Holiday magic coming via Christmas albums, special concerts and movie showings

With the holiday season upon us, there is all kinds of magic happenings...

The Killers * Second Annual Jimmy Kimmel Live (RED) Show * Tuesday, November 22 @ 11:35pm ET/10:35pm CT on ABC

Tune in to Jimmy Kimmel Live!  tonight, November 22 to catch Brandon Flowers and The Killers kicking off the holiday season in the second annual (RED) episode supporting (RED)'s fight against AIDS. The Killers will join Jimmy Kimmel and U2 frontman Bono for a special performance with appearances from Julia Roberts, Channing Tatum, Kristen Bell, Halsey, DJ Khaled and Neil Patrick Harris.

 

To celebrate (RED)'s 10^th anniversary year and a decade of their much-anticipated Christmas singles, The Killers have released Don't Waste Your Wishes, a Christmas album featuring their ten previous Christmas singles and one brand new song, via Island Records. All proceeds from Don't Waste Your Wishes will benefit (RED) - PRESS HERE to purchase. Since 2006, The Killers have donated 11 tracks to (RED), and are the only band to have donated a Christmas track every year for the last decade. This year, they have created a special website hosting the full catalogue of Christmas videos from the past 10 years - PRESS HERE to explore.

New Holiday Playlist Only on

Amazon Music - Acoustic Christmas

 

Featuring Train, Zella Day, Us the Duo, Sara Watkins, Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

and more

Acoustic Christmas is an Amazon Music Original playlist featuring twenty nine original and classic holiday recordings from a wide range of artists like Train, Zella Day, Us the Duo, Sara Watkins, as well as Billy Bragg and Joe Henry -  will be available exclusively for streaming on Amazon Music—both Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music beginning today, November 22.

 

In addition to mainstream artists such as Train and Zella Day, the artist roster for Acoustic Christmas highlights established members of the Americana community, including; Trampled by Turtles, Hayes Carll, and Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins. Emerging artists like Son Little, Keaton Henson, and Little Scream are also featured on this broad and eclectic playlist.

 

Today, Amazon Music shared a live performance of Us the Duo's "Feels Like Christmas."

 

"I feel like there’s always anticipation leading up to Christmas, we’re all just waiting for this special time of year. ‘I Miss You Christmas’ is my way of literally singing praise to my favorite holiday,” said Pat Monahan, lead singer of Train.

 

The song selection for Acoustic Christmas reflects the diverse group of artists involved, including a mix of covers of holiday classics and original compositions. Watkins’ “The Holidays with You” is an upbeat original, while Billy Bragg and Joe Henry delivered a plaintive rendition of the late Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December,” recorded during their recent U.S. tour.

 

“The moment that we were first reached with an invitation to contribute a song to Amazon's holiday playlist, the two of us were en route through an autumnal rain from the big city to the mystic hamlet of Woodstock, NY. Eager to participate and knowing time was short, we pulled guitars from the bay of our small touring bus and almost without second thought heard ourselves join voices as we bounced along, rehearsing as we traveled what proved to be the only choice of song - not only for us as songwriters of the broader folk tradition, but as world citizens desirous of navigating these treacherous times with a nod to both trembling and optimism: Merle Haggard's seminal blue-collar Christmas meditation, ‘If We Make It Through December’” explain Billy Bragg and Joe Henry.

 

Additionally, Escondido’s beautiful version of “Little Drummer Boy” stands alongside newcomer Samuel Larsen’s acoustic-pop take on Brooks & Dunn’s “It Won’t Be Christmas Without You,” Son Little’s “What Child is This?” and American folk pop singers, Us the Duo’s newly-written song “Feels like Christmas”.

 

“This has always been my favorite Christmas song, partly because it uses the melody of Greensleeves-- I think it fits perfectly with the air of mystery suggested in the lyrics.” – Son Little

 

The result is a timeless mix of songs showcasing the best characteristics of both acoustic and holiday music.

 

Acoustic Christmas Track List: 

 

1.     “This Christmas,” Eric Hutchinson

2.     “Feels Like Christmas,” Us The Duo         

3.     “The Holidays with You,” Sara Watkins        

4.     “Birthday Cake For Jesus,” Shinyribs

5.     “My Own Christmas Tree,” Andrew Combs

6.     “Grateful for Christmas,” Hayes Carll

7.     “Christmas Time,” Linda Stonestreet

8.     “Merry Christmas To You,” G. Love

9.     “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Zella Day

10.   “What Child Is This?” Son Little

11.   “Christmas Was Here,” Inara George

12.   “I Miss You, Christmas,” Train

13.   “Christmas at McKinley Pub,” Stone Foxes

14.   “Auld Lang Syne,” Barcelona

15.   “Little Drummer Boy,” Escondido

16.   “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Black Joe Lewis

17.   “If We Make It Through December,” Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

18.   “Christmas In Prison,” Tramped By Turtles

19.   “Taking Down The Tree,” Keaton Henson

20.   “Christmas Street,” Bob Schneider

21.   “Come Home for Christmas,” Echocentrics (feat. Natalia Clavier)  

22.   “Cold Street,” Baskery

23.   “We Were Just Kids Then,” Arum Rae

24.   “It Won't Be Christmas Without You,” Samuel Larsen

25.   “Merry Christmas From the War,” Jillette Johnson           

26.   “Lou and Jessy's Christmas,” Little Scream

27.   “Is It to Bethlehem,” Kacy & Clayton

28.   “I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day,” Anais Mitchell

29.   “One Little Christmas Tree,” Barbarossa           

 

Official music videos for a selection of songs from Acoustic Christmas will be released at a later date.

 

Amazon Music Unlimited is available on all Amazon Music compatible devices including Amazon Echo, Fire devices, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, Sonos players and more. Customers who sign up for Amazon Music Unlimited can begin their free 30 day trial today. To find out how to listen, visit www.amazon.com/howtolisten.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

To Perform Private Concert for SiriusXM Listeners

 

"Christmas Rocks" concert to air on SiriusXM's Outlaw Country and Holly channels

 

Brian Setzer Orchestra set to perform concert
for SiriusXM listeners on Nov. 29, 2016.

SiriusXM announced today that iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece The Brian Setzer Orchestra will perform an exclusive invitation-only concert for SiriusXM listeners in New York Cityon Tuesday, November 29. This private concert-to air on SiriusXM's Outlaw Country and Holly channels--is part of The Brian Setzer Orchestra's in-progress 13th annual "Christmas Rocks!" tour, presented by SiriusXM (full itinerary here). In December of last year, The Brian Setzer Orchestra also performed an exclusive invitation-only concert for SiriusXM listeners in New York City.

 

The private performance will feature the 19-piece band performing his unique take on Holiday classics, including songs from their first studio Christmas album in 10 years, 2015's Rockin' Rudolph, (Surfdog Records) plus Setzer's well-known hits from the Stray Cats and his solo career. Setzer recently released (November 4, via Surfdog Records) the Blu-ray/CD Rockabilly Riot: Osaka Rocka! - Live In Japan.

   

The "Christmas Rocks" concert, taking place at The Hard Rock Café in Times Square, will air Friday, December 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Outlaw Country, channel 60, and through the SiriusXM App on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at SiriusXM. Highlights from the concert will air on SiriusXM's Holly, channel 13. For rebroadcast times, please visitwww.siriusxm.com. 

 

After the broadcast, the concert will be available on SiriusXM On Demand for subscribers listening via the SiriusXM app for smartphones and other connected devices or online at http://www.siriusxm.com/streaming.

 

Outlaw Country plays country rebels like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, David Allan Coe, Dwight Yoakam, Hank Williams Jr., Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Drive-By Truckers and Old 97s.

 

Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and 3-time Grammy-award-winner Brian Setzer is a "Musician's Musician" credited with continually taking chances with innovative and daring musical styles, while single-handedly resurrecting two forgotten genres of music (rockabilly in the '80's and swing in the '90's). Along the way, he has scored chart-topping hits, sold 13 million records and received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award throughout his decorated career as founder/leader of the Stray Cats, his 18-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, and as a solo artist. He is consistently cited as one of the world's greatest living guitarists, and has a best-selling, extensive line of elite Gretsch signature model guitars bearing his name. Brian appeared in the 1987 film, La Bamba, portraying rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran. In 2002, Brian earned the privilege of being one of the few musicians to be animated in an episode of "The Simpsons." That same year, Setzer was personally requested to induct Chet Atkins into the 17^th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2014, Setzer received the distinct honor of being asked by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to donate a replica of his original 1959 Gretsch 6120 "Stray Cat" guitar, joining an elite collection of musical instruments at the museum including Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet and John Coltrane's saxophone.

 

 For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com. 

A Double Feature of Holiday RiffTrax events dashes into Cinemas Nationwide with Two Times the Jokes on December 1, 2016 only

 

Joined by Comedy Legend ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic,

the RiffTrax Crew Takes on Two Yuletide Favorites for One Night This December

Next week the gents of RiffTrax (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy & Bill Corbett) are set to bring the festive spirit and twice the laughs with “RiffTrax Holiday Special Double Feature.” This hilarious one night event comes to select U.S. movie theaters on Thursday, December 1^st at 7:00 p.m. and includes “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” a beloved classic from Mystery Science Theater 3000, and “Rifftrax Live: Christmas Shorts-straveganza,” with multiple Grammy Award-winning comedy legend “Weird Al” Yankovic.  Attendees will also view a bonus short, Parade of Aquatic Champions, plus the guys riffing on fan-submitted holiday family photos.

 

Check out the trailer here.

 

Tickets for “RiffTrax Holiday Special Double Feature” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a list of all participating theaters, click here.

Brian Setzer appearing On 'Conan' Dec. 16 and performing at Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater Dec. 18

Nothing like a like Brian Setzer Orchestra news to get into the holiday spirit! Click here to read my Orange County Register review of the Brian Setzer Orchestra's terrific December 2013 performance at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA

SET TO APPEAR ON 'CONAN'

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

12^TH ANNUAL "CHRISTMAS ROCKS! TOUR"

CONTINUES ON THE WEST COAST THROUGH DECEMBER

WITH A LOS ANGELES PERFORMANCE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 DOWNTOWN AT MICROSOFT THEATER

NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM

'ROCKIN' RUDOLPH'

OUT NOW VIA SURFDOG RECORDS

Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner BRIAN SETZER and THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA are set to perform "Here Comes Santa Claus" from the recently released ROCKIN' RUDOLPH album-their first studio Christmas album in 10 years-on TBS' CONAN this Wednesday, December 16 (check local listings for time).The 19-piece band will be in Los Angeles on a stop during their major 31-date 12^th annual "Christmas Rocks! Tour" for a performance Friday, December 18 at the Microsoft Theater. For ticket information, visit:http://www.briansetzer.com/tour-dates/. See critical praise for album and tour below.

Released October 16 via Surfdog Records, ROCKIN' RUDOLPH-which exclusively premiered on YAHOO! Music (10/12)-was produced by Peter Collins(Rush, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, etc.) and recorded in both Nashville, TN and Hollywood, CA. The 12-track album includes highlights such as "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree,""Yabba-Dabba Yuletide," and "Rockabilly Rudolph" (premiered exclusively viaBillboard.com  10/9), among other notable Christmas classic tunes, with SETZER'strademark guitar work and vocal stylings matched with THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA's rockin' big-band horn arrangements. Click hereto watch a short sizzle video for ROCKIN' RUDOLPH.

Catch the remaining dates of the 12^th annual "Christmas Rocks! Tour" in the following cities:

Thu-Dec-10	Austin, TX	ACL Live at the Moody Theatre
Fri-Dec-11	Allen, TX	Allen Event Center
Sat-Dec-12	San Antonio, TX	Majestic Theatre
Mon-Dec-14	Tucson, AZ	Fox Tucson Theatre
Tue-Dec-15	Phoenix, AZ	Celebrity Theatre
Fri-Dec-18	Los Angeles, CA	Microsoft Theater
Sat-Dec-19	Indio, CA	Fantasy Springs Event Center
Sun-Dec-20	Temecula, CA	Pechanga Resort and Casino
Tue-Dec-22	Bakersfield, CA	Fox Theater
Wed-Dec-23	Santa Rosa, CA	Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Thu-Dec-24	San Francisco, CA	Warfield Theater
Sat-Dec-26	Spokane, WA	Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
Sun-Dec-27	Seattle, WA	Benaroya Concert Hall
Tue-Dec-29	Calgary, AB	Grey Eagle Resorts and Casino

Track listing for ROCKIN' RUDOLPH:

1. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"

2. "Yabba-Dabba Yuletide"

3. "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

4. "Rockabilly Rudolph"

5. "Here Comes Santa Claus"

6. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

7. "Swingin' Joy"

8. "Carol of the Bells"

9. "Little Jack Frost"

10. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

11. "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

12. "Yabba-Dabba Yuletide" (extended)

CRITICAL PRAISE FOR 'ROCKIN' RUDOLPH':

"...the Brian Setzer Orchestra succeeds with a remake of the 'Flintstones' cartoon TV show theme, with Christmas lyrics substituted. 'Yabba-Dabba Yuletide'...features the former Stray Cats leader's fast-picking guitar solos, backed by a kicking horn section. 'Joy to the World' shows up here as 'Swingin' Joy,' a rollicking big band instrumental that defies you not to dance to it, followed by a guitar-heavy 'Carol of the Bells.' For the Flintstones-themed song alone, this is worth getting. But there's enough alongside it to keep this album in your annual go-to holiday playlist."

--Wayne Parry, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, November 19, 2015

"This collection of Christmas songs is the second such album that Setzer and his very talented 18-piece band have released. It is a worthwhile purchase for those looking for Christmas music with some punch. Setzer's band is fantastic, and they give new life to several standards. Opening track 'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree' sizzles, and it features a terrific sax solo as well as Setzer's fantastic fretwork. 'Yabba-Dabba Yuletide' pays a holiday homage to 'The Flintstones' with swinging horns and a trebly guitar break by Setzer. 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' is the standout track of the album. It's slower and more mellow than most of the other tracks and features a nice vocal from Setzer. Other album highlights include a subtle 'Most Wonderful Time of the Year,' the guitar work in 'Rockabilly Rudolph,' a rocked-up 'Here Comes Santa Claus,' a light and easy 'Little Jack Frost,' and a slowed-down but great 'O Little Town of Bethlehem.' The song selection on the album is very good, the horn arrangements are stellar, and Setzer's guitar work is excellent...In a genre often filled with cheesy, cringe-inducing albums, this collection is a standout and well worth checking out."

--John Curley, GOLDMINE MAGAZINE, January 2016

CRITICAL PRAISE FOR THE 12^TH ANNUAL "CHRISTMAS ROCKS! TOUR":

"There can't be a more entertaining rocking Christmas show than the one guitar wizard Brian Setzer and his swing orchestra puts on."

-Stephen Peterson, THE SUN CHRONICLE (Attleboro, MA), 11/29/15

"Setzer and his players were truly rocking. Whether it was 'Boogie Woogie Santa,' 'Fishnet Stockings' or a riotous 'Let's Shake,' BSO rocked this town. Setzer stretched out often on guitar, showing a wide vocabulary of rock, rockabilly, jazz, blues and surf licks."

             -Jon Bream, STAR TRIBUNE (Minneapolis, MN), 11/16/15

"Ninety minutes of frenetic musical joy. That's what Brian Setzer and his big band gave Omaha for an early Christmas present Sunday night...Setzer brought [his] 12th annual Christmas tour to the Orpheum Theater with all the relentless enthusiasm and unparalleled electric-guitar virtuosity - fully emulated by his 20 bandmates - that have made 'must-hear' experiences out of both his recordings and concerts...Setzer's guitar solos are beyond description. He uses virtually every trick in his vast arsenal of styles, speeds and sound effects, not only throughout his concerts but seemingly in every song. And he throws maximum energy into his performance from the first song to the last...If music isn't fun, there isn't much reason to do it. Few teach us that lesson better than Brian Setzer."

-Todd von Kampen, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD, 11/16/15

"Reimagining Christmas songs has been done before, but never this unusually and rarely this well. The reason for that became clear as the night wore on: He is not just that tattooed, pompadoured skinny guy from the Stray Cats. He is a Musician, with a capital M...what Setzer does is become music... his guitar face is one of pure joy, for him and for us. But the depth of his immersion into the music allows him to turn otherwise holiday chestnuts like 'Here Comes Santa Claus,' 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree,' 'Jingle Bells' and especially 'Angels We Have Heard on High' into something wholly different. And there's not enough praise for the genius in morphing the theme song for the cartoon 'The Flintstones' into a new holiday classic, 'Yaba-Daba Yuletide.'"

            -Chuck Yarborough, CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER, 11/21/15

About Brian Setzer:

Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and 3-time Grammy-award-winner, is a "Musician's Musician" credited with continually taking chances with innovative and daring musical styles, while single-handedly resurrecting two forgotten genres of music (rockabilly in the '80's and swing in the '90's). Along the way, he has scored chart-topping hits, sold 13 million records and received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award throughout his decorated career as founder/leader of the Stray Cats, his 18-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, and as a solo artist. He is consistently cited as one of the world's greatest living guitarists, and has a best-selling, extensive line of elite Gretsch signature model guitars bearing his name. Brian appeared in the 1987 film, La Bamba, portraying rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran. In 2002, Brian earned the privilege of being one of the few musicians to be animated in an episode of "The Simpsons," alongside Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Tom Petty. That same year, Setzer was personally requested to induct Chet Atkins into the 17^th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2014, SETZER received the distinct honor of being asked by the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. to donate a replica of his original 1959 Gretsch 6120 "Stray Cat" guitar, joining an elite collection of musical instruments at the museum including Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet and John Coltrane's saxophone.

For more information, visit:

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Surfdog Records

Brian Setzer still rockin' a cool yuletide in L.A.

My review of the Brian Setzer Orchestra originally ran on The Orange County Register site on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013.

His annual Christmas bash gained extra sparkle by relocating to the Oscars’ home.

Brian Setzer in action at the Dolby Theatre on Dec. 21, 2013.

With Gibson Amphitheatre having closed earlier this year to make way for Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, the Brian Setzer Orchestra relocated its 10th annual Christmas Rocks concert from that former home to the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Fortunately, this was no case of the Grinch stealing Christmas from the musical faithful. The change of venue did little to dampen spirits or the celebrative vibe of the capacity crowd Saturday night (Dec. 21, 2013), who cheered and moved to the ensemble’s retro grooves for 110 fast-moving minutes presented on a stage decorated with shimmering Christmas trees, a larger-than-life nutcracker, a smiling snowman and a happy Santa.

Setzer was backed by his 15-member big band and two female singers, whose collective strengths enlivened a mix of big band, swing and rockabilly sounds. Warming up with an elaborate, upbeat arrangement of the theme from '60s TV show The Munsters, the guitarist and his crew then got everyone into the holiday spirit with "Dig That Crazy Santa Claus." Both selections provided the 54-year-old plenty of chances to unleash his crisp and impressive leads.

While the overall feel was that of a holiday party, with many in the audience adding to the fun by donning Santa caps, make no mistake that Setzer and his players still served up energetic and elaborate versions of oft-heard seasonal songs. "Sleigh Ride" retained a nostalgic feel yet soared via Setzer's speedy fretwork. "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" was offered in a marathon run that featured the horn players on a number of impressive solos.

More challenging was their rendition of "The Nutcracker Suite," devised by the late Frank Comstock. That piece found the orchestra blending key sections of Tchaikovsky's ballet score with all the roaring dynamics in its swing arsenal.

As at past performances, there were times when the majority of players exited the stage, leaving Setzer to lead his drummer and stand-up bassist through rockabilly selections. Among the highlights from that segment were Eddie Cochran's rollicking "Nervous Breakdown," a joyful "Jingle Bell Rock" and the Stray Cats tune "Fishnet Stockings." That last one found Setzer down on his knees to unleash some of his most rousing licks of the night, fully delivering on his "blues on three cups of coffee" spoken introduction.

The night didn't end until BSO dipped back one more time into the Stray Cats’ catalog for a reworked "Rock This Town" that seemed to signal the end of the night. But extended applause brought smiles to everyone on stage, with few in the audience leaving the theater. As the group launched into "Jingle Bells," Santa emerged and fake snow began to fall on the crowd, to the obvious delight of fans – a Hollywood ending for sure.

Those who got to Dolby early caught a fantastic set by the Aussie rockabilly trio Firebird. While they only performed for 23 minutes, singer/guitarist Pete Belair, singer/bassist Chris Nomad and drummer Damian Singh impressed with strong original material and mighty chops.

Also performing was Drake Bell, the Santa Ana-born actor-turned-musician who rose to fame on Nickelodeon. Though he hasn’t issued a full-length effort since 2006, he has a new holiday single out, “Christmas Promise,” and Saturday night displayed strong singing as he led his band through a number of reworked covers, the best being a cool handling of the Kinks' "Sunny Afternoon."

Photo: Armando Brown, for the Register