Super talented heavy rock guitarist Vivian Campbell burst onto the Irish rock scene in a band called Sweet Savage. Soon thereafter in 1982 Ronnie James Dio recruited the young prodigy as the lead guitarist for the then br... more »and new band Dio, and Vivian is featured on the first three legendary Dio albums. Via stints in David Coverdale?s Whitesnake and Lou Gramm?s Shadow King, Vivian joined mega band Def Leppard in 1992 and remains one of the 2 lead guitarists of Def Leppard, touring and recording with them to this day. A long time fan of the blues, Vivian Campbell was determined to one day record his interpretations of great American blues songs. In April 2005, Vivian and 5 fellow musicians, including the great drummer Terry Bozzio (Mothers Of Invention, Missing Persons), recorded this great electric blues album. Two Sides Of If features classics originally recorded by blues legends like Muddy Waters, Albert King and Robert Johnson as well as songs from the likes of Rory Gallagher and Peter Green?s Fleetwood Mac. The album closes with an original by ZZ Top?s Billy Gibbons and last but not least the great Joan Osborne performs sizzling lead vocals on a great cover of Howlin? Wolf?s classic song "Spoonful."« less
Super talented heavy rock guitarist Vivian Campbell burst onto the Irish rock scene in a band called Sweet Savage. Soon thereafter in 1982 Ronnie James Dio recruited the young prodigy as the lead guitarist for the then brand new band Dio, and Vivian is featured on the first three legendary Dio albums. Via stints in David Coverdale?s Whitesnake and Lou Gramm?s Shadow King, Vivian joined mega band Def Leppard in 1992 and remains one of the 2 lead guitarists of Def Leppard, touring and recording with them to this day. A long time fan of the blues, Vivian Campbell was determined to one day record his interpretations of great American blues songs. In April 2005, Vivian and 5 fellow musicians, including the great drummer Terry Bozzio (Mothers Of Invention, Missing Persons), recorded this great electric blues album. Two Sides Of If features classics originally recorded by blues legends like Muddy Waters, Albert King and Robert Johnson as well as songs from the likes of Rory Gallagher and Peter Green?s Fleetwood Mac. The album closes with an original by ZZ Top?s Billy Gibbons and last but not least the great Joan Osborne performs sizzling lead vocals on a great cover of Howlin? Wolf?s classic song "Spoonful."
"Who decides what Vivian likes? I find it humorous that the reviewers that gave this CD a poor review are stating what Vivian is. I could have sworn that Vivian decides what he is and what he likes. If Vivian says he likes blues, then let him play the blues. I guess that is the advantage of being somebody that is somebody or compared to just another pickle laying in the gutter wishing they could play guitar or sing (like a few reviewers I have read about)."
Not just another rocker with the blues
BDH | Massachusetts USA | 10/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vivian Campbell is best known as the guitarist who replaced Steve Clark in Def Leppard. He's still a member, too. 'Two Sides Of If' is his first solo release. In my opinion, it's his best playing on record. Sometimes the blues can bring out the best in people.
`Two Sides Of If' isn't dark and mysterious blues like the acoustic music of Mississippi Fred McDowell or Robert Johnson. That's the blues. This CD is blues covers done electrically, and driven by the superb drumming of Terry Bozzio. It's often quite rocked up, and it's definitely blues-rock in genre. This fact doesn't belittle the music at all, because it's excellent material. It does possess more of a blues edge to it than most, though, as a gritty, traditional emotion is present throughout, not to mention some superb musicianship.
Vivian's ability to articulate is immediately noticeable in Mel London's `Messin' With The Kid'. Rory Gallagher, Vivian's hero, would be proud to hear this cover. It rocks! The guitar tone is incredible throughout the whole CD. The presence of ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons is mere icing on the cake, as both guitarists complement each other perfectly. To top it all off, Viv's vocal ability is credible as well. Joan Osborne is wonderfully sexy in `Spoonful'.
`Two Sides Of If' isn't just another bluesy release from a rocker; it's a good one.
"
The Other Side of Vivian Campbell
Bella Cheval | Charleston, WV | 10/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a fan of Mr. Campbell's from his days in Dio, I've been telling folks for years what a great guitar player this guy is. From "Messin' With The Kid" thru "Willin' For Satisfaction," this CD does not disappoint. I'm very glad Vivian has the chance to show off another side of his talent and what makes him such a great guitar player on this disc."
Way to go Viv!
Sirona | 11/23/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"First off, I don't need to know the blues to know when I hear good music. You can say all you want but Vivian Campbell is a great guitar player and even though I don't know how the original recordings sound, I don't care. What I got was a CD that I enjoyed listening too at work and at home.
As far as his voice, it does take an adjustment but to be honest I love it! The blues are gritty and raw sometimes and considering he recorded the album in just 3 days you get a good feel for the energy.
I'm glad this CD is part of my collection."
Former?
C. S. Kolenda | Michigan | 10/29/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Why is everyone saying "former Def Leppard" guitarist? I just saw Viv with the Lep this week. He is still shreding the old British hair band rock and quite well I might ad. I like this cd and say "Well done Viv"? Its quite a departure from his Lep antics but a good solo cd. Good vocals that fit and as always great guitar. When you see Def Lep you sometimes focus on Phil Collen, mostly his bare chest, but Viv holds down the left side of the stage superbly and this is just another facet of his great guitar playing. Well done Viv and I highly recommend picking this cd up.CK"