Brian Setzer Orchestra: Don't Mess With a Big Band Live (CD on Surfdog)

Band: Brian Setzer Orchestra
Label: Surfdog
Title: Don't Mess With a Big Band Live

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Band:Brian Setzer Orchestra
Title:Don't Mess With a Big Band Live
Reviewed By:Adrian Huggins
Date Published:02/10/2010

Label:Surfdog
Format:CD
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'Don't Mess With a Big Band Live' was recorded in Japan on a well-received tour from the new king of Rockabilly Brian Setzer and his orchestra towards the end of 2009.

The former front man with the Stray Cats rose to fame during the early 1980s influenced by all things 1950s and rock 'n' roll. To give you a clue just how cool this guy is, the opening track on this is the 'Batman Theme Tune'. Yes, not everyone can open with that and get away with it, but Setzer, brothel creepers on foot, Gretsch in hand and quiffed to within an inch of his life does so with ease as he plays to a thunderous and rabid crowd.

Having been around for many years now, Setzer has set his career up by going against the trends and sticking to his own brand of 50’s inspired rockabilly which he made his own by adding elements of new wave and surf punk to it. This gamble and the Setzer’s attitude and style have not only set him above the rest, but kept him there and as a live album this really shows that talent off perfectly.

Old favourites such as ‘Runaway Boys’, ‘Stray Cat Strut’ and ‘Rumble in Brighton’ still have every single bit of style and flair that they always did. It’s fantastic to hear such a master at work. His orchestra keep everything well and truly in line and tighter than a Stray Cats' exit part. There are some really well knit and practiced break downs throughout the entire set which is the sort of thing that only comes about from artists at the top of their game.

As a very recent convert to the rockabilly scene, this album has become a real benchmark to me and has made a good home for itself in my stereo. Numbers like ‘Rock This Town’, ‘Honey Man’ and ‘The House is Rockin’ really make use of the full orchestra. They have an almost show tune-esque quality to them, but do this without losing any of the spirit that is so crucial to this unique act. Go get some shiny shoes, whack this on your stereo or iPlayer and swing the night away. It is great for your health.

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Splendid live album of 50s-style rockabilly from former Stray Cats' frontman Brian Setzer and his orchestra

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Don't Mess With a Big Band Live - CD
Splendid live album of 50s-style rockabilly from former Stray Cats' frontman Brian Setzer and his orchestra

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