HOME |
DINING |
MOVIES |
LIVE SHOWS |
ARTS |
UPCOMING EVENTS
ARCHIVES |
ABOUT |
ADVERTISE |
CONTACT |
DISTRIBUTION
entertaining u newspaper: your weekly guide to entertainment
<<
Tab Benoit
|
Main
|
Mary Karlzen
>>
|
|
|
by rick grant
rickgrant01@comcast.net
Michael Burks is an excellent example of how a talented singer/songwriter working in the blues medium can achieve widespread popularity by dogged determination and hard work. Michael employs a big bold funky sound, showcasing his powerful voice and stunning guitar chops. Remarkably, Michael’s sound is a fusion of blues, rock, and funky-ol’-soul. He writes songs that crossover into most popular genres, but his underlying passion comes from his deep blues roots. It permeates his soulful presentation.
|
|
In 2000, Michael was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award for Best New Artist, which was ironic since Michael has been on the road paying dues for many years. His festival performances at Springing the Blues and The King Biscuit Festival in Helena, Arkansas skyrocketed Michael to the top of the blues heap.
Indeed, Michael has always been one of my favorite blues artists. I recently downloaded his latest album, I Smell Fire (Alligator Records) from my Rhapsody site. Prior to chatting with Michael at his Little Rock, Arkansas home last Wednesday, I had been riding around in my car listening to Fire and digging every song, especially the title cut which alludes to romantic skulduggery. “I smell fire ‘cause you’ve been burning me behind my back.” Just about every genre of soul and blues is represented in the twelve cuts on this album, distilled into Michael’s distinctive style.
“You know there is a variety of blues–modern blues, traditional blues, blues-rock, back porch blues, etc. Of course, I like them all and I try to record an eclectic selection of songs that crossover yet retain the blues energy and sound. We tour relentlessly all year round–350 dates a year or more. I try to get home during short lulls in the schedule. I really believe in taking my music directly to the people so I can interact with my fans and people who have never seen me perform. As I go back to venues year after year, I see new fans and old fans alike. It’s what I live for, and I love playing live. You know I never get tired of doing this, and I just need a few days off and I’m ready to rock again.”
“Presently I’m in the preliminary stages of recording another album for Alligator. The last two were recorded in Memphis, Tennessee. However, l’ve decided to record the new album here in Little Rock, Arkansas. I have the songs written and the band members are ready, so we are about to go into the studio to record. Yeah, the studio is one thing, but I’m already itching to get back out on the road and play live. Right now my daughter is on spring break and I have my grandchild with me and she is a trip. I’m lucky to have a supportive family who go with the flow and allow me to do what is necessary to further my career,” Michael said.
Michael is a ball of unstoppable energy who spreads the love of blues across the land. His roots run deep into Mississippi Delta blues, but he has an ear for the old soul music, which he incorporates into his original sound. Michael’s guitar playing is never cliche. He has a million tricks up his sleeve and his improvisation is very innovative, infused with intelligently developed spontaneous ideas based on his vast experience and advanced technique.
Michael will be headlining the George’s Music Springing The Blues Friday night lineup on April 6th at 8:30 pm. Don’t miss his show. Michael gets his audience pumped with his boundless stage energy and flamboyant performing style. When I think of a modern blues artists, I immediately think of Michael Burks. He leaves audiences begging for more. And that’s why he is at the top of the blues genre.
|
|
