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.