Aussie Singer David Campbell Wows @ Catalina Jazz Club

On Tuesday November 23 Aussie singing sensation David Campbell opened a two-night gig at the Catalina Jazz Club, promoting his new CD On Broadway. Possessing a big belting Broadway vocal instrument, Campbell wowed the small but enthusiastic crowd the moment he stepped on stage. His warm and outrageously funny personality was on display throughout the 60 minute set as he bantered about his English roots, his rock star dad, his New York and Australian encounters with genius Stephen Sondheim and about his infant son asleep in the dressing room. He really enjoyed talking with his fine accompanist Christopher Denny, with whom he's had a twelve-year professional relationship. "Oh, I sing, too!" he quipped.

And sing he does! Highlights included: the flashy Peter Allen opener "When I Get My Name in Lights", "Oh What a Beautiful Morning", "Hey There", "Luck Be a Lady", "Being Alive" and "You'll Never Walk Alone", both especially dynamic, an equally riveting "Bring Him Home", "Mack the Knife", "What Kind of Fool Am I?" honoring his idol Sammy Davis Jr., and a beautifully cool rendition of David Cassidy's rock hit "How Can I Be Sure?" On the romantic side there was also a velvety smooth "My Funny Valentine".

"Can't take the camp out of Campbell!" he assured, as he bragged about arranging a date in Australia for Daniel Radcliffe with an onstage musician. "I'm his pimp!" he added facetiously. He played Marius in Les Miz once, singing "Empty Tables, Empty Chairs" - "Like tonight!" he interjected, referring jokingly to the empty tables directly in front of the stage. He was brought up by his grandmother and watched a lot of American movie musicals on TV as a kid, "I didn't think Broadway was an actual place, but a set on a movie backlot!" His upbeat humor kept him hopping and his audience hypnotized throughout the hour.

This was a wonderfully entertaining evening of song and laughs. Watch for the dynamic David Campbell again tonight November 24 @ Catalina... and as he plays Feinstein's in New York November 28 to December 2 and the Rrazz Room in San Francisco on December 5! Don't miss him! And buy his CD On Broadway available @ his website!
www.davidcampbell.com

 

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