Product Description
The posthumous release of the first solo album from bassist Willie J. Campbell reflects more than a little help from his friends, who wholeheartedly supported his desire to make one last album following a terminal diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). His musical friends came together from all over the nation to create this blues album that showcases Willie J.’s expansive talent, developed over five decades of touring, writing, and recording. With wide-ranging performers from The Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman, Kim Wilson; Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo; his closest friend and guitarist Kid Ramos; and over a dozen more incredible musicians, this album will have you on your feet celebrating the life of Willie J. Campbell. Track Listing: 1. You Better Let Go 2. No More 3. This Time 4. Can't Stay Away 5. Drone 6. Docksidin' 7. My Fault 8. Forever Shall Be 9. Standby 10. Devil on my Shoulder 11. She's a Twister 12. One Man Chain Gang 13. You Can't Stop Her 14. Use as Needed 15. Albatross
Huntington Beach Pier has been a place of peace for Willie J. since he moved to Huntington Beach, California as a young boy. This was a place that touched his soul deeply and he often recalled many memories involving the pier to his wife, Lisa, and their two daughters, Symone and Siara. When he and Lisa began dating, one of the first places he took her was the pier. Once their daughters were born, it didn’t take long to introduce them to it either. Huntington Beach and the consistent visit to the beloved pier were an annual staple for the Campbell family. Willie J.’s love for it overflowed to his family and will forever be a place where Lisa, Symone, and Siara feel at home. With the unveiling of the 'Be Cool' album cover, it's important that the significance of the Huntington Beach Pier to Willie J. is also shared. Knowing his connection to this iconic picturesque location made it the perfect choice for his album cover. ‘Be Cool’ was a phrase that Willie J. used quite often and those that knew him, can hear his voice saying ‘Be Cool’ as they read it. This was also a phrase he used when writing letters and, in his signature, which meant that his family had copies of this phrase written out. The ‘Be Cool’ you see on this album cover is in Willie J.’s handwriting. With the humbling responsibility of finishing this album for Willie J., Lisa, Symone, and Siara knew the incorporation of the pier and his handwriting made this album cover perfection – this is Willie J. and he would love it.