Neil Campbell - 2025 - The Turnaround

(36:43; Neil Campbell)

Track list:
1. The Wild Frontier 3:57
2. On the Other Hand 2:29
3. The Turnaround 2:37
4. Tarantella 3:00
5. Pollen 2:12
6. Beach Scene 2:45
7. One Evening in Palermo 1:41
8. Beltane 4:12
9. Roger Over and Out 2:19
10. Polonaise 2:27
11. Tributaries 3:11
12. No Leaves Left 2:43
13. Second Hands 3:10

Line-up:
Neil Campbell - guitars, bass, keyboards, various instruments
with:
Martin Smith - flugelhorn
Marty Snape - guitars, electronics, programming
Roger Gardiner - bass
Jon Lawton - electronics, programming


Prolusion.
UK artist Neil Campbell has been a productive artist for the past couple of decades, with 30 or so releases to his name counting his solo albums, collaborations and various band and project albums. His latest solo album is called "The Turnaround", and was self released in the spring of 2025.

Analysis.
While I first came across Campbell's work when he was exploring a more progressive rock oriented style and expression with The Neil Campbell Collective, many of his other albums are probably a bit more detached from the progressive rock tradition as such. What will always be the case are albums that are elegant and enthralling however, especially for those who are fond of the acoustic guitar as a key instrument. That is very much the case also on this latest instrumental album by Campbell.

This is one of those creations where style, genre and expression are factors that don't really come into play as far as the music is concerned. At least not as any defining feature. Moods and atmospheres explored across multiple style conventions and borders is what we get here, where the defining element is the acoustic guitar and whatever mood and atmosphere Campbell wants to explore. And as always we get compositions that are elegant on the ear and the mind, and where intricate details exist beneath the surface of moods and melodies that have a compelling and appealing nature.

While the more elaborate and subtly cosmic landscapes explored on opening tune 'The Wild Frontier' and its slightly Jarre and Vangelis flavored landscape may be a good fit for many fans of progressive rock, the rest of this album heads out to rather different territories. Quirky, cosmic, uplifting and more relaxing and careful ventures into an acoustic guitar driven jazz landscape are all present and accounted for here for starters. With a little bit of a flirt with Latin jazz thrown in for good measure.

On the other end of the scale we get material that align more closely with folk music inspired landscapes, a little bit of Americana is present too, as well as songs that just lack the vocals to be able to be described as singer/songwriter creations. As well as a song or two that adds a little bit of a jazz touch to landscapes that otherwise come with more of a folk or Americana oriented flavor.

Somewhere in between we have elegant forays into the world of classical acoustic guitar music. Sometimes as standalone, more purebred compositions in that tradition, on other occasions as slight details that appear inside of some of the other types of landscapes explored here.

This is a tasteful and compelling creation on all levels. Campbell is a master of the creation and explorations of moods and atmospheres that have solid enthralling qualities created by way of careful and elegant wandering guitar motifs, and know how to add additional depth by way of careful instrument additions and more subtle expansions of the arrangements in general. The art of instrumental music by way of a borderline intimate caress if you like.

Conclusion.
While "The Turnaround" may not be an album that is a good and proper fit inside of the progressive rock tradition, it is a most elegant, charming and solidly enthralling affair for those who tend to enjoy instrumental compositions revolving around and elegant and atmospheric laden acoustic guitar as the main and key instrument. Performed in a manner that by and large is more intricate than what superficial hearing will reveal, and landscapes that provide vast amounts of depth to enjoy for the more intent listener. An album of a particular interest to those who appreciate the elegant acoustic guitar used as a lead instrument in mainly careful excursions into jazz, folk and classical music landscapes.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, June 2025

Links:
https://neilcampbell.music/