Ice B. Reviews The True Story of the Flying Burrito Bros.

With the release of the new book "Hot Burritos: The True Story of the Flying Burrito Brothers" by John Einarson and Chris Hillman, another door has opened on the history of what some refer to as country-rock, but I call rhythm and blues folk country rock (R&B/CR). This book is 326 pages of music history and entertainment. Everyone recognizes Hillman as one of the founders of the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers (FBB), Manassas, and The Desert Rose Band. Hillman's contribution to music is also legendary.

Einarson has previously written "Mr. Tambourine Man: The Life and Legacy of the Byrd's Gene Clark," "Desperadoes: the roots of country rock," "For What It's Worth: The Story of Buffalo Springfield (with Ritchie Furay)," "Neil Young: Don't Be Denied," "Magic Carpet Ride: The Autobiography of John Kay and Steppenwolf," and several other books on contemporary music.

"Hot Burritos" is a book that covers not just the history of the FBB but also the universe swirling around the band during its creation, life and demise. The book is one of the first to be written critical of the myths and roles assigned to Gram Parsons. It is also one of the first books that places Roger McGuinn in a positive light regarding his service as one of the creators of R&B/CR. While much has been made of the mythical Parsons, more needs to be written about the involvement of McGuinn, Hillman, the Dillard Brothers, Clarence White, the Gosdin Bros., Young, Stephen Stills, Furay & Poco, and Rick Nelson & the Stone Canyon Band. All of these shaped the special style of music that was to come.

As stated in the film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence": "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." If not for "Hot Burritos" and Einarson's other books, we would simply know about the legends of CR music. This book is about more than just the FBB, it is a continuation of his work on how the music was forged. Sadly, too many people today believe the era began with The Eagles; in fact, the Eagles were only a small cog present at the creation of the CR era.

As this book delves into the music's roots, we learn of the great bands of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Buck Owens and the music of Bakersfield, California. Bakersfield's music rivaled that coming out of Nashville. All of this music was imprinted on the Burritos and their progeny and led to the development of R&B/CR.

It's always a shame to look back to see how alcohol and drug abuse interferred with the creative forces of so many musicians and song writers. Then there were the accidents that claimed the lives of some of the best. Where would the music of Nelson, White or Clark have gone if not for their untimely deaths?

My hope is that Einarson next explores the roles of Judy Collins, Billy Holliday, Joni Mitchell, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Odetta Holmes, Linda Ronstadt, Emmy Lou Harris and countless other women who were also integral creators of this style of music.

And, of course, would any of this have been possible without Woody Guthrie, Huddie Ledbetter, Holiday, Pete Seeger, Elias McDaniel or Bob Dylan? "Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me..."

Notes: Ice B. is an artist and social critic based in Sacramento, California. Also recommended is "Are You Ready for the Country: Elvis, Dylan, Parsons & the Roots of Country Rock" by Peter Doggett.

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