Formed in Los Angeles in the late '80s by Marc Ford (guitar and vocals), Mark Dutton (bass), and Doni Gray (drums), Burning Tree was a retro-rock power trio inspired by the classic '60s prototypes such as Cream, Taste, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. After signing with Epic Records, the group released a critically acclaimed eponymous debut in 1990, then embarked on a year-long tour including opening stints for the Black Crowes. Ironically, the Crowes would eventually ask Ford to replace departed original guitarist Jeff Cease in 1992, beginning a nine-year relationship that unfortunately ended Burning Tree's short career. Drummer Gray would go on to perform with Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds.