Brian Campbell fuses poetry and peace on his meditative and hopeful new EP A Crystal Rim — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The Montreal singer-songwriter digs deep to find inspiration from his topsy-turvy life as a poet — and his practice as a Buddhist — with this immersive and hypnotic five-track document. The EP features adaptations of poems by renowned poets, as well as an original composition inspired by Campbell’s faith. Withe life-affirming messages rooted in the allegories of famous poems, A Crystal Rim encourages listeners to sit with the work, absorbing the richness of both the timeless words and the circular melodies found in his folk-based sound.
“All my adult life, ever since I encountered them, I have also been enthralled by the ecstatic visions of the Sufi poets Rumi and Hafiz,” Campbell explains. “After voluminous reading, certain fingerstyle riffs on a nylon-stringed guitar evoked memory of the three poems I set to music here.”
These heartfelt songs showcase Campbell’s dexterous fretwork and impassioned vocals. The songs encompass a range of emotions from warmth and joy to contemplation and sorrow. While recording these works, Campbell called on some a wealth of guest artists, arrangers and technicians to help him build on his rootsy sound, which he started putting together more than 30 years ago.
The EP is a testament to Campbell’s dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through his music — his performances are known for captivating audiences with his storytelling and beautifully crafted songs.
Watch the video for A Crystal Rim above, listen to the EP below, and keep up with Brian Campbell on his website, Twitter and Facebook.
