Photos and review by Ilya Mirman
On a cold New England night, the undisputed king of rockabilly and swing revival warmed up 4,000 fans with a rousing holiday-themed show. Whether you’re a fan of Stray Cats, swing tunes, or country; or nostalgic for holiday classics – Setzer and his orchestra brought something for everyone. And there were fun surprises, including the insane showmanship of dueling upright bass players, and an appearance of the Grinch that – unsuccessfully – tried to steal Christmas.
Backing up Setzer was an amazing orchestra – a impressive horn section, virtuoso drummer, the upright bass providing that awesome foundation, and two vixens delivering both song and dance. And eliminating any confusion as to whether this was a holiday show, the entire stage was an intricately decorated holiday set, complete with Christmas trees, old fashioned Santa Claus and a snowman, with Nutcracker soldiers guarding presents.
Setzer and team opened with the familiar Munsters Theme, smoothly transitioning into Dig That Crazy Santa Claus. In what became a playful thread running through the entire set, Brian paid tribute to familiar classics – delivering an unmistakably Setzer-esque version of hit after hit. Whether it was their take on Arthur Fiedler & Boston Pops’ Sleigh Ride, covering Mabel Scott’s Boogie Woogie Santa Claus, or the Flintstones Holiday Song, BSO delivered them with excitement and flair.
For Stray Cats fans, there was much fun to be had. We heard (She’s) Sexy + 17, Stray Cat Strut, Fishnet Stockings – and of course, Rock This Town. Along the way, Setzer paid homage to Johnny Cash (Ring of Fire), Louis Prima (Jump Jive an’ Wail), and Eddie Cochran (Nervous Breakdown).
Showing amazing musicianship, the Brian Setzer Orchestra (and Setzer!) expertly delivered – at times rousing, at times haunting – instrumentals, including Joy To The World, Sleepwalk, Little Town Of Bethlehem, and even The Nutcracker Suite.
Though a fan of Setzer’s work in the Stray Cats, I have not previously seen him perform live, and haven’t seen his broader work. As a result, this show was a beautiful introduction to Brian’s range and personality. He was clearly enjoying himself, and appreciative of his fans’ engagement. Next time you’re in the mood for a fun, rockin’, uplifting evening – catch a Setzer show!
Set List:
- The Munsters Theme
- Dig That Crazy Santa Claus
- Sleigh Ride (Arthur Fiedler & Boston Pops Orchestra cover)
- This Cat’s on a Hot Tin Roof
- Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (Mabel Scott cover)
- (She’s) Sexy + 17 (Stray Cats cover)
- Joy To The World (instrumental)
- Stray Cat Strut (Stray Cats cover)
- You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (with Stray Cat Strut reprise)
- Sleepwalk (instrumental)
- Angels We Have Heard On High
- Jump Jive An’ Wail (Louis Prima cover)
- Little Town Of Bethlehem (instrumental)
- Nervous Breakdown (Eddie Cochran cover)
- Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash cover)
- Jingle Bell Rock (Bobby Helms cover) (with Vixens)
- Fishnet Stockings (Stray Cats cover)
- Brand New Cadillac
Encore:
- Flintstones Holiday Song
- The Nutcracker Suite (instrumental)
- Rock This Town (Stray Cats cover)
- Jingle Bells (Edison Male Quartet cover)