CD Review

Let us time warp to 1998 for a minute. As the music scene suffered greatly from midriff bearing pop princesses and bleached blond boy bands, along came Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. With the likes of The Brian Setzer Orchestra and The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy channeled the sound of the 1930’s and brought the bing-bang-boom of swing to the brink of the 21st century. The similarities between the groups? All three have most probably done a Christmas album or two. The differences? Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has come full circle with their 2004 CD/DVD release Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Live.

Live is jam packed with music, featuring 17 tracks that include hits from their debut album Americana Deluxe, more current originals and a cover song or two. Solid tunes include the CD opener, “ The Boogie Bumper” and the swingin’ groove of “ Big Time Operator,” whose chorus sings something like ”za-ba-di-di-ba-zoo-zoo-do.” The band’s hit, “You and Me &The Bottle Makes 3 (Tonight)” is a scream as the band members do a back-and-forth with each other on stage that parallels their jivin’ solos. The live version of this song is high-energy and brings any listener right along with the audience for the ride.

A don’t-miss on Live is the cover of Disney’s The Jungle Book’s theme song, “I Wanna Be Just Like You.” The band recreates this Richard and Robert Sherman tune in a way that showcases their musical talents and their appreciation for salsa, blues and jazz. The live album closes with a personal sign-off from the band as well as a fun little tune appropriately named “So Long-- Farewell--Goodbye.”

There is something about this live CD that will put a smile on almost anyone’s face. The boppin’ trumpet solos and swinging drum beats bring you right on stage doing the box step in a sequined red dress and slicked back hair. The band, comprised of seven men in zuit suits and top hats, have a presence on this live recording that was not there on their studio albums. The addition of the DVD makes this live album a package fit for those swing-lovers who just can’t get enough.

Maybe it’s the beat of the upright bass or that dingy late-night club thing that makes you want to snap your fingers along to the beat. Unless you’re a stark-raving Metallica fan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Live will get you in the mood for some “big, bad” groovin’ all night long.