Willie J. Campbell - Be Cool !
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Willie J. Campbell - "Be Cool" - Blue Heart Records - blueheartrecords.com / Produced by - Willie J. Campbell , Kid Ramos , Brian Templeton / Recorded by - David Farell at Dockside Studio in Maurice , LA.
Publicity/Radio - Betsie Brown - Blind Raccoon
"Love fully in the moment. Enjoy everyone and everything that you can." - Willie Campbell
Recorded just before the tragic death of Willie Campbell on December 18 , 2022 ,following a terminal diagnosis of ALS, "BE COOL" is an enduring tribute to the journeyman bassist , vocalist , songwriter , counselor and a 50-year career that included his work as a member of The Fabulous T-Birds , James Harman Band , Mannish Boys, and the Proven Ones . The recordings on this all-star project , a labor of love and admiration , took place just 8 weeks before Willie passed , and one week before his passing Willie went to a local studio in Missouri to record a late addition to the album . As Willie's health continued to decline , his good friend and guitarist Kid Ramos arranged a recording session which Kid Ramos produced with Willie and Brian Templeton. Blue Heart Records worked with the Campbell Family in preparing the release to ensure that this album accurately reflects the impact Willie Campbell had on those around him.
The cover of the album is a picture of the Huntington Beach Pier , a place his wife Lisa, cited as a place Willie visited often , a place of peace that touched his soul deeply. The pier was consistently visited by the Campbell Family,with his wife Lisa, and their two daughters, Symone and Siara , over the years , a place that will be forever overflowing with Willie's love , a beloved pier that will always be home. Lisa stated that "Be Cool!" was a phrase that Willie frequently used , thus the fitting album title . His handwriting of "Be Cool" has made the album cover even more perfect and heart-wrenchingly special .
Kid Ramos and Brian Templeton brought together a musical kaleidoscope of talents to share Willies debut solo album . This extraordinary collection of rock , blues , and soul has over a dozen musicians and vocalists paying tribute, sharing the love for one of their own , an extraordinary music icon and wonderful soul named Willie J. Campbell : Kim Wilson , Sugaray Rayford,David Hidalgo , Joe Louis Walker,Janiva Magness , Jimi Bott, Jimmie Wood , Jason Ricci, Anson Funderburgh , Mike Morgan,Shawn Pittman, Johnny Ramos , Condron Hampton, Mondo Cortez, Pat McDougall , and Brooks Millgate . Peter Green's instrumental"Albatross" closes out these electrifying sessions, , a fitting tribute to Willie , spotlighting his place of tranquility and sanctuary , the Huntington Beach Pier in California .
"Playing bass or doing therapy are heavy supporting roles. Therapy is trying to tie the mind, body, and spirit together . The cool thing is that I believe it makes me a better musician in the sense that I listen more, am better attuned to what is happening around me because I have learned how to pay more attention. Not many people know that I have this other life! I want to help anyone that is in need, especially musicians." - Willie J. Campbell
Willie J. Campbell was greatly loved , appreciated , sought out , and great to be around . "Be Cool" is the party that Willie wanted , an extraordinary array of musical compositions , driven by love , passion , and deeply felt affection , sharing not only the music and songs, but a loving friendship. The 15-tracks on this outstanding collection showcases the tremendous impact that Willie Campbell had on the music community , his fans , clinical patients , and his loving family . Dazzling array of talents goes beyond expectations , delivering sessions that stretch musically across the United States . A high-energy release that is great fun "Be Cool!" captures the essence of Willie Campbell , his zest for life , his drive to help others , and his remarkable talents , which never ceased to amaze and delight fans and fellow musicians alike. Willie J. Campbell will always be a true original and an unforgettable presence !
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