COUNTRY MUSIC ROUNDUP MAGAZINE ( U.K.) Sept 2006

Burrito Deluxe "Disciples Of The Truth" (Luna Chica)

In the beginning there was the Flying Burrito Brothers. The originals had a tragically short life, the several incarnations, a tragically longer life. Then the flying stopped and it was simply the Burrito Brothers, John Beland (ex-Rick Nelson band) and Cajun fiddler Gib Gilbeau. These guys re-found, to an extent, the pathway of the of those pioneers and even achieved what those originals never did - had hit singles. But the sound had been sweetened somewhat and more suited for the m.o.r country taste. In 2000 Sneaky Pete Kleinow, steel guitarist extraordinaire and founding father of the Flying Burrito Brothers, put together another outfit, Burrito Deluxe, to recreate those heady years of the late 60s / early 70s. Many thought it just another attempt to cash in on an outfit that had developed a substantial cult following and many were wrong as the albums "Georgia Peach" (2002) and "The Whole Enchilada" (2004) clearly proved. These guys really could play real vintage country rock with a contemporary edge. Though Kleinow retired from performing last year the band proved they could carry on, going from strength to strength, without their inspiration. Carlton Moody, of the Moody Brothers is lead vocalist and guitarist. The second vocalist and guitarist is Walter Egan who co-wrote "Hearts On Fire" for Gram Parsons, recorded eight solo albums and has performed with Wanda Jackson, Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne. Jeff "Stick" Davis handles electric and acoustic bass and contributes vocals. Jeff was a founder member of the Amazing Rhythm Aces and later worked with blues legends John Mayall and B.B. King. Keyboard player Richard Bell's pedigree includes work with Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks in the late 60s and the Band in the early 90s. He was also a member of Janis Joplin's band and played on her last album. Drummer Bryan Owlings has used his sticks and brushes for a wide range of contemporary country stars; Shelby Lynne, Lee Roy Parnell, Patty Griffin, Buddy and Julie Miller. The proof of just how great these guys sound is found on "Disciples Of The Truth" with twelve tracks that beautifully recreate the "Golden Age of Country Rock". Tracks; Out Of The Wilderness / Sun Will Rise / Front Row Seats To Heaven / Disciples Of The Truth / Wichita / On A Roll / When The Summer's Over / Encino / Down On You / Wrong Side Of Town / Midnight At A Red Light / Who's Gonna Love You.

Pete Smith