Kate Campbell's Vision of Plenty -- a review
Bill Page (bpage@scctel.com)
Tue, 21 Apr 1998 13:25:13 -0400 (EDT)
If it's true that the third album is the real test of a singer's talent
and staying power, then Kate Campbell passes that test with flying colors
in her new release, "Visions of Plenty."
From the first note of the title song, with supporting vocals by
Emmylou
Harris, through the last chords of "Simg Me Out," the gospel-derived
closing song, Kate provides a view of life in the world she knows so well.
A true child of the 60s, Kate grew up in Alabama and Mississippi during
the days of Freedom Riders, white sheets, and people with dreams. The most
personal songs on this CD reflect those days. "Crazy in Alabama" -- again
supported by Emmylou's back-up vocals -- tells of these troubled times:
And the train of change
Was coming fast to my home town
We had the chance to climb on board
Or get run down
And this CD rocks. Hammond B-3, solid guitar licks, soaring melodies,
great arrangements. Some of the songs are readily radio friendly. "Suit
Yourself" is one of the most engaging songs in some time, and is a song I
would search the air waves to hear. "This Side of Heaven" and "Visions of
Plenty" work well, too -- good songs, easy to imagine coming out of the car
speaker.
Kate Campbell's vision has plenty of evocative sounds, powerful lyrics,
and joy. Take a listen.
Bill Page
Skaneateles, NY