(Southern Rock) Burning Tree - Burning Tree - 1990, APE (image+.cue) lossless

Burning Tree was a rock power trio from Los Angeles, California. The band performed from the late 1980s to 1990.

The band was officially started in 1987 by guitarist Marc Ford and drummer Doni Gray and were soon joined by bassist Mark 'Muddy' Dutton to complete the three piece but not before trying half a dozen bass players including Jay Bentley from Bad Religion. Doni Gray and Mark Dutton had already been playing the local L.A. scene in a band called The March and shortly after, Gray got together with Marc Ford and started a small buzz in L. A. and Orange County playing in a band called Citadel, so the synergy between the three was present from the very beginning.

The band secured a residency at the Coconut Teaszer in Hollywood (one of the better clubs to be seen playing in at the time) from 1988-89. By the end of that year they landed a recording contract with a major label (Epic Records).

The release of their self titled debut album was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and fans alike. However, for reasons that remain unknown, Burning Tree's destiny would not allow them to fulfill their contractual obligations and no further recordings followed.

Marc Ford joined the Black Crowes and is presently pursuing a solo career. Doni Gray recorded an album with Izzy Stradlin & The JuJu Hounds and later started God's Hotel with Spike Gray (London Quireboys) and Ted Hutt (Reacharound) and now has his own band Chromosapien. Mark 'Muddy' Dutton recorded and toured with Gilby Clarke in Col. Parker as well as with L. A. Guns. At present, Dutton has formed the group Up The Dose and has become quite an accomplished record producer.

By Paul Watson (Ireland) - Amazon
This review is from: Burning Tree (Audio CD)
Burning Tree came bursting onto the music scene in the late 80s and sadly only managed to release this, their self titled debut. Comprising Guitarist/Vocalist Marc Ford, Bassist/Vocalist Mark Dutton and Drummer/Vocalist Doni Gray, the trio toured England a couple of times, and I was fortunate to see and meet them twice at the Marquee Club and The Borderline Club. Both performances were exceptional, and at the Borderline gig, were joined by Dogs D'Amour members Tyla and Bam Bam for "Mistreated Lover". Burning Trees's music is indeed retro and the obvious influences are the two most memorable trios ever (Hendrix and Cream). Dutton and Ford share the vocals, but Gray's sole contribution on "Baker's Song" is a delight. Other standout tracks are Fly on,Burning Tree,Last Laugh, Playing in the wind and Masquerade. The break-up of the band resulted in Marc Ford joining Black Crowes as Rich Robinson's deputy guitarist. Why they never let him sing, I don't know. Marc has also released a Solo Album "Its about time" which would be described as a Country Rock Album. It is well worth looking into as well. Marc has also played regularly with Government Mule as well, and is known to take the lead vocals on Neil Youngs "Cortez the Killer". Great sound, great feel: A great Album. Sadly, there is little chance of a reunion, as they never really gained that much attention in the 1st place

FOOTNOTE: Marc Fords latest release WEARY AND WIRED actually does feature Dutton and Gray, so there IS still hope on a second Tree Album. Fingers crossed

Doni Gray - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Marc Ford - Guitars, Piano, Vocals
Mark Dutton - Bass, Piano, Vocals