While the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo is largely considered the first country-rock album — although I will argue just as loudly for The International Submarine Band’s debut as holder of that title — The Flying Burrito Brothers, from the seminal Gilded Palace of Sin through Close Up The Honky Tonk, may not have originated the genre but to many music fans they darn sure perfected it.
The history of the band intertwines with numerous groups, including various incarnations of The Byrds (whose own history is as convoluted as any) through Poco, Souther-Hillman-Furay, Manassas, Burrito Deluxe, Firefall, and who knows how many others as members shifted back and forth, an ever changing ensemble that somehow, over the course of more than four decades, retained its original purpose and sound.
The Burritos were at the crossroads of a movement that forever changed American music and whose influence continues to this day, and it is only fitting that their legacy be preserved. Those crossroads are home turf for The Burrito Brothers, a band that celebrates that legacy while serving up its own fresh contributions. Their 2011 release Sound as Ever gave evidence that while the Burrito Brothers may no longer be flying high, The Burritos are determined to keep it alive.
The band’s current line up consists of players who logged stage and/or studio time with other, earlier iterations of the group or with iconic figures who helped build the Flying Burrito legacy. Vocalist/keyboard player Chris James is a longtime Nashville resident and perennial recording and performing sideman for artists like Bobby Bare, Carlene Carter, The Rascals, The International Submarine Band and Blues/R&B legend Johnny Jones. He and Rick Lonow started Mr. Hyde, a group dedicated to the legacy of The Byrds, and have been associated with diverse Gram Parsons tributes and the Burritos since the mid-1980s.
A dedicated student of every and anything related to pop music James prides himself in knowing even the minutest details of American and British pop history; it’s a depth of knowledge he brings to every show in the form of between song banter and obscure cover tunes.
Drummer/vocalist Rick Lonow has long been considered the number one Americana Music drummer in Nashville, an elite session musician who has played with the likes of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, John Prine, and for too many to mention. For over a decade he toured the world with The Bellamy Brothers and is an accomplished songwriter. Among his many hits was Poco’s “Call It Love” which in 1989 topped the country charts.
Lonow received a Grammy Award for his work with June Carter Cash as well as playing on the recent posthumous Cash album produced by John Carter Cash. He has performed and recorded with the various versions of the Burritos since the early 1980s.
Guitarist/vocalist Fred James (brother of Chris) is a five-time Grammy-nominated songwriter who arrived in Nashville in the early 1970s and fell in with the new wave of songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Billy Joe Shaver. He’s played with Dr. Hook, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, The Memphis Horns and many other touring and recording groups. He’s produced dozens of Blues, Soul and R&B recordings, and played on and produced The International Submarine Band’s Back At Home.
Fred and Chris have been associated with The Burrito brand since 1986. Bassist Rusty Russell is both a musician and a journalist, bringing a keen observational eye to the band. He’s toured with legends Little Anthony & The Imperials and has worked extensively with Grammy winner Mike Farris. His songs have been recorded by Johnny Rodriguez, Sherman Robertson, Charles “Wigg” Walker and Michael Burks.
Steel player Tony Paoletta rounds out the band. His credits include six years touring with Patty Loveless, extensive session work, and long associations with the Grand Ole Opry. Paoletta studied under Flying Burrito’s founder the late Pete Kleinow, learning from the very best. As “Sneaky Pete’s” health declined, Tony became the go-to guy. His joining as a fully fledged Burrito is only fitting.
So those are the impressive credentials and a bit of the Burrito’s long and storied history. What cannot be heard in print are the pride, talent, and sheer love of the music the Burrito Brothers bring to the stage, as they run through virtually every phase of the band’s history as well as songs associated with the Flying Burrito Brothers legacy. Look for “Hot Burrito Number Two” or “Hickory Wind” but don’t be surprised to hear more than a few lesser known gems.
The set list is as flexible and varied as a 1968 Flying Burritos show, and that’s exactly what they strive for, a capturing of a moment in time. So for those who couldn’t make a Flying Burrito Brothers or Byrds show at The Whiskey A Go Go, circa 1969, this might be the closest thing to doing so you’ll ever experience.
If You Go: The Burrito Brothers, Saturday, September 5. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of for this 7 p.m., all ages, seated show. The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. Call (828) 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com