Page 41 - BiTS_12_DECEMBER_2021

Garrington T Jones has put together a great album of well constructed songs, interesting lyrics and
delivered like a truly great storyteller. The instrumentation and production is spot on and somehow
the album overall gave me a sense of a 1970’s album on the Harvest label. Well worth checking this

out.

Ged Wilson

Starlite Campbell Band — The Language Of Curiosity —

Supertone Records

I first came across Simon Campbell on the local north west music
scene back in the 1970s. At the time he was with his band
‘Whitefire’ and I was in my first band ‘Spike’. I can remember
him being a great guitarist back then so I was keen to see how he
has developed over the years with his latest offering, ‘The
Language Of Curiosity’.

The album opens with some rocking guitar work on ‘Distant
Land’ addressing the topical issue of the current refugee crisis*.
There is a distinct Rolling Stones ‘Brown Sugar’ feel about ‘Gaslight’ with some great guitar work
stealing the show. The title track ‘Language Of Curiosity’ has some nice harmony vocals and brings

to mind the style and sound of Elvis Costello, whilst there is some good advice to be had for us
oldies with, ‘Take Time To Grow Old’.

‘Said So’ is somewhat of a 1960’s /1970’s rock concerto! I spotted hints of ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘Get
Ready’, ‘Jessica’ and ‘Silver Machine’ and I’m sure you will spot more. There is the instrumentation
to go with it as well with some lovely fuzz guitar and Hammond organ. If you like a 70’s rock vibe
you are going to love this tune.

‘It Ain’t Right’ is a nice chilled out offering with some sweet vocal work from Suzy and her sensitive
delivery around modern day discrimination. Did I detect hints of ‘Yours Is No Disgrace’ in there
too? ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ gives off echoes of Paul Kossoff’s guitar work. ‘Lay It Out On Me’ is a simple
slow blues and the album closes with a nice funky electric piano groove and some delightful gentle
vocals from Suzy on ‘Ride On Cowboy’ her take on online dating no less!

The songs are well constructed and Simon and Suzy are ably supported by the band. What stands
out is Simon’s guitar work, not just his playing but his tone and variety of styles that helps to keep
the album interesting. You will find lots of 1970’s rock nuances in this album and whilst there are
obvious blues roots underlying this is essentially more of a rock album. On a personal note it’s
great to see that Simon has gone on to bigger and better things and I strongly advise you to give

this album a spin.

* ‘Distant Land’ contains explicit lyrics.

Ged Wilson