All The Flappers in the House!
by: bill aicher

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.  Duke Ellington knew it, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy emphasizes that fact with their first major label release.  Swing (or jump blues) is making a major comeback these days.  Many attribute its revival to Squirrel Nut Zippers, but this CD is nothing like what you will find on the a Zippers disc.  It truly swings baby!

If you have seen the movie "Swingers" then you have heard this band.  They are in the movie with their song "Go Daddy-O".  The music does really swing, so it fits the movie well.  We have all the big band classic style in this CD.  If you pop in in your CD player you can almost thing you are back in the flapper era.  They even do a remake of "Minny The Moocher" - it kicks.  The first single off the CD is "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)".  If you have heard it you have a good taste of what is in store for you with this disc.

Scotty Morris has a great swing voice.  That is one thing I have found missing in a lot of the lower quality swing music I listened to lately.  The voice is the lounge-style type typical of a swing band, and the usage of words like "Daddy" and "Baby" make his voice sound even more believable.  The band does a great job of backing his voice as well.  The slides on the trombone are just hoarse enough to match the swing sound, but not too hoarse as to sound ugly.  The trumpet rips, riffs, and turns are set up in good amounts - just enough as to make the CD sound like authentic swing.  And what would swing music be without solos?  Oh boy do they have some kickin' solos in this bitch.  Definitely a band to see live.

My favorite track on this CD is "Jumpin' Jack".  If there was ever a song I would like to dance to, this would be it.  (I don't know swing dance yet, but I sure as hell am going to learn after this CD and Cherry Poppin' Daddies Zoot Suit Riot).  "When you hit the dance floor you better be jumpin'"   - perfect words to get the crowd swinging.  When they go into Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), the band really starts rocking. 

There is one problem I have with this CD, and it is their apparent lack of realization as to what era they are living in. The stories told in the songs just don't appear to be from now.   This is what makes Cherry Poppin' Daddies sound a little better.  I feel that if a band is truly great, they try to associate with their listeners.  This is not the case with this CD - it is almost too 30's.

If you are a fan of swing, this is a definite buy.  I do recommend it to all of my friends.   Especially if you are looking for a CD to get your groove thang on to, this is it. It is the best swing CD I have heard for dancing, however I am a big fan of lyrical style as well and theirs just keeps them from below the Exquisite level on my rating.  All the flappers in the house - go nuts... we can never have too many hot women strutting their stuff.