Search - Burrito Deluxe :: Georgia Peach

Peachy Keen!

Dennis Petticoffer | Orange, CA United States | 05/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Country rock doesn't get any better than the Byrds' "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" and the Flying Burrito Brothers' "Gilded Palace of Sin." The common denominator, and main creative force, in both of those groundbreaking records, of course, was Gram Parsons. Even though Gram died prematurely, his legendary status was already assured, based solely on his work on those two albums. Over the years, the Burritos' legacy has been largely betrayed by mutant Burrito Brothers bands that have strayed farther and farther from the soulfulness of its progenitor. Until now, that is.



Burrito Deluxe is the first spinoff that pays reverence to Gram's original vision for the band. "Georgia Peach" (note the "G.P." initials) features three great vocalists (Carlton Moody, Tommy Spurlock, and Willie Watson) who not only cover Gram's greatest hits, but contribute some sterling originals that are compatible with FBB's original repertoire. Watson, especially, does such a great job of capturing Gram's mournful wail, you'd swear G.P. has returned from the dead.



Sneaky Pete, the only original Burrito Brother in this band, is the foundation of the group, laying down some steely, syrupy guitar runs on classics like "Christine's Tune" and "Wheels." The band is supplemented by longtime hanger-on, Gib Guilbeau and the Band's Garth Hudson, who adds some subtle but haunting keyboards to "Hickory Wind." This is an album that is well worth hearing. Let's hope Burrito Deluxe remains intact and carries on the tradition begun by the great Gram Parsons."