Brian Setzer rocks his town with early Christmas present

"Merry Christmas," Brian Setzer told the sell-out crowd Friday at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. Look, it's not even Thanksgiving and he's sincerely wishing everyone "Merry Christmas." That's because it was opening night of the annual 28-city holiday tour by the Brian Setzer Orchestra.

That's how Setzer pays for his pomade, so he has to play the yule role when he kicks off the tour in his hometown, where he rehearsed with his 17-piece ensemble for two days. He dressed up the stage with Christmas trees, tinsel, stockings, presents, Santa, Mr. Grinch and snazzy outfits for himself, his musicians and backups singers, the Vixens..

Even if you consider this celebration too early (who buys poinsettias in mid-November?), you won't find a more energetic, exciting and musical holiday concert than what the Brian Setzer Orchestra delivered for 110 minutes.

To be sure, a handful of selections were not holiday fare. Setzer has to do some Stray Cats hits ("Rock This Town," "Stray Cat Strut") as well as his own hit "Jump Jive and Wail." Plus he did one number from his brand new rockabilly album in addition to a gorgeous interpretation of "Sleep Walk" (the Santo and Johnny instrumental hit from 1959) and a killer version of the Johnny Cash classic "Ring of Fire," complete with mariachi trumpets.

No one comes up with more imaginative arrangements for yule music than Setzer and BSO (he has released four Christmas albums). "Sleigh Ride" traveled at practically NASCAR speed. "Angels We Have Heard on High" was mostly a hard-charging instrumental. In "Jingle Bells," he rode in a '57 Chevrolet. And never has the "Nutcracker Suite" sounded more playful.

Setzer also offered some obscure holiday ditties, including "Boogie Woogie Santa," that fit his sound and style perfectly. Plus he did some original Christmas tunes, including "Fishnet Stockings," which was a rockabilly riot.

What tied these tunes together were the contagious spirit of the musicians and Setzer's outstanding guitar work. Whether he was jazzy, twangy, classically inclined, surf-styled, rockin' or whatever, it was the gift that kept on giving.