Customer Reviews

Boogie Woogie Christmas

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brian Setzer and his orchestra never sounded better than they do on this Christmas album. Traditional tunes like "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland" and "Sleigh Ride" sound reinvigorated with their big band arrangements. They really rock, with Brian's scorching guitar and expressive vocals leading the way. Brian's versions of "Blue Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" rival the original versions. That's saying quite a lot, since the originals were done by Elvis. Ann-Margret's vocals on "Baby It's Cold Outside" could melt a blizzard, and mesh perfectly with Brian's voice. The centerpiece of the album is the instrumental "Nutcracker Suite." Over seven minutes, the Tchaikovsky Christmas classic is performed in a big band style. This reinvention is nothing short of amazing. The one song Brian Setzer wrote, "So They Say It's Christmas," is a moving ballad which slows the tempo down for the big finale. Brian's reverential versions of "O Holy Night" and "The Amens" would bring a tear to a glass eye. Whether you like sacred or secular Christmas songs, there's something for everybody in this album. I give it my highest recommendation.

BSO fans will definitely not be disappointed with this album. I mean, "Oh what fun it is to ride in a '57 Chevrolet"? How can you go wrong? :) And if you are not already a BSO fan and you're just looking for a fun holiday album, you'll enjoy it as well. He does stay traditional with some tracks like "O Holy Night," and "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and they sound fantastic, too. They bring out that smooth, crooner side of his voice. I think a wide range of people will really enjoy this CD.

This is the best Christmas cd I have heard in a while. It is worth the price just to hear BSO's take on the Nutcracker Suite. Everyone at your Christmas party will be up and dancing if you play this one!

This is the coolest Christmas music I've heard! The BSO really comes through on jazzing up old favorites. Brian's guitar playing is awesome as usual, and he really gives a wonderful vocal performance too, especially on "O Holy Night". My favorite track is "Santa Claus Is Back In Town". It is just so cool, and bluesy. I own a lot (and I mean a LOT) of Christmas CD's but this one really blew me away!! If you like something different than just the same old stuff, this is the CD for you!

Cannot begin to say how great this CD really is! If you like swing, you'll love this one. My two little girls, ages 6 & 3 just love it. When they want me to put it on, they ask for the "kickin music". This is the best CD every from Brian and the gang.

Brian has done it again. I anticipated this CD coming out for a while and was in no way disappointed. The guitar playing rocks as usual and the song selections are great. His guitar tone is varied just a bit from the 68 Comeback Special album but I like it. I think that he is using the neck pickup a bit more. His voice also sounds incredible as usual. This is a great holiday CD to get you in the mood for the season. Hats off to the master.

My wish for a holiday album by Brian Setzer has FINALLY come true-years ago after first hearing his cool yule tunes on the Jingle All The Way soundtrack I'd hoped he'd eventually do an entire album of Christmas music. The result was worth the wait! You can tell that Brian & co. had a great time recording each song. I am even willing to overlook the somewhat disappointing version of Baby, It's Cold Outside with Ann-Margret-her vocals sounded like they were phoned in. All in all a really fun collection of cool Christmas classics done as only the Brian Setzer Orchestra can do them. Sure to be a major hit at any holiday party. Highly recommended.

This CD rocks. I buy at least one Christmas CD a Year (eventhough I am Jewish). This is one of my all time favorites, as long as you like foot stomping rock and roll.

Brian Setzer is nothing short of being a genius. You've never, ever heard Christmas music done or arranged like this. And the Nutcracker Suite, done big band style, will just make you smile and cry at the same time. It's that good. And Ann Margaret in Baby Its Cold Outside...you never think a good song like that can ever become better...but oh, my.
This CD is awesome this time of year, heck, it's awesome in the middle of summer.
It's not just a youngster's hip retro thing, either...I don't know anyone who hears this CD that doesn't like it...from little children to older adults.
Someday Brian Setzer will get all the Grammy awards he deserves.
Does he perform this live in concert anywhere, does anyone know? The only thing better than this CD would be to hear it live.

Refreshingly different, fun and creative! I never thought "The Nutcracker Suite" could kick royal butt! The duet with Ann-Margret ("Baby, It's Cold Outside") is another stand-out. One song I personally think has been over-looked by other reviewers is "O,Holy Night". Setzer proves what a clear, clean, and versatile voice he has on that one--very prettily and reverently done! Bravo!!