Stray Cat Brian Setzer made a “Rockabilly Riot” tour stop at the MGM Northfield last night for a rousing 90 minutes of mid-century cool. Void of anything political or even sexual, Setzer’s brand of music is a touchstone to when music was, well, just plain fun.
Ripping through a 20-tune set, there was barely a moment to catch your breathe as he and his band (upright bass and drums) offered some early-’80s Stray Cats tunes, but mainly focused on several songs from his new album, The Devil Always Collects.
A mid-set showstopper was an acoustic rendition of Hoagy Carmichaels’ “Georgia On My Mind,” a tune that’s become synonymous with Ray Charles. Offering it as an instrumental piece, he gave it a Setzer overhaul; the lush violins of the Charles’ version were replaced by some tasty guitar licks and that full-bodied tone that Setzer’s made his own over the last several decades.
Rumors are swirling of a Stray Cats reunion sometime in 2024; the last time the trio got back together, they didn’t come anywhere close to Northeast Ohio. The crowd last night really showed their appreciation for Setzer and his music; I’m sure a Cats’ tour stop here in the 216 would be a sellout.
