Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jason Campbell: Live & Unveiled

Jason Campbell: Live & Unveiled

By Jim Santella
March 23, 2009
Sign in to view read count

Jazz guitarist Jason Campbell recorded this live album with his trio in Sydney, Australia, just before he left for New York and a new home where he continues to interpret covers of classic themes as well as sterling originals. It's not just any trio. Campbell brings the memorable guitar/organ combo sound back to mainstream jazz with a velvet-thumping organ bass line and curlicue melodies from Darren Heinrich, appropriate textures from drummer Andrew Dickeson which suit each composition to a tee, and stellar guitar rides that portray Campbell as a lover of the fine art of bending strings and weighing in with spontaneous licks.

The trio swings on numbers such as "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "The Sidewinder" with echoes of the veteran units who put those lovely songs on the map. Each of the three artists puts a fresh outlook on these classic pieces, as the guitar skyrockets with enthusiasm, the organ pumps up a firestorm with its unique texture, and the drum set cascades upon a solid foundation that's ever-changing in its approach. George Benson's "Low Down & Dirty" falls into place as a mood piece that ripples under the skin with head-shakin' feelings—can't help getting caught up in that one.

Campbell's trio plays music for the soul, music to remember, and music that unwinds those taut "guitar strings" that are carried around with us in the form of headaches or just plain old depression. He and his band mates provide a permanent cure for the blues and a big boost for optimism.

Track Listing

The Sidewinder; Segment; Old Folks; Baby, It

Personnel

Wally Richardson

guitar

Jason Campbell: guitar; Darren Heinrich: organ; Andrew Dickeson: drums.

Album information

Title: Live & Unveiled | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Self Produced

< Previous
Up the Turret Mil

Next >
Evan Parker/ Paul Dunmall Quartet Liv...

Comments

About Wally Richardson

Instrument: Guitar

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.