We all love music here at Indie Band Guru. To stay in the music game for any length of time, you truly need to have a love and passion for what you do. After seeing thousands of shows through the years, it is easy for me to tell which bands are just mailing it in and which ones are still pouring in all they have and enjoying every minute of it. Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy this past weekend who definitely fits the bill of a band still in love with what they do.
The contemporary Swing band formed back in the early 1990’s in Ventura, California. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has been the epitome of Southern California retro cool ever since. Their big break came in 1996 when they were a key element of the movie Swingers, that launched the careers of Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn. They performed multiple songs in the movie and their star was launched.
Capitol Records stepped in and signed the band. The timing was perfect and the revival of 1940’s and 50’s Jazz and Swing was in full gear. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy even performed at the halftime show of the 1999 Super Bowl.
Like any phase of music, the mainstream picked it up and soon spent it for all it was worth before tossing it aside. In true music lover fashion, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy just kept playing and enjoying every minute of it.
Last Friday the 9-piece band played at the historic St. George Theater in Staten Island, New York. The beautiful theater was built in 1929 and is well known for its impressive acoustics and ornate interior with its decorative gold plasterwork, stained glass, and ironwork. When the group hit the stage they looked as home as ever.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Slay Staten Island
From the first note, the crowd was right there with the band, ready to have a great time. Lead singer and guitarist Scotty Morris is a package of charm that draws in the fans to become a part of the show. Starting off with the hit “Diga Diga Do” welcomed everyone to sing along. Following up with “The Jitters” got the crowd excited and up and moving. The rest of the first set consisted of many more of their more recent compositions off the record Rattle Them Bones form 2012.
After a short intermission, and some time for the crowd to imbibe in some adult beverages, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy came back with a bang and the classic Cab Calloway tune “Minnie The Moocher”. The crowd was hooked and ready to party.
By the time the band hit their biggest hits “You And Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight” and “Go Daddy-O” there was a full dance floor at the side of the stage with impressive dancers from the crowd showing their skills.
The impressive musicianship and straight up cool of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is something that truly translates much better in the live show than it ever could on a record. If you have the chance to catch these talents in action, I highly recommend you put on your zoot suit and get out there.
Keep up with tour dates and more music at http://www.bbvd.com/
