| Brown Brothers | Brown Brothers (originally based out of Durango, Colorado) began as a recording project in the summer of 2003. At the time, it featured Greg Oldson on acoustic guitar/vocals, Matthew Hopper on upright bass and Eric Hopper playing drums and twiddling knobs on cheap recording equipment. The idea was simply to capture a few of Greg’s country/folk based songs and to enjoy each other’s company. After creating the basic melodic and rhythmic parts, others joined the process. Robert Lawrence, who had played with Greg in bands like The Stoney Creek Ramblers and Jawbone, added his edgy lap steel guitar. Greg Andrulis contributed piano parts to create a richer, fuller sound. The tracks were completed in central Indiana by Jeff Hopper who contributed additional keyboards and background vocals, and Joel Henderson who played some guitar and mixed the recordings.
Songs from the Lost Generation was released on our own Treehorn Records in the winter of 2004. The album is built upon stories of love, loss and the unknowing human condition. During production Matthew left Durango for Seattle and Greg Andrulis followed work outside the country. Brown Brothers asked Glenn Keefe (Left Hand String Band, Sand Sheff) to join the fold in Matthew’s absence. As a four-piece outfit, Brown Brothers played a few exciting and successful shows in support of the album. The fate of the band looked uncertain as Greg Oldson left Durango for Portland, Oregon and Eric tended to pressing family needs in Indiana. Before scattering, a few ad hoc recording sessions were held with Greg, Rob and Eric to capture the beginnings of a few more songs. Eric brought the material back to Indiana where tracking continued at Jeff’s in-home recording studio. For many months Jeff and Eric worked on arrangements and recorded their respective keyboard, vocal and drum parts. Matthew returned to his homeland for a few days and joined his brothers to record his bass parts. Joel made a trip from his Louisville, Kentucky home to contribute some critical guitar parts. Eric then took the tracks to New York City (where he is currently living) and completed mixing the songs in January, 2006. In March of 2006 Greg Oldson with Brown Brothers released Leaving Open Fields on Treehorn Records. The songs on this CD are once again rooted in the traditions of Americana, folk and early country music. The album is a true labor of love made over thousands of miles and thousands of hours with love and dedication to people and songs. Brown Brothers may no longer exist as a “live” band but geographical distance has not stopped the music. We don’t get to enjoy each other’s company as we once did but with further dedication and ingenuity the music will continue. |
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| Brother | Greg Oldson (song-writing, vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica) | |
| Brother | Eric Hopper (drums) | |
| Brother | Matthew Hopper (upright bass) | |
| Brother | Jeff Hopper (piano, organ, accordion, background vocals) | |
| Brother | Robert Lawrence (lap steel guitar, lead acoustic guitar, background vocals) | |
| Brother | Joel Henderson (guitar, background vocals) | |
| Other Brothers | Glenn Keefe (bass) | |
| Gregg Andrulis (piano, organ) | ||
| Mike Slack (photos, spiritual advisor) | ||
| John Eckenrode (graphic design & layout) | ||
| Sister | Julie Hopper (design assistance) | |
| Little Brother | Jack Martin Hopper | |
| Little Sister | Lily Annabele Lawrence |