Tag: David Campbell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell @ Belmont 16s, Awabakal Country/Belmont – 20 September 2024

This blog tells that on Friday night I saw my ninth David Campbell show. And I’m not counting seeing him in “Dream Lover” and on the bill of George Michael and Disney tribute nights. So what keeps me coming back show after show? It’s just always a great time. It’s as simple as that.

He’s such a successful TV host that I think some people forget what an incredible singer he is. As that career in front of the camera has taken more time and focus, it seems even David questions it. He said that he wondered whether people would still come to the shows. Looking around at the beaming faces in the packed suburban auditorium, I think he got his answer.

After so many years in the recording studio and on the stage, David’s got such a wide catalogue of crowd-pleasers to choose from. The hits came thick and fast, peppered with banter from this charismatic entertainer. No matter when you came to his music and no matter your favourite era, you would have left satisfied. My parents were thrilled for the Good Lovin’ songs. My dad sang enthusiastically along to “Jackie Wilson Said,” a track from his favourite singer Van Morrison. My mum was instantly transported back to being a teenager, when her eyes locked with a singer performing in Battle of the Bands, when he flawlessly sang “How Can I Be Sure.” My husband and I were thrilled his ’80s album Let’s Go, far from a commercial success, wasn’t entirely forgotten. Most of DC’s fans probably don’t remember the decade as fondly as we do, but they couldn’t begrudge us spirited covers of “Come on Eileen” and “Tainted Love.”

We learned pretty early that DC’s mind was half on the Swannies game, but it certainly didn’t show in his performance. In fact, it seemed to spur him on. He insisted that he wouldn’t leave until the game was done, and when they did win it gave a little extra excitement to “Shout.” He must have sung that Johnny O’Keefe classic hundreds of times, but never felt quite as jubilant as in that moment.

David said many times that it had been far too long since he played for us all and thanked us so warmly for our warm reception. Hopefully that means he won’t leave us waiting too long for his return. I’m definitely ready to bring my show tally into the double digits. David will wrap up his current run of Good Lovin’ & More shows when he plays Twin Towns Services Club in Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads on November 2.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell @ State Theatre, 4 October 2019

In the early 2010s, I’d see David Campbell several times a year. He’d regularly pack out RSLs on the back of his swinging cover albums, and I’d come back for more every tour. Then he got those pesky gigs on morning TV and radio and shows became few and far between. Looking back through my records, I hadn’t seen David perform since he was part of George Michael Praying for Time in 2017. My drought between solo shows stretched back to 2012. So, when he announced a limited number of shows supporting his Back in the Swing album, I snapped up tickets.

Things have certainly changed since the time I started seeing DC. He’s got little ones, and talk of them and his wife tends to dominate between-song banter. He’s so much busier. He sells out theatres now, and I can’t imagine him going back to an RSL any time soon. But in some ways, nothing has changed at all. I appreciate his steady gigs, but on stage is where he feels most at home. He’s mesmerising to watch, such a giving performer who always seems so in the moment.

This show really felt like a catch-up. If you hadn’t seen Dream Lover, or like me you just wanted to relive his starring turn in that musical, there was an extended section of Bobby Darin tunes. Ordinarily playing several songs from a new album is a risk, but when you’re returning to swing standards, arguably David’s most popular covers, it just makes sense. I loved hearing those new songs from his latest record: “Buona Sera,” “Make Love,” and “New York State of Mind” were highlights. Although I couldn’t help but feel a wee bit disappointed that Ian Moss didn’t surprise us and duet on my favourite song from the album, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” And you know DC can’t ever play a show without giving us a little Johnny O’Keefe.

But it was the songs that I didn’t expect to hear, that I was truly surprised by, that made the biggest impression on me. After seeing an artist so many times you assume everything but the new album tracks will feel familiar, but DC likes to throw in a few curveballs. I’d heard him play a few Louis Prima tracks in the past, but an extended passage of songs from my husband’s favourite swing artist had us in raptures. I was right there with David, wiping away a few tears when he sang Charles Aznavour’s “She” for his daughter Betty.

Watching David Campbell live again reminded me why I didn’t let a tour go by back in the day. I understand he’s a busy man these days, but I really hope he finds more time to get back on stage. It’s where he shines brightest.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Back in the Swing” – David Campbell

It’s no coincidence that David Campbell’s new album Back in the Swing dropped just before Mother’s Day. It’s just the sort of thing mums and grandmas across the country would love, the old standards delivered faithfully by one of Australia’s favourite breakfast TV personalities. This album is all that, but so much more.

Mother’s Day releases often feel coldly calculated. Put together a collection of songs Mum would love, get some inoffensive act to sing them, and wait for the cash to roll in. They’re pleasing enough to listen to, but they typically lack the heart and soul David puts into this and every one of his recordings. There’s an irresistible energy about his cover of “Buona Sera” and a flirty playfulness in his take on “Come Fly With Me.” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” isn’t a natural choice for an album of standards, but his jazzy version makes so much sense. I’m not sure anyone has recorded a more powerful rendition of “For Once in My Life.” But me, his cover of “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning,” recorded with Aussie rock legend Ian Moss, is the standout. Their voices compliment one another beautifully and they feed off one another so well.

Mother’s Day might be over for the year, but Back in the Swing is actually climbing the charts again. It currently sits at number 10, three weeks after its release. Those strong continued sales are a testament to this album’s enduring appeal. It’s not just one for the mums, although I’m sure they’ll love it too.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Baby It’s Christmas” – David Campbell

I read somewhere recently that once Halloween is over, it’s time to embrace the festive season. I haven’t trimmed my tree yet, but I’m almost done with Christmas shopping (yes, I’m one of those stupid organised people) and I’ve been happily blasting David Campbell’s new holiday album, Baby It’s Christmas since its release a couple of weeks ago.

I honestly wonder why it’s taken so long for DC to release a Christmas album. His performances at the Melbourne Carols by Candlelight are among the show’s highlights each year. And I’ve always seen him as our answer to Michael Buble, an artist who regularly tops the Aussie charts each year with his own Christmas release. He’s got a similar old-school sensibility, with bucket loads of charisma and a smooth, effortless voice.

Baby It’s Christmas is a wonderful collection of seasonal favourites delivered flawlessly. Cheery opening track “Holly Jolly Christmas” sets the scene, putting a smile on your face before the swinging title track, “Baby It’s Christmas,” penned by our own Rick Price, kicks in. Originals are always a bit risky on a Christmas album, but this one already feels like a classic. Anyone who loved David’s Swing Sessions albums will appreciate the inclusion of classic material in a similar vein like Dean Martin’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and Harry Connick Jnr’s “When My Heart Finds Christmas.” Most of the album keeps things light, with upbeat favourites like “Jingle Bells,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” But purists will appreciate the inclusion of some traditional carols. Tracks like his gospel-inspired “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” let DC really showcase his vocal prowess.

I think Michael Buble’s Christmas album is getting a little tired after seven years. I think it’s about time his annual silly season stint at number one came to an end. Baby It’s Christmas is a worthy successor. It’s in stores and your favourite digital outlets now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

George Michael: Praying for Time @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney – 7 July 2017

I remember so vividly the punch to my gut that came on Boxing Day morning last year. My phone alerted me to a news report which told me George Michael had passed away. I can’t remember what I said, but I remember the way my knees buckled. I was still reeling from losing Prince in April and now another of the musical figures who had shaped me was gone.

George might be gone but his music lives on in the albums and live performances like George Michael: Praying for Time, a start-studded tribute night staged at the Sydney Opera House last week. On paper artists like David Campbell, Diesel, Sam Sparro, and Brendan Maclean are very different. But George Michael was one of those artists of such breadth that entrusting his music to such a wide range of artists was essential I think. These four musicians largely took the lead, supported ably by Gary Pinto, Jade McRae, Carmen Smith, Natasha Stuart, and the always incredible Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The supporting players were mostly relegated to back-up vocals, but each had time to shine. Aretha Franklin set a high bar, but Jade McRae filled her shoes admirably when she duetted on “Knew You Were Waiting For Me” with David Campbell. The three women showed they could become the next big female vocal group if they ever wanted to with super-tight renditions of “Fast Love” and “Too Funky.” Gary Pinto showed a side of him I never saw in CDB with a killer version of “Wham Rap.”

I’m a long-time David Campbell fan, and his takes on iconic tracks like “Kissing a Fool” and “Careless Whisper” was flawless. I wasn’t so sure how Diesel’s rougher rock vocals would sit on George’s smooth tracks, but listening to him cover songs like “Waiting for that Day” and “Praying for Time” made so much sense. Sam Sparro’s cover of “Spinning the Wheel” hit just the right emotional note. I was familiar with the work of all these artists, except Brendan Maclean who proved to be the biggest revelation for me. Fabulously camp and committed, he had in his diverse cover versions. Watching him sing into the mirror for “Older,” my heart broke. But soon enough he was there in ‘80s acid wash overalls delivering a high-energy rendition of “Monkey.” When he paired up with Sam Sparro for “Outside,” it was every bit as flamboyant and defiant as the song should be.

As a long-time fan, I loved that this show celebrated the breadth of George’s artistry. It went beyond the commercial hits that Anthony Callea’s tribute concert showcased a couple of years ago and brought us many of the album tracks fans like me and the artists on stage hold close to our hearts. My mum attended the show, standing in for my sick husband. Even though I blasted George’s music while I was growing up, it was something she never really absorbed. She leaned over to me at one point and asked “Did George Michael write all these songs?” She told me that for the first time, she realised he was much more than simply a pop singer.

I like to think the audience was made up of people who loved George and people who were fans of the artists on the bill who got the opportunity to truly discover George’s music for the first time. If it was, looking at all the people up on the feet during the encore, it seems both groups got what they came for. I know I did. I like to think that if George were looking down on our celebrations, he’d be happy with the way these Aussie artists honoured his legacy.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Dream Lover” @ Lyric Theatre – 16 October 2016

When my family first heard a stage musical based on the life of Bobby Darin was in the works, there was only one man we could imagine successfully taking on the role. That man was David Campbell. We knew he’d be impressive, but I don’t think we were quite prepared for just how good he would be.

Dream Lover really is David Campbell’s show. His Bobby Darin is a presence in virtually every scene, and he shines throughout. We’re first introduced in Bobby on the night of what would be his final performance. I’ve seen David perform the opening number “Mack the Knife” several times over the years, but with back-up dancers and a tight orchestra (who are celebrated on stage rather than buried in the pit as in so many musicals) the song reaches another level.

From there we’re taken on a journey through Bobby’s life. We see him as a child with stars in his eyes, as a hard-working rock-and-roll singer, and as the toast of Hollywood with Sandra Dee on his arm. We’ve seen this kind of rags-to-riches tale before, but most musicals tend to shy away from the darkness Dream Lover isn’t afraid to explore. Bobby Darin’s stellar catalogue of beloved music ensures the show doesn’t get too gloomy.

Stepping into Bobby Darin’s shoes is no small feat. This is the Bobby Darin story after all. This character isn’t always likeable, yet there must be a charm about him that helps us forgive his unrelenting ambition. He sings, he dances, and he gives the production its anchor. David makes all this look easy, as the very best stage performers do. I’ve long admired his vocal chops, but I didn’t realise how impressive his acting skills are.

Special mention must go to Caroline O’Connor, a stage veteran who took on the dual roles of Polly and Mary Douvan with aplomb. Hannah Fredericksen brought the right amount of sweetness and strength to her portrayal of Sandra Dee and Bert Labonte was also excellent in the role of Charlie, a paternal figure to Bobby.

Sydney is lucky enough to have the world premiere of Dream Lover, although I’m sure it will tour around Australia in time. And after that, who knows? This musical is certainly solid enough to leave the country and grace the stages of Broadway or the West End. However, unless David Campbell commits to taking the role abroad, I can’t imagine it’ll be as good as the original Australian production!

Dream Lover is playing at the Lyric Theatre until at least November 27.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Disney Under the Stars @ Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney – 27 February 2016

Like so many Australians, some of my earliest musical memories came from watching Disney movies. Songs like “We Are Siamese” and “Once Upon a Dream” became early favourites. My parents bought my sister and I the read-a-long books with cassettes, and while the stories were fun, it was always the bonus songs at the end that got us dancing. When music makes such an early impression on you, I don’t think it ever really leaves your heart. So when I heard of the Disney Under the Stars concert, I snapped up tickets.

I expected my husband and I would be one of the few childless couples. However, most of the people in our immediate area were in the same boat, adults unashamed of their passion for Disney. We discussed our favourite movies and characters until Chong Lim and his orchestra took to the stage and treated us to an instrumental medley of some of Disney’s most beloved songs, complete with an animated background of movie moments.

David Campbell, Ricki Lee, Lucy Durack, and Harrison Craig soon joined the musicians for “Part of Your World” from Aladdin. It was a wonderful start to a night that combined nostalgia, magic, and fun, all of the essential Disney elements.
There were so many highlights that took me back to some of my favourite film memories. Ricki Lee might have looked more like Ariel than Lucy Durack, but the blonde stage star carried off the animated mermaid’s signature song “Part of Your World” beautifully. Ricki Lee did her part playing the princess roles too, with superb solo performances of “Colours of the Wind” and “Let it Go.” I’d heard David Campbell sing “I Wanna Be Like You” from The Jungle Book at his shows before, but it lost nothing despite the familiarity. Speaking of David, his performance of one of the songs from The Hunchback of Notre Dame was one of the true showstoppers. I also loved seeing him pal around with Harrison Craig in “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” A rambunctious group performance of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” had everyone clapping and singing along. The good versus evil dichotomy of Lucy Durack and Ricki Lee’s performance of “Once Upon a Dream” was really inventive, although I can’t help thinking it was a little dark for those little girls dressed as princesses in the crowd.

It’s very hard on a night like this to please everybody. As an older concert goer, I could have done without the three (or was it four?) songs from Frozen played. While I enjoyed “Mother Knows Best” from Tangled and “Touch the Sky” from Brave, I could have easily given them up for a few older Disney tracks. I felt for the woman sitting in front of me who adored Cinderella, yet didn’t get to hear one song from this film. Some of my personal favourites, Dumbo and Robin Hood, were also neglected. But for the younger crowd, there’s never enough Frozen, and those new movies are the one they have fond childhood memories of. While big kids like me could have fun on a night like this, it’s perhaps more important the smallest members of the audience are not left feeling short-changed. Sometimes tells me it’s what Walt would have wanted.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell Sings John Bucchino – David Campbell & John Bucchino

Before David Campbell dazzled Australia with his turn as Johnny O’Keefe and his swinging standards, he was wowing crowds on Broadway. So it makes sense that he’s returned to musical theatre with his latest album, David Campbell Sings John Bucchino.

I consider myself a bit of a musical theatre nut, but I must admit that I wasn’t familiar with John Bucchino’s work. This album provides the perfect introduction to his music though. David didn’t simply take his songs and run with them. He enlisted John to play piano on all the tracks and the duo shares production credits.

There are a few other names in the album sleeve, but this album feels like a two-hander. If you were expecting big Broadway embellishments, you’d be disappointed. Personally I appreciate the simplicity of the delivery. Without frills, with only a tinkling piano as accompaniment, David’s voice and John’s lyrics shine. It’s a perfect marriage. Sometimes it can be difficult for an artist to inhabit someone else’s songs, but David’s connection to the material is obvious.

I felt invited into the intimate bond of these musicians as each track unfolded. I was captivated from the opening track “Sweet Dreams,” a tender ballad about a chance meeting between two broken-hearted souls and the different paths they ultimately take. It remains one of my favourite numbers on the album, but I was also swept away by the unbridled enthusiasm of “Taking the Wheel” and the romance of “Unexpressed.”

I don’t expect David Campbell Sings John Bucchino to set the charts on fire the way David’s swing albums did. He made a name for himself singing familiar songs, and it’s going to be tough to convince music lovers to work a little harder and embrace something new to them. But anyone who does will be richly rewarded, because the pairing of these stellar artists is truly something special.

Image used with permission from Jaden Social
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell Teams Up with Broadway’s John Bucchino for Album and Tour

David Campbell is one of my very favourite Aussie performers. I get my daily fix on morning TV, but he really shines when he’s on stage. So I’m thrilled to hear he’s back doing what he does best, after a three-year-musical hiatus, with the help of his Broadway composer idol John Bucchino.

After albums paying tribute to musical decades and genres, David’s celebrating John’s music with his latest release David Campbell Sings John Bucchino. The album’s sure to sound great when you slip it in your stereo, but even better on the stage. David will play these songs with John, and the pair will take the time to share with audiences stories about their friendship, their careers, and the music that binds them.

It’s worth pre-ordering your copy of the album, as all advance orders will be signed by David and John. You’ll also go into the draw to win an ultimate David Campbell Sings John Bucchino prize. How do return flights to Sydney, one night’s accommodation, a venue tour, VIP lunch plus meet and greet with David and John, and front row tickets sound? Fabulous!

Even if you aren’t the lucky winner, you can catch David and John doing their thing at the following intimate shows.

25 May 2014 – Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne
6 June 2014 – Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall
13 & 14 June 2014 – Adelaide Cabaret Festival
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27 & 28 June 2014 – Hayes Theatre, Sydney
29 June 2014 – Riverside Theatre, Parramatta

Image used with permission from Jaden Social

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell @ Mingara, Tumbi Umbi – 8 September 2012

I last saw David Campbell celebrating the music of the 1980s in April. David and classic pop tunes proved to be a match made in heaven, but the somewhat stiff venue of Newcastle’s Civic Theatre didn’t quite gel. So I was thrilled to see the show again last weekend at the Central Coast’s favorite club, Mingara.

In many ways this was the same show I saw a few months ago. The core stories remained, the outfits were every bit as loud, and the set list had just a few tweaks. The ’80s music took centre stage, much to the chagrin of a few murmuring nannas in the audience. They were treated to “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” after intermission, and “Shout” at the conclusion, but David clearly had a vision for the night. As a child of the ’80s myself I lapped it up, even if I did feel a little sorry for those confused old ducks.

Spandau Ballet’s “True” is my favourite song of all time, and again David Campbell transported me back to the time I first heard it. His simple rendition gets to the heart of the classic ballad. The stripped back section, with covers of Yazoo’s “Only You” and Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” was another highlight. And David’s takes on “Goody Two Shoes” and “Come On Eileen” might even be better than the originals.

While I heard the same music as before, there was a more spontaneous feel to the evening that really suited these commercial pop songs. He told us how Mingara was always a favourite place to play, and he seemed to relish the chance to move away from the script. An impromptu question and answer session was a bit of fun, even if the wrinklies turned on him when they discovered young Leo Campbell was yet to meet his grandmother. The inevitable hecklers were treated with David’s trademark humour, and he blew kisses at the women who boogied with abandon at the front of the stage.

David apologised sincerely that he couldn’t meet us all after the show and sign autographs as he usually does, but he needed to be up at quarter past four for another Channel Nine morning show stint. A lesser performer might have cut the show short to hit the highway early, but not David. He performed a full length set that never felt rushed and an enthusiastic encore with the energy turned up to eleven. I certainly wasn’t awake to see the TV performance he gave Channel Nine viewers on Sunday morning, but the one he served up for the Central Coast the night before was flawless.

Image source: own photo