by Dot Cannon
(Photograph courtesy of Don Miller, and used with permission.)
Not many bands can say what Big Bad Voodoo Daddy can.
Twenty-plus years after its inception, the band still has its original core members. They were the featured band in the 1996 independent film Swingers. This project ultimately led to sold-out concert venues all over the world and a number of high-profile television appearances–including the halftime show at the 1999 Superbowl.
When BBVD plays a live concert (which they do approximately a hundred fifty times per year), they appear to be having a great time, right along with the audience. And their music, which incorporates both jazz standards and original material, has an authentic sound that harks back to the swing era–and gets audience members up and dancing.
When the band’s popularity exploded during the mid-1990s, grunge, rap and Whitney Houston were topping the charts. The unique, playful music of BBVD was a standout with their big-band, swing revival sound. They continue to garner new fans as they pay tribute to jazz greats (such as Cab Calloway, whom they honor on their 2009 offering, How Big Can You Get) and have fun with Scotty Morris’ new compositions, such as “Why Me” on their most recent album, Rattle Them Bones.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s current tour includes a stop at Arcadia Performing Arts Center, one week from tonight–and it is going to be a party!
BBVD trumpet player, producer and video director Glen Marhevka joined Over Coffee® to talk about his background, his experiences with the band, and most of all, their music.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy comes to Arcadia Performing Arts Center on Friday evening, March 27th, at 8:00. Here’s the link for more information.
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