Checking In

It's been a long and winding road for Knoxville-expatriate Brian Waldschlager, but it seems that his persistence in the music biz is paying off. Known locally for his work fronting bands such as The Dirtclods, 5 Twins, Wh Wh, and even the first incarnation of Smokin' Dave & The Premo Dopes, Waldschlager has now been in Nashville so long that you could probably call the Music City his home. He's already made his presence known there as a member of Shinola and Five Bucks and as a sideman on a recent Dolly Parton album, not to mention an ill-fated romantic dalliance with Lucinda Williams that provided plenty of grist for the rumor mill.

At present, Waldschlager is involved in many Nashville-based projects, most notably The Brooklyn Cowboys, who are set to release a CD in a few weeks. "The record was actually recorded last year, so it's actually a re-release," says Waldschlager. "I got to sing a lot of backup vocals and play some acoustic guitar on the record. But I think when we play live I'll be doing some more electric guitar playing and I'll get to sing lead on a few songs."

Waldschlager is joined in the Cowboys by (among others) former members of Five Bucks and guitarist Walter "Magnet and Steel" Eagan. Waldschlager has also been turning heads as a guitarist and backup singer for The Walter Eagan Band. "That's been a real cool thing to do," says Waldschlager. "Walter's just kind of taken me on to play rhythm and we do some harmonies singing together."

On a more local level, Waldschlager will soon be releasing his own solo album on Knoxville's Disgraceland Records. "Hopefully the solo album will be out in about two months," says Waldschlager. The album is already recorded and all that is lacking is the cover artwork—an important consideration because Waldschlager's chiseled good looks are indeed a selling point.

Waldschlager plans to do an album release show for his solo debut in Knoxville in May. As of yet, his backup band is not yet assembled. "I have the revolving door band at this point," he says, laughing, "I want this to kind of evolve into a set band. I do think I'm gonna have some guys from Five Bucks playing with me and probably Billy Mercer on bass."