Search - Cornell Campbell :: 1975-80-I Shall Not Remove

Cornell Campbell
1975-80-I Shall Not Remove
Genres: International Music, Pop

Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
1. Gorgon [Extended]
2. The Gorgon Speaks [Extended]
3. The Conquering Gorgon
4. Lion of Judah [Extended]
5. I Shall Not Remove [Extended]
6. Natty Dread in a Greenwich Town [Extended]
7. Forward Natty Dread [Extended]
8. Dance in a Greenwich Farm: Pt. 2-The Chalice Blaze, Pt. 3-Danci
9. Two Face Rasta [Extended]
10. Righteous Rastaman [Extended]
11. Bandulu/Hard Time

CD Details

All Artists: Cornell Campbell
Title: 1975-80-I Shall Not Remove
Members Wishing: 4
Total Copies: 0
Label: Blood & Fire Records
Original Release Date: 1/25/2000
Release Date: 1/25/2000
Genres: International Music, Pop
Styles: Caribbean & Cuba, Jamaica, Reggae
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 783564003020

Synopsis

Amazon.com

The mellifluous Cornell Campbell was greatly influenced by American soul singers, especially Curtis Mayfield, and had a reasonably successful career (as a solo act and harmony-group singer) performing ska and rock steady in the 1960s and early 1970s. However, his career peaked in the mid-1970s after he hooked up with producer Bunny Lee and dub pioneer King Tubby. This set collects 11 remarkable singles from the period, and the contrast between Campbell's sugar-sweet vocals and Tubby's bold dub experimentation makes for compelling listening. With Bob Marley changing the face of Jamaican music at the time, it's not surprising that Campbell moved away from lover's rock and toward Rastafarian themes. The "Gorgon" series is what Campbell is best remembered for, but his reworking of the age-old American spiritual (and civil rights beacon) "I Shall Not Remove" is equally powerful. With star musicians like Tommy McCook, Carlton Barrett, and Robbie Shakespeare offering support, this is landmark Jamaican music, and a clear illustration of the alchemy that occurred when old-school Jamaican soul music came together with modern mixing technique and Rastafarianism to forge roots reggae's classic period. --Marc Greilsamer

CD Reviews

A Solid Collection

02/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this Blood and Fire release with a bit of trepidation after having read some of the reviews printed below. These reviews seem to offer generally positive, but somewhat qualified, endorsements of this CD. However, this rock solid collection more than exceeded my expectations. Cornell Campbell's beautiful voice, coupled with truly wonderful melodies, makes for joyful listening. As noted below, the standout is "The Gorgon." However, almost equally strong are "Forward Natty Dread," "Natty Dread In Greenwich Farm," and "I Shall Not Remove." Coupled with Blood and Fire's usual handsome packaging and informative liner notes, this CD is a great introduction to a major reggae talent."

Cornell Campbell release somewhat lackluster

Michael E. Afentoulis | South Pasadena, California United States | 03/15/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan of the Blood and Fire label and roots reggae in general, I was disappointed with the selection of tracks out of Cornell Campbell's repertoire. The "Gorgon" is perhaps the strongest track on the album. And although some of the dub trailings are really creative, the preachiness of most of the tracks of this album makes you wonder whether Blood and Fire really selected Cornell's best tracks. I'll conclude that a wider variety of Cornell's rare cuts over a longer period of time would have made a more effective compilation."

Let's give this one its due

Jacob Snodgrass | Worthington, Ohio United States | 09/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Without hesitation, I'll go one further than the previous reviewer and not only say that I feel differently than the first few reviewers, but I rank this release as a rare gem. Like every reggae-head out there, I have boundless respect for Blood & Fire, but unlike the earlier reviewers I don't at all view this release as below that label's high standards, and in fact I rank it right up there as one of their ten best. The Gorgon trilogy is a stunner on it's own, but while most of the other tracks don't live up to that incredibly high standard, they are winners nonetheless. Trust me, check it out."