Ted Russell Kamp is a workingman's musician with a thorough grasp of his craft. Having been the longtime bassist for Shooter Jennings, he has come into his own as a solo artist and songwriter of note with his own CDs. The widely praised Divisadero, which No Depression called "terrific", was named one of the Top 40 Americana CDs of 2007 and Poor Man's Paradise was in year's top 75 of 2008.
His music is a juicy gumbo of country, Southern-fried rock and soul in the style of Kamp's lifelong inspirations J.J. Cale, The Band, and Kris Kristofferson. Kamp writes or co-writes all the songs on his records, with a storyteller's flair for offbeat characters, interesting turns of phrase and a sense of realism that sometimes belies an uncommon circumstance. Some of the songs ave also appeared on Shooter Jennings' records: 'Steady At Th Wheel' from Kamp's "NorthSouth" was on Jennings' "Put The O Back In Country", and 'Last Time I Let You Down' from Divsadero was also on Jennings' "The Wolf".
Some of the top names in alt-country dropped in to record tracks with Ted in Los Angeles including guitarists Tony Gilkyson and Kenny Vaughan, drummer Daniel Glass and Don Heffington, Marvin Etzioni on mandolin, pedal steel players Eric Heywood and Robbie Turner, and Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash front-man Mark Stuart. Kamp's own instrumental prowess is heard on guitar, mandolin, bass, keyboards, lap steel, accordion, trombone and trumpet.
Here is what the Press has been saying about Ted's music:
"terrific" ... [an] impressive record" No Depression, USA
"a striking singer/songwriter ... absolutely hypnotizing." Music Row, USA
"country-infused rock, hints of The Eagles intertwine with tunes bearing Gram Parsons-esque melodies...on this fine disc ..." Miles of Music, USA
"[Divisadero]" pays respectful and sensitive homage to classic country sounds of the past. Kamp has absorbed country traditions as something of an outsider, but his deft handling of outlaw narratives, lonesome balladry and brassy soul reveals how completely the south has worked its way under his skin." Maverick, UK
"A fine songwriter ... sounds like the missing son of Tom Russell and Steve Earle." Le Cri du Coyote, FRANCE
"The ghost of Waylon Jennings is surely smiling down on Kamp - and after one listen, you'll be smiling too." Performing Songwriter, USA
"Kamp is a talented multi-instrumentalist. His singing and impressive musicianship connects with great compositions, and excellent singing - perfect in it's simplicity." folkworld.eu, GERMANY
Ted's records have been featured on America and European radio including:
Sirius XM, KNBT in New Braunfels, TX, WDVX in Knoxville TN, DutchRootsRadio.com, RootsHighway.it, RootsTime.be, CtrlAtlCountry.be Gouwestad.nl, Nashville.fm, Hanx.net, BBC (UK), MillerTellsHerTale.co.uk, mcwc-radio.com, Radio 4/Spain, Radio Suomi (National Finnish Radio), Radio Helsinki, Country Music 24 (Germany), Swedish National Radio, Big Cactus Country (France).
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