It was 1999, the height of the swing revival, and I was front row and center to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy playing the Paso Robles State Fair. The late afternoon was sweltering hot, as Paso can be in the summertime. Scotty and the boys, in their Fedoras and zoot suits, looked like they weren’t even breaking a sweat. They owned that stage with their hot music and cool moves, the horns wailing and Dirk spinning his double bass. BBVD (for those in the know) is a band that must be seen live!  

The group was originally formed in 1989 in Ventura, CA, by leader Scotty Morris. Morris chose the name Big Bad Voodoo Daddy after meeting blues guitar great Albert Collins. “He signed my poster ‘To Scotty, the big bad voodoo daddy,’” Morris says. “I thought it was the coolest name I ever heard on one of the coolest musical nights I ever had. So when it came time to name this band, I didnt really have a choice. I felt like it was handed down to me.” 

BBVD has a new album out! I remember reading that they perform up to 290 days out of the year, so it’s no wonder 5 years have passed since the last release. The album is How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway. You might be wondering why it’s necessary for BBVD to make an album of songs already done by the master, Cab Calloway? Well, if anyone could pull it off, it would be Voodoo Daddy. I believe they have succeeded beautifully. The album is true to the originals. Their strong horn section, Scotty’s voice, and their infectious love of swing make this album a joy to hear. It’s impossible for me to listen to BBVD and not feel cheered. What more can I ask?  
I’ve made a BBVD playlist with songs from their new album and many of my old favorites, too. Check it out.

Kseniya Simonova is a 24 year old Ukrainian artist who uses a giant light box, music, and painting with sand to interpret Germany’s invasion and occupation of the Ukraine during WWII. She has just won Ukraine’s version of “America’s Got Talent.” Her work is powerful and moved more than one audience member to tears. I’ve never seen anything like this video.   

For those who don’t know, Javawava is back as Echo Street Coffee here in Fresno. The coffee is rich and yummy, the food is tasty with very reasonable prices, and they offer free wifi! 

They also have live music 3 times a week. Drop in tomorrow night to see who’s playing. Music on Friday nights starts at 7pm. It should be a blast. Check out their listings to the left for other Ongoing Events at Echo Street Coffee.