Product Description

Rock and Roll's ultimate revivalist, Brian Setzer takes his swinging big band to Japan for this hot, hot, hot concert in the Land of the Rising Sun. Having led the resurgence of rockabilly in the '80s with his band the Stray Cats, Setzer has turned his muse to swing music and helped to restore this great music to the mainstream of popular music during the '90s and continues into the new millennium. Songs: Hawaii 5-0, This Cat's on a Hot Tin Roof, The Dirty Boogie, Jumpin' East of Java, The Footloose Doll, Drive Like Lightning (Crash Like Thunder), Caravan, Americano, I Won't Stand in Your Way, Mystery Train, Gene and Eddie, Guitar Rag, Sleepwalk, Stray Cat Strut, Jump Jive an' Wail, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Gettin' in the Mood, Get Me to the Church on Time, Rock This Town.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25505 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-02-19
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Live, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 86 minutes

Amazon.com
The Japanese might not know exactly what "jump, jive, an' wail" means, but they know how to rock--and so does Brian Setzer, who does just that throughout this 20-song, 85-minute concert, filmed in Tokyo during his 2001 tour. The former Stray Cat guitarist-singer and his 17-piece, horn-heavy orchestra's big band swing-meets-rockabilly sound is dynamic and exciting--just check out the audience, which goes absolutely bonkers from the first note. We hear plenty of virtuoso soloing by Setzer (who also performs in trio and solo settings) on tunes ranging from standards like "In the Mood" to Stray Cats favorites like "Rock This Town." But it's more than a one-man deal; the band's onstage antics make this a fun show to both watch and listen to. DVD bonus features include a brief tour documentary, while two songs ("Caravan" and "Sleepwalk") can be viewed from different angles using your DVD remote. Let's rock, y'all! --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews

What A Show!
Live concerts like this are what DVD is all about and this production is killer. Everyone is having fun (the fans, Brian, the band, the backup singers and stage crew -- everyone!)and it shows. Some of the numbers, like "Hawaii 5-0", are performed rather over the top, with the twang factor reaching maximum, but everyone is smiling and enjoying "playing with the music" while they perform it. No one is taking themselves too seriously, and some of Brian's facial expressions as he plays are priceless. This is a truly fun show to watch.
Brian Setzer is a lot more than a "Stray Cat". For this show he has an Orchestra and backup singers. The music is like a post WWII timeline as we hear some Swing and Big Band numbers, then move into early Rock (and this band Rocks!) but we also hear some music from Broadway, even some Folk as he slows the pace down a bit, and it all comes together well. Brian Setzer has paid his dues and accomplished certain milestones in his career, as he explains in one of the interview segments. It's clear he has reached a point where he is comfortable with himself and his abilities. There is no self-consciousness in his performances, nothing strained, just true craftmanship. His guitar solos are impressive.
This DVD captures all the excitement of a live show, and you get glimpses backstage and interview snippets. It is a complete production, technically and musically well done.
This is a DVD I would recommend.

Next Best Thing of Being there
This is an excellent concert DVD : The picture and the sound are outstanding and Brian puts on a great performance. The song selection is great and if you have ever seen the BSO live, then you will definitely enjoy this DVD. The only complaint I have is, that there should have been more close up on Brian's guitar work. I love to watch him play during the live shows and this DVD does not show enough of his fantastic finger work. Besides that, this is the next best thing of seing the BSO live !

Fasten Your Seatbelt!
It's a shame if you live in an apartment and have to keep the volume down for the little old lady next door. With The Brian Setzer Orchestra Live in Japan loaded in your DVD player, you can rock the entire apartment block with the hyper-energized dynism of BSO! Brian Setzer personifies what 'Hep" is all about as he and his band open the disc with a disciplined, yet defiantly ripping version of the "Hawaii 5-0" Theme, which serves to remind you to fasten your seat belt, 'cause the ride is just beginning!!! Suave, gifted and diversely seasoned, BSO cover all sorts of jazz/rock territory with passion and finesse. For those geared more toward Britney, J-Lo and the like, you're not even worthy to polish Brian Setzers red platform shoes, but if you want to learn what REAL musicianship is all about, travel down a road to a better place- with the Brian Setzer Orchestra Live in Japan. Oregato, Briansan.