Album Notes

Released to an enthusiastic reception in Montreal, The Courtier's Manuscript is a showcase for Brian Campbell's poetic and socially-conscious lyrics, distinctly off-beat and impassioned vocals, and intricate finger-style guitar. Featuring fourteen songs, five guest artists and an impressive array of subtle percussions and sound-design techniques, this album is an enticing blend of jazz-inflected folk-pop and worldbeat rhythms.

One song from the album, To My Whimsical Love, won a certificate of achievement from the 2001 International Unisong Competition. Reviews and comments compare Campbell's songwriting to Paul Simon, Nick Drake and the Hum & The Quick.

"When I came up with the album title," says Brian Campbell, "I was thinking of The Book of the Courtier, the renaissance courtship manual for knights... and that whole tradition of the singer singing to a distant lover, high up on some balcony somewhere, or higher still, in his imagination." In this album, that romantic theme is given a distinctly urban, contemporary twist.

Brian continues to perform regularly in the Montreal area. He is also the author of two books of poetry, has published in numerous reviews, and been shortlisted for this year's CBC Literary Awards. Check his website for details.


Campbell's craftsmanship focuses on a return to traditional songwriting values. He has an innocent belief that good lyrics with simple melodies can move mountains. After listening… so will you.
-- Eric Alper, Koch Entertainment

Brian Campbell’s folk-influenced songs are truly excellent; I hear shades of various artists/bands, such as The Incredible String Band and Nick Drake. A more famous name he is sometimes reminiscent of is Paul Simon… He also explores a number of other styles, with equal sophistication and talent.
-- Bliss Aquamarine Magazine

"An exquisite sensibility, exquisitely expressed."
-- Eve Langevin, CKUT Radio, Montreal

"Campbell's music takes us back to the days when songs had meaning."
-- Stan Asher, CINQ-FM Radio Centreville, Montreal

NB. The Courtier's Manuscript is a professionally pressed, manufactured CD.