Home » Jazz Articles » Royce Campbell: Royce Campbell Plays for Lovers

Royce Campbell: Royce Campbell Plays for Lovers

By Jim Santella
December 28, 2005
Sign in to view read count

Royce Campbell: Royce Campbell Plays for Lovers

Royce Campbell's warm interpretations of seven romantic jazz standards and two originals moves nice and slow, as the smooth edges from his guitar strings give his audience a natural timbre to soak up in time. Antony and Cleopatra must have enjoyed a similar experience, since Campbell's velvety-smooth guitar melodies sail gently as if on a warm ocean breeze. Of course, legendary characters from our literature didn't have the benefit of Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby or Royce Campbell's "I Feel Like We Have Met Before to support them in their leisure time.

Previously issued as Royce Campbell With Strings (Chase, 1999), the album features a studio orchestra under the direction of Carroll DeCamp. His musical arrangements highlight numerous soloists on flute, violin, and French horn. Fred Hersch also provides lovely piano solo interludes and accompaniment.

Chording gracefully, Campbell opens "A Time for Love with soft melodic lines that lead to brief improvised refrains from piano and guitar. By letting the orchestra swell gradually, the piece breathes with a natural air. The walking bass and creative guitar improvisation of "I Concentrate on You would not have been present in Cleopatra's day, either. Campbell gives this one a lively rhythmic pace with gentle waves that infuse passion into the mix. Following a format of solos around the room and closing with drum fours, the piece carries mainstream jazz to the living room.

Campbell and Hersch carry on a swinging musical conversation through much of the session that brings about a relaxed attitude. The guitarist's seamless melodies and lyrical improvisation provide a romantic aura that lasts. Lovers can find happiness through this collection of guitar ballads.

Track Listing

Estate; Body and Soul; Sounds of Love; Waltz for Debby; A Time for Love; I Concentrate on You; I Feel Like We Have Met Before; This is All I Ask; But Beautiful.

Personnel

Royce Campbell: guitar; Fred Hersch: piano; Lynn Seaton: bass; Mark Wolfley: drums.

Album information

Title: Royce Campbell Plays for Lovers | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Moon Cycle

Post a comment about this album

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.

WE NEED YOUR 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.