Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is not just an experience - it's a lifestyle. As the frontrunners of the New Swing movement of the early '90s, the band almost single handedly revived big band music. Formed in Los Angeles in 1992, BBVD hit mainstream stardom when they appeared in the 1996 cult comedy classic "Swingers." Though the New Swing movement is not as mainstream as it once was, judging by the turn out Thursday night, swing is still going strong.
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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
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 Entertainment
Art
House of Blues
Chicago, Ill.
January 24, 2008
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The band came out rolling proving they are still at the top of their game. Not only does Big Bad Voodoo Daddy have one of the longest names around, but they also have one of the largest ensembles to hit the stage since George Clinton and P-Funk. A saxophone, trombone, clarinet, piano, bass, drums and of course lead singer Scotty Morris. This is not just your standard swing, the band knows how to take a tune and really make it cook. Just about everyone on stage is given their moment in the spot light with an extended solo, where they can show off their talents to the always appreciative crowd.
What many might not realize, it is as much a celebration for the band as it for the audience. In a few months Big Bad Voodoo Daddy turns 15 years old and it was no surprise than that the band played many of their old familiar favorites. Taking the stage at almost 10:30, the band played a full concert without a single break right up to the strike of midnight. By the end, those on the dance floor were covered in sweat from their non-stop workout from the show. This is not your grandma’s swing dance music, this is contemporary swing with a California twist.
In the past 15 years, the band has gone from a relatively small time LA lounge band, to masters of their craft. They've even recently recorded a new track for last year's movie, The Wild. Which is the first time we've been treated to new material since 2004's, Everything You Want for Christmas.
As lead singer, Scotty not only works as the ambassador of cool to the audience but orchestra leader as well. Each of the musical sections is under his command, albeit a loose one. Many times throughout the night Morris simply stepped back and let the band do their thing. One of the greatest pleasures of the night was listening to saxophonist Andy Rowley really get everyone moving during the Cab Calloway cover, “Minnie The Moocher,” a crowd favorite.
Over the years the band has become surprisingly calculated and this should not come as that big of a surprise, given how long they have been playing. Watching Big Bad Voodoo Daddy play is equivalent to watching the Rolling Stones play in the swing world. Not only were they around in the beginning of the New Swing revival, but they seemed to have outlasted it as well.
Let’s be honest, swing is not for everyone, it's a very niche genre that many instinctually wil always connect to their grandparents. In the 1920’s, swing dance came about as a means of rebellion against the highly popular jazz music of the day. Those that embrace this New Swing understand that the need for rebellion is still strong even today. They just choose to do it by bringing new life to an old cause.
Do yourself a favor and go out to see them the next time they are in town. Oh and don't forget to bring your dancing shoes.
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