PARSONS, Gene The Kindling Collection (CD)

(Sierra Records) 22 tracks

A former member of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Gene Parsons couldn't have had a more confusing name. He's no relation to Gram, but judging by KINDLING, the album he recorded between stints in those legendary groups, his ear for country-rock is just as strong as that of his more famous predecessor. Released in 1973 by Warner Bros. and produced by Russ Titelman, the collection is a tour de force for Parsons, who wrote most of the material (including such great tracks as “Monument” and “I Must Be a Tree”), sings and plays drums and numerous stringed instruments beautifully. He's joined by several stellar guests, including Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne, former Byrd bandmate Clarence White on guitar, and tenor singer Ralph Stanley, who adds to the bluegrass flavor of this set. If you love roots or Americana sounds, you should give KINDLING a listen, and we'll be putting it on again to wish Parsons a happy 75th birthday.