The BURRITO BROTHERS are
Chris James
Tony Paoletta
Steve Allen
Peter Young
BOUND FOR GLORY
The Burrito Brothers celebrate an illustrious past while serving up fresh contributions for a bright future. They continue to climb the branches of the “many tall pines” first planted in 1968. Trace the winding paths of Country and Rock & Roll back, you’ll find them there. Anyone who had a heart and ears can tell these guys are world-class musicians and songwriters with one listen. Here they are in the years, carrying on the tradition of classic late-1960s and early ’70s “Hippie Country-Rock” music, expanding its boundaries, always exploring new horizons. Country Rock’s big bang came in Los Angeles in the late ‘60s. In 1968, Ian Dunlop and Barry Tashian started The Flying Burrito Brothers. Then in 1969, with Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman at the helm, the group released their classic first LP, “The Gilded Palace of Sin”. Since then the band has carried on, always evolving. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that classic LP. Gram Parsons’ original vision for the band is still going strong. “I just ran 20 red lights in his honor,” says Chris P James. At the beginning of the 1980s the band moved their base of operations from LA to Nashville. At that point the name was shortened to The Burrito Brothers. The band has remained in Nashville ever since. Now, The Burrito Brothers are right on track. “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for we… mmm feelin’ good!” says Chris P.
Here we are in the years.
The Burrito Brothers have been around a long time now. But boy, are they ever still alive. That’s because they’re musicians who really do consider each other brothers.
The funny name makes a lot of sense.
Chris, Bob, Tony and Pete have played together since the 1990s in Mr. Hyde. They know and like each other's moves. This band is tuned in, turned on, upbeat and loaded with great songwriting and musicianship. These guys drove up in the same car.
Bob Hatter’s got the guitar thing going strong with benders and 12-strings and telecasters and acoustics and also plays bass. He sure can write a song too.
“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 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.
Bring it on!
“This latest incarnation is the closest to the original FBB sound of all of the previous bands.”
Will James, Gram Parsons International.
“The Burritos delve into the mystic richness of the legacy and use it to create new musical gold.”
Dave Carew, Underground Nashville.
“Finely produced Country-Rock with excellent instrumentation, and good songwriting and vocals. For my ears this banquet is just fine.”
Chuck Wharton, Off The Charts Country.
“The group is definitely sound as ever, with cool players and singers who’ve established themselves in
Cosmic American Music. The right person for the group seems to always come along.”
Jess Marich, Shake! Magazine
“The idea’ll keep going. It’s not like it’s dead. Whether I do it or anybody else does, it’s got to keep going.” Gram Parsons 1972