One Believer (Blue)

Limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on translucent blue coloured 180-gram audiophile vinyl. The Elektra debut by the late bluesman John Campbell, One Believer was outside of virtually every trend on major labels and in pop at the time. Other than Chris Whitley's Living with the Law, it was the only roots record issued on a major label in 1991. A deeply atmospheric record full of subtle shimmering organs and warm guitar textures that accent the dreamy spooky side of the blues more than the crunchy stomp and roll that Campbell was known for in the clubs and displayed on his follow-up Howlin' Mercy. Tracks like "Angel of Sorrow," "World of Trouble," and "Wild Streak" offer shimmering ambient textures from which the blues emanate from the ether. Campbell was living and working in New York and his music was certainly influenced by that late-night environment. Beautiful songs, tempered in shadow and restraint while baring their teeth at all the right moments. On "Couldn't Do Nothin'," "Devil In My Closet," and "Person to Person" the roadhouse magic comes out. The album's last two tracks "Take Me Down" and the title track are menacing in their conviction and creepy swampy in execution.