But singer-songwriters Eric Brace and Peter Cooper are two former music writers (a noble pursuit, to be sure!) proving that it is possible not just to write about music, but to also make music, and make it well.
The pair met in Nashville in 2004, where Cooper was a longtime music writer for the Nashville Tennessean. Brace, a former music and arts culture columnist for the Washington Post, had recently moved to Nashville with his band, Last Train Home. The two quickly became friends, sharing influences and a love of country music. Their friendship led to their first collaboration, 2009's "You Don't Have to Like Them Both." That record made it to the top ten on the Americana charts, and featured not only Brace and Cooper originals, but also material by great songwriters such as Kris Kristofferson and Todd Snider.
For their second release, 2010's "Master Sessions," the duo assembled a fine backing band, including steel guitar legend Lloyd Green, Pat McInerney (longtime drummer for Nanci Griffith) and upright bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash). Once again, the two perform their own songs, but also pay homage to their influences and some country greats, recording songs by Tom T. Hall and John Hartford. Contemporary country star Kenny Chesney even turns in a harmony performance on "Wait a Minute," an ode to life on the road originally recorded by the Seldom Scene.
Currently touring in support of "Master Sessions," Eric Brace and Peter Cooper brought their evocative songs and fine musicianship to KDHX studios as well as the Focal Point for a mid-fall show.
All photos by Kelsey McClure.
