Freaker Scene: 10/10/09 Davina & the Vagabonds @ The Dakota Jazz Club

10/10/09 Davina & the Vagabonds @ The Dakota Jazz Club

I was ecstatic to make it down to Davina & the Vagabonds on this the 2nd night of a very well attended weekend 2 night stand at the premiere jazz showcase club The Dakota. I caught all 3 sets & still wanted more. The place was full packed. I don’t mind dancing some foot jive in a crowded club when the music is so completely engaging as it was.

Some of the marvelous material heard over the evening were originals like crowd pleasing “Saint Michael vs. the Devil”, more recently written call to action “Start Runnin” (that Davina said she wrote while perturbed), captivating thriller “Red Shoes”, & racy album title tune “Under Lock & Key”.

D&TVs also delved into some outstanding covers such as the tongue in cheek “Good Morning Judge” (by American blues shouter Wynonie Harris), “Mellow Down Easy” (classic Willie Dixon), Etta James’ forlorn “I’d Rather Go Blind”, “Ain’t That a Shame” & their own stylistic interpretation of the standard “St. James Infirmary”. Davina also obliged a request for a love song from a couple up front (celebrating their wedding anniversary) with a righteous Lovin’ Spoonful ode.

This band has never sounded better & are subsequently touring all over now. Davina, who is originally from Key West, Florida is truly hitting her groove here with truly passion steeped reckless abandon. She simply doesn’t stop. Ever. Just in the week following this set of show, Davina & the Vagabonds are playing like 6 shows. Absolutely tearing towns apart with their unique jump swing sexy blues soul jazz. Catch ‘em if you can. The heat is rising.