Brian Setzer - Setzer Goes Instru-MENTAL!

by Adrian Huggins

published: 4 / 5 / 2011

Brian Setzer - Setzer Goes Instru-MENTAL!

Label: Surfdog Records
Format: CD

Fantastic instrumental reworking of classic rock 'n' roll tunes by former Stray Cat, Brian Setzer

Review

Apart from loving the title when I received this, I thought, okay, Brian Setzer, well knock rock 'n' roller, one time Stray Cat, been around for a while, well known for his rockabilly style and a legend in his own lifetime. Fair enough, so here’s a collection of his greatest hits…without words. Why? About half way through ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ I thought, WHY NOT? I was tapping my toes within about two minutes of putting this on and pretty much carried on. Personally I’m not one for over blown guitar solos or any solos or showing off for that matter. I’d rather listen to a song than somebody playing an instrument, if you get what I mean. But Setzer has managed to bridge that gap superbly here. There is no “over-noodling” here, no posturing over-the-top nonsense, just several layers of classic rock 'n' roll tunes, played by one of the masters. I never remember words anyway, and this is a fantastic way to celebrate Brian Setzer's legacy. In speaking about the album, Setzer admitted that he didn’t originally set out to write this record as an instrumental album. A fumble around with an oldie, however, led him to think it actually sounded “pretty cool”. I would have to agree. Moments like ‘Earl’s Breakdown’ and ‘Hillbilly Meltdown’ do a great job of showcasing what 43 years in the business can do for a guy and his musical ability. ‘Be-Bop-A-Lula’ is the sort of tune that anyone who has ever paid more than a slight interest in Setzer, or those who went before or since him, will love hearing and it sounds fantastic here. In showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon if tunes like ‘Go-Go Godzilla’ and ‘Pickpocket’ are anything to go by, Setzer is a man with plenty left to give.

Track Listing:-

1 Blue Moon Of Kentucky
2 Cherokee
3 Be-Bop-A-Lula
4 Earl's Breakdown
5 Far Noir East
6 Intermission
7 Go-Go Godzilla
8 Lonesome Road
9 Hillbilly Jazz Meltdown
10 Hot Love
11 Pickpocket