Swingin’ to the Jumpin’ Jive of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Nineties nostalgia band returns to Waimea
Around 1996, a full-bore swing revival on modern rock radio quickly spread to American concert halls. Leading the pack were horn-tooting bands like Squirrel Nut Zippers, Royal Crown Revue, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, which emerged from Ventura, California, in ‘93.
Movies like Swingers and The Mask helped elevate their careers and reach a wider audience. While America signed up for swing-dance lessons, BBVD achieved platinum sales and performed with Stevie Wonder at Super Bowl XXXII. The neo-swing thing was, ahem, in full swing.
Last Saturday (with a repeat show on Sunday), BBVD returned to the Kahilu Theatre after their Big Island debut three years ago. Dressed in snazzy fedoras and finely tailored gray suits, and blasting tunes made famous by Cab Calloway for the hipsters who remembered “Minnie the Moocher,” BBVD made it a fine evening to relive the ‘90s swing revival and the music that inspired it.
Dirk Shumaker. Photo: Steve Roby
Founders Kurt Sodergren (guitar/banjo/vocals) and drummer Scotty Morris were joined by Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals); Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals); Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet); Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet), and Joshua Levy (pianist and arranger). In addition, Mitch Cooper on lead trumpet and Alex Henderson on trombone joined them for this show.
“They’re such an amazing band to see live, and we saw them when they were just starting at Dodger's Stadium,” said longtime fan Trisha from Kona. The sentiment was echoed by other concertgoers waiting to get in, including Kelly, who drove from Hilo. “Their music is so upbeat. You can dance to it, and it reminds me of my youth.”
The Kahilu invited 50 people onstage to “cut-a-rug” to BBVD during both sets of their show in an area they set up behind the bandstand. It was a very different scenario from a year ago, when the venue was hosting only reduced-capacity outdoor concerts at a resort, with proof of vaccination and social distancing required.
Scotty Morris. Photo: Steve Roby
“Come on up and dance!” announced bandleader Scotty Morris after the first song. “I know that’s where I’d be if I were you!” Morris was the ultimate master of ceremonies, engaging the crowd in scat call-and-responses and inviting band members to take center stage for individual solos. Even if you didn’t dance, watching Morris’ slick moves or the Zen-like bliss on his face when the band played flawlessly was a show in itself. He was the hi-de-ho man, indeed.
In the show's second half, we saw wildman Scotty Morris cut loose on a drum solo. He was seated behind several clear sound panels to keep him from blowing out Sodergren’s ears. It was also lovely to see the brass section turn around at one point and play for the dancers behind them.
The audience gave their best doo-wops on “Jumpin’ Jack” and sang along to
“I Wanna Be Like You,” the song by King Louie, the orangutan character, made famous in Disney’s The Jungle Book.
After “Go Daddy-O,” Kahilu staff members came out to place leis on the band members while the audience (including the sweaty, exhausted dancers) shouted for a hana hou.
The lively energy from the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert was exactly what we needed after nearly two years of show cancellations, postponements, and unfulfilling livestream events. Let’s hope they come back to rock our socks off very soon.
Program Notes
Set I: Boogie Bumper | Mr. Pinstripe Suit | King of Swing | Come On with the Come On | Calloway Boogie | Oh Yeah | Diga Do | The Jitters | Minnie the Moocher | Reefer Man |
Set II: Jumpin' Jack | Jungle Book (I Wanna Be Just Like You) | You Know You Wrong | Big Time Operator | Five Months, Two Weeks, Two Days | You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three | Zig Zaggity Woop Woop | Go Daddy-O |
Encore: So Long-Farewell-Goodbye
Concert date: 15/October/2022
Venue: Kahilu Theatre
