OLD FLAMES NEVER DIE





JAZZTIMES, YEAR IN REVIEW 2020
SELECTED AS ONE OF THE TOP 40 JAZZ RELEASES OF 2020


The world of male vocalists is, perhaps, the most bracketed in all of jazz, and the light-voiced, bewitching, cabaret-friendly Campbell doesn't neatly slot into any of the established spaces. But Campbell's skills and emotional draw are second to none. His extraordinary "Loving You: Celebrating Shirley Horn" should have risen from obscurity to become the sleeper vocal album of its year, and "Old Flames Never Die" deserves that same skyrocketing trajectory.

Working, once again, atop a drum-less combo operating with taste and restraint, Campbell proves spellbinding. From the opening take on Fred Hersch's "Stars" all the way through to the end of the date, he wraps his chiffon-laced cords around a lyric as if embracing the words with a knowing and understanding hug.

With an honesty about self and song, a knack for picking slightly overlooked numbers from classic tunesmiths, a strong kinship with his band mates, and sharp arranging ideas, both as an individual and collaborator, Campbell clearly has a solid skill set. But in the end, brushing all of that aside, it's really his voice that carries the day. Despite the industry's need for tagging artists and placing them into different bins, all the great ones remain individualists. And Peter Campbell, who may carry a lower profile than he deserves, is most certainly that.

DAN BILAWSKY, ALL ABOUT JAZZ
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JAZZTIMES, YEAR IN REVIEW 2020, TOP 10 LIST


The best album of the year (so far) crept up and caught me on the cusp of the virus, but thankfully in time to keep me company through this and future madnesses.

Peter Campbell’s own website doesn’t tell much of a story… frankly, a bit of intrigue works for the man. He seems to have mysteriously materialized at the microphone, not a frightening ghost but an airy, melancholy spirit getting intimate with that mic and a gossamer-small audience in a hypothetical cabaret. Noisier, brassier acts might take his place later on; but that means nothing. He knows the fleetingness of the moment and the uncertainty of the future, so he accedes to the now and occasionally, understandably, hides in the past.

Campbell sings ahead, behind, and squarely on the beat, never muffing a move, sounding old and young, male and female; and yes, sad, but grasping the happiness in communicating sad. The soft pride, worn lightly, of a job well done, a vocation fulfilled.

ANDREW HAMLIN, JAZZTIMES
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JAZZTIMES, "YEAR IN REVIEW 2020," TOP 10 LIST


A jazz/cabaret vocalist that knows a vast survey of songs to pick from and can mix them all into a seamless whole no matter what era they are from. Classy, up market entertainment, he's a solid vocalist that knows how to take you away for a while and bring you back to a much better place. With smart jazzbos in tow, this cat delivers the whole package in fine form.

CHRIS SPECTOR, MIDWEST RECORD


… an absolutely beautiful and poignant recording from vocalist Peter Campbell. The choice of material, both contemporary and classic - plus Peter's sensitive and tender vocal style - puts a new spin to the traditional jazz vocal classics album. The arrangements and delivery from the masterful collection of assembled musicians is effortless and lush, and - combined with Peter's exceptional vocals - make this a unique and desirable jazz vocal album that is refreshing and sophisticated.

MARTY “MEMPHIS” DELIA, THE JAZZ MUSIC BLOG (AUSTRALIA)


…achingly beautiful.

DAVIS JOACHIM, “MY KIND OF JAZZ,” CIDI 99.1 FM, QUEBEC


[Campbell's] voice soars and has a… quality and clarity that is compelling. The Toronto-based band accompanying Campbell is a truly phenomenal collection of talent.

DAVID REED, THE BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR


Beautiful and poignant.

CARRIE A. FRYE, RHYTHM AND GROOVES


Luminous tenor Peter Campbell gives dreamy and Broadway-toned readings to a collection of reflective standards, supported by the sensitive team of Adrean Farrugia, Reg Schwager, Ross MacIntyre, Kevin Turcotte and Michael Occhipinti. Turcotte’s horn adds a bluesy dimension to the slinky “My, How the Time Goes By” and is classy with Farrugia on a gentle “If You Leave Paris,” while a Latin pulse is caressed by Campbell and company for “I Got Lost in His Arms.” Occhipinti’s guitar effects add extra texture and drapery as it contrasts with the acoustic strings on “Old Flames Never Die” and create a mystic haze with Farrugia during “Above the Clouds” before Campbell gives a glistening recital on “Both Sides Now.” Serious and sincere.

GEORGE W. HARRIS, JAZZ WEEKLY