Record Label: Surfdog Records
Genre: Swing
Band Link: link
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Who would have thought that The Brian Setzer Orchestra would be playing music from Mozart or Beethoven? This concept album is to take classical master pieces and not to just cover the works, but to rearrange them into big band songs as well.

“Take the 5th” is an adaptation of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” and it starts the album off. I didn’t really care for that track that much. I need a little bit singing in my swing songs. Thankfully the second track “One More Night With You” sounds better to me. BSO use melodies from Grieg’s “Hall of the Mountain King” and sings over the top of it. There’s not a whole lot of singing going on this album, and while Setzer’s guitar work is fantastic; I’d rather hear him sing. It’s strange to hear all these classical masterpieces re-done into swing songs. Brian Setzer certainly makes most of the songs work but I think he should stay away from the concept albums and just do his regular thing.

Bottom Line: Stick with the non-concept albums Brian
Notable Tracks: One More Night With You, Here Come the Broad
Overall Rating: