Customer Reviews

The Brian Setzer Orchestra - Live in Japan [VHS]

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Live concerts like this are what DVD is all about and this production is killer. Everyone is having fun (the fans, Brian, the band, the backup singers and stage crew -- everyone!)and it shows. Some of the numbers, like "Hawaii 5-0", are performed rather over the top, with the twang factor reaching maximum, but everyone is smiling and enjoying "playing with the music" while they perform it. No one is taking themselves too seriously, and some of Brian's facial expressions as he plays are priceless. This is a truly fun show to watch.
Brian Setzer is a lot more than a "Stray Cat". For this show he has an Orchestra and backup singers. The music is like a post WWII timeline as we hear some Swing and Big Band numbers, then move into early Rock (and this band Rocks!) but we also hear some music from Broadway, even some Folk as he slows the pace down a bit, and it all comes together well. Brian Setzer has paid his dues and accomplished certain milestones in his career, as he explains in one of the interview segments. It's clear he has reached a point where he is comfortable with himself and his abilities. There is no self-consciousness in his performances, nothing strained, just true craftmanship. His guitar solos are impressive.
This DVD captures all the excitement of a live show, and you get glimpses backstage and interview snippets. It is a complete production, technically and musically well done.
This is a DVD I would recommend.

This is an excellent concert DVD : The picture and the sound are outstanding and Brian puts on a great performance. The song selection is great and if you have ever seen the BSO live, then you will definitely enjoy this DVD. The only complaint I have is, that there should have been more close up on Brian's guitar work. I love to watch him play during the live shows and this DVD does not show enough of his fantastic finger work. Besides that, this is the next best thing of seing the BSO live !

It's a shame if you live in an apartment and have to keep the volume down for the little old lady next door. With The Brian Setzer Orchestra Live in Japan loaded in your DVD player, you can rock the entire apartment block with the hyper-energized dynism of BSO! Brian Setzer personifies what 'Hep" is all about as he and his band open the disc with a disciplined, yet defiantly ripping version of the "Hawaii 5-0" Theme, which serves to remind you to fasten your seat belt, 'cause the ride is just beginning!!! Suave, gifted and diversely seasoned, BSO cover all sorts of jazz/rock territory with passion and finesse. For those geared more toward Britney, J-Lo and the like, you're not even worthy to polish Brian Setzers red platform shoes, but if you want to learn what REAL musicianship is all about, travel down a road to a better place- with the Brian Setzer Orchestra Live in Japan. Oregato, Briansan.

This DVD is tons of fun. It's hard to imagine anyone not liking this music. From the dead-on perfect opening arrangement of the Hawaii 5-0 theme, to the rave-up "Drive Like Lightning", and the awesome performances on "Mystery Train", this set is a winner. Setzer plays a broad spectrum of styles...there are several songs from his Stray Cats days rearranged with the big band, some good rockabilly numbers with a S.C.-style trio, and Setzer even does a couple of solo turns on guitar. One of the best parts of this performance is Setzer's guitar playing, which has never really been showcased on the S.C. or B.S.O. studio discs. Setzer's guitar skills really shine on this set. My whole family likes this disc. Buy it...you will not be disappointed.

Before seeing this concert, I wasn't a Brian Setzer fan. In fact, I wouldn't have bothered buying this if I hadn't seen and heard my brother's copy first. But that's all it took. I had to have my own copy and ordered it immediately!

The band is amazing!

Band members are really having fun playing this concert! They actually look like they WANT to be there!

Every sound is tight!

Everyone is constantly moving! The brass are swinging side-to-side as they crank out one big sound after another!

Sax players come down out of the band and strut the stage!

The audience is jumping to the beat!

If you've got a DTS decoder you're going to love this!

It's just plain FUN!

You'll be "jumping and jiving" right there at home when you see and hear this!

This has turned out to be one of the most played DVDs in my collection. It just makes me feel good every time I play it!

If the thought of listening to the big band sound, played by a band that is having a great time performing, sounds good to you, don't hesitate. Grab yourself a copy of this concert for your library now. You won't be disappointed.

Terrific fun and worth every penny; you'll be dancing and smiling nonstop! Check out Brian's face when he plays and sings "Mystery Train:" * oh * my * god. * From the first song to the last, he looks and sounds totally effing amazing (ooh la la), and the band is just the coolest thing ever. Delightful, energetic, sassy, sweet -- not to mention crazily joyful -- this music is GOOD for the world. You'll love it, so buy it -- don't even think twice about it.

What a show!! I was exausted after watching this disk. Ain't no sittin' on your hands when this is playing. The disk would have been worth the price of admission for pretty much any individual song, put them all together and you have a bargain. I complain about the cost of tickets to see artists live, but I would gladly pay to see this show live. Is it possible to wear out a DVD?

Wow! this man takes all those so called guitar heros look like intermediate students.Michaelangelo used basic tools to create masterpieces,raw talent.Setzer,basic tools{look kids,no effect pedals!}masterpieces!What this boy can do is pure genius and he does it like he's just killin time.I dont think many would be left standing in a shootout with this gunslinger!Oh yeah the band,WOW!what bass playing,seering horns,and drums!mercy.The japanese fans were a howl.They were having a blast.These cats dont hide behind effects,lights and smoke bombs.this is a real show.Hope you enjoy it as much as i did.I think i'll watch again!!!

All I had known about this artist was 'Jump Jive', one of his songs. I didn't remember what made me get myself this DVD. Whatever it was, lucky me!!!
My doubt has turned into 100% satisfaction. This DVD's got exactly what's all about real live performance. I'd better be at another live of Brian Setzer Orchestra next time his band is around me.

I have been until this DVD a lukewarm fan of Mr. Setzer. I had always enjoyed swing music and great guitar players and this DVD really showcases both. Great Band, excellent musicianship, arrangements are truly wonderful. I would heartily recommend this DVD to anyone who likes swing music and one of the best live performances (compilation) I have ever seen. I have seen Hendrix, Chicago, The Doors, etc. live and in their prime. This concert is as good as any of those live performances! And if you have equipment that can play D.T.S. it is icing on the cake!