Singer/multi-instrumentalist Sid Hillman -- nephew of Chris Hillman of the Byrds/the Flying Burrito Brothers/Desert Rose Band fame -- is a longtime veteran of the L.A. country-rock and so-called "canyon rock" music scene. After performing as a solo artist for many years, Hillman co-founded his Sid Hillman Quartet, along with Raymond Richards of Mojave 3, in 1999. The quartet's self-titled three-song debut EP -- featuring their cover of Los Lobos' "La Pistola y La Corazon" -- was released in July 1999. In 2001, the quartet supported Mojave 3 on a sold-out tour across the U.S. and Canada, playing 22 shows in 19 cities. In the fall of that year, the Sid Hillman Quartet completed its second full-length record, Volume Two, which was released in January 2002 on Innerstate Records in the U.S. and in Europe on Evangeline Recorded Works. The LP features additional performances by L.A. friends/guest players, including guitarist/vocalist Jack Faith, pedal steel guitarist and L.A. country-rock mainstay Jaydee Maness (the Byrds, Beck, Desert Rose Band), David Coleman on cello, and Matt Devine (Possum Dixon, Medicine) on baritone guitar. The group's lineup features pedal steel guitarist Richards and a solid rhythm section comprised of bassist Jim Cheydleur and drummer Mike Taklender, with Hillman leading the pack on guitar, accordion, and lead vocals. In addition to his musical proclivities, Hillman has also appeared as an actor in numerous motion pictures, television programs, and TV commercials. ~ Bryan Thomas, Rovi
