Two Sides of If (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Vivian Campbell (vocals, guitar); Vivian Campbell; Bruce Cornett (guitar); Tor Hyams (piano, Hammond b-3 organ); Mark Browne (bass instrument); Joan Osborne (vocals); Billy Gibbons (guitar); Michael Fell (harmonica); Terry Bozzio (drums).

Audio Mixer: Joe Hardy.

Recording information: Coyote STudios, Brooklyn, NY (04/2005); Ocean Studios, Burbank, CA (04/2005).

Photographer: Robert Knight .

After his tenure in several of heavy metal's most legendary groups (most notably Whitesnake and Def Leppard), Vivian Campbell steps out into the spotlight for his first solo endeavor, and the results are nothing less than impressive. Taking his first vocal bows behind the microphone is a big step for someone who usually lets his fingers do the talking, but Campbell's vocal delivery is surprisingly inoffensive, especially in comparison to some axe slingers who think they have vocal cords. On this 12-song session of gritty, no-frills blues-rock, Campbell pays homage to blues gods like Willie Dixon and Robert Johnson alongside latter-day geniuses like Rory Gallagher. Fans of Campbell's shredding may be taken aback by the switch, but those with open minds and ears will be treated to a pleasant surprise. ~ Rob Theakston minimize