Chris James of The Burrito Brothers talks about their new album (hint, it's holiday themed!), the band's legacy, and more.

The 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.

The band has churned through countless members over the years (including many ex-members who have attained success over the years on their own in big-name bands) but has continued to keep the Burritos name and legacy alive by touring and recording under various Burritos-styled names over the decades.

These days, the band, now based in Nashville, features Chris P. James (who’s been involved with the band since 2009), 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.

The current lineup has continued for over a decade to carry the Burrito Brothers torch via the Christmas release, which features the band’s trademark tight ensemble playing, beautiful harmonies, excellent songwriting, and the ability to turn other artist’s songs into their own.

To learn more about The Bur

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