Les Brers In A Minor

Album: Eat A Peach (1972)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The title is mangled French for "The Brothers In A Minor." The song is an instrumental written by Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts. Gregg Allman recalls in his 2012 biography that they did 29 takes of the song, and used the second one.
  • This was one of the first songs the band recorded without Duane Allman, who died in a motorcycle accident about four months before this was released.
  • Berry Oakley's bass line is prominent in the song. Oakley died later that year in a motorcycle accident similar to the one that killed Duane Allman.
  • After the Allman Brothers called it quits in 2014, some former members, including Butch Trucks and Jaimoe, formed a new band called Les Brers, a reference to this song.

Comments: 16

  • Joseph Patrick Sheridan from CaliforniaNot true. Duane played lead guitar on this recording, it being the second take. j.p.also this moves perfectly into Melissa. The buddy holly tribute and his guitar Melissa. It was a band that should get credit.
  • Bill from Connecticut One of the greatest songs written by the Legend Dickey Betts .
  • Steve from MichiganBarry Oakley was an outstanding bass player. Had he not died so young, he would be much more appreciated.
  • Roger from St. PaulIt’s Gullah, not French. A creole language along the South Carolina coastal islands using English and West African languages that the slaves used. Justice Clarence Thomas grew up speaking it.
  • John R from Enfield, CtListen to sax player Dexter Gordon's "Cheese Cake" from his album, "Go!" You can hear where this instrumental comes from.
  • Mike from Louisville, KyMost of the comments I see seem to somehow attempt to provide a 'better' explanation for the title. The simple truth is that this is one of the best instrumental rock songs I've ever heard. The intro and crescendo to an utterly explosive climax prior to the decrescendo that proceeds Barry Oakley's bass line is genius. Most Southern rock bands have a distinctive hard driving sound that is utterly recognizable. This song shows a level of sophistication and depth that is unique. Whenever I listen to it, it reminds me of my days when I played trumpet in concert band. The dynamics are incredible.
  • Billyearl from MdFrères Is French for Brothers. Brers is not a word in French.
  • Steve from Louisville, KyDickey Betts said it was “bad French,” and a pun on “less brothers,” in the absence of Duane. So, it’s not actually French, but it alludes to it. It really is in Am, though.

    The main melody was derived from something Dickey Betts played on the At Fillmore East version of “Whipping Post.” It’s at 11:08, right after the breakdown during his solo.

    Coincidentally, later in the jam, they play “Frère Jacque,” whose title has the actual French word for “brother.” A little after 17:30, for that.
  • Dave from Folsom, CaBrer is just a colloquial word for brother, like in the Brer Bear and Brer Fox stories. It sounds kind of French, hence "Les Brers" (the brothers).
  • Mike from Matawan, NjWhoops!!!! Chris, you're right, I'm wrong. Color me stupid. 'Les' is French, but it would appear your right about 'Brers'. 'Brothers' en francais is 'frere'.
  • Mike from Matawan, NjUhh, Chris? Yeah. It IS French. The word 'Les' before the 'Brers' is kind of a giveaway. It's French, trust me. Your explanation works too, if you take into account that it could mean both: the French AND the southern vernacular.
  • Chris from Detroit, MiMy guess is that dickey means 'the brothers' because "br'er" means means brother in deep south vernacular. fits, of course with their band name and showing solidarity after Duane's death. It ain't french.
  • Blue from Centerville, MaBrers means celebrate.
  • Mark from Minneapolis, Mnwhat reference was used translating from french to english? the only word for brother I can find is frere. As in the childrens song Frere Jaques.
    I am curious I always thought it was a reference to the Brahms Trio in Am
    Digger
  • Paul from Cincinnati, OhThis is a pretty cool instrumental, if i recall correctly.
  • Jack from Oak Ridge, NcIncredible bassline!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Chris Isaak

Chris IsaakSongwriter Interviews

Chris tells the story of "Wicked Game," talks milkshakes and moonpies at Sun Records, and explains why women always get their way.

Devo

DevoSongwriter Interviews

Devo founders Mark Mothersbaugh and Jerry Casale take us into their world of subversive performance art. They may be right about the De-Evoloution thing.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

The Evolution of "Ophelia"

The Evolution of "Ophelia"Song Writing

How five songs portray Shakespeare's character Ophelia.