Former Stray Cat, Brian Setzer has joined to the swing circuit. Backing up Brian is a 16-piece jazz orchestra. The Brian Setzer Orchestra has been around since 1994 and have released three CD's. Their latest, The Dirty Boogie, has by far the most swing influence to it. When BSO plays swing, you can't help but notice the rockabilly influence also. It's kind of hard not to play that once you've been in the 80's rockabilly group, The Stray Cats.
BSO likes to mix the song styles up. One minute they might play an upbeat swing number, then the next minute he might play a slow ballad. Next they might play an in your face rock song, then back to swing again. Nevertheless, the band is great and Brian's voice and solos are excellent. Combined, they have a sound like no other swing group out there.
I saw BSO at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL on July 31st, 1999. It was incredible!!! That band sure does pack a punch! The show was very flashy, with blinking lights and bright clothes. The boys in the band had great choreography. They never stopped acting crazy. Brian was at the top of his game. Words can't describe it. He and the rest of the band are outstanding musicians.
I met up with Brian after the show for a couple of minutes. I got an autograph and a picture. I also gave him a card from my website. He is a really nice guy! I couldn't talk to him long because the HOB bouncers were pushing people away. That didn't stop me though. I still got done what I wanted to get done.
Check out The Un-Official Brian Setzer Orchestra's website at www.briansetzer.com, or click on their logo at the top of the page.