Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Brian Setzer Orchestra - The Ultimate Collection (live)
 | This is a fine compilation of live tracks from previous issues. The instros are superb! |
Picks: James Bond Theme, Honky Tonk, Hawaii Five-O, Caravan, Sleepwalk
Track by Track Review
Rock (Instrumental)
Big orchestra arrangements are what "James Bond Theme" was written for. Naturally, The Brian Setzer Orchestra do it really right. Next to John Barry's take, this simply rips!
Rock (Instrumental)
Bill Dogget's "Honky Tonk" is a solid vehicle for Brian Setzer's big twang. This is really tuff, and maybe one of the better versions.
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
Opening the set is a rousing cover of "Hawaii Five-O" using The Ventures' arrangement. It's the orchestration that makes this work. Great drums and boom, and superb playing all around.
Rock (Instrumental)
Great drums rock the socks off Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington's classic "Caravan." Big guitar noodling, feedback, jungle drums, upright bass thunder, and superb guitar whammy shimmer. High energy and slither. Emotional and very powerful.
Rock (Instrumental)
Feedback growling and delicate guitar artistry lay down a superb rendering of Santo and Johnny's "Sleep Walk." This version is spectacular - maybe Setzer's best. Its big boom and giant sound really compliment the orchestra arrangement, and the lead guitar is excellent.