BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA and 8 1/2 SOUVENIRS in concert at Saltair Pavilion; Wednesday evening, Dec. 2; one performance only.
Brian Setzer didn't just jump on the first swing bandwagon that rolled through town; he is the wagon.After the huge success of his '80s hepcat trio, the Stray Cats, Setzer decided to follow his heart and put together a big band that he would lead with his vintage Grestch guitar.
Finally in 1992, Setzer gathered together five sax players, four trumpeters, four trombones, a bass, pianist and drummer and led them all by himself.
It took six years and one fabulous Gap ad for the Brian Setzer Orchestra to catch the attention of the mainstream and enjoy the success of being the wagon.
Last night it parked right inside the doors of the ever pleasant-smelling Saltair.
Setzer pulled out "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Let the Good Times Roll" and "Let's Live It Up" all with the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas Day. He played his antique guitar with flair and definite talent that amazed the audience.
Surprisingly, "Jump Jive An' Wail" wasn't reserved as an encore or final number but fell somewhere in the middle.
Setzer brought out some of his greatest Stray Cats hits like "Rumble in Brighton" and "The Stray Cat Strut."
Wearing a white tank top, Setzer showed off his fantastic tattoos as he broke into a feverish rendition of his crowning achievement, "Rock This Town." After the chorus had time to change into gold dinner jackets and Mr. Setzer had put on a purple sequined shirt, the audience was treated to three more numbers, "As Long As I'm Singin'," the outrageous "Mambo," (better known as "Tequilla") and "Sexy and Seventeen."