The Brian Setzer Orchestra – Wolfgang's Big Night Out (2007)

I'm sure classical music fans will howl about the crimes committed by The Brian Setzer Orchestra so let this be a warning to those of you whose ears are easily offended: Wolfie and Ludwig never rocked like this. Even to Setzer's most ardent fans Wolfgang's Big Night Out may appear to be the biggest gimmick this side of Weird Al Yankovic but somehow it's a contrivance that works.

I don't know if Setzer meant this album as a joke or not. He takes some of the world's most famous classical masterpieces and hilariously renames them after totally reinventing them. Beethoven's "Fur Elise" became "For Lisa," "Blue Danube" has flowed into "Some River In Europe," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" became "Take A Break Guys." The "1812 Overture" is now "1812 Overdrive." The title track was derived from Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" and Mendelssohn's famous wedding march was renamed "Here Comes The Broad." I'll let you decide if the last title is offensive.

Most of the disc is fast and loud, offering a "party hearty" atmosphere for all who listen. As usual, Setzer mixes his distinctively flamboyant, electric, lead guitar with brass and reeds that rock and roll from start to finish. Ten of the twelve tracks are instrumentals. It has been written more than once that this album's jazz-rock arrangements are quite intricate - it's obvious that a lot of time and effort went in to its production - suggesting that my earlier comments about this set being a prank on serious music may not be valid.

The best track is the small group arrangement of "For Lisa" featuring violin, clarinet, and Setzer on acoustic guitar. It's a quiet, tasteful, and serious adaptation that jazz, folk, and classical fans can all appreciate. On the other hand "Take A Break Guys" will blow up your speakers if you jack the volume up to ten. Setzer's guitar solo reminds me of Eric Clapton's on Cream's "Crossroads." It's an intense piece and a rocking good time.

The popular big bands of the 1930s and 40s frequently adapted the classics into jazz arrangements so what Setzer created here isn't new. In fact, I assume he was also influenced by a piece he recorded for his own orchestra's first seasonal album, Boogie Woogie Christmas, that featured a version of the "Nutcracker" based on an arrangement by Les Brown's old swing band.

Setzer and his crew give a whole new meaning to the term "classic rock" because now we know that the classics can indeed rock.

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