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reluctant rock god ~ guitarist & bass player for Paul McCartney
Reviews by the fans
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MIKE CAMPBELL AND BRIAN RAY: McCartney and Petty's Sidemen Take Center Stage At NAMM Showcase
Review by Daniel Niswander
Every January, the National Association of Music Manufacturers (NAMM) creates a massive convention event that brings musicians and product manufacturers and retailers together from all over the world. It takes place in the Southern California Orange county city of Anaheim which is the home of Disneyland.
Each year, tens of thousands of attendees are introduced to hundreds of thousands of square feet of the latest gear which takes center stage for several days. Many of the musical highlights that week-end took place during a showcase at the historic Imperial Ballroom in nearby Fullerton.
I was thrilled to experience a live show with Brian Ray and Black Unicorn and Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs that was sponsored by Duesenberg Guitars, Trussart Guitars and 65 Amps.
First up was Brian Ray and Black Unicorn. The dynamic guitarist and bassist with the Paul McCartney band is also an accomplished singer/songwriter and front man in his own right. In 2007, the album "Mondo Magneto" was released on Whooray Records and continues to receive rave reviews. His band-mates guitarist Peter Thorn has toured with Chris Cornell, bassist John Button also will tour with Sheryl Crow, and drummer Matt Laug plays with Slash's Snakepit.
The rocking set opened with the powerful blues inspired "Soft Machine." "Going Down Swinging" is as much a tribute to the late Johnny Cash and Kurt Cobain as it is a song about the frustration of coming of age. "I Liked You Better" as Brian mentioned on stage, is a story that many single guys can probably share from experiences in the world of dating. "Coming Up Roses" sounds like a optimistic view of the future but in fact is a sarcastic view that will be further explained in a video currently in production.
"Good For Nothing," "Vinyl," and "Anywhere But Home" were also emotionally driven performances about growing up, but the most sentimental and revealing moment came when he talked about his sister Jean who passed away last year. She was the person who introduced him to the music that he loves and has changed his life. "Cinnamon Girl" has a different meaning when you hear the story about the rock and roll girl who dated Neil Young.
Mike Campbell is known by rock fans as the tasteful lead guitarist of the Heartbreakers and good friend of rock legend Tom Petty, but tonight he shined as a legend and frontman of his own band, the Dirty Knobs. With catchy originals like "Shake These Blues," "Above Water," "Minimum Wage," and "Bride" and playful tunes like "Rings Around Uranus" and my personal favorite "Humdinger" you can begin to understand how prolific he is as a songwriter as well as the creator of the masterful guitar sound that has made Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers one of the biggest acts in rock and roll. His love of the Beatles, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, the Ventures, Led Zeppelin, and even James Bond were also evident as the night progressed.
A two song encore with a 'guitar boogie' jam and Hendrix's "Hey Joe" showed the crowd a playful side as conductor of a guitar orchestra that also featured Brian Ray and Sheryl Crow's Peter Stroud leaving the crowd on it's feet wanting more. It was a great way to start 2008 and there's even more. Mike with Tom and the Heartbreakers will be entertaining at half-time of Super Bowl 42 on February 3rd.
Malibu Inn, Malibu, California, July 2006
Review by ~rraine, Los Angeles
Yes indeed, Brian Ray and Black Unicorn rocked the Malibu Inn...in fact if you lived in the vicinity of Malibu, and felt a little tremor last night, it was probably them!!! Here's my breakdown:
First off "Soft Machine", which was sweet as ever, had an exquisite solo by Mr. Ray!!! Next up, "Going down Swinging" got the crowd moving, and brought the dancing freaks out (made for interesting footage!!!) Then after a quick re-tune, Brian said, "This one's for the President" which of course meant only one thing, "Coming up Roses"!!! Definitely a sing-a-long song!!! Although I am always waiting for the missing Dirt Brothers part! Next up was "Anywhere But Home" which started with a very twangy melodic slide solo intro by Mr. Ray...amazing!!! "I Liked You Better" made you want another drink. "If You're Leaving Me" was amazingly sad...guitarist Peter Thorn broke out the slide creating a very emotionally sad mood for this emotional song, the entire tune was slower over all, and it was really well done.
As the band switched guitars, the crowd started requesting songs...then Brian laughed and mentioned these were shout outs for songs from a band he was in in High School, for a song from the new album (Vinyl) and from a band he was in decades ago (big laugh from the crowd!!
Next up the other drinking song, "Sub Atomic" literally had the crowd hoping. That was followed up with "I Feel Good," which felt as good as ever!!! Then the crowd got what they were screaming for, "Vinyl" probably my personal favorite. This got the floor moving once again with men, women and children (literally) dancing on the dance floor!!!! And to close it up the boys played everyone's favorite cover tune, "Tears of a Clown" which rocked as always!!!
As for Black Unicorn - Jon Button held down the bottom end as always on Bass. Peter Thorn on guitar had some real steamy solos. And Matt Laug kept the beat steady and rockin'!!!
Overall, another fabulous show, wish you all could have been there, and Brian was right!!! It was in fact a "Hot sticky Malibu night!!!"
Fais Do Do, Los Angeles, California, July 2006
Review by ~rraine, Los Angeles
Well once again Brian Ray and Black Unicorn rocked the West Coast!! This time the epicenter was Los Angeles baby!!! LOL!!! If you haven't been to Fais Do Do...Go Go Go!!! I mean it may not have been the best neighborhood, but the club has a great atmosphere, and the vibe was amazing. Once again I filmed the event, and I must say the lighting was much better. So here's the quickie breakdown:
Brian Ray & Black Unicorn kick started the night with "Vinyl." Brian then asked the crowd how they were feeling, which we all of course know the response... "I Feel Good!!" LOL!!! They then did the now famous version of "If You're Leaving Me", and yet again Peter and Brian ROCKED IT with the use of slide!!! There was then a little guitar switching break where Brian took the opportunity to introduce the band...after which Matt introduced "Mr. Brian Ray on Lead vocals" which led to screams (which sounded a lot like me!!!) and Brian's response of "Ahh you didn't has to do that!!" Next up "I Liked You Better", and I always laugh when he changes the lyrics ("I'm singing high, I'm singing low")...Next up "Coming Up Roses" sing a long if you know it people!!! And finally the guys ended the night with "Tears of a Clown.
Now what I want to know is how does he do it?? I have seen his show 4 times now, and each is better than the last...filled with energy and excitement...the man is brilliant...what more can I say???
Again, wish you were all there...one more to go for those of you keeping track...Viper Room here we come!!!!!!!!!
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