There are plenty of good Christmas shows to go around every holiday season. Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamrollers are two shows that tour every Christmas season. One show that has is now in its 12th year is the Brian Setzer Orchestra. The show has now completed its third (3rd) stop in the WNY area.
The show Setzer puts on includes a huge Orchestra. In addition to the orchestra, the outfit includes a Noah Levy on drums, Johnny “Spazz” Hatton on the standup bass and for the first time ever, a piano player (Kevin McKendree) was added. Setzer, with his trusty Gretsch guitar, played a strong set of Christmas music sprinkling in some tunes from his former band The Stray Cats. Setzer played a beautiful emerald green guitar starting off on the fourth (4th) tune, “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus.” His backup singers nicknamed “The Vixens” (Julie Setzer, Leslie Spencer) came down in front to sing “Sexy and 17” with him.
Many members of the horn section enjoyed a short solo during the set. The band (without the orchestra) came to the front of the stage to perform three (3) songs “Great Balls of Fire,” “Fishnet Stockings,” and the new song and album title “Rockin’ Rudolph.” Setzer is keeping it fresh as they are supporting the new Christmas disc.
One of the most underrated guitarists out there, Setzer showed his studio side as he got out music to read as he played the Tchaikovsky classic “The Nutcracker Suite.” Setzer really encompasses the music and becomes the music. He delivers this all while providing a smile. He was much more animated in this performance than in shows past. He came out to the edge of the stage on a handful of occasions.
Speaking again about how many choices music lovers have around the holidays, you need to take in this show. It’s different, very different, from the others and I must say that it’s very well done. Setzer keeps it fresh and exciting from year to year. I’m already waiting for the 2016 version and hoping it comes back around again.
Setlist:
Rocking Around The Christmas Tree
This Cat’s on a Hot Tin Roof
Stray Cat Strut (Stray Cats cover)
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (Mabel Scott cover)
(She’s) Sexy + 17 (Stray Cats cover)
Here Comes Santa
Sleep Walk (Santo & Johnny cover)
Angels We Have Heard On High
Let’s Shake
Jump, Jive an’ Wail (Louis Prima cover)
Jingle Bell Rock (Bobby Helms cover)
Great Balls Of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis cover)
Fishnet Stockings
Rockin’ Rudolph
Rock This Town (Stray Cats cover)
Encore:
Yabba Dabba Yultide
Nutcracker Suite (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky cover)
Jingle Bells (Edison Male Quartette cover)
We would like to thank David Wedekindt from UB for helping with the credentials to review the show.
