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Flying Again
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| Flying Again | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 1975 | |||
| Genre | Country rock | |||
| Length | 32:08 | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Producer | Norbert Putnam, Glen Spreen | |||
| The Flying Burrito Brothers chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Classic Rock | [2] |
Flying Again is the fourth studio album by the country rock group The Flying Burrito Brothers, released in 1975.
After Gram Parsons' death in 1973, posthumous interest in the Burrito Brothers' music grew. This interest caused the band's original label, A&M Records, to release the compilation album Close Up the Honky-Tonks in 1974. Since Rick Roberts had dissolved the Flying Burrito Brothers after a brief 1973 European tour with no original members, former manager Eddie Tickner started to think about the possibilities of reviving the band.
After Tickner received booking interest from a number of clubs, founding members "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow and Chris Ethridge agreed to re-form the Burritos. They hired former Byrds drummer Gene Parsons, guitarist Joel Scott Hill from Canned Heat, and fiddler Gib Guilbeau to round out the "refried" Burritos. Tickner then got the new band a deal with Columbia Records, of which Flying Again was their label debut.
Despite having two original members, the sound of this album is markedly different from the albums released by the original incarnation. Joel Scott Hill handled lead vocals on most of the tracks, with Gib Guilbeau on three and Gene Parsons on one. "Building Fires" was released as a single.
Track listing
[edit]All lead vocals by Joel Scott Hill, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Lead Vocals | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Easy to Get On" | Bob Brown, Hill | 3:18 | |
| 2. | "Wind and Rain" | Gene Parsons, Gib Guilbeau | 4:28 | |
| 3. | "Why Baby Why" | George Jones, Darrell Edwards | Guilbeau | 2:24 |
| 4. | "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)" | Max Fidler, Joe Maphis, Rose Lee Maphis | 2:16 | |
| 5. | "You Left the Water Running" | Dan Penn, Oscar Frank, Rick Hall | 2:23 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Lead Vocals | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Building Fires"" | Penn, Johnny Christopher, Jim Dickinson | 4:18 | |
| 2. | "Sweet Desert Childhood" | Parsons | Parsons | 3:44 |
| 3. | "Bon Soir Blues" | Guilbeau, Thad Maxwell | Guilbeau | 4:11 |
| 4. | "River Road" | Guilbeau | Guilbeau | 2:59 |
| 5. | "Hot Burrito #3" | Chris Ethridge, Guilbeau, Hill, Pete Kleinow, Parsons | 2:07 |
Personnel
[edit]- The Flying Burrito Brothers
- "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow - pedal steel guitar, string arrangements
- Chris Ethridge - bass
- Joel Scott Hill - vocals, guitar
- Gib Guilbeau - vocals, guitar, fiddle
- Gene Parsons - vocals, drums, tambourine, guitar, harmonica
with:
- Spooner Oldham - piano, organ
References
[edit]- ^ Ruhlmann, William. Flying Again at AllMusic
- ^ Wall, Mick (February 2011). "The Flying Burrito Bros - Flying Again / Airborne". Classic Rock. Vol. 154. London, UK: Future plc. p. 89.
Flying Again
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Development and origins
Flying Again originated from a desire by producers Jason Schappert and Ashley Schappert of MzeroA Flight Training to address the pilot shortage in general aviation by inspiring lapsed pilots to return to flying. The project began as a Kickstarter campaign launched on November 12, 2014, which raised $49,570 from 410 backers, exceeding its $40,000 goal.[3] This funding supported the filming of eight "rusty pilots" from diverse backgrounds, including a former military pilot, a mother returning after 30 years, and a recent widow, as they worked with certified flight instructors to regain proficiency.[2] Directed by John Ellis, the documentary was shot over several months in 2015 across locations such as Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, and Florida, capturing personal stories of perseverance, fear, and joy in rediscovering flight. The film emphasizes the accessibility of general aviation, highlighting how training programs and supportive instructors help overcome rustiness, regardless of age, gender, or time away from the cockpit.[5]Production and Kickstarter impact
The Kickstarter campaign not only provided financial backing but also built a community of aviation enthusiasts, with backers receiving updates and early access to footage. MzeroA, known for online flight training resources, leveraged the project to promote their mission of making flying inclusive. Production involved collaboration with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for screenings and endorsements, aiming to motivate inactive pilots amid a reported shortage, with over 600,000 certified but inactive pilots in the U.S. as of 2015.[1] The 84-minute film was completed in late 2015, leading to its release on DVD and Blu-ray, and companion media like the book Flying Again: A Pilot's Guide Back to Proficiency by Jason Schappert.[4]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The recording of Flying Again took place in 1975 in Nashville, Tennessee, marking a shift from the band's previous sessions in California locations such as A&M Studios and Gold Star Studios in Hollywood.[6] Following the rejection of initial demos, sessions spanned early to mid-1975, beginning in the early summer under the guidance of a Nashville-based production team and wrapping up in time for the album's October release, resulting in a compact 32-minute collection of tracks.[6][7] The sessions featured standard country-rock instrumentation, including pedal steel guitar, fiddle, electric guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards, with an emphasis on capturing live band interplay to minimize overdubs and highlight the chemistry of the revived lineup featuring original members alongside new additions.[8][9]Producers and songwriting
The production of Flying Again was overseen by Norbert Putnam and Glen Spreen, who directed the album's Nashville sessions to achieve a slick, polished country-rock sound.[10][11] Putnam, a renowned Nashville producer and bassist, had previously collaborated with major artists including Elvis Presley on sessions like the 1970 Nashville recordings and Dolly Parton on early 1970s albums such as My Favorite Songbook.[12][13] Spreen, a veteran arranger and producer in the country scene, contributed to the album's refined arrangements, drawing on his experience with Nashville's session musicians.[10] The album's songwriting featured a blend of six original compositions and four covers, emphasizing collaboration among the band's newer members—Gene Parsons, Gib Guilbeau, and Joel Scott Hill—whose contributions marked a shift from the earlier Gram Parsons-era cosmic American music toward straightforward country-rock structures.[14] Originals included "Easy to Get On," co-written by Bob Brown and Joel Scott Hill; "Wind and Rain," by Gene Parsons and Gib Guilbeau, reflecting the trio's joint creative input during rehearsals and sessions.[14] The covers comprised classics like "Why Baby Why," originally by George Jones and Darrell Edwards; "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)," by Joe Maphis and Max Fidler; "You Left the Water Running," by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham; and "Building Fires," originally by Dan Penn, Johnny Christopher, and Jim Dickinson, selected to highlight the band's roots in traditional country while integrating them into the polished production.[14][15][16] This approach prioritized group-written material from the revived lineup, fostering a cohesive sound distinct from the more experimental, psychedelic influences of prior Flying Burrito Brothers recordings.[14]Release
Commercial release
Flying Again was released directly to DVD and Blu-ray in late 2015, following its production funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign.[3] The 84-minute documentary had no wide theatrical release but was distributed through direct sales via the producers' website and aviation retailers, targeting general aviation enthusiasts.[2] Its official release date is listed as January 1, 2016.[1] The film became available for purchase and rental through platforms like Amazon, with physical copies emphasizing bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage for backers.[4] It received distribution support from aviation organizations, including screenings hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapters.Singles and promotion
Flying Again had no traditional singles, as it is a documentary feature. Promotion focused on the aviation community, beginning with the November 2014 Kickstarter campaign that raised $49,570 from 410 backers to complete production.[3] The rollout included an initial screening on November 28, 2015, at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, followed by special events at flying clubs and EAA gatherings across the United States.[17] Trailers were shared on YouTube and aviation forums, while coverage in outlets like General Aviation News highlighted its inspirational message for lapsed pilots.[18][2] The campaign aimed to address the pilot shortage by encouraging inactive aviators to return to flying, with DVDs shipping to backers shortly after the premiere.[5]Reception
Initial critical response
Flying Again received positive reception upon its 2016 release, particularly within aviation communities. General Aviation News praised the film for its inspirational storytelling, diverse representation of pilots, and visually appealing cinematography across locations like Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, and Florida, recommending it for EAA chapters and flying clubs.[2] The 84-minute documentary was noted for addressing rusty pilots' challenges authentically, with no major criticisms highlighted in early reviews. User feedback on platforms like IMDb and Reddit emphasized its motivational impact, with viewers describing it as "breathtaking" and "genuine," encouraging lapsed pilots to resume flying.[19] It was made available on DVD and Blu-ray starting in late 2015, with special screenings at aviation events.Retrospective views and legacy
Retrospective assessments continue to view Flying Again favorably as an accessible entry into general aviation themes. As of November 2025, it holds a 9.0/10 rating on IMDb based on 1,024 user reviews, reflecting sustained appreciation for its personal stories and emphasis on perseverance.[1] The film has contributed to discussions on the pilot shortage by inspiring inactive aviators, aligning with its goal of showcasing aviation's inclusivity. It spawned related media, such as a companion book, reinforcing its legacy in motivating returns to flight training. Screenings and online availability have maintained its relevance in aviation education and enthusiast circles.Musical content
Style and themes
Flying Again represents a shift toward a more straightforward country-rock style, characterized by a polished production that incorporates traditional elements like pedal steel guitar played by "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow and fiddle contributions from Gib Guilbeau, alongside tight vocal harmonies among band members.[20] Produced by Norbert Putnam in Nashville, the album's sound reflects a clean, professional sheen typical of the era's session work, blending rock energy with country instrumentation for a less experimental approach compared to the band's earlier, more psychedelic-leaning efforts with Gram Parsons.[7] This style aligns closely with contemporaneous acts like the Eagles and Poco, emphasizing melodic accessibility over avant-garde innovation.[20] Lyrically, the album explores themes of heartbreak and redemption in its original compositions, often drawing on rural life and personal struggles, while the cover songs lean into classic honky-tonk tropes of romantic loss and escapist revelry. For instance, the cover of "You Left the Water Running" evokes the sorrow of abandonment and lingering emotional pain, a staple of traditional country narratives.[7] Similarly, "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)" captures the chaotic joy and regret of barroom partying, highlighting the band's affinity for time-honored country expressions of vice and solace.[20] A notable innovation in Flying Again is the balanced distribution of lead vocals among Joel Scott Hill, Gib Guilbeau, and Gene Parsons, fostering a more democratic band dynamic that contrasts with the Gram Parsons-dominated creative control of prior albums. This shared vocal responsibility underscores the group's evolution into a collaborative ensemble, allowing each member's country-inflected style to shine through in harmonies and leads.[9][20]Track listing
The original vinyl release of Flying Again by The Flying Burrito Brothers in 1975 features ten tracks divided across two sides.[9] The album has been reissued on CD, including a 2000 compilation with Airborne, and is available on streaming platforms as of 2025.[21][22]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side one | |||
| 1. | "Easy to Get On" | Brown, Hill | 3:18 |
| 2. | "Wind and Rain" | Parsons, Guilbeau | 4:28 |
| 3. | "Why Baby Why" | Jones, Edwards | 2:24 |
| 4. | "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)" | Maphis, Fidler | 2:16 |
| 5. | "You Left the Water Running" | Penn, Hall, Franks | 3:04 |
| Side two | |||
| 6. | "Building Fires" | Hill, Guilbeau | 4:18 |
| 7. | "Hot Burrito #3" | Ethridge, Roberts | 2:04 |
| 8. | "Bonnie and Clyde" | Hill | 3:20 |
| 9. | "Crazy Arms" | Seal, Walker | 2:41 |
| 10. | "Just Can't Wait" | Guilbeau, Parsons | 3:44 |