Rockabilly Riot, Vol. 1: A Tribute to Sun Records

by Brian Setzer

Overview

The concept is stated in the title and the execution is about what you'd expect from one of the most popular rockabilly revivalists in contemporary music. It's not much of a stretch for Stray Cat Brian Setzer to take a break from writing his own rockabilly tunes that often sound like classic Sun material anyway, but by narrowing his focus roughly from 1954 to early 1957 and sticking with music produced by the king of country music record labels, he scores credibility points. The 23-track set is peppered with obvious choices like Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Boppin' the Blues" and Johnny Cash's "Get Rhythm," but dominated by more obscure fare from lesser-known acts such as Kenny Parchman, Ernie Barton, and Tommy Blake. Setzer even tracked down Jumpin' Gene Simmons to finish off "Peroxide Blonde in a Hopped Up Model Ford" when part of the original master copy was found to have been erased. Elvis is represented only by "Just Because," a brief nod to the King that also illustrates how many other acts had produced music nearly as vital from the same little room in Memphis. Setzer even calls in the Jordanaires to provide background vocals, bringing even more authenticity to this project. These versions are refreshingly stripped down, with standup bass, skeletal drums, acoustic piano, and occasional sax providing all the instrumental excitement. Even Setzer's fiery guitar solos are lean, mean, and never dominate the songs. He's in terrific form throughout; clearly his heart is in it and it sounds like he's having a blast. Whether listeners need covers that stick so closely to the originals, if with slightly fuller sound, when the real McCoys are easily available is something listeners will have to decide for themselves. Regardless, this is a rollicking, ballad-free, nonstop hour of classic rockabilly that shows how much great music emerged from such a short period, and from only one record label. Setzer fans will be thrilled and those first hearing these songs will want to go back to explore the genre's rich history firsthand. ~ Hal Horowitz

Product Details

Release Date:	05/28/2021
Label:	Mascot Label Group / Surfdog Records
UPC:	0810020503425

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Brian Setzer   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Kevin McKendree   Piano
The Jordanaires   Vocals (Background)
Bernie Dresel   Drums,Vocals (Background)
Mark Winchester   Bass,Slap Bass,Vocals (Background)
Jumpin' Gene Simmons   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Johnny O'Keefe   Composer
Brian Setzer   Composer,Producer,Liner Notes
Morris Simmons   Composer
Tommy Maguire   Photography
Dave Darling   Producer
William R. Emerson   Composer
Dave Kaplan   Executive Producer
Adam Ayan   Mastering
Jack Earls   Composer
Carl Perkins   Composer
Jay Livingston   Composer
Johnny Cash   Composer
Neal Cappellino   Recording
Harold Jenkins   Composer
Curly Griffin   Composer
Sam C. Phillips   Composer
Sam Phillips   Composer
Russ Harrington   Photography
Joe Shelton   Composer
Bob Shelton   Composer
William Robert Emerson   Composer
Clara Wills   Composer
E. Day   Composer
Andy Engel   Graphic Design
Willie Bea Thompson   Composer
Roy C. Bennett   Composer
Aaron H. Schroeder   Composer
David Morris Owens   Composer
Allen Wingate   Composer
John Vincent Greenan   Composer
E. William Bruce, Jr.   Composer
Sam Philips   Composer
Jo Ann Wingate   Composer
John Michael O'Keefe   Composer
Lillian May   Composer
Scott R. Harold   Composer
Morris Eugene Simmons   Composer
Elmer Ray   Composer
Slim Willet   Composer
Steve Short   Assistant Engineer
Sid Tepper   Composer
Sydney Robin   Composer
Kenny Parchman   Composer
Ray Harris   Composer
Ray Evans   Composer
Ed Bruce   Composer
Charlie Rich   Composer
Jeff Peters   Mixing,Engineer,Recording
Dean Beard   Composer