Biography
Multi-instrumentalist Gene Parsons and fiddler Gib Guilbeau first connected with guitarist Clarence White during a mid-1960s Gosdin Brothers session produced by the Byrds' Chris Hillman. The encounter led the three musicians to operate as the house band for Bakersfield International Productions, supporting country artists while also composing and playing together in shifting lineups ahead of the formation of Nashville West. Around the same time Parsons and White created the Stringbender, a device that let White generate steel-guitar phrases on his Fender Telecaster.
Bassist Wayne Moore, another Castaways alumnus, completed the quartet in 1967, and the group took its name from the California venue where it held a residency. Occasional guests included Gram Parsons and future Flying Burrito Brother Sneaky Pete Kleinow. The band dissolved in 1968 when Gram Parsons left the Byrds and Clarence White was recruited as his replacement; White had already appeared on three Byrds albums, most significantly the landmark Sweetheart of the Rodeo. At White's recommendation Gene Parsons replaced drummer Kevin Kelley. Chris Hillman soon departed to launch the Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons. Although White and Parsons were invited to join the Burritos, they remained with Roger McGuinn in the Byrds. The 1969 release Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde contained White's signature instrumental "Nashville West," titled after the band in which the piece originated.
In July 1973 Clarence White was fatally struck by a drunk driver while loading equipment after a re-formed Kentucky Colonels performance that included his brothers in Palmdale, CA. Guilbeau later worked with Linda Ronstadt, joined Swampwater, and formed Cold Steel with Sneaky Pete Kleinow. In 1974 Guilbeau and Gene Parsons both entered a later edition of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Ten years after the group's breakup, Sierra Records issued its only album, a self-titled set captured live at the Nashville West club on a two-track recorder that Gene Parsons had connected to the venue's sound system and microphones. The recording stands as a key document in country-rock history. It was reissued on CD in 1997 and again in 2009, each time with additional tracks.
Bassist Wayne Moore, another Castaways alumnus, completed the quartet in 1967, and the group took its name from the California venue where it held a residency. Occasional guests included Gram Parsons and future Flying Burrito Brother Sneaky Pete Kleinow. The band dissolved in 1968 when Gram Parsons left the Byrds and Clarence White was recruited as his replacement; White had already appeared on three Byrds albums, most significantly the landmark Sweetheart of the Rodeo. At White's recommendation Gene Parsons replaced drummer Kevin Kelley. Chris Hillman soon departed to launch the Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons. Although White and Parsons were invited to join the Burritos, they remained with Roger McGuinn in the Byrds. The 1969 release Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde contained White's signature instrumental "Nashville West," titled after the band in which the piece originated.
In July 1973 Clarence White was fatally struck by a drunk driver while loading equipment after a re-formed Kentucky Colonels performance that included his brothers in Palmdale, CA. Guilbeau later worked with Linda Ronstadt, joined Swampwater, and formed Cold Steel with Sneaky Pete Kleinow. In 1974 Guilbeau and Gene Parsons both entered a later edition of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Ten years after the group's breakup, Sierra Records issued its only album, a self-titled set captured live at the Nashville West club on a two-track recorder that Gene Parsons had connected to the venue's sound system and microphones. The recording stands as a key document in country-rock history. It was reissued on CD in 1997 and again in 2009, each time with additional tracks.
Albums