BR-49
Live From Roberts

by Debbie McClure

B R5-49 has been credited for single-handedly revitalizing the live music scene on Nashville's Lower Broadway. Their music has been called alternative country, Americana, rockabilly, honky-tonk, and hillbilly beatnik music, but even though a single tag for their sound hasn't been agreed upon, most everyone who sees the band agrees that BR5-49 is the freshest, hippest, and hottest act to hit Nashville in years.

The band is made up of acoustic guitar player and lead vocalist Gary Bennett; electric and acoustic guitar player and lead vocalist Chuck Mead; steel guitar, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle player Don Herron; upright bassist "Smilin'" Jay McDowell; and drummer and background vocalist "Hawk" Shaw Wilson. The name BR5-49 comes from the Junior Samples used-car-lot routine on Hee Haw.

BR5-49 made a name for themselves by playing for four hours straight every Wednesday through Saturday night at Nashville's Robert's Western World--a boot store by day and honky-tonk by night--for the past two years. Located across an alley from the Ryman Auditorium--a former home of the Grand Ole Opry--Robert's has become the "official home" of BR5-49. Whenever they appear there, they play to turn-away crowds.

Everyone from the wildest of college students and the hippest of music industry types to rambunctious retirees and happily surprised tourists cram into Robert's to see BR5-49. Even top musicians like Chet Atkins, Marty Stuart, Nick Lowe, The Mavericks, Trisha Yearwood, and Radney Foster have stopped in at Robert's to see what all the commotion is about.

When one first walks into Robert's, they might feel as if they've traveled back in time. To the left of the front door is a tiny bandstand set up against the storefront window. On it are five hillbilly musicians decked out in old-time western wear playing songs like Hank Williams, Sr.'s "Settin' The Woods On Fire," Faron Young's "Hello Walls," and Ray Price's "Crazy Arms." Although they've added more and more original tunes into their shows over the past months, their repertoire consists mostly of cover tunes of 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's country music artists. You'll hear them play everything from Jimmie Rodgers to Elvis Presley tunes.

The crowd itself is also a central part of the entertainment at a BR5-49 show. Many of the hard-core BR5-49 fans mirror the band's old-time attire, and even the most conservative of them can't help but jitterbug throughout the hall once the music kicks in. From the first note straight up until the last song is played in the wee hours of the morning, there's uncontrollable dancing, lots of drinking, more dancing, plenty of tips for the band, and still more dancing.

BR5-49 signed a recording deal with Arista/Nashville in September, 1995 and released their first major label project, a six song EP called "Live From Robert's," earlier this year. Four of the songs on the album are either written or co-written by one or more members of BR5-49.

Although the atmosphere of Robert's could never be caught on tape, the album brilliantly showcases the band's tight musicianship, super-twang vocals, and fun-loving spirit. It's a must for any BR5-49 fan, and it's a great introduction to them for anyone whose never seen them play live.