Brian Setzer Orchestra - The Ultimate Collection: Recorded Live

This live, double disc collection is the first and only compilation package on the market. It spans Setzer's entire 25 year career, from the Stray Cats to the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and includes the hits "Rock This Town", "Stray Cat Strut", "Rumble In Brighton", "I Won't Stand In Your Way", and Grammy Award winning songs such as "Jump Jive An' Wail", "Sleepwalk", and "Caravan". Album Description

Oh What FUN...Oh JOY! Oh RAPTURE!

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!! June 6, 2008

What a blast!!

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! March 10, 2008

There's something for everyone in this "dynamite" 2 CD set

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! February 18, 2008

how fun this cd is you must discover for yourself

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! September 28, 2005

BSO-LIVE

AS IS THE NORM WITH BRIAN SETZER, THERE IS NO LACK OF ENERGY. YOU CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH OF THIS UPBEAT, TOE TAPPING MUSIC THAT REMINDS YOU OF MUSIC LIKE GOD INTENDED IT - AS OPPOSED TO THE "RAP CRAP" OF TODAY. September 3, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...