David Campbell
The Swing Sessions 2
Columbia


In early 2007 I had the pleasure of reviewing 'The Swing Sessions'. In that review I wrote, "I am loathe to compare him to Michael BublŽ but on 'The Swing Sessions', for mine, David Campbell proves that he can cut it at such an international level, and deserves the success he is likely to receive with this release. I look forward to Vol 2, or even a 'Soul Deep' for something different". According to the bio accompanying this release 'The Swing Sessions' was one of the most successful local recordings in 2006, so I wasn't wrong with my prediction.

As could be expected, 'The Swing Sessions 2' contains no surprises, musical director Chong Lim and his tuxedoed musos laying down the swing of the 14 tracks in a shade over two days, just like the good old days. As such, the (laid back) swing is evident from the get go with Sinatra's Witchcraft, before ramping it up a notch with one of Doris Day's signature tunes in the latin swing of Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps. The stalwart that is Route 66 is given a high octane revamp, based around a live version by Mel TormŽ, and whether David's scats work or not depends on your preference for the style.

Ladies though, are requested to put on the crushed velvet elbow length gloves for the gorgeous ballad I've Got A Crush On You, and then remove them for the pick of the bunch Just A Gigolo/Ain't Nobody, THE track to turn up loud and sing along to. Go on, you know you know the lyrics! Closing the set is a folk track, Roger Miller's King Of The Road which in its quirky way actually works when given the swing treatment.

Did I enjoy 'Swing Sessions 2' as much as the first instalment? Yes. but I would like to see Mr Campbell try something different next time out, perhaps something bluesy, seeing as the old man's done soul twice.

Mark Liebelt