THE MUSIC FAMILY

[Mandy Mason]

This month is exactly two years ago that I met Gary "Brotherman" Branchaud. Not only one of the most talented bass players on the planet but also one of the coolest cats on earth! I have had the honor and the blessing of doing many many shows with Gary and more importantly, we have had some wonderful times together as friends. One of the best and many gifts that The Lord so graciously bestowed upon me when I moved to Nashville is the "Gift of Friendship." I have met the most wonderful people since I moved here to Tennessee. I have lived all over the Country but some of the nicest people on the planet live right here in Tennessee. Of course, a person always has those friends he/she feels closest to and for me I would call those friends my family. I place Brotherman right at the top three for me. He has been not only supportive, selfless, respectful and appreciative of my efforts and challenges that I have had to face as an artist in Nashville but more importantly, he has been my friend and part of my family. Brotherman and I have attended and spoken at funerals together, dined at dinners and special occasions together, lunch meetings and even sat on my living room floor together going over music that I should consider doing in the studio and on stage. I tell you these things so you know that this blog is especially difficult for me to write as I feel the sadness and bourden of letting the Nashville Music Community know that at this time, Brotherman is facing very difficult health issues. He is in a wheel chair and could use all of the love, friendship, company and prayers he can get from his fellow Nashville Musicians and fellow musicians around the world. For we are not only musicians, we are a family. A very loving, sensitive, giving and talented family called "The Music Industry." There are those that are not musicians and seem to run the industry with money. No matter what they do, or who they do it to, they are not musicians, performer or writers and they cannot take away from us the love, respect, admiration and friendship we have for and with one another. There are so many entertainers including myself that have gone through horrific health issues this year. As musicians, there are many who do not have Medical Insurance. This is a very hard and sad time for many in the music family. Lets reach out to one another and love eachother through this difficult time and I ask those of you who do know Brotherman to also reach out to him at this time. He is such a very good man with so much love and so much talent. I send all my Brothers and Sisters in the music family all my love and prayers.

Mandy Mason

[The Brian Edwards Excursion]

Hey Mandy,

I read your blog this morning about Brotherman. I have to say I have never met him nor you but your comments made me reflect on my past health issues as well as my relationships with friends all over the world. Though I had family with me when I had my issues you can still feel alone, so all though I do not know Brotherman I would like to send Love and Prayers to him in a steady stream of conscienseness and spiritual thought. Please relay the message.
Peace Be With You All!
Brian E. Edwards