How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 21, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vanguard Records
• ASIN: B001UGGVBK
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,600 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #8 in Music > Jazz > Swing Jazz > Retro Swing

Editorial Reviews

2009 release. Cab Calloway was a legendary fireball of talent, whose infectious 'hi-de-hi's', 'ho-de-ho's', scattin' and jivin' became the spirited cry of people wanting to be happy. A truly larger than life figure in American pop culture, immortalized in cartoons and caricatures, Calloway also led one of the greatest bands of the Swing Era. 100 Years later the coolest Swing band around, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, are celebrating the birthday of Calloway with this fantastic album. 11 tracks including 'Minnie The Moocher'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Gets Big, April 22, 2009

By 

Rawim (Palmdale, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway (Audio CD)

I have been a fan of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy going all the way back to their Americana Deluxe album. Since then I have kept up with them, been to a handful of shows and got their albums. This album is not more of the same from them, but more of a concept album dedicated to Cab Calloway. As I consider their album "Save Your Soul" to be a New Orleans inspired concept album, "How Big Can You Get" is in the same vein but with a dedication to the music of Cab Calloway.

All of the song on the album were either composed by Cab Calloway or were staples of his act. With additions to the horn section Big Bad Voodoo Daddy gives their own take on these big band classics. The additional horns give the band a bigger sound then you may be used to hearing; much more of a big band sound as opposed to the smaller sound that we usually get from the band. But the larger sound does no encumber, they play with as much enthusiasm and vigor as before.

Scotty Morris does his best to do justice to Calloway's songs, and he does present his own take and style, but in my opinion despite a valiant effort he comes up short in vocal performance. But then again I don't think anyone can match the fervor and excitement that Cab could bring to a song. Bassist Dirk and Saxophonist Andy make cameos in backing vocal roles, always great to hear them.

The song list is a great mix, covering many of Calloway's biggest hits and some of his most fun tunes. We are also treated to a new recording of "Minnie The Moocher" with the new big band sound. I find it on par if not better then the recording from Americana Deluxe.

So if you really like the old Big Bad Voodoo Daddy sound, you may not enjoy this album too much. But if you like the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy style and want to hear it applied to some "Big" new material then I will think you overlook the few shortcomings and enjoy this album as much as I do.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars dig that jumpin' jive!, April 23, 2009

By 

Ray59 (White Haven, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway (Audio CD)

"...calling all jitterbugs....calling all jitterbugs...."

I am very happy to report that swing music is alive and well in the 21st century! This CD arrived in my mailbox only a few days ago, and I have already played it through at least five times. It is jumpin' to say the least!

The mighty Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is in fine form on this, their latest studio album. The songs are a bit faster than their last two studio releases - which should please the dance crowd. And they play these Cab Calloway covers with such energy and enthusiasm that you can't help but get swept away by the music.

There are so many good tunes here...some standouts being "How Big Can You Get?" (with vintage lyrics that are oddly appropriate in today's economy, as the band mentions in the liner notes), "Reefer Man" and "Tarzan of Harlem". And I love the vintage 1960s style record sleeve back cover layout on this CD. Well done, gentlemen!

These new tunes are going to fit so well into their live set of previous BBVD hits...I can't wait for the next show! So guys, if you are reading this, why no Pennsylvania dates this year?

If you are a fan of jump-swing this new CD is a must-have. Highly polished, highly recommended fun.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Fabulous, July 17, 2009

By 

Marc McCutcheon (S. Portland, ME United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway (Audio CD)

This is BBVD's best album ever, and it so richly deserves a wide audience. A highly danceable toe-tapper that would make an absolutely electrifying movie soundtrack. When you get tired of the stale offerings on top 40 radio, give this a spin and turn it way up.
Refreshing and exciting doesn't begin to cover it.