The Desert Rose Band - Running (1988)

This is certainly a good representation of the work the Desert Rose Band did in their prime and a project that remains a favorite. With some solid songwriting by Chris Hillman and a cover of Buck Owens' "Hello Trouble," this second release is a definitive work. With hits like "I Still Believe in You," "Summer Wind," and John Hiatt's "She Don't Love Nobody," there is nothing lacking in either performance, production, or material. Like their first release, 1987's Desert Rose Band, Running was based upon the experience of the bandmembers as musicians, songwriters, and singers who were (and continue to be) an important part of the Bakersfield-Los Angeles music community. Both Hillman and Herb Pedersen have impressive resumés that include working with the Byrds, Gram Parsons, Buck Owens, and Emmylou Harris. As for Steve Duncan, Bill Bryson, Jay Dee Maness, and John Jorgenson, each had equally brilliant backgrounds as California musicians and were recognized as such. Be it Bakersfield honky tonk, love songs, or bluegrass, the Desert Rose Band delivered. This release was followed by Pages of Love in 1989 and a greatest-hits package in 1990, A Dozen Roses/Greatest Hits. By 1992, members started leaving the band and the last American release was issued in 1993 on Curb, Life Goes On. Still, Running is the work that listeners will remember with the most affection and longing.