Customer Reviews

Brian Setzer - Christmas Extravaganza

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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!

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)

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!

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!

I purchased this dvd last Christmas and find myself watching parts of it every week or more. This dvd always finds its way back into my dvd player. This is by far the best Christmas concert I have ever seen or heard. Brian is the best guitar player out there in my opinion. Nobody and I mean nobody comes close to rockin these Christmas songs like Setzer and his big band. You can find many metal bands, country bands, pop bands etc. But there is only one Brian Setzer Orchestra and they are in a catagory all their own. Check out Sleigh Ride on this disc, they absolutely tear it up. The Nutcracker Suite is a masterpiece, this song alone is worth the purchase price. Will Murillo on trumpet and Tim Misica on Saxaphone are both incredible musicians. This big band is unbelievable and with Bernie Dresel on the drums it just can't get any better. Setzer is old school all the way from his hair and wardrobe to his vintage Gretsch Guitars. This a MUST for any Christmas music lover or anyone that likes music for that matter. Buy a few of these and hand them out as early Christmas presents so people can enjoy it all the way through the season. There are lots of artists out there that sell out stadiums and get lots of publicity, Setzer blows them all away when it comes to pure talent. He is a musicians musician. Don't miss out on this dvd!

I've been a Brian Setzer fan since his Stray Cat days and this is the first time I've seen him perform for an extended period (other than a guest shot on some show) and I'm really kicking myself for not making more of an effort to see his show in person. Near that opening of the DVD, he says 'Welcome to the extravaganza. Why is it an extravaganza? Because it just is!!!" and is he ever so right. In addition to playing their cool licks, the band and singers are shuckin' and jivin' for the whole 90 minutes nonstop. And Brian never lets up...except at the intermission-like "Let it Snow" number by the smokin-hot Vixens. This is a first rate video presentation of a super concert show. Don't miss it.

I think Brian Setzer put a lot of fun into his performance. I'm sure he enjoys his work, but he likely wouldn't call it that. He's a great musician, and his bands are great. A fabulous segment occurs when they play 3-piece group and play closer to rockabilly. However, all the show is extremely good. There is extremely fine choice of music. I didn't know he did " Blue Christmas"! I could watch and watch, and I find myself moving around.

This is an instant holiday classic. I can watch this over and over and never get board with it. The concert is shot well, the audio is great, and Brian and the orchestra are top flight musicians with terrific arrangements and the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Buy it. You will not be disappointed.

I found that this is something more than just your average Christmas show. If you are looking for some good rock-n-roll with a Christmas twist to it. This DVD is for you