“I’ve always listened to vinyl. My record collection’s early beginnings were started from paper route money—no purchase was ever taken for granted! The first LP I bought was Jimi Hendrix Greatest Hits, and I still own and play it. I have the free poster too.”
“Years later, when CDs invaded the market, despite some sonic improvements via remastering and availability, I felt vinyl seemed permanent and CDs temporary.
Before and during the recording of my tenth record, Dream Dictionary, I listened to a few records for inspiration and pleasure. Here goes . . .
On the Corner, Miles Davis | This isn’t the first Miles record in my life. The first Miles record I loved is Tribute to Jack Johnson, but On the Corner has lately taken that first place spot that alternates constantly somehow mirroring my tastes, my ever-changing perspectives, and musical needs. Recorded in 1972, this record sounds as vital and contemporary as the day it was recorded.
The music grooves hard, regurgitating the sounds of New York while somehow simultaneously evoking something ancient and eternal. I absorbed this record through obsessively listening and feel we channeled some of its character on my new record. Most noticeably on the title track “Dream Dictionary” and certainly on “Manic Depression” (which coincidently is on the first record I ever bought.)
A Mod A Mod, Ernest Ranglin | Another LP I listened to that is a mainstay in my musical life is Ernest Ranglin’s A Mod A Mod. I’ve been shouting from the soapbox about this LP for years because it is one of the finest guitar instrumental records I’ve ever heard. Ernest Ranglin combines virtuosity and charm so deeply and successfully he sounds like a Caribbean born Django Reinhardt!
This record exhibits the strongest display of Ranglin’s “non-jazz” guitar playing while still dishing out plenty of wildly interesting improvisations and embellishments. The Ernest Ranglin guitar style is a must hear. I channeled some Ranglin-isms on “Pie Party” and I humbly aspire to sound as good as Mr. Ranglin. Above is the original LP on the Jamaican label Federal and the re-issue on the Steady label. It has also been reissued recently on 180 gram vinyl.
Spirituals in Rhythm, Sister Rosetta Tharpe | Another inspiration has been the guitar playing and singing of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. I focused on one song in particular – “He’s the Lilly of the Valley” off Spirituals in Rhythm on the Diplomat label. Rosetta’s singing translates into stinging, melodic blues lines. I tried to emulate her phrasing on “The Past is Looking Brighter and Brighter” on Dream Dictionary.
Rosetta has inspired me to play less while trying to be more direct and distilled. It easy to stray away from the source of blues guitar, the human voice singing a spiritual. Thank you, Sister Rosetta, for all the inspiration. If you’d like to know more, there is a terrific documentary currently on YouTube.
Live at Carnegie Hall, Johnny Paycheck | Let’s get this straight: this record isn’t live nor is it performed at Carnegie Hall. But as the liner notes attest, these songs were performed at Johnny’s performance at Carnegie Hall that prefaced the recording of this studio album. Say what?
Let’s not get mired down in particulars and get to point. Johnny’s crack band that included the phenomenal Lloyd Green on pedal steel support him with a sublime artistry. Songs like “The Ballad of the Green Beret” and “Ballad of Frisco Bay” (despite the subject matter) play like a good talk with an old friend. The former George Jones bandmember and protege sings torch songs “Wherever You Are” and “He’s in a Hurry” with an emotionalism that burns like napalm. These ballads compete with any country ballad played and you can almost see the tear in Johnny’s eye. Additionally, producer Aubrey Mayhew mixes Lloyd Green’s steel up in the mix with a wild abandon. I listened to this LP for two weeks straight in March 2013.
Everybody Dance the Honky Tonk, Bill Doggett | This record features my guitar heroes, Bill Jennings and Billy Butler. Included is Mr, Doggett’s big hit “Honk Tonk,” but upon further listening, this the tip of the iceberg. “Big Boy” rocks hard and features Billy Butler (not to be confused with “Big Boy” featuring Bill Jennings.)
Other pieces like “Peacock Alley,” “Afternoon Jump,” and “Slow Walk” show how dance music can show flair and style when played by virtuosos like these Bills. It’s strange how the music I listen to sometimes doesn’t sound like the music I play, but the swing feel of this record is in my DNA.
Minas, Milton Nascimento | I seem to revisit this masterpiece every few years and 2013 again had me appreciating Minas for all it’s wondrous beauty. I’m really not sure how this record was realized (isn’t that what happens when experiencing genius?) because each piece is arranged and conducted so successfully. To me, it’s truly a “rock opera.”
When preparing for Dream Dictionary, I went back to Minas so I could hear how focused and dedicated pop music can be in the hands of a genius like Milton Nascimento. I was inspired by Milton (and Erik Satie) when I wrote “One Mean Eye,” my acoustic duet with the wonderful Steve Cardenas. Thank you Milton for all the inspiration.
Spirit of Eden, Talk Talk | Released in 1988, Talk Talk was the nucleus of songwriters Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene. This has to be one the most patient pop records ever conceived, and every few years I check back to it. Atmospheric intros build to a climax conceived with a smart craftsmanship.
Distorted guitars, emotive vocals, and a raging innovative harmonica (reminding us, it’s not the harmonica we don’t like, it’s the person attached to it!)
Orange, Jim Campilongo | Last year we reissued Orange on 180 gram orange vinyl. It was a thrill to design the inner sleeve, the “old school” label and see the orange vinyl! I’m very proud of what we came up with. Aside from the total analog musical experience (we recorded Orange on analog), my personal favorite was seeing the cover enlarged. I hope to issue Dream Dictionary on LP next year.
These records (and others) sing to their fullest potential through my McIntosh preamp, Dynakit, Dual turntable, and recently acquired “eviction speakers” Klipsch Heresays.
To see more of my favorite records, visit me on instagram.”
—Jim Campilongo
