Vavoom!

Brian Setzer, Brian Setzer Orchestra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 1, 2000)
• Original Release Date: August 1, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B00004U8KD
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (111 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,069 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #13 in Music > Jazz > Swing Jazz > Retro Swing
  • #94 in Music > Rock > Oldies & Retro > Rockabilly

Editorial Reviews

BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA THE VAVOOM!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hot as Lightning Rocks Like Thunder!, August 1, 2000

By 

Nate Nease (CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vavoom! (Audio CD)

This CD is an absolute work of art. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever heard. As a die hard swinger and Brian Setzer fan since his days in the Stray Cats, I have to give this CD two thumbs up and say it is his best work ever. Revamped songs like "Pennsylvania 6-5000" and "Caravan" sound better than they ever have before, and the new stuff is out of this world. I first heard "Drive Like Lightning" at his 1999 stop in Denver, I heard it again two nights ago, and now love it more than any song Brian ever played before. "Americano" is one of sharpest most swinging songs ever and has the potential to blow up bigger than "Jump Jive an' Wail." The slow songs like "Gloria" are even more romantic and more swinging than classics like "Sammy Davis City" (on Guitar Slinger). If you are a Setzer fan, you already own this CD. If you are checking him out for the first time BUY IT RIGHT NOW! I promise you will not be disappointed. The Dirty Boogie was amazing, but this is the real stuff. Setzer swings better than ever before. P.S. Brian, if you ever read this, how about covering "Rag Mop" on the next album? It would rule!

36 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A High Energy Listen; But Can't Approve of Updated Standards, August 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Vavoom! (Audio CD)

The Brian Setzer Orchestra outdoes their previous release of 'The Dirty Boogie' with high octane performances on 'Vavoom!' The Orchestra shines on Brian's originals, including a trumpet/guitar laced rendition of 'Jumpin East of Java'; a 'Rumble in Brighton'-esque 'Drive Like Thunder'. I also love the more laid back songs '49 Mercury Blues' and 'Jukebox'.

Another issue, however, is the BSO's version of old standards on this CD. As musical performances, these songs are as solid as any other song on this CD. However, as a jazz purist, I cannot really approve of adding a rap verse and heavy guitars to Glenn Miller's dance classic on the BSO's 'Gettin In The Mood'. Another Miller classic is covered with 'Pennsylvania 6-5000'. Brian shines here, but again takes too many liberties with an old standard.

However, i absolutely love the BSO's rendition of 'Americano', familiar to viewers of "The Talented Mr. Ripley. I was relieved to hear Brian stay true to Bobby Darin's version of 'Mack the Knife'. There is no way you can mess with a classic like that. I also found the BSO's version of the Ellington classic 'Caravan' to be very interesting.

All in all, this disc far surpasses 'The Dirty Boogie'. If you liked that one, you will love this one. As a jazz purist, i can only give it four stars, but to a BSO fanatic, this CD deserves five stars.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dirty Boogie takes on the classics..ambitious and infectious, March 23, 2001

By 

Lance G. Rigley (Brisbane, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vavoom! (Audio CD)

I unashamedly say from the start I have great respect for those who try something new ,and also for the career of Brian Setzer,in all of his manifestations,from rock abilly through to guitar player and swingster techno hip hop arranger.This new CD is different from the excellent and infectious,* Dirty Boogie*,but does not suffer from this.This CD has taken originals and classic swing era songs and added that Setzer touch.The Band sounds great,and everytime I put this on,my spirits are lifted I want to move and sing...if that makes it *ugly * to the purists and *unattractive* to progressives so be it..i dont care..and neither should you in buying this outing. Music is feeling and emotion ,as much as it is the recognition of the technical correctness of form and the arrangements of an era.This is Setzers interpretation of the swing era,and he has made classic songs of a bygone era accessible agian to a new audience.

He has put a zing and injection into the Glen Miller classics,with hip hop and rap and techno influences..congratulations..it is innovative.His own originals continue on with his own love of the genre,and he even tackles *Mack The Knife*,with a genuine and respectable tribute to the original.I personally love *Ride Like Lightning..* and *49 Mercury Blues*.*Caravan* is competent and Grammy winning,but not my favourite.Taken as an entirity this is an excellent party and feel good collection.*Americano and for that matter,the first 5 or 6 offerings flow along *swingingly*,you cant but help to enjoy this.I think that the Brian Setzer enjoyed making this,I enjoyed paying my money for it,and i think you will to.I would give this a 4 to 41/2..and 5 stars if you want to get your party started.Highly recommended.Swing on!.