Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: A Concert Event Review
An amazing time was had by every member of the audience on October 22, 2011 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre when the 18 year old swing/jazz band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy gave a concert that was well worth the time, effort, and money.
Since their arrival on the music scene in 1993 in a legendary residency at Los Angeles’ Brown Derby nightclub, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s irresistible live show and aggressive, musically perceptive approach has proven them over time to be the singular standout among the numerous bands that launched the Nineties swing revival. The group forged a massively successful fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music, building their own songbook of original dance tunes, and, years later, BBVD is a veteran force that to this day adds new fans by the roomful every time they play.
What a wonderful experience this was for both myself, and my wife, who is an enormous fan of this style of music. It is a shame that the show is not running for any length of time, and still today, this group would be able to pack the house time and again.
The Irvine Barclay Theatre is an amazing facility on the campus of the beautiful University of California at Irvine. Not hard to find, freeway close, and ample parking, this is most assuredly a venue that will continue to gain and hold the notoriety that will make them successful at whatever program they mount. Best wishes to all involved with this program, and this this theatre.
Randall Gray
The California Theatre Critic
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