After his tenure in several of heavy metal's most legendary groups (Whitesnake,Def Leppard, Riverdogs, Dio, Shadow King...), Vivian Campbell steps out into the spotlight for his first solo endeavor, and the results are nothing less than impressive. Taking his first vocal bows behind the microphone is a big step for someone who usually lets his fingers do the talking, but Campbell 's vocal delivery is surprisingly inoffensive, especially in comparison to some axe slingers who think they have vocal cords. On this 12-song session of gritty, no-frills blues-rock, Campbell pays homage to blues gods like Willie Dixon and Robert Johnson alongside latter-day geniuses like Rory Gallagherr. Fans of CampbellC's shredding may be taken aback by the switch, but those with open minds and ears will be treated to a pleasant surprise.
Vivian Campbell's blues CD, Two Sides of If, is an amazing collection of blues standards and a song written by Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top). Vivian's vocals are reminiscent of both Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher. He's soulful and energetic, and his guitar playing is potent and bluesy.