Episode #107 Burrito Brothers- Chris James

The original band was formed in 1968 in Los Angeles as The Flying Burrito Brothers.  Its classic lineup featured country rock pioneer, the late Gram Parsons, and former founding Byrds members bassist Chris Hillman and drummer Michael Clarke, along with eventual original Eagles member Bernie Leadon on lead guitar and pedal steel guitar genius Sneaky Pete Kleinow.The band’s first two albums, The Gilded Palace of Sin (which Rolling Stone listed at number 192 on its list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time) and Burrito Deluxe, remain highly influential, acclaimed works which helped put country-rock on the map. Because Parsons and Keith Richards were good friends, Burrito Deluxe contains the first issued version of the Mick Jagger/Keith Richards-written song "Wild Horses," released almost a year before the The Rolling Stones own take on it appeared on Sticky Fingers. These days, the band, who formed the current incarnation of the Burritos in 2009, and are now based in Nashville, features Chris P. James on keys and lead vocals, guitarist Steve Allen, Tony Paoletta on pedal steel and drummer Peter Young…all extremely talented musicians who love being involved with the band’s legacy and creating new music to keep that legacy alive.Chris, Tony, and Pete have played together since the 1990 starting together in the band Mr. Hyde. They know each other's musical moves every which way possible. This band is tuned in, turned on, upbeat and loaded with great songwriting and musicianship. These guys are truly “brothers.”Steve Allen has got the guitar thing going strong with benders and 12-strings and telecasters and acoustics He also plays.  A mean bass.“Smiling” Tony Paoletta is a truly gifted pedal steel player. He’s fully versed in the Sneaky Pete oeuvre. And, essentially, every other steel player who came before him. Tony brings unlimited creativity to the table. His admirers are legion.Peter Young is a consummate drummer. The familiarity these fellows have with each other’s musicianship is near-perfect. Everything’s fine cuz Pete’s holdin’ down the time. Been doing it a long, long while. In various combinations, these guys have recorded more sessions together than you could count. Pete sings a real nice harmony too.And Chris P. James is their front man. He plays keyboards and guitar and harmonica. Writes songs too. He wound up with the Burrito Brothers in 2009. He was offered a record deal to make a new album in 2010 by the group that would trademark and continue as The Burrito Brothers. Or he could decline. What kind of choice is that? Of course, The Burrito Brothers are alive! And that is definitely a good, good thing.They continue to carry the torch via the Together release, which features superb musicianship, tight ensemble playing, beautiful harmonies and excellent songwriting.The album features 10 new, tracks that continue in the Burrito’s longstanding musical tradition while forging ahead in the present and towards the future. Track Listing:1.Ms Misery / 2. Mr. Customs Man / 3. Together / 4. I Find Love / 5. Let Go / 6. Blood On His Hands / 7. Boiling Point / 8. Streets Of Santa Rosa / 9. I Live For Loving You / 10. History SuiteWill James from Gram Parsons International says, ““This latest incarnation is the closest to the original FBB sound of all of the previous bands.”Gram Parsons said it best…The idea'll keep going on. It's not like it's dead or anything. Whether I do it or anybody else does it, it's got to keep going."   Please use the following links below to access all things The Burrito Brothers including photos, bio, and a discography.The Burrito Brothers website:  www.TheBurritoBrothers.netLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices