[Text by Corey Millard] It’s this simple: The Campbell Brothers make music that makes you feel good. Think Robert Randolph and the Family band, Phish at their more exalted moments, or (if you were lucky enough to catch them at Grassroots) the swirling peaks of The Lee Boys, and you’ll have an idea of what it is the Campbell Brothers are up to. They work within a genre of music known as Sacred Steel — a type of faith-driven expressionism that, without fail, makes frowns impossible and grins undeniable.
Playing in the band are two of the greatest living pedal-steel guitar players, and their foot-stomping, virtuoso display of life, love and down-home groove just may be the best, most invigorating show you’ve seen in years. The Brothers have been at it for over three decades, and they’re bringing their infectious extravaganza to the Chapter House (purveyor of what we at the Times think is the most deliciously diverse offering of beers in Ithaca) this Wednesday, Aug. 6.
I took a moment to probe Phil Campbell, the band’s electric guitarist, in attempts to discover what makes them tick — and why Derek Trucks always looks like he’s two shakes of a lamb’s tail away from kicking the bucket on stage.
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Popcorn Youth: You guys have known each other forever. How does the family aspect play into the music?
Phil Campbell: Well, at first the configuration of the band was only going to have one steel guitar in it, much in the same way the other Sacred Steel bands are configured, but our Dad made it clear that he thought we’d be stronger by having all three brothers on stage at once and that meant having two steels - Chuck on pedal steel and Darick on lap steel. He was definitely right.
Popcorn Youth: Does the music benefit from your closeness?
Campbell: No question about it — many times we’re able to talk about a musical concept or groove we want to go explore and then go on stage and hit it that night — it’s a pretty amazing bond that we almost take for granted until we have to bring in a substitute and all of a sudden making changes aren’t automatic anymore.
Popcorn Youth: What is it about the Sacred Steel sound that is so darn infectious?
Campbell: We liken Sacred Steel to being a long lost cousin of the Blues — just when you thought nothing new could be done in that genre along came Sacred Steel with its wailing, moaning and fire breathing guitar solos and kicking rhythm — but the bottom line is all of these things are necessary to move a congregation on Sunday as well as an audience at a festival.
Popcorn Youth: Do you retain more of the faith aspect than a band like Robert Randolph’s?
Campbell: I would say we are more openly religious in our music as our songs still have Jesus and God featured very prominently. Interestingly enough, this is what people want from us — even bar owners ask that we NOT change our set to “accommodate” a secular audience. They would much rather have the realness of the music than a compromised performance.
Popcorn Youth: Tell me a little bit about your latest album, Can You Feel It?
Campbell: It was released in 2005 and it’s pretty much an extension of what fans have come to expect. There was some new ground in that we tried to make sure each of the guitars had their own voice and that we had original music and songs on it as well.
Popcorn Youth: What’s it like playing music like this in front of a congregation?
Campbell: The congregation is our most discerning “audience.” We have a saying: “if the music moves the congregation, it will move a concert hall or festival.”
Popcorn Youth: You’ve played beside some real mainstays in the rock n’ roll world. Is this still thrilling for you?
Campbell: Absolutely! It’s an incredible honor to play with or open for some of the greatest artists in music history. Al Green, BB King, The Allman Brothers…c’mon man!
Popcorn Youth: I know you’ve played with Derek Trucks, and I’ve always been interested: does Derek Trucks display emotion backstage? He doesn’t quite look alive when he’s performing.
Campbell: Yeah, he’s actually a funny guy, he’s just so intense on stage that he puts all of his energy into wringing the soul out of that SG he plays. To look at him you’d think nothing was going on, but hearing what’s coming out of that amp just kills you.
The Campbell Brothers have turned the heads of some pretty impressive musicians, so don’t miss the chance to see them in the intimate setting of the Chapter House this Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 8:30pm.