B. K. CAMPBELL: Melancholia

B. K. Campbell

Melancholia

© 2007 B. K. Campbell (842994007975) (format: CD-R)

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B. K. Campbell's dark and beautiful music haunts the listener with a mood of melancholy.

tracks

1 Melody For You
2 Slow Sorrow
3 Passion Adagio
4 Procession of Sorrow
5 Close to You
6 Classical Sorrow
7 Melancholia: Part 1
8 Melancholia: Part 2
9 Night Sorrow
10 Despair of Self
11 City Sorrow

notes

Melancholia” is pianist/composer B.K. Campbell’s first professional CD release, although he has recorded many previous CDs. Despite being self-taught, Campbell’s music is very classical in style, and is some of the darkest, most despairing music I’ve heard. It is also very beautiful and intensely personal, telling much about a man who has been to hell and back many times in his life. A very troubled youth, Campbell’s father’s tragic death at a young age haunts him to this day. He spent many of his adolescent years on the street and survived a couple suicide attempts, one of which permanently damaged his right hand - another obstacle to overcome, although it isn’t apparent in Campbell’s playing. Music was not a force in Campbell’s childhood, and he says hearing Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” while walking the streets one night shortly after his father died was a turning point in his life. He listened to as much classical music as he could get his hands on, and began playing the piano in the chapel of a church at night, putting his emotional life into music and finding answers and direction that were not available to him elsewhere. Great sorrow and great hardship often drive creativity and artistic genius, and that is certainly the case here. Knowing that the black passion and enormous pain come from the core of a man’s often-tortured soul make the music difficult to listen to at times, but this is the truth of artistic expression, and is not intended to be superficial entertainment for the masses. If it makes you uncomfortable to hear an artist bare his soul, this is not for you… Self-expression at its most personal… Certain to deeply affect those who are receptive to its honesty… A very powerful work...” Kathy Parson’s Solo Piano Publications Review



“I must admit that I have always considered myself the common man’s musician. There is nothing fancy or special about me- I simply get it down. In the end this is the difference between greatness and extinction. If you can work then you must! The artist aspires to fight against the inevitable concept of obsolescence. We musicians are no different from painters or poets. That is, if we are truly artists. What shall be told about us might be as little as the sparkle of a winter star, but it is better than nothing. In art is contained a longer extension of life as well as a fuller lasting amplification of one’s most intimate personality. But it must never be thought that art can enhance a miserable personality- for it can only bring out what is already there. Music shares experience and this is what makes it so powerful. Our business is not popularity it is sincerity and vulnerable transparency. By being honest we win fans because we win hearts in all those who share our common experience.” B. K. Campbell

reviews

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  • The Deep Music of The World!
    author: Joe Johnson

    Commanding music. Right away, from the first tender notes, this music demands one’s attention, but offers great reward for one’s time; not at all sorry to have purchased it. Highly recommend it to those willing to listen- to those who love dark, beautiful music.

  • Deepest Emotions
    author: Marjorie Toro

    So much passion and emotion in this work! I was completely moved by the entire CD. The music reaches into your soul and pulls your deepest emotions to the surface. Brilliant work Benjamin!

  • Hauntingly Beautiful
    author: Brian Miller

    All I can say is that I am haunted and moved by what I hear.

  • Full of Heart!
    author: Keith

    This album is not 100% polished, but the playing is full of heart. B. K. Campbell deserves 5 stars for how much of himself he put into this music. There are tracks that are absolutely masterful and then are others I don’t care for, but that doesn’t mean their not good- their just not applicable to my mood. In particular track 3 will be popular by listeners because of how assessable it is. While tracks 4,6,8,9,10 require more attention in assessing, but they are worthy. Not to mention powerful. One can hear strains of Beethoven, Scriabin and a pleasant mellow Jazz similar to Keith Jarrett’s slower pieces. Overall the music is touching. I recommend this Cd because it contains substance and quality not to mention how refreshing it is from all the “new age” piano music out there. Every time I get tired of the pop-melodies of contemporary piano I like to listen to B. K. Campbell.

  • Individualistic!
    author: Jason

    Serene describes much of the music on this album. It is progressively slow, developing in momentum and force. Certainly, romantic! My favorite track is number 7 because it is full of that deep somber feeling one acquires from time alone in the city. After work sometimes I am overburdened from the day- I have a mood of low energy and melancholy. This album ministers to my sorrow. As the day fades into twilight I play this album and reflect on my life. Every time it makes for a pleasant experience. At the same time I don’t whish to mislead those who purchase the Cd. Make no mistake, it has dark music on it, but really it is sad- or shall we say beautiful!

  • Powerful Playing!
    author: Alexis Stevens

    Great sense of space in this music. Emotionally it is very powerful and moving. Provokes a deeper side of feeling.

  • Deep Music!
    author: Brent Jackson

    This Cd contains some deep music. I have listened to it with my headphones on while walking at night. The mood was somber and other times indescribably beautiful. By nature I just like to contemplate things. This music must have been created on a deeper level of feeling. B. K. Campbell is truly a master of contemplation and this Cd is powerful!

  • Not only dark- Romantic!
    author: Kristin

    This album is unique among albums. Not your standard new age pop music. In this sense it is very refreshing. Only hope we will see more in the future. I play this album all the time- especially when it rains. Some of the tracks are too dark for me but that does not mean they are not good (not sure I have the courage to follow Campbell into the darkness). When you hear the beauty in this music you will know it! Good music for those who like to think.

  • Heartfelt!
    author: David

    This is serious music for serious people.

  • Bravo!!!
    author: Robert

    Beautiful! Yes, this album is dark, but it is also gorgeous. There is a style here that is completely original. This is perhaps, the most personal music I have ever heard. When I feel sad or just need a break from the stress of life I like to play Melancholia. I couldn’t recommend this Cd enough!

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