The Brian Setzer Orchestra : Boogie Woogie Christmas
Background Information:
Brian Setzer is a superbly talented singer and guitarist, better known in the USA, but renowned across Europe and Japan.
He originally had success with The Stray Cats - a rockabilly trio in the 1980s.
Since ... Read review
Advantages: Fun and upbeat music for Christmas Disadvantages: May only appeal to those with a taste for swing/rock n roll
The Brian Setzer Orchestra : Boogie Woogie Christmas
Background Information:
Brian Setzer is a superbly talented singer and guitarist, better known in the USA, but renowned across Europe and Japan.
He originally had success with The Stray Cats - a rockabilly trio in the 1980s.
Since then Brian has fronted many projects. He has also written material for films such as Jingle all the Way, Me ... ...
Details of The Boogie Woogie Christmas Album:
This particular album was released in 2002.
Tracks include:
Jingle Bells
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
Winter Wonderland
Blue Christmas
Santa Claus is Back in Town
Baby Its Cold Outside (duet with Ann-Margret) (Elvis film fame)
The Nutcracker Suite
(Everybodys waiting for) the man with the bag
Sleigh Ride more
The Brian Setzer Orchestra : Boogie Woogie Christmas
Background Information:
Brian Setzer is a superbly talented singer and guitarist, better known in the USA, but renowned across Europe and Japan.
He originally had success with The Stray Cats - a rockabilly trio in the 1980s.
Since then Brian has fronted many projects. He has also written material for films such as Jingle all the Way, Me Myself and Irene and the Aristocats.
In 1994 Brian formed The Brian Setzer Orchestra - a Swing / Rock n Roll style with the backing of a 17 piece Big Band Orchestra.
The sound is difficult to describe as it is unique, but on the lines of a full Glenn Miller Style Big Band with Rockabilly Guitar fronting and Vocals.
The Brian Setzer Orchestra have toured worldwide and released several albums:
Guitar Slinger The Dirty Boogie Vavoom The Ultimate Collection Live And the latest release Dig that Crazy Christmas
Details of The Boogie Woogie Christmas Album:
This particular album was released in 2002.
Tracks include: Jingle Bells Boogie Woogie Santa Claus Winter Wonderland Blue Christmas Santa Claus is Back in Town Baby Its Cold Outside (duet with Ann-Margret) (Elvis film fame) The Nutcracker Suite (Everybodys waiting for) the man with the bag Sleigh Ride So they say its Christmas O Holy Night The Amens
My views:
Although this may well be the wrong time of year to play this cd (or even review it!), I still feel that it will be of note to some.
The songs themselves are a great combination of fun, upbeat and melodic numbers.
I particularly like the Nutcracker Suite which is an instrumental, but highlights the sound of the Big Band themselves. (For some reason some of the music reminds me of the Carry On films - no clue why!)
Brian brings the punchy sound of rockabilly/rock n roll guitar onto the front of the swing beat of the orchestra as he covers the classic Christmas tracks and includes some of his own arrangements aswell.
It may well seem that this is suited only to those with a swing/rock n roll taste in music, however because of the Christmas theme it adds a great atmosphere to a party.
(I have even converted my Mum on this one as she enjoyed the tempo combined with the Christmas atmosphere)
For those scary family sing-a-long moments, the insert even includes the words to all the songs!
The cd is produced (along with other Brian Setzer cds) by www.surfdog.com and on their website you can even listen to a sample of the song on this particular album. So if you are even a little interested, at least you can hear a sample before you decide to buy!
As well as being sold on Surfdog (at $14.00), I have seen this cd available from amazon and on ebay. It is also available at play.com for £9.99 delivered.
You can find out more about Brian Setzer from his official website www.briansetzer.com
The style and presentation of this cd certainly bring a smile to my face and make me feel like jigging around to the beat.
So if you fancy trying something different for your Christmas (or any) party, or just like to listen to upbeat big band and rock n roll guitar music, then this album is a recommendation for you.
Product Information for "Boogie Woogie Christmas - Brian Setzer Orchestra" »
Product details
Title
Boogie Woogie Christmas
Performer
Brian Setzer Orchestra
Genre
Oldies
Sub Genre
Rock 'N' Roll
Release Date
23/09/2002
Recomended Retail Price
15.99 GBP
Original Release Year
2002
Label / Distributor
Surfdog / Proper; Cargo
Guest Artist(s)
Setzer, Brian Orchestra
Engineer
Jeff Peters
Producer
David Darling
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
640424401122
Catalogue Number
4042440112
Additional notes
Album Notes
Brian Setzer Orchestra: Brian Setzer (vocals, arranger, guitar); Ann Margret (vocals); Don Roberts (baritone saxophone); Tim Misica, Ray Herrmann, Matt Zebley, Jim Youngstrom (saxophone); Dennis Farias, Kye Palmer, Kevin Norton, Will Murillo (trumpet); George McMullen, Alex Henderson, Craig Woods, Robbie Hioki (trombone); Hohn Hatton (bass); Bernie Dresel (drums); The Caroling Company (background vocals). Recorded at Unit A, Palm Springs, California and Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California. He wears a pompadour, hangs around with jazz musicians, and "vintage" may as well be his middle name, but Brian Setzer is a retro-king who now brings a jump-blues sensibility to the holiday of ole St. Nick with BOOGIE WOOGIE CHRISTMAS. Setzer's clearly having fun tearing into Elvis's perennial "Blue Christmas" and does equally well pumping up warhorses like "Jingle Bells" and "Winter Wonderland" as well as digging up the Leiber-Stoller nugget "Santa Claus Is Back In Town." Anther nod to Presley comes via the recruitment of EP's film co-star Ann-Margret for a seductive reading of "Baby It's Cold Outside." Equally impressive is the range this Long Island native shows, whether utilizing an arrangement of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" influenced by Les Brown and his Band of Renown, or the cool jazz vibe dripping off the self-penned "So They Say It's Christmas." After all the high-flying heroics, Setzer ends on a calm note with a one-two punch of "O Holy Night" and an a cappella rendition of the traditional "The Amens," both of which would have fit perfectly on one of the King's reverential gospel albums.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Jingle Bells
2.
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
3.
Winter Wonderland
4.
Blue Christmas
5.
Santa Claus Is Back In Town
6.
Baby It's Cold Outside
7.
Nutcracker Suite
8.
Man With The Bag
9.
Sleigh Ride
10.
So They Say It's Christmas
11.
O Holy Night
12.
Amens
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since
15/12/2005
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