COUNTRY STARS ONLINE - February 2007 Burrito Deluxe - Disciples Of The Truth - CD Review

by George Peden, CSO Staff Journalist

Burrito Deluxe is set to release their keenly awaited follow-up to The Whole Enchilada. That polished 2004 release drew wide international interest and whetted the musical appetite of both fans and critics. The same is expected for their new album. Disciples of the Truth (Luna Chica Records) which is street bound on February 27.

The band is one strong, tight and solid outfit. The guys offer a fusion of twang-led country, Americana and roots, all delivered on an album the musical fraternity will repeat play for the craftsmanship and listeners will enjoy for its sheer melodic and catchy toe-taping fare. This is a great album. And I know because friends, those who play in bands, have been raving about it. And if musos rave, then it's a signpost we may.

And they're right.

The band - Richard Bell (piano, organ, clavinet and accordion) Walter Egan (guitar and vocals), lead vocalist Carlton Moody (guitar, banjo and mandolin), "Stick" Davis (bass and vocals), and Bryan Owings on drums - bring a honed edge to the album. These guys are musical royalty with an extensive pedigree that has seen them play and back the best in most musical genres. The life-long apprenticeship has served them well, as they pump crafted life in to the album's 12 tracks.

Produced by Greg Archilla, himself ably credentialed with studio references from Matchbox 20 and Neil Young to name two, has welded a tight sound on this, the band's third release. Tracks like the current radio play, "Disciples Of The Truth", primed and pure with Moody's resonant voice is a winner. Written by Tommy Conners and noted Texan, Clay Blaker, the tune paints a musician passing a marriage and a day job, only to land with a guitar in the honky tonks and late night dives, only to go full circle and appreciate that which he was looking for was closer than he knew. It's an irony that road weary wannabees on the treadmill of one-night plays, wasted days and lost weekends could relate to easily.

With a host of noted players, including "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow the band member who sadly passed away January 6, 2007 ( he gave the band its name from a Flying Burrito Bros album, a band he had legendary association with), his sound legacy lives on here with a seasoned mix of known and soon-to-be favorites.

With not a dud in the pack, the album begins its spirited start with the Cajun-fired and accordion-fused "Out of The Wilderness". Across the album, one that has chosen wisely in songwriters and content, the tempo builds and falls, always offering a perfect blend of thoughtful lyrics, decisive playing and rich harmony. Simply, this is an impressive album.

Tracks like "Sun Will Rise", written by Edwin McCain, and personal favorite, the rockin' good tale of "feeling whole and holy", the Walter Egan sung, "On A Roll", are an imprint that reads "class act". Mellow moments, and there are a couple of gems here, are heard on the dewy "Front Row Seats To Heaven", "Wichita", a polished harmony tune telling of love lost by shifting the compass, while "Who's Gonna Love You" is a deep and moody nod to unanswered questions of the heart.

Why waste words here. It's 5 out of 5. It's stellar. It's sharp, moody and tuneful; it's a cut, no, a deep slice way above what Nashville's churning out lately. These guys have the miles on the clock, the lines on their faces, and the music in their hearts.

Do yourself the favor and thank me later. Get this one.