's all those years Royce spent with Mancini.
Here's Royce playing Henry Mancini's Dreamsville...
The albums are Cool School (2021) and Originals (2023). On Cool School, Royce takes on the relaxed feel of cool jazz, and all 11 songs are originals. He's joined by Bob Bowen on bass and Marlon Faster on drums. I particularity love how Royce runs lines on this album and pauses to let his hip chords reply to what he has just played. Bob and Marlon are wonderfully gentle and hushed, respectfully providing just enough rhythm and texture behind Royce.
The tracks are Don't Stop the Music, Another Chance, Cool School, A Dream Come True, The Hubbub, Sometime Thing, Now I Know, Amber, You're a Shining Light, Skyline Silhouette and One for Duke.
Originals (2023) again features Bob on bass and Marlon on drums as Royce sails through another 11 of his compositions. Royce's swing here is exemplary as is his gentle touch and chords. The tracks are Playground Swing, Ocean City Blues, Just Say the Word, On the Sly, Think Swing, It Looks Like Spring, Skyline Silhouette, Likewise, Out of the Way, Good Fortune and On the Scene.
If you're picking just one, go with Cool School. There something nocturnally Peter Gunn-ish about the laid-back sound. Perhaps it's all those years Royce spent with Mancini.
Here's Royce playing Henry Mancini's Dreamsville...
This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
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