Kate Campbell’s songs have been permeated by the surroundings and history of her upbringing. She was born in New Orleans and lived in the Mississippi Delta. Growing up in this culture brings an authenticity to the stories her songs tell. She has a lovely, lyrical voice that is a pleasure to listen to, making the pain and suffering in her songs’ stories palatable.
“Miles of Blues” is a country song in the style that they used to make before Nashville and some artists changed what that word meant in the ‘90s. It is about the universality of the blues and commonality that we, as Americans, share, even though Los Angeles is the only city with any distance west of the Mississippi River that is mentioned, but the sentiment is achieved.
“Pans of Biscuits” is a traditional song that sees Guy Clark join her for a duet. A poor cotton farmer has worked hard his entire life, barely able to make ends meet, whose children have left home. He’s poor, but he’s still able to put “pans of biscuits/bowls of gravy” on the table.
“New Blues” sounds like a classic old song. They should have added some studio effects of a scratched-up record because the horns and clarinet give it the sound of ‘20s or ‘30s New Orleans jazz. The story is of someone so put upon for so long that they would just like a different set of troubles to deal with because the ones they have make them feel like a modern-day Job.
“Shallow Grave” is a great song that honestly displays the hurt and anger involved in the betrayal of a broken heart along with the desire to witness the karmic ramifications. It is a great companion to Tony Bennett’s “I Wanna Be Around.”
“Mining Camp Blues” is an old song by Trixie Smith from 1925. The slow shuffle of the tempo along with the horns and clarinet give the song an upbeat feel, which is in stark contrast to the subject matter of a young girl who loses her father working in the mines, yet it works wonderfully. The song is a great reminder of the struggles that workers and their families used to have to go through.
Article comments
1 - Sticker
One of the best acoustic shows I've ever been to has been Kate Campbell at a local coffeehouse.
A special effort to hear her sing live is well worth it.
2 - Joanie
Sounds like a CD I need to check out. Thanks for the tip!