Tulsa World: Rockin' into the night

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Rockin' into the night
Brian Setzer's new album one for all generations

Brian Setzer of the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Collin Stark/Courtesy

By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Published: 11/1/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 11/1/2009 5:36 AM

Rockabilly guitar-slinger and big-band frontman Brian Setzer is at it again. This time, he brings us "Songs From Lonely Avenue," a collection of 13 originals penned by the bandleader himself.

It's a propulsive rocket-blast from the past, and this time Setzer has partnered with the legendary Frank Comstock, who wrote arrangements for Benny Carter, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Stan Kenton and more. Comstock also penned theme songs for "Rocky & Bullwinkle," "Adam 12" and "Dragnet" and recorded the 1962 classic cult album "Project Comstock: Music From Outer Space." Comstock wrote all the horn arrangements for this rambunctious collection.

Setzer paints a vivid fantasy of colorful characters set with stunning aural contrast against rain-darkened streets and fog-haloed city streetlamps.

The rockabilly- and surf-guitar-tinged tunes practically shake with bright horns, hammering upright bass and rowdy swing. They evoke timeless images of 1950s mohair cardigans and poodle skirts, stiletto heels, pompadours, jukeboxes and leather biker jackets.

Indeed, Setzer strikes chords with music-lovers from any generation, from grandma to greaser and even the all-the-rage modern version of punk retro princesses in pink and black polka dots and their dapper, denim-wearing, racecar-mad beaus.

There are grown-up themes: love, loss, passion and partners in crime. It's a vibrant, old-school flashback that breaches nearly all music genres, eras and social strata.

It's a modern classic with pitch-perfect melodies and apocalyptic minor keys from the former Stray Cats frontman. His guitar work is delirious, guitar-riff benediction.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra will perform its greatest hits and Stray Cats and holiday classics Dec. 11 at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville. For more information, visit his official Web site at tulsaworld.com/BrianSetzer.

Songs from Lonely Avenue

Artist: the Brian Setzer orchestra

available at: online and retail outlets

released: oct. 13 on Surfdog records

rating: 97 (of 100)

Download: “trouble train,” “Gimme Some rhythm Daddy,” “Mr. Jazzer Goes Surfin,” “Mr. Surfer Goes Jazzin,” “love Partners in Crime” By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer

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