Tyler Burnett - The History of the Band

About Tyler Burnett
Way back in the early 1970’s, two young men both bearing the name of Bob Brown began a life long friendship that included the formation of a progressive Jazz-Rock band known as d’club la peach. In the 1980’s, they recorded an original song entitled Cuba La Ruba which appeared on the Montana Gold album and received widespread airplay in the region. Now, years later, their sons Stephen Tyler Brown and Parker Burnett Brown have joined together to form Tyler Burnett. Although the boys were acquainted with each other over the years, Parker was raised in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho, and Stephen grew up in Billings, Montana. While attending school at Montana State University in Billings, they were reunited in the school jazz band where Parker played String Bass and Stephen played guitar and percussion. In later years of study they met now drummer Pat “wizard” Epley. They quickly became friends and determined to put their musical talents to work in the form of songwriting and performing on a full-time basis. Stephen, Parker, and Pat are all in their early twenties, single, and make their homes in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.

Vocalist/guitarist/bassist Stephen Brown, Drummer Pat "veal" Epley, and lead guitarist Parker Brown started writing songs together in an off shoot group named "RollerCoaster Thompson”. The struggle to keep this side project going in addition to their main commitments: Loopian Zu (Pat) and Tyler Burnett Band (Steve and Parker) caused them to go their separate ways. One of the songs on Tyler Burnett’s new demo (“Love Something”) was written in the context of “RollerCoaster Thompson” and later was recorded by Tyler Burnett at Studio 23 in Nashville, TN. The song was placed with another Tyler Burnett song: (It’s Alright) on a compilation album “Shot O’ Gold” produced by SamCyn records.

Gaining writing experience from their groups, Parker and Steve started writing more songs together and soon incorporated Pat into the mix as an experiment: “Tyler Burnett Trio”. The project worked and the boys got a steady gig playing Wednesday nights at The Railyard. Tyler Burnett recorded their first demo together in Steve's father’s basement, rightfully dubbed "Dump Studios," and had their demo mixed and mastered by a gracious friend, Sean Lynch of the 1090 club (myspacemusic) (SideCho Records). The music on this demo is a very palatable mix of rock, blues, jazz/soul, and country. The Trio wanted to capture the emotion and excitement of their live performances so they decided to make this demo live to reflect that sound.

Parker and Steve grew up listening to their dads play music in various bands together (De club la Peach and The Floyds etc.) which makes their dads major influences on their music. Pat's dad sings and plays guitar and so does his brother Brian Epely (leader of the band Loopian Zu. Pat has always looked up to his brother musically and at the age of twelve decided that instead of being a football analist for the NFL he would follow in his brother’s footsteps. As Pat progressed in his playing, his brother would let him in on more and more jams until they started Loopian ZU together.

Parker and Steve were always friends but really hit it off one summer when Parker was visiting Billings, Montana from Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. The two started jamming with Steve on Drums and Parker on guitar and built a solid friendship out of music at an early age. Every time Parker would visit they would play new songs that they had learned over the years. Steve would soon pursue guitar and take vocal lessons in High School, while Parker focused on theory and got into a bit of Jazz trouble.

In 2002, Steve persuaded Parker to move to billings and they went to school together and played in church worship band at a local church. They ended up starting a "Christian Rock" band (Goose) until members grew apart. This is why some of the music has spiritual connotations.

Feeling disenchanted with “Church Life” Steve and Parker started a rock/blues band (Tyler Burnett Band) with Steve's dad, Bob Brown and longtime family friend and Drummer Pat Rogers (played in bands with the dads also.) The Tyler Burnett Band set out on the Billings music scene playing at the Yellowstone Valley Brewing Company for free beer and fun.

In 2005 the Tyler Burnett Band was asked to play the Magic City Blues festival. Getting a taste for the big stage and opening up for Keb Mo and the North Mississippi All-stars, was a dream come true. Tyler Burnett band was then asked to headline a city-wide Magic City Blues sponsored New Year’s Eve Party at the Shrine Auditorium. Tyler Burnett Band will be opening up for The Black Crowes and Sista Monica at the Magic City Blues festival this August.

Following the Magic City Blues Festival and one more performance at The Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co. in August, the Tyler Burnett Band will meld with Tyler Burnett Trio to form Tyler Burnett (Pat “Dijon” Epley, Parker Brown and Stephen Brown). This new incarnation of Tyler Burnett will be hitting the road regionally and into the northwestern United States this fall and winter.

	Our new EP Tyler Burnett
	Our first CD "There You Go"