 |
| Brian Setzer & Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Stray Cats brought an energy and intensity to their performance at the Mountain Winery on Tuesday night that not only exceeded any expectations for a band that has been together for forty-five years but put younger acts on notice with a master class in how to deliver live music. From the moment they stepped on stage, guitarist Brian Setzer, drummer Slim Jim Phantom and upright bassist Lee Rocker tore through song after song at a breakneck pace.
 |
| Brian Setzer & Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
While they occasionally dug into moments for solos that displayed their mastery of the instruments, the approach to the concert was to hit the audience hard and the crowd responded from the get-go. Most of the crowd was on their feet the entire time and the ushers were forced to ease up on aisle enforcement as many of the couples in the crowd took to dancing. It was an electric atmosphere around an electrifying performance.
“California has always loved rockabilly and we’ve always loved to play it,” Brian Setzer told the capacity crowd when discussing why the band continues to perform.
 |
| Stray Cats @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
It was impossible not to marvel at stand-up drummer Slim Jim Phantom. Phantom didn’t seem to have aged a day since their famous set at New Wave Day of the second US Festival in 1983 when they played with bands like Men at Work and The Clash. He was in a constant state of movement and celebration on Tuesday and while his drum kit may be extremely limited in quantity, he delivers massive percussion due to his expert use of his drumsticks. Exploring every possible surface of his equipment, along with frequently creating stick-on-stick sounds, Phantom set a blistering pace and a shining example of the magnetic power of enthusiasm.
 |
| Brian Setzer & Lee Rocker of Stray Cats @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Upright bassist Lee Rocker pounded away at his giant basses – twisting and tossing them like a dance partner and pounding on them occasionally for extra emphasis. He also gave lead vocalist Setzer a break and took a few turns at vocals – singing his own “Miracle in Memphis” (which was delivered at supersonic speed) and taking a lead turn on “When Nothing’s Going Right” and “Bring it Back Again.”
 |
| Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Brian Setzer has always been a guitar god and Tuesday he demonstrated his rightful claim to the rockabilly throne of legends such as Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddie and Carl Perkins. While he can certainly deliver the shredding squeals of fellow 80’s rockers, Setzer most often massaged his instrument to get the most out of every note. To listen to his guitar isolated is to hear the complexity and soul of the instrument pulled out one strum at a time. Luckily, this was possible with the crystal-clear sound of the Mountain Winery. Setzer himself remarked several times about how great the sound was). “(She’s) Sexy & 17” saw Setzer doing his version of a Chuck Berry goose step across the stage.
 |
| Lee Rocker of Stray Cats @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Perhaps the most memorable song of the night was not the hits you’d expect, but rather “Blast Off” – delivered with an awesome explosiveness by the trio. Setzer headed to stage right and dropped to his knees to perform his solo in front of Japanese fans that, he earlier told the crowd, had been to every one of their shows on the tour so far. He followed that blockbuster with a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues” that he dedicated to Duane Eddy. “He invented all of this,” Setzer told the crowd as they delivered another highlight.
 |
| Stray Cats @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
“Here’s a song I forgot I wrote,” Setzer told the crowd before playing “Rockabilly Rules.” “Do you remember “Rock this Town?” he asked before the band delivered a version that was at least 25% faster tempo than the original recording. The audience exploded for it with the lights up and nobody standing still. Over ninety minutes into the show and with a two-song encore of “Build for Speed” and “Rumble in Brighton,” Stray Cats showed the 2,500+ sold-out audience that they have every bit of energy and power at forty-five years and going.
 |
| Stray Cats @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Those who arrived at the bowl on time were treated to an incredible set by a new band playing only their third gig ever on this, their first tour. But statistics do sometimes lie and while The Midnight Cowgirls may be a new band, the women that make up the group are musical veterans and masters of performance. Their blend of country, rockabilly and post-punk was electrifying and their confidence and charisma was on display throughout their set.
 |
| The Midnight Cowgirls @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
Frontwoman and rhythm guitarist Kandle Osborne charmed and wowed the crowd, while bassist Jennie Vee (wife of Stray Cats’ drummer Slim Jim Phantom) and drummer Lea Bluestein (both of Eagles of Death Metal) created a powerhouse rhythm section. Lead guitarist Rex Elle took the audience on a wild cross-genre journey on her electric guitar as d keyboardist, guitarist and singer Blaise Dahl completed the sound and had a big presence at center stage.
 |
| The Midnight Cowgirls @ the Mountain Winery (Photo: Sean Reiter) |
The Midnight Cowgirls set featured original songs such as “White Lightning,” “Delete the Guy” and “Giddy Up” – along with covers that included Juice Newton’s “Queen of Hearts” and Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day.” It may have been an early performance in the band’s career, but it certainly set big expectations for the band future.
Thanks for reading and while you're at it, you can follow us as well here: Instagram | Facebook.
