The New York native was exposed to many musical styles as a child thanks to his father's record collection. But Brian's first instrument was not a guitar but a euphonium – a tuba like instrument similar to a baritone – when he was eight. He played the instrument for 10 years. Today Setzer not only plays the guitar but has a large collection of guitars from several different decades.

As a child Setzer dreamed of leading his own big band but not with a horn but with a guitar. A dream he realized after fronting two bands and a solo career. Setzer's first band was the Bloodless Pharrohs in the seventies, followed by The Stray Cats in the eighties. After the break-up of the cats and a short solo areer Stezer formed his Orchestra.

The Stray Cats have since re-united and are touring as is the Brian Setzer Orchestra; but Setzer still found the time to record a live album in Nashville with a group of musicians called The Nashvillians. The 16 track album includes the usual Rockabilly swing times and the usual Stray Cat hits. When Brian Setzer is in the house be prepared to rock and boogie because sitting still is not an option. "Red Hot and Live" is appropriately named because the music is red hot and so is Setzer.