The Campbell Brothers present Sacred Steel: African-American gospel music with electric steel guitar and vocal. This tradition is just now emerging from the House of God Keith Dominion Church, where for over sixty years it has been an integral part of worship and a vital, if little known, American tradition. As the music moves from sanctuary to concert hall -- including the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music and Symphony Space -- secular audiences are now able to appreciate a performance both devoted and rocking. Pedal steel guitarist Chuck Campbell and his lap steel-playing brother Darick are two of the finest in this tradition. Rounding out the band, which has been playing together for nearly two decades, is a high-energy rhythm section featuring brother Phil Campbell on electric guitar and his son Carlton on drums. Classic, gutsy gospel vocals by Denise Brown and Katie Jackson bring the ensemble to a level of energy and expression that defies description. The Campbell Brothers present a compelling, rich variety of material from the African-American Holiness-Pentecostal repertoire with a new twist: the growling, wailing, shouting, singing and swinging voice of the steel guitar, played as you have never heard it played before.

THE ARTISTS

Charles "Chuck" Campbell

Chuck Campbell began playing the lap steel guitar at the age of 12. At 17 he became the first player to utilize the pedal steel guitar in the House of God Church, Keith Dominion. He is renowned for his innovative approach to the instrument, both technically and musically. His use of effects such as distortion and wah-wah pedal and his picking techniques enable him to emulate the human voice in an uncanny fashion, evoking images of gospel moaning and field singing.

Darick Campbell

Darick first made his musical mark as a drummer, and for several years was the premier drummer of the General Assembly, the National Convocation of the House Of God Church, held in Nashville. His choice of the lap steel is a reflection of the influences he has blended to become the most emotional player of The Campbell Brothers' musical tour de force. His renditions of "End of My Journey" have caused audiences throughout the world to weep in heartfelt response to his playing. However it is argued that his most definitive work is his solo playing on "The Storm is Passing Over." Darick (ills the added role of vocal leader on the Campbell Brothers' call-and-response favorite "What's His Name?" In marked contrast to the pin-drop rapture of audiences to "End Of My Journey," the raucous spontaneity of "What's Ills Name?" has left the Campbell Brothers' audiences dancing on a spiritual high.

Phillip Campbell

Phil Campbell began life as a drummer but quickly proceeded to the instrument on which he is arguably most accomplished, the bass guitar. It was on the bass that Phil began to explore the many genres that form his eclectic musical personality. As his self-taught explorations took him into bass chord harmonics and figures, Phil began to play other instruments such as keyboards and guitar. These led to chordal progressions that would express his melodic tastes and further complement the Sacred Steel playing of his brothers. Because of its ability to drive the music, guitar became his weapon of choice. Phil now combines the rhythmic attributes of the guitar with MIDI guitar synthesis to create a unique stylistic blend, which perfectly complements the Brothers' steels across all genres into which they venture.

Carlton Campbell

As drummer Carl Campbell is the heartbeat of the Campbell Brothers. He and his father Phil form the rhythmic foundation upon which The Campbell Brothers' soulful gospel is built. Formally trained in jazz and band percussion, Carlton has been able to assimilate the classic principles of drumming with his improvisational upbringing in church to formulate a style that always sets and locks the right groove. Carlton continues to stretch his boundaries by studying the Sacred Steel tradition on his own Fender String Master lap steel as he pursues his dream of being a "Campbell Brother."

Katie Jackson

The fact that Katie Jackson is a part of the Campbell Brothers is the result of unbelievably good fortune. She just happened to be "available" when the Campbell Brothers asked her to be the vocalist on their critically acclaimed Pass Me Not disc. Indeed, Katie Jackson has shared the stage with some of gospel's most famous singers, including Mahalia Jackson (no relation) and is well known throughout the East. As a vocalist in the Mouse of God Church, she has been the keynote performer for countless conferences and occasions for more than two decades. In Europe, Katie's acapella renditions have amazed audiences and critics alike. Simply put, her powerful vocals underscore the term "Command Performance."

Denise Jackson

Silky smooth is the most common description when people hear the former Denise Brown, who is the Campbell Brothers' cousin. I HIcr vocal renditions of "Don't Let The Devil Ride" have garnered ovations across the United States and in Europe. However her favorite song, "The Storm Is Passing Over," has become an audience favorite as well. As she continues to develop her style and push her boundaries, look for Niecy's work to be even more compelling.

PRESS QUOTES

"Best U.S. Gospel Instrumentalists of the Year," Fourth Annual Real Blues Awards, 1997

"...Chuck steals the show with his pedal steel. The instrument's extra strings, pedals and levers open up a universe of sounds that simply can't be reached on any other kind of guitar, and this man is a master ... (Katie's) vocal presence serves to reinforce the long-held notion that the best singers are still in church." Jim DeKoster, Living Blues