The Brian Setzer Orchestra Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Rock Jazz Big Band Rockabilly Heartland rock Swing music Boogie-woogie Swing rock-and-roll christmas

Members

Select a The Brian Setzer Orchestra band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Brian Setzer

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Stray Cats The Honeydrippers Brian Setzer '68 Comeback Special The Brian Setzer Trio Brian Setzer & The Nashvillains Brian Setzer & Friends Brian Setzer and the Tomcats Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot! Levi Dexter & The Ripchords Bloodless Pharaohs

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Bernie Dresel

Roles:

Drummer Music Producer

Groups:

Brian Setzer '68 Comeback Special Gordon Goodwin’s Little Phat Band Brian Setzer & The Nashvillains Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band The Brian Setzer Trio Jazz at the Movies Band 'Bout Time Porcupine

Needs more gear

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Ray Herrmann

Roles:

Saxophonist

Groups:

Chicago The Bill Holman Big Band Vinyl Hampdin Vine Street Horns Vic Lewis West Coast All Stars

Needs more gear

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John Hatton

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine The Brian Setzer Trio

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Rick Rossi

Roles:

Composer Saxophonist

Groups:

Goin' Public

No gear added

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Don Roberts

Roles:

Singer Composer Music Producer Saxophonist

Groups:

The Manhattan Transfer

No gear added

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Kye Palmer

Roles:

Composer Trumpeter

No gear added

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George Shelby

Roles:

Composer Saxophonist

No gear added

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George McMullen

Roles:

Trombonist

Groups:

The Vinny Golia Large Ensemble The Vinny Golia Octet

No gear added

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Michael Vlatkovich

Roles:

Trombonist

Groups:

Michael Vlatkovich 5 Winds Michael Vlatkovich Tritet The Vinny Golia Large Ensemble The Vinny Golia Quintet Michael Vlatkovich Ensemblio The Jeff Kaiser Ockodektet

No gear added

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Robbie Hioki

Roles:

Trombonist

Groups:

Pat Longo And His Hollywood Jazz Band Stan Kenton Spirits The Vinny Golia Large Ensemble

No gear added

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Dennis Farias

Roles:

Trumpeter

Groups:

John LaBarbera Big Band Heart Attack Horns

No gear added

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Kevin Norton

Roles:

Composer Trumpeter

No gear added

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John Fumo

Roles:

Composer Trumpeter

Groups:

The Vinny Golia Large Ensemble The Vinny Golia Quintet The Jeff Kaiser Ockodektet

No gear added

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Dan Fornero

Roles:

Composer Trumpeter

Groups:

The Phil Collins Big Band The Big 2 Horns Woody Herman & His Big Band Vine Street Horns Rich Willey's Boptism Funk Band Rich Willey's Boptism Big Band Los Angeles Trumpet Ensemble Heart Attack Horns Allen Carter Big Band The Dennis Dreith Band Dave Slonaker Big Band

No gear added

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Steve Marsh

Roles:

Trumpeter

Groups:

The Vinny Golia Large Ensemble

No gear added

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Tim Misica

Roles:

Saxophonist

No gear added

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Mark W. Winchester

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Brian Setzer '68 Comeback Special Sonny George & The Tennessee Sons Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot! The Planet Rockers The Chris Casello Trio

No gear added

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Jay McDowell

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

BR549 Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot!

No gear added

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Alex Henderson

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Trombonist

Groups:

No Doubt Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

No gear added

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About

The Brian Setzer Orchestra is a distinctive American musical group known for their energetic fusion of rockabilly, swing, and big band jazz. Formed by the charismatic guitarist and vocalist Brian Setzer in 1990, the orchestra includes a dynamic lineup featuring a full horn section, rhythm section, and talented musicians such as John Hatton (upright bass) and Bernie Dresel (drums). With Setzer at the helm, the group revitalized classic '50s and '60s sounds, bringing them into the modern era with a rock-and-roll twist. Their vibrant performances and unique style have made them a staple in genres ranging from swing music to boogie-woogie.

How to Sound Like The Brian Setzer Orchestra

The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s sound is a lively blend of crisp, driving guitar tones and brass-rich arrangements, creating an infectious energy that feels both nostalgic and modern. Setzer's use of a Gretsch 6120 contributes to his signature twang, while gear like the Fender 'Brownface' Bassman ensures a warm, tube-driven amplification perfect for his rockabilly riffs. The orchestra’s music thrives on dynamic contrasts, with bold brass stabs and the rhythmic punch of a Craviotto Drum Kit anchoring their compositions. By combining vintage influences with contemporary flair, the group captures a sound that is both timeless and exhilarating.

Discography

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

1994

Guitar Slinger

1996

The Dirty Boogie

1998

Vavoom

2000

Boogie Woogie Christmas

2002

Dig That Crazy Christmas

2005

Wolfgang's Big Night Out

2007

Songs from Lonely Avenue

2009

Don't Mess with a Big Band (Live)

2010

Christmas Comes Alive!

2010

It's Gonna Rock...'cause That's What I Do

2010

Rockin' Rudolph

2015

Get the The Brian Setzer Orchestra Sound

Want to sound like The Brian Setzer Orchestra? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.