Starfish
11-30-2007, 09:02 AM
My daughter and I went to see the Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza at the Keswick last night. She was one of maybe three kids we spotted under the age of 16, so perhaps this wasn't your typical Christmas concert. But Erin is a long time Setzer fan and his Boogie Woogie Christmas cd is one of our favorites.
Apparently Brian Setzer has been trying to play the Keswick for six years and the promoter didn't think he could sell it out, or at least that's the story he told last night. The show sold out in two days and he wants to come back next year. Judging by the crowd's reaction, I think he could sell out several nights at the same venue. I'd certainly see him again. I really wish my sons had been there with us, they would have LOVED it.
The opening act was Tommy Conwell. Unfortunately we arrived late and missed all but his last two numbers - he was quite good. I forgot how hard it is to park near the Keswick for sold out shows since I normally arrive early and don't have a problem. Ah well. Next time we'll be early.
The show opened with Santa putting money into a gorgeous jukebox... then the curtains opened and the orchestra (4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxes, the Trio drummer and stand up bass player, and two female back-up singers) was in place. Brian came out from behind them and was beaming. In fact, he smiled all night long. Not the same guy I remember from the Heartbreakers tour, that's for sure! They played Christmas songs and were joined onstage by the Grinch at one point, a few songs from the new cd, a few old Stray Cats tunes - all well received. Lots of standing O's and cheers, and Brian did a lot of interacting with the crowd. He even called Glenside by the wrong name, corrected himself and still got cheers. I think he once again got a kick out of Erin, not that he recognized her but it's probably nice to see young people enjoying his music. He smiled her way a lot (did I mention we were in the 2nd row?). One song I think a few of you would have LOVED was Honey Man, a very cool version of Flight of the Bumblebee that highlighted how ridiculously fast he can play that guitar. Holy cow.
About midway through the show the curtain closed and Setzer came out in front of it with the drummer (Tony Pia), the bass player (Johnny "Spaz" Hatton), a sax player, a trumpet player, one of the back up singers with a fiddle (I think she might be his wife) ... I think that was it. They played a few songs, and the solos on trumpet and sax were fabulous. Then everyone disappeared except the Brian Setzer Trio and it was time for some rockabilly. This was probably my favorite part of the night, and both the drummer and bass player were featured. "Spaz" was standing on the bass at one point, he's so much fun to watch, and Tony Pia was using the floor of the stage as a drum. Crazy fun stuff.
Highlights of the night - a wild version of The Nutcracker Suite, Jingle Bells complete with snow falling from the ceiling (it actually was cold!), a gorgeous "Angels We Have Heard on High" that brought tears to my eyes, Honey Man solos just a couple of feet in front of us - and of course, all the great rockabilly. Wish we'd had the space to get up and dance!
I think I found my Christmas spirit. :114:
Apparently Brian Setzer has been trying to play the Keswick for six years and the promoter didn't think he could sell it out, or at least that's the story he told last night. The show sold out in two days and he wants to come back next year. Judging by the crowd's reaction, I think he could sell out several nights at the same venue. I'd certainly see him again. I really wish my sons had been there with us, they would have LOVED it.
The opening act was Tommy Conwell. Unfortunately we arrived late and missed all but his last two numbers - he was quite good. I forgot how hard it is to park near the Keswick for sold out shows since I normally arrive early and don't have a problem. Ah well. Next time we'll be early.
The show opened with Santa putting money into a gorgeous jukebox... then the curtains opened and the orchestra (4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxes, the Trio drummer and stand up bass player, and two female back-up singers) was in place. Brian came out from behind them and was beaming. In fact, he smiled all night long. Not the same guy I remember from the Heartbreakers tour, that's for sure! They played Christmas songs and were joined onstage by the Grinch at one point, a few songs from the new cd, a few old Stray Cats tunes - all well received. Lots of standing O's and cheers, and Brian did a lot of interacting with the crowd. He even called Glenside by the wrong name, corrected himself and still got cheers. I think he once again got a kick out of Erin, not that he recognized her but it's probably nice to see young people enjoying his music. He smiled her way a lot (did I mention we were in the 2nd row?). One song I think a few of you would have LOVED was Honey Man, a very cool version of Flight of the Bumblebee that highlighted how ridiculously fast he can play that guitar. Holy cow.
About midway through the show the curtain closed and Setzer came out in front of it with the drummer (Tony Pia), the bass player (Johnny "Spaz" Hatton), a sax player, a trumpet player, one of the back up singers with a fiddle (I think she might be his wife) ... I think that was it. They played a few songs, and the solos on trumpet and sax were fabulous. Then everyone disappeared except the Brian Setzer Trio and it was time for some rockabilly. This was probably my favorite part of the night, and both the drummer and bass player were featured. "Spaz" was standing on the bass at one point, he's so much fun to watch, and Tony Pia was using the floor of the stage as a drum. Crazy fun stuff.
Highlights of the night - a wild version of The Nutcracker Suite, Jingle Bells complete with snow falling from the ceiling (it actually was cold!), a gorgeous "Angels We Have Heard on High" that brought tears to my eyes, Honey Man solos just a couple of feet in front of us - and of course, all the great rockabilly. Wish we'd had the space to get up and dance!
I think I found my Christmas spirit. :114: