STRAY CAT'S NEW ALLEY - BRIAN SETZER GETS INTO BIG BAND
Brian Setzer is a famous musician who was the leader of the rockabilly trio, the Stray Cats. He then formed the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a 16-piece band that has become popular in the big-band scene. Setzer was inspired to start a big band after seeing Doc Severinsen's band on "The Tonight Show." Despite the challenges of having such a large band, Setzer's group has remained together and focused on making great music. Setzer believes that rock and jazz both come from the soul and share some commonalities. He also explains that each section of a big band plays a different chord and rhythmic pattern, creating a musical and moving sound. Setzer has transformed many songs, including a Stray Cats song, into big-band swing, and believes that any song can be transformed into this genre. He has also noticed a resurgence of interest in big-band music, with fans of all ages attending his concerts. Although the big band fell out of fashion with the rise of rock music, Setzer does not blame amplification for this change, but rather social change and the desire for new music.