Brian Setzer’s entire career has been a nod and a wink to the old time rock and
roll artists that came before him. Whether working in the Stray Cats, ripping it
out with his big band Orchestra, or creating solo works, Setzer is old, old
school. On his current release, Rockabilly Riot Volume I: A Tribute to Sun
Records, he covers a selection of songs created between 1954-1957 for the
legendary label. It is a fabulous 59 minute 53 second, 23 track masterpiece of
music that deserves more attention than it will likely get.
Are you looking for feedback guitar or synthesizers galore? Look elsewhere, boys
and girls, because this is about voice, guitar, stand up bass, drums and some
excellent piano. Occasionally a saxophone can be heard, but this is rock and
roll in its simplest and purest form. In the liner notes, Setzer explains the
detail that he and the musicians undertook to get the sound and arrangements
just right:
“My drummer, Bernie Dresel, charted out all the original drum parts and played
them exactly like the originals.”
The musicianship is outstanding, and the normally kinetic and gifted Setzer
seems to be more restrained on his guitar solos, which fit the arrangements
perfectly. The piano playing of Kevin McKendree is absolutely fantastic and
provides the swing that the tunes need. Setzer’s voice is in fine form and his
delivery indicates that he was having the time of his life recording this gem.
Every track on Rockabilly Riot is under three minutes, except the Johnny
Cash penned “Rock and Roll Ruby” and the closing track, “Red Cadillac and a
Black Moustache,” which both run just over three. “Lonely Weekends,” which
features the background vocals of Elvis’s Jordanaires, is the best track on an
album of great ones.
~R. David Smola
pretendcritic@aol.com
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