In a near empty room at the 92Y Tribeca cafe, there she stood calmly, clasping onto her guitar as if it was her shelter, eyes closed as if she was escaped, and voice soothing the air softly yet distinctly. As Brooke Campbell ended her first number, and from every number then on, she would say “Thank you very much,” in an unmistakable southern accent. Comforting the quiet room with a soft smile, she poured herself into another song, once again, escaping into a place where no one else was present. The world consisted of she and her guitar, and the crowd willingly watched her live in it.
Campbell defines herself as a folk-pop singer. Yet, her quiet, feather like tone rides the edge of soft blues, while drops of country itch out without knowing. It is a beautiful combination, paired with her guitar and innocent nature. She sings as if music is all she has left, sounding almost weak from her past endeavors. Blending in perfectly with her essence was the environment: the dim, red-lighted setting combined with the small yet homey art space of the café invited her voice right in. If a crowd member closed their eyes, they might just get lost in a world of their own.
Her music is somewhat on the sad end, a pro or a con depending on one’s mood. Singing lines such as, “Soon I’ll be just another girl. Soon it won’t matter that we loved,” her voice screamed of helplessness, while barely being loud of enough to catch the words.
Campbell performing at 92Y Tribeca.
After singing a few songs from her latest album, Sugar Spoon, such as Why?, Sugar Spoon, and Please Go, she sang covers of other artists, such as Willie Nelson’s Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. If unfamiliar with Nelson’s music, the song could be mistaken for one of her own. Her distinctive nature is present in every song she sings—she simply does not try. It is who she is.
After her hour-long performance, her genuineness shined as she came and shook the hand and spoke to everyone in the crowd. Stating she originally is from North Carolina, her welcoming personality is now understood. She is a Southern belle at heart, and it shows throughout her music.
With the natural talent she holds, it is disheartening to see such a few number of people in the crowd, especially at a free event; there were no more than 15 people present. But like many other musicians, Campbell is working to make a name for herself. She has had three albums, the latest being Sugar Spoon which was released in 2009. She has gotten some attention from press, including the Arts Journal, but beyond that, she has a long road to travel before she claims any true acclaim.
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Nonetheless, regardless of anonymity or fame, Campbell is a talented musician who’s voice provides emotional relief from current troubles. If her next performance costs, it would be well worth the pay.
