The zoot-suited California swing-meisters returned to the outdoor amphitheater with impressive opener Andy Frasco for a sold-out show that had many tripping the light fantastic. (Review, photo gallery)
Eye-Popping, Ear-Pleasing Swing: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy turned Meijer Gardens into a dance party on Thursday. (Photos/Anna Sink)
If you attended Thursday’s sold-out Big Bad Voodoo Daddy show at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, chances are you were not sitting down.
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How could you? The beats and grooves made it impossible to sit still. From phenomenally impressive opener Andy Frasco & the U.N. to the consistently swing-tastic Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the sunny — though chilly — August night delivered the audience of 1,900 the swing they were promised, and then some.
MARY MATTINGLY
LocalSpins.com Review
It was clear from the second that bassist Matt Romero strode onstage that opener Andy Frasco & the U.N. were going to be a blast. Clothed in a bright red cape with a Superman shirt to boot, the eclectic group from L.A. followed Romero onstage, with afro-ed band leader Andy Frasco ready to bring the house down. Frasco, who introduced saxophonist Ernie Chang as ‘Asian Tom Cruise’ and guitarist Shawn Eckels as ‘Mexican Fabio,’ led the band in a fearlessly energetic, 40-minute set.
Though only 23, Frasco already is a seasoned performer, flawlessly guiding the band from song to song while keeping up the banter, entertaining the crowd with stories of life on the road and even a fable where Stevie Nicks was the main character. By the end of the first song, Frasco had the audience spellbound, enjoying a standing ovation when the band had barely even begun playing. His talented backing band was characterized by Chang’s full-bodied saxophone solos, Eckel’s bluesy guitar inflections and drummer R Bizzy’s incredible ability to sing while playing.
Horn-Driven Romps: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on the amphitheater stage.
Frasco won the crowd over while giving the evening’s swinging headliner a run for its money.
When Big Bad Voodoo Daddy finally took the stage, the horn-infused group quickly transported the audience back to the bygone era of speakeasies and big bands, entertaining folks for the next hour-and-a-half with a rollicking set that had even the most beat-resistant souls nodding along.
Tunes like “Go Daddy-O,” “You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three (Tonight),” and “Mr. Pinstripe Suit,” had amateur swing dancers trying their hand alongside several more experienced dancers on either side of the stage.
Covers such as a hyped-up, jamtastic “I Wanna Be Like You” from Disney’s “The Jungle Book” demonstrated the band’s ability to make anything swing, not to mention members’ improvisational skills with lead trumpeter Glen Marhevka and saxophonist Karl Hunter dazzling the crowd with tight but explorative solos.
The rollicking set closed appropriately enough with the encore-ending “So Long, Farewell, Good Bye.” Though swing may not be everyone’s thing, it was clear from this band’s return appearance at Meijer Gardens that it will certainly get you out of your seat.
THE VIBE
When the music wasn’t playing: relaxed anticipation. When the music was on: dancers made their way to either side of the stage. This summer’s show also drew a decidedly younger crowd, aside from the usual families and senior citizens who enjoy Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. High school students and young kids twirled, flipped and swayed to the uptempo rhythms that reverberated throughout the amphitheater.
THE NIGHT’S BIG MOMENTS
Andy Frasco & the U.N. dazzled with their rendition of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” transforming the ballad into a bumpin’ soulful romp that showcased guitar and saxophone. Drummer R Bizzy also impressed by crooning into the microphone while drumming- no easy feat.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s covers of “The Reefer Man” and “Minnie the Moocher,” originally by Cab Calloway, showcased the horn section and drew a large crowd to the concrete area on either side of the stage.
THE BANTER
“Stop looking at all the sexy cougar women in the crowd,” Andy Frasco told guitarist Shawn Eckels and saxophonist Ernie Chang during the opening number while encouraging a solo competition between the two players. “Start battling!”
“It’s like being married to nine guys for 20 years,” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy lead singer Scotty Morris said of the band’s longevity. “We haven’t spoken in 10 years; it’s all good.”
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY: THE LOCAL SPINS PHOTO GALLERY BY ANNA SINK (Aug. 16, 2013)
Email John Sinkevics at jsinkevics@gmail.com.
Copyright 2013, Spins on Music
