Sydney River native John Campbelljohn returns to Sydney this weekend for two shows at the Black Diamond to celebrate the release of his latest album, Good To Go.
Recorded at his home studio, CampbelljohnSOUND, Good To Go is Campbelljohn’s eighth release since his 1993 debut How Does It Feel. The album features Campbelljohn on vocals, guitar, slide guitar, lap steel guitar, and pedal steel guitar; Andrew Lambert on bass guitar and background vocals; and Neil Robertson on drums and background vocals.
“Good To Go is my first studio release for ZYX / Pepper Cake, my European label located in Germany and distributed in Canada and the US by Koch Distribution,” says Campbelljohn. “It’s also my second production from CampbelljohnSOUND. I love my home studio and I also have a great time doing pedal steel and dobro tracks for other people.”
Campbelljohn, who got his start back in the days of Matt Minglewood, Sam Moon, and Fred Tomie’s Athletic Club in Whitney Pier before forming Squeeze Play and eventually striking out on his own, has made a name for himself as a tasteful player and songwriter. His slide guitar-playing has drawn comparisons to Sonny Landreth and Ry Cooder whose sound has been described as “…power blues that touch on rock, reggae and roots with a few overtones of pure country”.
Campbelljohn’s previous albums have earned him numerous nominations and awards including East Coast Music Awards for Weight of the World (2006) and Hook, Slide and Sinker (1999). He has also been named Blues Slide Guitarist of the Year four times by the Real Blues Awards, and received the 1999 Harvest Jazz & Blues Dutch Mason Award for outstanding achievement by an Atlantic Canadian blues artist.
“I’m exited about this one,” says Campbelljohn of Good To Go, “because this time I’ve focused more on song-writing collaborations with artists such as Stan Carew of CBC Weekend Mornings fame, as well as drummer Neil Robertson. They’ve been a big help. Three heads are better than one!”
Campbelljohn is also excited about getting back “home” to play a few shows.
“The Black Diamond is always a pleasure. It’s a cozy little joint and people aren’t afraid to make some noise! I don’t get down to play in Cape Breton much these days, but when I do it’s always a thrill, kind of like meeting old friends at the liquor store at Christmas.”
John Campbelljohn will play two shows this weekend at the Black Diamond on Townsend Street in Sydney. Friday night he will perform with special guests Joe MacLeod on bass and Keith McInnis on drums. Campbelljohn will do a solo show Saturday afternoon.
