Stated simply, the common denominator here is music that swings. Yet it would be far too limiting to merely call this collection swing music. Take “You Know You Wrong,” for instance. It’s driven by the kind of boogie-woogie piano one commonly finds running through New Orleans’ soul/blues, whereas “Please Baby” goes for a lighter touch and even sounds a little bit like “Black Magic Woman” by Santana. But it’s doubtful that a love of Latin rock has made this band what it is today. Instead, one supposes that BBVD fans get most excited by call-and-response numbers like Cab Calloway’s “Minnie the Moocher” and “Oh Yeah,” which is quite similar to The Stray Cats’ “Stray Cat Strut” and also features a fine muted trumpet solo.

This group’s modern take on retro swing music comes off like the cross between a traditional jazz band (due to its inclusion of horns, in addition to standard guitar, bass and drums) and a more common rock/pop group. Unlike jazz band shows, however, nobody’s sitting down behind music stands here. Instead, soloists trot up to the front of the stage whenever they do their thing -- just like rockers such as Jimmy Page do it -- and soak in the spotlight.

Although these songs were recorded in front of a live audience, the sound is nevertheless surprisingly clear. Except for the band introductions that precede the playing of “I Like It,” you’d hardly even know this was an in-concert recording. It’s also worth noting that this show was taped at the Ventura Theater, which was probably around hosting concerts back when this sort of vintage music was still considered current.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s pop group-like presentation of these classic sounds separates its identity from jazz groups of old, yet it still does not incorporate nearly enough modern touches to make this release – and its music in general -- truly relevant. For instance, The Clash toyed with swing elements on both its “London Calling” and “Sandinista!” releases, without ever sacrificing its reputation at the time as “the only band that matters.” Unfortunately, Live by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy comes off closer to recordings by a glorified cover band, which is aimed specifically at swing dance enthusiasts.