Full review

REVIEW in Bliss Aquarine Magazine

BRIAN CAMPBELL CD (BeeDeeCee)
Canadian singer/songwriter Brian Campbell is from a folk-based background, but is also unafraid to venture into other musical territories. His folk-influenced songs are truly excellent; I hear shades of various artists/bands popularly considered to be folk, such as The Incredible String Band and Nick Drake, as well as yer actual traditional folk music. He also explores a number of other styles, with equal sophistication and talent....If the name Hum & The Quick means anything to anyone, sometimes Campbell's songwriting reminds me of them, though he has a different approach to arrangements... A more famous name he is sometimes reminiscent of is Paul Simon. It is clear that Brian Campbell is a talented songwriter with an individualistic and creative approach.

An Old Celtic River

In the world of human complexities Brian Campbell’s CD The Courtier's Manuscript captures both musically and lyrically the human heart. Full of feeling and vitality it flows from start to end like an old Celtic river. A wonderful CD by a bard with classical finesse.
-- Jason Bernard, Sun Tarot Tea Room, Montreal

GARAGEBAND.COM SONG REVIEWS:

As A River Runs to the Sea:

Great Job!
Very world music! Bits of style and flavor all over the place! The vocals were great, and the back vocals have this ethereal quality to them that helps the song reach upwards into some great sounds. The arrangement is earthy and soft allowing you to just enjoy and chill out to the song. Great job! Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Female Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Beat, Mood Special Award: Coolest Chill-Out Track
Reviewer: tdmgr, Technical Difficulties Band, Hilo, Hawaii

As A River Runs to the Sea:

Great Drum Track!
Great vocals and well constructed lyrics. A good arrangement helps this mournful ballad really stand out. Extra Credit: Mood
Reviewer: - Ironbarkbob, Beerburrum, Queensland, Australia

As A River Runs to the Sea:

Catch the wave down in Africa
The vocals are terrific as well as the arrangement and the lyrics are catchy. Kinda reminds me of Paul Simon! Like it a lot! Extra Credit: Melody
Reviewer: - Solidgroundband, Winchester, Virginia

Sometimes Words:

Arrangement has great appeal
Strong Arrangement in this tune, very emotional and real! Lyrics fit well, nothing about the words sound too cliche. Mood is rhythmic yet sensual. Great Tune! Extra Credit: Production, Lyrics, Beat, Mood
Reviewer: - Skipriek, Madison, Wisconsin

Sometimes Words:

Beautiful instrumentation
The highlight of the piece was the choice of instruments. I love the bass clarinet, it provides a haunting darkness like no other instrument. The acoustic guitar and hand percussion was also effective. Sometimes the selection of an instrument can say as much as what it plays. The mood of the piece was thoughtful psychedelia. It brought to mind ‘70s psychedelic hippie music, (Cat Stevens?) but with modern sensibilities. Extra Credit: Mood
Reviewer: Dick Suave, Salt Lake City, Utah