Kindling And Beyond

Recorded between multi instrumentalist Gene Parsons’ membership of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, his 1973 debut solo album "Kindling" is a country rock and bluegrass classic that also features his friend and fellow ex-Byrd Clarence White on several tracks. Parsons demonstrates his versatility by contributing guitar, banjo, pedal steel, harmonica, bass and drums.

Acclaimed author of 'Are You Ready For The Country', Peter Doggett has written the notes for this forthcoming box and describes "Kindling" as 'a joyous collection of bluegrass and country tinged songwriting on which its star demonstrated a dazzling multi instrumental virtuosity'.

This 5 CD set is an essential release for Byrds and country rock fans and also includes Parsons’ 2nd solo album, "Melodies", from 1979, an entirely solo live recording "I Hope They Let Us In" that spanned his entire career including versions of Byrds’ favourites "Gunga Din" and "Bugler", plus a batch of mainly unissued 1980's studio recordings that were planned for his 3rd solo album, and fantastic live recordings by the Gene Parsons Band.

Gene Parsons played in the band Nashville West with Clarence White before they both joined The Byrds and the pair invented the StringBender in 1967 that changes the pitch of the B string on a guitar to create a pedal steel sound. They played together on The Byrds’ "Dr Byrds And Mr Hyde" in 1969, "The Ballad Of Easy Rider" in 1969, "(Untitled)" in 1970, "Byrdmaniax" in 1971 and "Farther Along" in 1971.

Parsons’ solo album "Kindling" in 1973 also features White. When White died in July 1973 after being hit by a drunk driver, Parsons was devastated and a tour to promote "Kindling" was cancelled and the album initially fell under the radar. Parsons joined The Flying Burrito Brothers and played on their "Flying Again" in 1975 and "Airborne" in 1976, before reverting to a solo career with "Melodies".

CD 1 of this box includes Parsons’ 2 solo studio albums "Kindling" and "Melodies", CD 2 includes the entirely solo live recording "I Hope They Let Us In", CDs 3, 4 and 5 feature live recordings with the Gene Parsons Band, and CD 5 is completed with 1980's studio demos for a 3rd solo album.

Cherry Red and Strawberry Records, February 20th, 2026.