Sometimes you have to be
brave and put yourself on the line, especially when it pertains something you
strongly burn for. In this case I will throw myself to the lions and bring
forth a true gem, a masterpiece if you will. 'Burning Tree' was released
in 1990 by one of the most criminally underrated bands in the history of
rock...Burning Tree! Formed in Los Angeles in 1987 by guitarist/singer Marc
Ford and drummer/singer Doni Grey, they were soon joined by Mark 'Muddy' Dutton on bass
guitar and vocals. After causing quite a stir on the local scene, Burning Tree
were picked up by Epic Records and their self-titled debut followed shortly
afterwards.
Blending the power trio
formula with blues, rock, beautiful vocal harmonies and groove, this
three-piece simply could do no wrong...or so it seemed. From the first bars of
opener 'Burning Tree' to closer 'Turtle' the band creates true
magic. Prior to it's release I read nothing but great reviews about the record
and subsequently picked up a copy the day it hit the shops. For once I
agreed 100% with all the accolades these guys received. To this day, I can't
count the number of times that I have played 'Burning Tree' with the
same effect it brought me the first time I played it. Very few albums can claim
such a feat.
Now, as well as back then,
there is a group of songs I play more than the others. It's probably not fair
to make such a statement since this is a through-and-through great release.
Still, you always find favourites even amongst a collection of amazing songs. 'Masquerade'
is a piledriver of heavy blues where Doni's eloquent and powerful drumming
sets the pace with Muddy's deep rumbling bass guitar backing him up. Marc picks
up on this with some amazing guitar playing, where riffs and rhythms trade
places with brilliant ease until an off the wall solo erupts in the middle. If
the previous composition was a ballbuster 'Last Laugh' ups the ante
about a hundred notches. It's similar to 'Masquerade' in approach but
opts to go down a more traditional rock'n'roll avenue. Faster paced, more
amped up, this is as fully blown of a rock song as you will ever get. The band
throws down the gauntlet and simply tear it up with no abandon. Hell bent and
they know it, so why not go out with a bang! Kind of surprisingly two ballads
have snuck into this exclusive group which is rare for being me. I'm not the
biggest fan of ballads mainly because mainstream music has ruined that format
with clichéd, sappy crap. However, when someone writes and records songs like 'Crush'
and 'Baker's Song', we're in a whole different ball game. Both are very
heartfelt love songs with lots of great harmonizing and melody, great
musicianship as well as a whole lot of oomph. Towards the end in both, Burning
Tree let their hair hang down and rock it out. Nothing brutal or anything but
enough to get some booty shaking going while still keeping the emotional aspect
vibrant. And as usual Marc plays some amazing solos.
Simply because I put these
songs in the spotlight doesn't mean you should ignore the rest because they are just
as great as the others. Play 'Burning Tree', 'Wigs, Blues And High Heeled
Shoes', 'Fly On', 'Mistreated Lover', 'Playing In The Wind', 'Same Old Story',
'Baby Blue' and 'Turtle' and you know what I mean. What still
baffles me is why the band never made it big. They had everything they needed
for it. Instead they just disappeared. I've been trying to find out why but
haven't been successful in that quest. Marc Ford found fame with The Black
Crowes; Mark Dutton is currently with Chris Robinson Brotherhood and played
with Gilby Clarke in Col. Parker and LA Guns; Doni Grey joined Izzy Stradlin And
The Ju Ju Hounds, then he joined the other version of LA Guns but has his own
band, Chromosapien, now.
If you ever find a copy of
this amazing album do not hesitate...buy it immediately! It's been long out of print so you are lucky if you find it. If you have a penchant for heavy yet
melodic 70's tinged rock, Burning Tree are right up your alley. Also there is a
live EP recorded in England
that Epic issued. Despite being called 'Live From Leeds' it was actually
recorded at The Marquee in London.
Oh well, if you find two copies of it send one to me, you hear?! Since the guys
are very active in other constellations a proper reunion is most unlikely which
is probably for the best. There was a glimmer of hope though back in 2006 when
they played some very successful "comeback shows in LA. There was talk of
a new album at that point but I guess that fizzled out. Although any waverider living
out in LA should head out to The Whisky on 12/11/2014 as the guys make a rare
appearance. Don't miss it!
- Swedebeast
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