BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY
Save My Soul (Vanguard)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Led by guitarist/vocalist Scotty Morris, Big Band Voodoo Daddy was one of the first neo-swing bands to catch the public imagination, and while many of their contemporaries have fallen by the wayside, they continue to tour and have finally, after a 4 year wait, managed to get off the road and into the studio to create a new album for their new label, Vanguard Records.

It's been well worth the wait. They've always had a fine delivery with some of the best original songs in the genre, but they've expanded their vision, particularly through the absorption of a healthy dose of New Orleans influences, and created an album that shows them as a band with true staying power.

I'm not totally delighted with the album. Personally, I could have lived without their version of "Don't You Feel My Leg," but then, I'm of an age to think that Maria Muldaur has already laid down the definitive version of the song. Of course, folks of a previous generation would quickly tell me that Muldaur couldn't hold a candle to Big Lu Barker, and fans of a younger one may well prefer this take.

All told, though, BBVD are back with a potent musical stew with a big side order of gumbo that's going to please their old fans and hopefully reach some new ones.

Track List:

Zig Zaggity Woop Woop Pt.1 * You Know You Wrong * Always Gonna Get Ya * Don't You Feel My Leg * Oh Yeah * Simple Songs * Next Week Sometime * Save My Soul * I Like It * Zig Zaggity Woop Woop Pt.2

© 2003 - Shaun Dale