Brothers/Irmãos Tip Their Hats to Country Legends with “Liza Jane” Cover Featuring Brent Mason
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The enduring echoes of American Classic Country and the vibrant energy of 90’s Country are alive and well in the music of Brothers/Irmãos. This collaborative project, born from a shared passion across continents, is now paying homage to the giants of the genre with their latest single: a heartfelt cover of Vince Gill’s classic “Liza Jane.” What makes this rendition particularly special is the inclusion of none other than the legendary Nashville Player, Brent Mason, himself, adding his signature guitar prowess to the track.
For those familiar with the golden era of 90’s Country, the name “Nashville Players” conjures images of studio wizardry and the sonic backbone of countless hits. This collective of session musicians, including the likes of Brent Mason, Eddie Bayers, Michael Rhodes, Paul Franklin, and John Hobbs, were the unsung heroes behind the chart-topping successes of artists like Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Brooks and Dunn, and George Strait. Their instrumental brilliance defined a generation of country music.
It was a live performance of these very players, featuring Vince Gill delivering a spirited rendition of his own “Liza Jane” on YouTube, that sparked the inspiration for Brothers/Irmãos. For Marcos Parise, the Brazilian half of the core duo, this particular performance held a special significance. A devoted admirer of Brent Mason’s distinctive guitar style and sound, it was Marcos’ idea to reimagine this classic track.
The collaboration took on an extraordinary dimension when Brent Mason himself agreed to join Brothers/Irmãos on their version. The resulting single is a true testament to the interconnectedness of musical passion, featuring a dynamic interplay between Marcos Parise and his idol on lead guitar. This confluence of talent bridges generations and geographical boundaries, creating a unique and resonant listening experience.
“This is our tribute to Brent and Vince, and to all the incredible session musicians who contributed to such an awesome era of great country music,” says Dave Petersen, one of the US-based members of Brothers/Irmãos. “We really poured our hearts into resurrecting the sound and musicianship that made that live performance so special, and we sincerely hope listeners enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it.”
The Brothers/Irmãos project is a testament to the unifying power of music. Formed during the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, it brought together Dave Petersen from Schererville, Indiana, USA; Marcos Parise from Piratininga, São Paulo, Brazil; and Nelson Wynn, also from Highland, Indiana, USA. What began as a long-distance collaboration between friends fueled by a mutual love for country music has blossomed into a creative endeavor with a growing catalog of original songs and carefully chosen covers.
“We created this music simply as great friends, born out of our shared love of country music and a desire to share our songs with anyone willing to lend an ear,” explains Nelson Wynn. This genuine spirit of camaraderie and artistic passion shines through in their music, creating a sound that feels both authentic and heartfelt.
With their cover of “Liza Jane” featuring Brent Mason, Brothers/Irmãos are not just recreating a classic; they are actively engaging with its legacy. They are breathing new life into a beloved song while simultaneously honoring the musicians who helped shape the landscape of country music. This single serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of well-crafted country music and the magic that can happen when artists connect across borders and generations through their shared love of a genre. As Brothers/Irmãos continue to share their music, their dedication to the heart and soul of country music, evident in this special collaboration, promises to resonate deeply with fans around the world.