The roots-rock outfit Bare Jr. was led by singer/songwriter Bobby Bare Jr., son of the '70s-era country star; also comprising guitarist Michael Grimes, electric dulcimer player Tracy Hackney, bassist Dean Tomasek and drummer Keith Brogdon, the Nashville-based group debuted in 1998 with the EP Custom Gauge, followed by a stint on that summer's H.O.R.D.E. festival. Their major label debut Boo-Tay followed later that same year; Brainwasher was issued in fall 2000.