The opportunity to review the new album by Michael Burks is, for me at least, a bittersweet one. Being an immense fan of the guitar-driven blues the Southern Delta Region has long been famous for, when this Louisiana boy found himself moving to Arkansas nearly nine years ago, it wasn't long before I started looking for local musicians who fit that bill. When I did so, thanks to a suggestion from a local record shop, I found the music of Burks and it was love at first guitar lick.
The first of his albums I purchased was called, appropriately enough, Make It Rain. And, boy did he. Burks and his wonderful guitar made music rain down upon my ears and I fell in love with it. From there, I found his original independent release, From the Inside Out and the other two of his three releases on Alligator Records after Make It Rain which were I Smell Smoke and Iron Man.
It is no hyperbole when I tell you I love every album.
Maybe that is why in May of this year, seeing the news that Burks had passed away hit me so hard. On his way back home to Little Rock, Arkansas, after a very successful tour of Europe, he had a heart attack and died between connecting flights in Atlanta, Georgia. He was only 54.
I think perhaps part of the sadness I felt was the realization that there would be no more music from this man and his wonderful guitar. Much like another guitar hero of mine, Stevie Ray Vaughan, an early death had robbed the world of wonderful music.
What I did not know then was that before he had left to go on tour in Europe, Burks had been working on the new album, now his new and final CD, Show of Strength.
Without a doubt, it is not only my favorite Michael Burks album, but in fact one of the best blues albums I have heard in the past 15 years. Perhaps it has something to do with my knowing that the man has passed away, but I am not so sure. There is just an inherent and earthy wonderfulness to this album that I think, on its own, manages to rise above the circumstances of its release.
From the striking guitar licks that open the album with the song, "Count on You," there is not a wasted note or moment on this album. Burks is on guitar and vocals, Wayne Sharp on organ piano, Terrance Grayson on bass, and Chuck "Popcorn" Lauden on drums. Together, they have created a posthumous masterpiece.
Article comments
1 - Nancy Smith Mazza
Listening to the blues by Michael Burks is truly wonderful... seeing Michael Burks live in a quaint historical blues club "Darwins" in Marietta GA, was a transcendant experience that spoiled us. Just reminisching about it gives me chills. We will forever be indebted for his generous performance to the several dozen that stood slackjawed before this masterclass performer/artist. Upon learning of his death here in GA, we were dumbfounded as well that another out of world talent was taked too early. His legacy lives through fans like us who love the blues and will keep supporting the local clubs and artists, many of whom we encourage to listen to Burks. With that we are eager to hear SHOW OF STRENGTH and keep our blues alive. We thank you for the insightful view of this man and his body of work.
2 - Michael Jones
Thank you for the kind words, Nancy. Any insightful comments were strictly accidental as I'm well aware I'm a giant goofball, but I truly love Burks and his music so maybe even a goofball gets it right once in a while.
I can promise you that you will love "Show of Strength" when it comes out. Instantly.
3 - Michael Jones
I see I've made a mistake in my review.. the release is scheduled for the 21st and not the 27th. My apologies! BUT.. this means we can all enjoy this album a week sooner!