Filmed December 18, 2004 at L.A's sold-out Universal Amphitheatre, its is easily the best video presentation of the Brian Setzer Orchestra ever. A 1-hour-and-40-minute concert, plus behind the scenes b-roll footage, includ... more »ing a first-time look at Brian Setzer and his orchestrator composing a chart from scratch. Track Listings: Dig that Crazy Santa Claus, This Cat's On A Hot Tin Roof, Boogie Woogie Christmas, Dirty Boogie, Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, Santa Claus is Back in Town, Caravan, Pipeline, Stray Cat Strut/You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch, Jump Jive An' Wail, Zat You Santa Claus?, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Run Rudolph run, Gene & Eddie, Blue Christmas, Rat Pack Boogie, Fishnet Stockings, Rock This Town, Nutcracker Suite, Rumble in Brighton, Gettin' In the Mood.« less
"I saw the Brian Setzer Orchestra two years back when they did a Christmas show here in Wisconsin, and I'm seeing them this holiday season as well, so I figured this would be a great disc to buy. And was I ever right! This disc does a much better job of capturing the fun atmosphere and high energy music of the band than their previous DVD release did. The band sounds just as good as they do on both of their Christmas CD's, and watching the band mambers get into the music while playing it, makes it even more fun for the viewer. The highlight of the disc (and of their live show in general) is when they play the "Nutcracker Suite" for an encore. While often considered a "novelty" swing band, the Nutcracker really shows that all members of the band are world-class musicians first and foremost. It was good to see a few non-Christmas Setzer classics in the playlist, but "Rumble in Brighton" and "Fishnet Stockings" seem odd choices for a Christmas show. Overall, great Christmas fun for all viewers, and I highly recommend it!"
Just doesn't get old.
Val M. Jamora | Fountain Valley, CA United States | 12/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this for myself, and found it to be so good I started buying more copies to give away as presents! This is just a fun DVD to watch! We had it running almost every waking hour for two days! Setzer is an amazing showman, and delivers a spectacular performance for an impressive length of time. Every member of his band sizzles with energy. A must have for the holiday season!"
SETZER ROCKS (SO WHAT'S NEW?)
VOICE OF VICTORIA | VICTORIA AUSTRALIA | 01/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the best Christmas music DVD I've seen. It is heaps of fun but also features fantastic virtuosity from the leader and the whole band. Setzer's skills enhance the songs and are not just there for show. The presentation is fabulous. Some people may quibble about repeat perfromances if they have the Stray Cats Brixton or the Orchestra DVD (some songs are on all three). Me, I love those songs and its great to hear them in different contexts. To Brian it's high time you got here to Oz. Give some of those promoters a shove. I don't care if its the big band the Stray Cats or some other setting. (Loved the My favourite things extra)"
Brian Setzer Swings Christmas
Balcony Bunny | Where am I? . . . I'm Right Here! | 12/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you haven't heard Brian Setzer since his Stray Cats days, you won't believe your eyes and ears! Brian still has the heart of a rockabilly, but has also become a true master of jazz/blues guitar. And the Brian Setzer Orchestra? Man, they swing Christmas like the best cats from the Big Band era. Brian and his band are wonderfully hip and musically eccentric in the rocking tradition of Louis Prima & The Witnesses ("Jump, Jive & Wail").
If you've enjoyed Brian's Christmas renditions in movies like "Jingle All The Way", or on the Tonight Show, you won't be disappointed. This is one of the most spirited Christmas music presentations to hit DVD in a long time.
The entertainment industry is strewn with performers who in later years were never able to duplicate their early success. Brian Setzer has eclipsed his 1980s legend, transforming himself from punk rockabilly rogue into the Christmas Ambassador of Swing. Thanks for the Cool Yule, Brian!"
OUTSTANDING
Tim Janson | Michigan | 12/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I actually just saw this show over the weekend on our local PBS station and it was simply fantastic. Setzer combines numbers off of both oh is Christmas CD's along with classic Stray Cats songs like Rock this Town and Stray Cat Strut. This is a high energy show with the fans dancing in the aisles and obviously having a great time. I love those fast, upbeat, toe-tapping versions of Let it Snow, Run Rudolph Run, Boogie Woogie Christmas, and Jingle Bells.
Setzer does Rock this Town with just a three piece band to start before opening it up to the full orchestra. His Orchestra really sizzles and even includes back-up singers in cute Santa outfits. The band and Brian's vocals sounded just outstanding and I can only guess that it would sound significantly better on the DVD version. All in all this was a fabulous show!"