Alone on
stage with just a guitar and harmonica, Bret can
easily take charge of even the rowdiest of crowds.
In his element at Gruene Hall, Bret attracts a large
audience whenever he plays. Migrating south to Texas
from Stroud, Oklahoma, Bret settled in San Marcos
and started making the rounds with guitar in hand.
Paying gigs were scarce but he hung in there and
slowly began to build a fan base in the surrounding
area. He sold copies of a homemade tape he recorded
in 1997 and started writing songs for his next album.
Though a
little rough around the edges, the tape had several
gems that Bret would continue to polish in front
of his new fans. "Honkin' Out Some Hank," an
ode to classic country music, "She Caught Me
Not Fishing," a hilarious tale about the lengths
men will go to get out of the house and "He
Found Me," easily the best gospel song I've
ever heard. Another song on the tape, "Simple
Life," tells a story that will take your breath
away. It's about his grandfathers devotion to the
family farm and his satisfaction of raising his family
there. The song lyrics are simply spellbinding. Bret
is a simple man with simple tastes. He sits on a
wooden stool he built by hand, using no power tools
or nails. It looks brand new, though Bret confesses
that it's actually over ten years old. With a song
repertoire in the hundreds, he's rarely stumped when
fans call out requests. Though never captured on
tape, his version of "Me And Bobby McGee" must
be heard to be believed. Without giving away the
secret, it's an experience you will never forget.
On his "1998" album, this
time available on CD only, he recut two tunes from
the first album, "Honkin' Out Some Hank," and "He
 Found Me." Again, I can't say enough about "He
Found Me." When it comes to gut wrenching, soul
inspiring, praising the Lord songs, there is none
better. It tells of a wayward sonreturning home,
ashamed for squandering his money on worldly things.
Rather than criticize his actions, his father welcomes
him home with open arms. I've often witnessed eyes
well uith tears when Bret plays this song.
The '98 album contains many other classics,
like "Daddy Took The Pickup," which is
about as close to social commentary as I've heard
him do. It deals with the fact that when a marriage
b reaks up, it's usually the mother that must raise
the children. "Roy Lamareaux" is about
the last real cowboy Bret knew.
He has a new album in the can, appropriately
titled "1999." Hopefully, it will be out
in time for Christmas. Containing thirteen songs,
once again all originals. Opening with the incredible "Like
Willie," it continues with other soon to be
classics like "Hillbilly Blues," "When
The Rockin' R Burned Down," "Honky Tonk
101" and my favorite new song, "Four Wheel
Drive." I just love the line, "When road
rage happens onthe Interstate, I use hand signals
to communicate."
When questioned about Nashville, Bret
admits that he too made the journey north seeking
fame and fortune. "Shortly after arriving in
town," remembers Bret, "I met Gail Davies.
She had just been hired as a producer for Capitol
Records. Her boss was Jimmy Bowen and she'd heard
me perform at the Bluebird Cafe one night. I was
invited over to Bowen's house to play him a few songs.
He was real nice, took time to listen to my music.
I think I played about five songs. "She Caught
Me Not Fishing" was one of them. I can't really
remember the other ones I played. The music I have
now is, I think, actually stronger than the songs
I had back then, back in '90 when I met him."
Bret has no regrets about not being
signed by Bowen, simply chalking it up to one of
lifes many lessons. "I guess it just wasn't
meant to be." says Brett. While a lucrative
music career is probably ever musicians dream, Bret
feels very comfortable with where his career is at
right now. He has regular shows at Gruene Hall, Gruene
Mansion Inn, Triple Crown (in San Marcos) and the
White Elephant (in Fort Worth). |
