Tell us about the new Groovediggers project -- How this come about?

I had done a smooth jazz CD called "Vista" for Sin-Drome records about 10 yrs ago that had received decent airplay but then I pursued the mainstream jazz market for a number of years. A genre which can be fulfilling artistically but really frustrating financially.

I had written a number of smooth jazz songs for other groups so I had enough material for an album so I got together some of my favorite musicians. I decided to release the CD under a group name because I had so many mainstream jazz CD's under my name and also because I didn't want to have to feature guitar all the time. I wanted the project to feature my composing and producing as much as my playing like Russ Freeman does with the Rippingtons.

What's your favorite part of making a Smooth Jazz record?

I like watching it grow gradually over a period of time with various added overdubs whereas a mainstream jazz CD is usually recorded all in one day.

Are you listening to new music on your iPod or CD player? If so, who are you grooving to?

To be perfectly honest its been awhile since I've heard anything new that has excited me.

Who are some of the artists you've recorded with over the years?

I have had the honor of recording on a number of guitar tribute projects where I have got to record with many of the legends of jazz guitar including John Abercrombie, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, Bucky Pizzarelli, Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, Jimmy Raney, Charlie Byrd, Mundell Lowe, and Gene Bertoncini among others.

What was the first song that you remember hearing as a child that had an impact?

No one song jumps out but I remember a lot of Beatles songs early on.

What does Royce Campbell do in his free time?

Read, watch sports, socialize with friends.