Biography

Who are The Neil Campbell Collective?

Led by composer, multi-instrumentalist and virtuoso classical guitarist Neil Campbell, The Neil Campbell Collective’s music, combines classical guitar, cello, bass and drums in virtuosic musical workouts, extended instrumental excursions and chilled out acoustic episodes which mix classical, rock, folk, drum and bass and other musical styles into seamless tour de forces of musical adventurism. As a live band they are a powerhouse of originality and a force to be reckoned with.

The core of the band consists of Neil, cellist Nicole Collarbone (a seasoned session cellist), drummer Mark Brocklesby (a studio engineer, producer, composer and drummer percussionist extraordinaire), and bassist Andy Maslivec. They are augmented by other great musicians, such as Anne Taft, Jeff Jepson and Francesco Di Fiore, for their recordings and sometimes for live performances – hence the ‘Collective’ concept.

In May 2005 they released their first album ‘3 O’Clock Sky’ (2005), which was a critical success. The band’s music following release of this first album has focused on developing an ever more complex musical language and band interplay, almost leaving standard song structures behind in the process. The band’s second album ‘Particle Theory’ (2008) features an eclectic range of musical styles and sonic diversions and features a wealth of wonderful guest musicians. It has received incredible critical acclaim from progressive and experimental rock commentators and reviewers.

In 2008 the NCC took part in a cross-European exchange with musicians from Palermo, Sicily. This took the form of two performances involving Neil taking place first in Palermo and later in Liverpool with the NCC as part of Liverpool Hope University’s Cornerstone Festival. In 2009, the NCC is to continue this collaboration with performances in Sicily and Liverpool of a new performance piece based on ‘Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’ which will incorporate sound design, visual projections and an eight movement suite performed live by several musicians.

Neil Campbell

The composer, classical guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Neil Campbell has followed a number of seemingly divergent musical paths throughout his musical career including free improviser, singer songwriter, systems music composer, band leader and virtuoso guitar soloist. In 1998 he simultaneously became involved with the free improvisation scene and the acoustic scene in Liverpool. Around this time he also began postgraduate studies in Musical Composition through the University of Liverpool.

Through his MA studies he developed an approach to music making based around musical systems or processes which run automatically without ‘composerly’ intervention. The albums documenting this work are ‘Rotations’ (2003) and the 3 CD set ‘Assembly’ (2005). Much of this music has received airplay on BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction programme and music from ‘Assembly’ has recently been featured in Prof Kyle Gann’s Listening List of minimal, postminimal and totalist music for his Composition students at Bard College, New York. Neil’s work in the area of minimalist and systems music continues with a large-scale collaboration with Jon Anderson (leader of the progressive rock band Yes) and with the development of a 50 minute long suite ‘The Path’, based on Herman Hesse’s ‘Siddhartha’.

Over the last four years Neil has poured his activities as a composer, songwriter and performer into work with the Neil Campbell Collective (NCC) (see above)

After twenty-five years of playing, a virtuoso classical guitarist, Neil has produced two CDs of solo guitar music ‘Through the Looking Glass’ (Mayfield 2003) and ‘Night Sketches’ (2004) and a book of Music for Solo Guitar. He has also recorded, with cellist Nicole Collarbone, a CD of Music for Cello and Guitar – ‘Fall’ (2006) and an album of songs in collaboration with Stuart Todd, entitled ‘Campbell Todd’ (2007).

Neil’s latest album ‘Ghost Stories’ (2008), a collaboration with soprano Anne Taft and electro-acoustic musician Michael Beiert, has received excellent critical notices from reviewers. Starting in Liverpool, several large scale events are planned throughout 2009 and onwards which will involve performance of this music in stunning architectural locations.

All of Neil’s music including that of the Neil Campbell Collective is available for digital download at I-Tunes, and physical and digital albums are available at cdbaby.com. The NCC’s ‘Particle Theory’ CD is distributed by all the major international distributors of progressive and experimental rock, including Musea (France), Wayside Music (USA), Kinesis (USA), ZNR (USA) and Just for Kicks (Germany).

Nicole Collarbone

Born in Edinburgh and swiftly swept away to brummie land (Birmingham), Nicole’s life as a youngster was spent mostly running naked in the streets and sharing camping hol’s in the South of France with friends and neighbours.

In most recent years (16 of which to be exact), Nicole has been confined within the tall green walls that surround Milton Keynes; an unyielding, stone territory notorious for its Concrete Cows and Roundabouts!

It is in this wretched place that she discovered her love of the Cello and formed a passionate, yet dysfunctional relationship with what soon became her life long soul mate; Bernard (the Cello).
Nicole’s playing developed in an unconventional sense. Unable to conform to the rigidity of classical training, she retained a stubborn ability to ignore her teachers and create her own reality that denied traditional technique. Her first debut as a competitive musician at the age of 12 won her a top award, which the judge presented referring to her as “the one with her head to the side!”.?

Over her 7 or 8 years playing at the Milton Keynes Music Centre, Nicole developed a love for playing music with others. This raised opportunities of plenty for the girl; performing at some top venues in the UK, Italy and Prague.

Favourite moment playing classical music: performing Shostakovich Quartet no.8 at St. John Smiths Square, London. Her incapacity to play anything other than really fuckin’ loud (she blames Bernard) was perhaps a hindrance at the time, but none the less, this won her much recognition amongst individuals! lol

Presented an award for her contributions to the Music Centre, Nicole’s graduation was indeed a happy one, but she had still not found her place in the realm of music.Enter Teen Angst!
Following many an hour spent moshing out to the likes of Rage, Fear Factory, Ozzy and so forth; partying hard with disillusioned teens that thought they could change the world.A revolution.Her first jam (cheers Mr. Garry Murphy)!

Nicole’s 18th birthday saw the arrival of Suzy, her Electric Cello. Unfortunately Suzy didn’t get out much and Bernard developed a severe case of cobwebs (bless his soul). It was not until 4 years later, on her arrival as a student in the happy land of Liverpool, that Nicole’s passion 4 playing music re-emerged, as did her love for the city and the people.

Nicole first jammed with Neil Campbell following an all night bender with a nutty flatmate. For some unknown reason, Neil saw something beyond her inept inability to play anything he asked. Neil soon introduced her to an early line-up of the band, then known as Triad. It was in this session that she first heard the tune that is Rainstorm. Nicole’s passion for playing was immediately reborn and life, as she knew it, would never be the same!

Since joining Triad and helping to form the NCC she has collaborated with many musicians including Alister Said, Paul McDowell, Kaya and the rock band Sonnenberg. As such her work is embedded in the musical life of Liverpool. Although she now lives in Milton Keynes, thankfully for the NCC, she continues to play with the band when they perform live.

Mark Brocklesby

The enigmatic Mark Brocklesby was born in Blackpool at the turn of the century. He quickly learned to play drums banging his way on old tin pans in the family pantry. He soon graduated to playing his own particular brand of psychedelic postmodern music in London, Manchester, New York, Milan and Bolton etc.

He has spent much of his adult life mastering the art of electronic music and studio production technology and has produced and recorded music by many distinguished artists, including the NCC’s new ‘Particle Theory’ album which he engineered and co-produced.

His own compositional work is largely in the realm of electronic music. In 2002 he was struck by lightening on a woodland retreat and this has informed his frenetic drumming style.

His recent studies at The Institute of Droids and Dalek Studies has led to a much lauded PhD entitled ‘Davros: Lord of the Daleks – his role in the collapse of New Labour’.

(Some or all of the above may or may not be true)

Andy Maslivec

Andy moved to Liverpool in 1990 and, for his sins, played guitar and growled for jagged rock outfit Sedgwick.  They got as far as a BBC Radio Merseyside session with Roger Hill.  In 1994 he was promoted to bass guitar duties in Lady McCrady.  They were a key part of the alternative Liverpool scene in the mid-90s.

From 1993 to 2000, he laboured with gawd’s bleedin’ gift, a solo enterprise noted by the few who heard it for its sheer indulgence.  Aside from his work with the NCC, he is also currently bass player for the mellow, soulful Cant who can boast the talents of the artist formerly known as Gayna Rose Madder. Andy’s biggest bass guitar influences have to be Chris Squire and David Wm Sims of The Jesus Lizard, although the latter has prevailed over time.

Anne Taft

Anne Taft is a Liverpool born singer/songwriter. She trained at the Guildhall School of Music before embarking on a professional career in musical theatre. Following the birth of her daughter (who is now 18!) Anne returned to her roots, where she took up her position as head of singing at Liverpool Community College. She has continued to work as a freelance singer and enjoys working across many genres from the acclaimed Carole King tribute band ‘Tapestry’ to the fabulous 1980’s disco phenomena ‘Fantasy’ and her own family band, ‘The Tafts’ who are no strangers to the Liverpool folk music scene. Her work as a vocalist demonstrates a phenomenal range. She contributed a powerful wordless soprano section on the ‘Particle Theory’ album and continues to work with Neil on his recent ‘Ghost Stories’ collaboration (also with Michael Beiert).

Jeff Jepson

Jeff, hailing from the Isle of Man, is a Liverpool based singer songwriter whose distinctive voice and approach have earned him a growing following of fans (ourselves included). He sings on the forthcoming Neil Campbell Collective album. To find out more and hear more go to http://www.myspace.com/jeffjepson.

Francesco Di Fiore

Francesco Di Fiore hails from Palermo, Sicily. He began his concert career as a solo pianist and a pianist with various ensembles. After studies at the “Vincenzo Bellini” Conservatory of Palermo, he continued his piano studies with Bruno Canino in Italy and in Austria with Harald Ossberger. He studied composition with Eliodoro Sollima for several years. Thanks to a scholarship offered from the Czech Government, in 1993 he moved to Prague, Czech Republic, untill 1995 studying at the Academy of Music with Prof Peter Toperczer. In May ‘92 he was awarded absolute winner at the piano competition “Borgo Cortello” in Udine, Italy. In August 1993 he won the “XV Internationales Kammermusik Festival Austria Waldviertel” in Horn, Austria. His concert career started in 1996 leading him to perform in the large Italian venues and also in other countries (Germany, Hungary, Czech Rep., Austria, United States, France). Francesco Di Fiore is composer of a prolific repertoire of music for piano solo, piano and orchestra, chamber music, vocal music, electronic and stage music for the spoken theatre. His music is often performed in Italy and abroad, recently in Germany, Croatia, Spain, France, Finland, the United States and UK.

Valeria Di Matteo

Valeria Di Matteo is from Catania, Sicily. She attended the Liceo Musicale di Catania studying piano with Professor Maria Grazia Scarlata.She then went onto study Music at the “Vincenzo Bellini” Conservatory in Palermo under Ranieri Schicchi. She has interests in Classical Music but also Contemporary Music, including experimental, electronic and minimal music. She also works with a range of media as a web designer and video artist. She works very closely with Francesco Di Fiore on designing visuals to work with musical projects and is now working closely with The Neil Campbell Collective in this vein.

Associated Musicians

Stuart Todd – Stuart works with Neil on their Campbell Todd project. A founder member of the Neil Campbell Collective he has gone on to produce solo work as a songwriter. He is a prolific and active musician on the Liverpool scene. He has collaborated with Neil on his own projects and has contributed as a guest to Neil Campbell Collective projects. You can find out more about him at www.myspace.com/stuarttodd

Liam Carey – Liam has played bass with the Neil Campbell Collective both live and on recordings. For more info about him see http://www.myspace.com/liamcarey

Christine Horton – Christine spends most of her time teaching music to people of all ages. She has an interest in all types of music but has a particular fondness for jazz and contemporary classical music. She has been involved in several performances of minimal music as leader of a multi-piano group which has performed Six Pianos (Reich) and various other works by Reich, Riley and Neil Campbell. She is a music graduate and powerfully versatile keyboard player. She joined the NCC as a live musician mid-2007.

Dan Owens – Dan played with the Neil Campbell Collective for a short period in Autumn 2006. He also recorded several tracks which will be included on the forthcoming ‘Particle Theory’ Album by the Neil Campbell Collective. He is a LIPA graduate and founder and leader of TheBrokenDoor a conceptual improvisation group 60 members strong. For more info see http://www.myspace.com/thebrokendoor

Claire Jones – Claire is a wonderful vocalist who sang with the Collective in 2005 and contributed to the band’s first album ‘3 O’Clock Sky’.

Annamarie Owens – Annamarie has sung with the Collective in the past and also added her vocals to the all vocal systems piece ‘Mass’ on Neil’s ‘Assembly’ (2005). She is involved with musical projects in Liverpool and is a member of the band 1up.

Victoria Melia – Victoria has contributed vocals to a number of recent gigs. She makes important studio contributions to the Neil Campbell Collective’s forthcoming ‘Particle Theory’ album.

Stan Ambrose – Stan is a legend in the Liverpool music scene. In addition to his work on Celtic Harp (which has seen him compose and perform film scores for silent movies and play with post-rock bands such as Super Numeri), Stan is a successful broadcaster for BBC Radio Merseyside, presenting the long established FolkScene programme. It was an honour to have him collaborate on the ‘Particle Theory’ album.

Alex Welford – Alex is a freelance horn player and arranger. He has recently contributed to the Neil Campbell Collective’s ‘Particle Theory’ project as player and arranger.

Andy Fernihough – Andy has worked with Neil as an engineer and producer on most of his solo albums and on the Neil Campbell Collective’s ‘3 O’Clock Sky’ CD. He is an excellent musician and engineer whose influence on the music here cannot be overstated.

John Murray – John recently worked as an engineer with Neil and Nicole on the magnum opus Carillon 3 (a piece for multi-tracked cellos that almost crashed the computer) – this is being developed as one of the movements of Neil’s collaborative project with Yes leader Jon Anderson.

Kyle Western – Kyle’s work with Neil and the band as an engineer began with his contribution on two tracks of the ‘3 O’Clock Sky’ CD and continued with work for the ‘Assembly’ project and on recent solo and band projects.

Michael Beiert – Hailing from Cologne, Germany, Michael Beiert is now a Liverpool based composer specializing in Electro-acoustic Music. Recent projects include a collaborative piece for amplified oboe, amplified tap dancer and live electronics featuring American dancer Sally Crawford which had its premiere at the Liverpool Cornerstone Festival in 2007. Michael won the 2005 Rector’s Prize for Composition at Liverpool Hope University for an acousmatic composition, which has served as motivation to take studies further and embark on a PhD programme at Liverpool University from September 2008. Michael has been working as a lecturer in Music Technology at Liverpool Hope University since 2005. He is collaborating with Neil and Anne Taft on their ‘Ghost Stories’ recording and live performance project.