Release date: September 27, 2005
Label: Sanctuary Records

Vivian Campbell's new blues CD, Two Sides of If, is an interesting collection of blues standards and a song written for the CD by Billy Gibbons. Vivian's vocals are, to a reasonable extent, reminiscent of both Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher, yet the power and passion he exerts are all his. He's soulful and energetic, and his guitar playing is potent and bluesy.

As you could guess from his recent interview in which he talks about the numerous guitars and amps used on the CD, the tone throughout is phenomenal. The band, as a whole, is precise at getting Vivian's bluesy message across. The two cuts featuring Billy Gibbons and the one featuring Joan Osborne are mere icing on the cake. The beat man is Terry Bozzio, one of the finest drummers of his generation.

Mel London's 'Messin' With The Kid' gets it all going, alerting listeners to how much of a Rory Gallagher fan Vivian really is. Willie Dixon's 'I'm Ready' is gritty and poignant. Vivian's solo is scorching in this one.

Rory Gallagher's 'Calling Card' is a fine tribute to the blues-rock master. It features a distinctive piano solo by Tor Hyams. Robert Johnson's 'Come On In My Kitchen' is haunting, yet individualistic, as Viv's approach is all over this cover.

The two cuts featuring The Reverend Billy G. are interesting enough in themselves. Both guitarists swap leads throughout Danny Kirwan's 'Like It This Way'. 'Willin' For Satisfaction' starts energetically, in a Canned Heat manner. Michael Fell's harp playing is highlighted here. And though Vivian's vocal prowess fits it like a glove, the song has Billy Gibbons' technique written all over it.

Joan Osborne's vocal in 'Spoonful' is sexy and perfect and Viv's slide work flatters her voice superbly.

Vivian Campbell makes a first-rate entry into blues-rock with his Sept. 27th release, 'Two Sides Of If'. After listening to it a couple of times I realized that it was about time he did a solo album. Blues aficionados, rock fans, and guitarists and musicians alike won't be disappointed. Blues-rock never sounded better.

Two Sides of If   Track Listing

1) Messin' With The Kid

2) I'm Ready

3) Calling Card

4) Come On In My Kitchen

5) The Hunter

6) Like It This Way

7) Ain't Superstitious

8) Spoonful

9) Reconsider Baby

10) Good Or Bad Times

11) 32/20 Blues

12) Willin' For Satisfaction

Vivian Campbell: vocals and guitars
Michael Fell: harmonica
Bruce Cornett: rhythm guitar
Tor Hyams: piano, Hammond B-3
Mark Browne: bass
Terry Bozzio: drums

Billy F. Gibbons: guitar on 'Like It This Way' and 'Willin' For Satisfaction'
Joan Osborne: vocal on 'Spoonful'
Dave Wolff: Vivian's guitar tech

Produced by Tor Hyams and Vivian Campbell
Recorded live at Ocean Studios, Burbank CA.
Joan Osborne recorded at Coyote Studios, Brooklyn, NY

Related Links

Vivian Campbell's Interview by Brian D. Holland
Vivian Campbell
Two Sides of If   on Amazon.com
Sanctuary Records