Lifestyle

Bruce Robison Rocked the Scene at Cheatham Street Warehouse

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

It has been decades since Bruce Robison played Cheatham Street Warehouse. His recent concert on March 31, 2017, was a full circle moment. Bruce recalled coming to Cheatham Street Warehouse while attending Texas State University, observing open mic night, unable to step foot on the stage. That is not the case these days, as Bruce easily performs and engages enthusiastically with the eager crowd.

You may know Bruce from his many famous country songs he has written over the years. He wrote Tim McGraw’s “Angry All the Time,” Dixie Chick’s “Travelin’ Soldier,” and George Strait’s “Wrapped” to name a few. He is a brilliant American country songwriter from Bandera, Texas. He has been songwriting, singing, and touring for decades. Bruce is on tour promoting his upcoming new album “Bruce Robison and the Back Porch Band.” It will be released April 28th, 2017.

Bruce Robison, Photo by Brandee' BrantlyPhoto: Brandee’ Brantly

At Cheatham Street Warehouse, Bruce Robison played several songs from his new album. He also played his oldies but goodies such as his beloved “My Brother & Me, Wrapped,” and his comedic ode to his idol Willie Nelson, “What Would Willie Do.”

Bruce Robison played on every emotion throughout his set. A gentleman in the audience admitted Robison knew how to make a grown man cry. Also, Robison seems to know still how to draw people to the dance floor. Every slow song performed, there were several dancers who couldn’t resist, especially when Bruce crooned “Wrapped.” Robison joked that he never understood why he always felt it was a sad song. Especially because now it seemed like a happy song. The audience playfully replied that it was because Bruce “got the girl.” Bruce chuckled and sweetly replied, ” Yes, That’s why it’s a happy song!” He seemed to say this with genuine realization and tenderness. After 20 years of marriage and four children, and two collaborative albums later, we agree he definitely “got the girl.”

Bruce Robison is an icon in the Texas Hill Country. His beautiful lyrics and his band’s steel guitar make for a memorable combination not found often these days. An upcoming opportunity to see Robison is to attend the 75th Anniversary John T. Floores Country Store concert in Helotes, Texas where Bruce Robison will join Randy Rogers and Robert Earl Keen for the celebration.