Search - Eddie C Campbell :: Hopes & Dreams

Wry, laconic blues by West Side Chicago Blues Master

R. Weinstock | Falls Church, VA USA | 09/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The revival of Rooster Blues Records had seen a spurt of activity as the label has reissued some albums and issued several new ones. Among the latest releases is Eddie C Campbell's Hopes & Dreams, a welcome release from the veteran of the Chicago West Side scene. Among those who came up with Otis Rush and Magic Dam, Campbell's straightforward, thoughtful guitar with his judicious use of reverb is evocative of Magic Sam, while his laconic singing and pacing of his performances provide his music with a recognizable, distinctive sound. His performances are often witty and thoughtful and a welcome change from the relentless blazing fretwork of others. His approach lends believability when he sings "I didn't mean a word I said," on "Did I Hurt You". Based on the Stevie Wonder "Superstitious" riff, "Geese in the Ninny Bow (Hey!)", is a bit too long, although the horn players get a chance to stretch out over the groove. Much better is a terrific slow blues, "You Worry Me", which has a nice piano spot from the legendary Ernest Lane (of Ike Turner and Robert Nighthawk bands) before Campbell takes his solo. He is a bit upbeat about the "Cool Cool Mama," which has the flavor of a laid back reworking of a Freddie King blues, as he celebrates this somewhat sassy lady. Old friend Billy Boy Arnold joins him for some reminiscences of past days on the acoustic duet, "Those Were the Days," and has a harp solo to "Lost Soul." "Spend" is a medium tempo rocker that anyone who feels like money is burning a hole in one's pocket can identify with. Campbell closes with "Cougar," his rendition of Freddie King's instrumental "San-Ho-Zay." The production is first-rate with longtime drummer Robert `Huckleberry Hound' Wright anchoring the rhythm section. While there are couple of lesser tracks, this is another solid effort from Campbell."