Customer Reviews

Ultimate Collection

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I run a Big Band in Central Pennsylvania, and the Brian Setzer Orchestra has always been a major inspiration for the type of show that we do ("Not your Grandfather's Big Band"). This disc seemed to appear out of nowhere, and I'm glad it did. The second disc is taken directly (minus about 2 songs) from the "Live in Japan" DVD, and it's great to finally have a version of that for the car. I especially like his cover of "Get me to the Church on Time, which I think is the Quincy Jones / Sinatra version, only "Setzerized". I also like the Pink Panther theme in the middle of Stray Cat Strut, and the Guitar / Trumpet dogfight at the end of Jumpin East of Java. But, to me, the first disc is the jewel of this set. Setzer actually says in the liner notes that the first disc's Montreal concert was from the early years when the band was young and hungry (paraphrasing). It seems very true. No song proves that point more than the early version of Rock this Town. It's much different and much more raw than the polished later version from Dirty Boogie. It has a real chaotic rock-and-roll quality to it in the sense that it seems like the 18 guys are making it up as they go along, as opposed to the newer version where you can tell everyone is reading the music note by note (with great energy and fantastic ability, I should add). There is absolutely nothing critical that can be said about this set. It's one of the most "True Live-Experience" albums I've ever heard, probably because, according to the liner notes, no post studio work overdubbs were done on it. Both concerts are fun, high-energy, and the band really rocks like no other, er.... swings like no other, no rocks. Actually Both.

There is NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING like the BSO live in concert, but this collection is as close as you can get to the absolute bliss, power, and pure adrenaline of BSO in person.

It is also a chance to experience the growth and polishing of the band over the years. Disk One seems to have a slightly odd sound mix and is a little rough around the edges. I don't recall that from the concert, but memory fades with age...and it was just such a thrill to see and hear people make such amazing music! Thank you Brian!!!

I do, however distinctly remember the Phoenix concert that was similar to Disk Two...and this is pretty darn close. Brian's musical and vocal talent is truly a gift. It is reproduced beautifully with all of the highs, lows, growls, and yodels! Bernie Dresel is amazing as usual. He is the king of drummers and has some great features on Disk 2 that will confound and bewilder anyone who understand what it takes to produce that percussion.

Since you can't buy a lifetime of live BSO concerts (too bad), buy this collection. It is a totally different experience than the studio albums and worth every cent!

I bought this album last week and I must say I am incredibly impressed. I recently started listening to big band music on a more serious basis. Having been a fan of Brian Setzer from his time in the Stray Cats band, I started listening to the Stray Cats Greatest Hits CD I bought a few years ago (I hadn't listened to it for a long time), and now I'm hooked on big band music. This is really a great value (I didn't order it from Amazon.com, but I wish I had, as it would have saved me $5.00 -- I paid about $20.00 for it at Borders Books & Music). If you like big band music, definitely get this 2-disc Ultimate Collection -- Disc 1 is a concert from Montreal and Disc 2 is a concert from Japan (my personal favorite is the Montreal concert, but they are both excellent, and there's just nothing like listening to live music)).

Live cds can be either really good or really bad depending on the production work done.
Well this one is very good the audience sound dosen't interfere with enjoying the music as some live cds can and the music sounds crisp clear, the vocals not all fuzzy as some live shows can sounds and the other instruments are also very well produced.
I like the selcetion of songs on both cds as they are two different concert many years apart and they don't repeat any tracks even though I'm sure the actual concerts had some of the same songs played. Very well thought out and an excellent addition to your BSO collection.
Another one of the reasons I like this cd is that live Big bad/Swing/Rock-a-billy sounds much more exciting in live concerts than they can in studio albums....now don't get me wrong I love the BSO studio albums but the energy is completely different and if you are like me and love the higher energy music style of these genres then live is sometimes the best way to get the best versions.
Well worth it!

From the moment when the MC announces "Brian Setzer and his 17-piece big band" on through Brian's "Thank You And Good-Night" amidst the last wild applause from the reprise of "Rock This Town" on Disc 2, this is among the most electrifying live albums I've ever heard! High energy...a performer who loves what he does, does it damn well, and knows how to communicate that to his band..er..ORCHESTRA and to his audience.

GREAT STUFF!

What is it? Rock n' roll? Big Band Swing Jazz? Urban blues? A maddening amalgam of 'em all? Who knows, and frankly, who cares? It Makes You Feel Good...so What more could you want???

GO GET IT!!

This 2 CD collection of the Brian Setzer Orchestra is a blast. It is so high energy, that it rocks from start to finish. I love the use of themes from James Bond, Hawaii 5-0, The Pink Panther and Peter Gunn. I have had a lot of fun listening to these CD's!

Whether you love the big band sound, dig rockabilly or groove to that old time rock and rock you are sure to be impressed with The Brian Setzer Orchestra's 2004 release "The Ultimate Collection: Recorded Live". Having not heard too much by this outfit prior to purchasing this 2 disc set I was absolutely blown away by the variety and quality of the tunes I was hearing. What an unexpected treat!

"The Ultimate Collection: Recorded Live" offers up an impressive total of 31 songs from all over the musical landscape performed flawlessy by Brian Setzer and his 17 piece big band. What is even more remarkable is that this collection is the sum total of two "live" concerts. Disc one was recorded during the group's appearance at the Montreal Jazz Festival in the summer of 1992. The Brian Setzer Orchestra was still feeling their oats in those halcyon days and the music has a wonderful edge to it. Disc 2 on the other hand was recorded in Tokyo in 2003. By now the presentation is highly polished and frankly amazing. According to the liner notes you are hearing these two concerts exactly as the audiences did. There was absolutely no editing needed.

Those who enjoy instrumentals will certainly appreciate the bands take on three of the most popular rock and roll instrumentals of all time. "The James Bond Theme" and "Hawaii Five-O" themes pretty much mirror the originals while the approach taken on Santo and Johnny's "Sleepwalk" is definitely different. Those who appreciate the vocal stylings of the late great Bobby Darin will not be disappointed with Brian's take on the Darin classic "As Long As I'm Singin". In much the same vein you will also enjoy the Brian Setzer penned offering "My Baby Only Cares For Me". Rockabilly fans will revel in a number of rockabilly tunes in this collection. Be sure to check out "Hoodoo Voodoo Doll" and "Your True Love" to name but a couple. Of course, everyone will fondly recall Brian's days with Stray Cats with "Rock This Town" and "Stray Cat Strut". But for me, this collection definitely saved the best for last. While "Jump, Jive 'An Wail" is undoubtedly my favorite track I also was astounded by the sheer excitement and energy demonstrated on two Glenn Miller favorites "Pennsylvania 6-5000 and "Gettin' In The Mood". Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was Brian's totally unique rendition of "Get Me To The Church On Time" from "My Fair Lady". Outstanding!

"Brian Setzer Orchestra: The Ultimate Collection: Recorded Live" comes with a colorful and informative set of liner notes. The sound quality is nothing short of spectacular and the selection of material was simply amazing to me. What a great record to play at a party! This is a collection you will come back to again and again! So as they recommend in the liner notes: "Crank it up and enjoy!" Very highly recommended!

I have been a fan of this big band for the longest time, and this release will keep as one of their biggest fans for a long time. They're just amazing, all professionals, and Brian Setzer sure can sing his swing. I'm glad they've survived for so long while so many people ignore Swing, and how hard it was for them to get their first record deal. When Nirvana was the hottest thing on the charts, The Brian Setzer Orchestra broke out into the public's eye with a vengence have kept their flare with each new release of a new record. They are the musicians of the past and present centuries, and will go down in history. Brian Setzer dared to do what no one else would, but an electric guitar in front of a thirteen piece big band and made their mark in the world with their music of Swing, Jazz, and Rockabibly. All of the tracks on both CD's are hits and will turn fans into all of the listeners. Brian Setzer is the best artist out there and will be for a long time.

I cannot describe how energetic and fun these two discs are from beginning to end. your collection will be greatly enhanced if you get this. it is kind of big band rock, it rules, and it has all the songs that Setzer is famous for on it. just go get it right now!

I was a Stray Cats' fan back in the day, and liked the song that was used in the GAP commercial, and wanted to get this 2 disk set after hearing part of it on classic rock. Definitely worthwhile, and it's not a real greatest hits, but each disk is from a concert, the first at Montreal at the start of the tour, the other at Tokyo at the end of their tour in the early 90's. A good combo of Stray Cats hits, older songs (Route 66, Get me to the Church on Time). Great use of horns to supplement a rocking sound. A great addition to my collection!