My friend, the Hungarian Canadian poet Imre de C. Nemeth (1923-2002), knew he was soon going to die and went to the Gulf of Mexico to see the ocean for the last time. He wrote this poem, which I adapted into song.
from
On This Shore (EP),
released December 1, 2020
Lyrics: Imre de C. Nemeth, adapted from his poem "Gulf of Mexico" by Brian Campbell. Music: Brian Campbell
Brian Campbell: voice, acoustic guitar
Ema Jean: back vocal
Martin Bennett: arrangements, sampled flute, oboe, bassoon, piccolo, string ensemble, kettle drum. Recorded at Studio Loco, Montreal, Oct. 2019.
Cover photo, design: Brian Campbell
OFFICIAL VIDEO:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks7oprVEbaQ
Listener comments:
I just got a chance to hear “On This Shore.” It’s beautiful. And Brian’s use of his voice just keeps getting better and better. I also appreciate the quiet simplicity of the song itself. It feels like he’s singing it directly to his friend as if time was no impediment to the reach of Brian’s song or his friend’s words. - Michael C., Toronto
The song is lovely (and the back story very moving). I particularly like your voice on this song. I think you let your voice just be itself. Very clean and direct. - Zav L., Montreal
This is lovely, Brian! - Ethel M. Montreal
The music is beautiful, light as a cloud on a wave. The lyrics, voice and arrangements are lovely. Thank you so much for sending it to me. - Elaine K., Victoria B.C.
Your song is really beautiful. I listened to it carefully and really enjoyed it. - Jeff D., Montreal
Thank you for sharing your song with us. Your voice and acoustic guitar felt very nostalgic and brightened the wet and windy weather. The story about your friend and his poem in the song was very touching. I hope he saw what he wanted in the Gulf of Mexico. I also loved the song To A Sunbeam. It’s amazing that you are recording song a week! Looking forward to a full album, if you are thinking of releasing one. - Kaoru M. Montreal
I like the rainy summer day atmosphere of it... - John J., Montreal
Love the song. It isn't always a simple thing to simply let the cosmic wheel turn. - Chard C., Montreal