Folks tend to forget that before he became a Country/crossover superstar in the late 60’s/early 70’s, Glen Campbell was a well-respected and oft-utilised session man alongside colleagues Leon Russell and Bruce Johnson in Phil Spectors “Wrecking Crew”, and responsible for some great fretwork in the producers’ legendary “Wall Of Sound” for the likes of the Ronettes, The Righteous Brothers and also for the Beach Boys during their most orchestral, instrumental period. Campbell even toured with the Beach Boys as a live entity while Brian Wilson stayed home and created musical genius. As for the gig last night, pretty much all the hits were covered in the 90-odd minute set, starting with “Gentle on My Mind”, following with “Galveston” and also including Jimmy Webb-penned hits “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “Wichita Lineman” and mid 70’s crossover smashes “Country Boy” and “Rhinestone Cowboy”. Of note was Campbells addition of guitar soloing during many of the songs, adding a fresh touch to the tried and true while demonstrating and reminding of his virtuosity on the Strat. The band were tight and clean, keeping it simple. A particular highlight was the note-perfect cover of Mason Williams’ “Classical Gas”, a hit and Grammy-winner in 1969 alongside “By the Time...”
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