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INDUSTRY REPORT # 58
CATCHING UP WITH SCOTTY MORRIS
March 12th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
Every once in a while, we come across a band that is not only part of history, but they also made it. Bands like The Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana all changed the musical landscape. Hard to believe that in 2026, one of those bands are not only around, but they are coming to the OC. The band is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
The year was 2006, and swing music made its way back into the mainstream of everyday life courtesy of a movie called “Swingers.” The 1996 feature film captured the resurgence of the “swing” music revival featuring music from Ventura’s number one sons, Scotty Morris and his band of brothers. I had the opportunity to chat with Scotty about all that is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
What stood out most to me was despite all the glory and fame that the band deservedly has received, he remains down to Earth and a very well-grounded cat. What I found interesting is the original band lineup remains intact.
Morris wears the kick-ass suits and handles the mic duties. Kurt Sodergren slaps the skins, the double bass is all Dirk Shumaker; Andy Rowley leads the brass section on sax, while Glen “The Kid” Marhevka is on trumpet. The band wouldn’t be complete without Karl Hunter who doubles sax and clarinet, while Joshua Levy plays the keys.
When asked how they managed to still be together after all these years, Morris said “I love these guys, we are a family. Like any family we have disagreements, but we always come together. We have lots in common and like many of the same things, which helps keep our sanity. But we are brothers, and that’s what’s kept us together.”
We touched on his early days and what drew him to swing. He laughed and said, “I was a punk rock kid at heart, still am, the music just spoke to me.” He went on to say, “but I also loved Saturday morning cartoons, and the classic and swing music that was the soundtrack to many of those toons.” We both laughed at that as I knew what he meant.
He went on to say, “I love punk music, but swing really spoke to me.” I asked him about his wardrobe, because he has lot of great suits. I told him I spoke with Mike Ness not long ago, and he said he never changed anything about himself to do his music, he is who he is and his closet represents that. Morris laughed and said, “I agree with Mike, you are your music and I have a closet full of cool clothes; I didn’t have to re-invent myself, it is who I am.”
I then asked what it was like when “Swingers” came out. He said, “It was so surreal, it was crazy how everything changed for us, I never forget what it took to get here, and I will never take it for granted. I mean we’ve played the Super Bowl, and performed on Dancing with The Stars, I mean that doesn’t happen to everyone. So yeah, we are very lucky and very grateful – we will always continue to work hard.”
I asked about the band name, he laughed again and said it was a chance meeting with legendary blues artist and band leader Albert Collins, and he received a poster signed “To Scotty, the big bad voodoo Daddy.” Morris and the guys thought it was a perfect name.
I then asked the 10-million-dollar question – the rumor is there is new music coming soon from the band. Morris said, “That’s no rumor, I have 10 songs written, we’re just working on them to get something out.” I asked if there was an album name or release date? He said, nothing just yet, but it is coming. He sounded so excited, like a teenager going to his first dance.
Truth is, this band is dynamic, energetic on stage, and deliver an electrifying performance on stage. For the local fans, great news… Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is coming to town.
You can them March 28th at Garden Amphitheatre. Show support will be provided by Jessica Kazzmarek Band. This will be an epic show, so if you like to jive, jump and shake what your mama gave you, get out and see these legends. Tickets are on sale NOW!
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