Kate Campbell
Album: 1000 Pound Machine
Label: Large River Music
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.katecampbell.com

1000 Pound Machine is Southern Campbell's first album of new material since 2008's Save the Day. The intriguing title, it seems, refers to the piano as this time around she based most of the songs around piano, rather than guitar. The thing about Mississippi raised Kate, is that, ever since her first offering, 2005's Songs from the Levee, she has told us the story of her beloved South, in all its tension, unfairness and violence, as well as its beauty. Civil Rights, mistreatment, History, hope; for the most part told through stories of people; their lives and their experiences. As such, everyone can connect, be they like me with an attachment to and interest in the South, or those who just enjoy being told a good story.

This CD is no different. For me, standout tracks include the exquisite Montgomery to Mobile which in typical Kate Campbell style, further questions the issue of race in the South, intriguingly, and perhaps bravely, imagining Rosa Parks and George Wallace sitting together on a Greyhound bus-ride. Red Clay After Rain contains some stunning imagery of the South. The unexpected but rather beautiful instrumental The Occasional Wailer is a lovely addition as is the tribute of God Bless You Arthur Blessit. Alabama Department of Corrections Meditation Blues, featuring vocals from the great Emmylou Harris is a fascinating look at something we usually don't get to see. Don't you just love the title?

Quite simply, this is another example of Kate at her best. Listening to her songs takes you to another time and another place. If you are like me these songs will take you back to the South you love; otherwise she will introduce you to the South you've never met. Either way, this CD has to be heard.

Helen Mitchell