”I'm Strong” by Claudia Campagnol Chosen by IMC's Mikael Engström

Claudia Campagnol is one of those rare and extremely gifted artists that possesses a great variety of musical talents. She is a true multi-instrumentalist, brilliant songwriter and a magnificent keyboardist. Her vocal ability, range, pitch are simply astounding. All songs on her debut album “I'm Strong” are her own compositions except one, which is a beautiful rendition of the Charlie Chaplin penned “Smile”. Born in Hungary, raised and musically educated in Sweden and Denmark, Claudia now resides in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Being considered a child prodigy, she learned to play the piano at four years of age and wrote her first composition, “Rainbow Dreams” at the age of 12, which happens to be included on this album.

My first encounter with Claudia's music was thru a Swedish national TV broadcast where she performed on one of the most popular shows. From that moment, I became a devoted fan - eagerly trying to find out “Who is this extremely talented musician and vocalist”? After ordering and receiving the CD (released on March 23rd), my first listen was one of those magical musical moments you at times are truly privileged to experience. “I'm Strong” is undoubtedly one of the best debut albums I've heard in a very long time. The entire vibe surrounding Claudia Campagnol and her music is so filled with joy and holds a deep integrity of a musical path chosen. Furthermore, the production on this album is absolutely stellar. It includes a great collections of songs performed and skilfully executed by the finest cast of musicians . All these components contribute in delivering a "rare finds".

For music aficionados, the album opener “All Through You” immediately indicates that this artist is something extraordinary. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgiTm_KB4Ew .

The album continues with the title track “I'm Strong”

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvkqdmWURHk

It's followed by “Do You Love Me” 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cal6oJ2v8xc

This album adds something new at every listen. On track #5, “Conquer The World” Campagnol is joined by Jimmy Haslip and Vinnie Colaiuta. These two gentlemen adds a nice fusion-esque vibe to the track. It includes an amazing Colaiuta solo that is combined with a virtuoso keyboard solo by Campagnol. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTBc73rwbAo.

On the album, Claudia performs keys, lead & backing vocals and Bass (except #5), Drums, Niclas Campagnol (except 5); Jimmy Haslip, Bass (#5); Vinnie Colaiuta, Drums (#5); Gerhard Presence, Flugelhorn (#3 & 4); Eliiel Lazo, Percussion (#7); Gábor Bolla, Saxophone (#3); Zacharias Zelinder, Guitar (#3) and Carl Mörner Ringström (#8).

Listening to “I'm Strong” has given me so much listening joy this year. With this album, Claudia Campagnol have been nominated for Danish Music Awards Jazz in two categories – “Best Vocal jazz Album” and “Best New Danish Jazz Act”.

Buy the album, listen and be amazed.
For purchase, follow this link:
https://www.giantsheep.dk/p…/claudia-campagnol-i-m-strong-cd

With all this said, I am proud to announce “I'm Strong” by Claudia Campagnol to be my nominee for Inside MusiCast Album for 2019.

Mikael Engström
IMC Correspondent
Stockholm SWE