Although he?ll never entirely break free from the Albert King comparisons (certainly as long as he brandishes that Flying V guitar), Michael Burks? second Alligator album moves him closer to hotshot guitar slinger territor... more »y. His playing has attained an even more muscular, slightly psychedelic edge that ferociously jumps out of the mix. Almost as impressive is Burks? sand and honey voice. Like Latimore--whose "Let the Doorknob Hit You" he covers here--the Arkansas-raised guitarist is a commanding and gritty singer, naturally joining soul, R&B, and blues. He?d make a convincing vocalist even if he never played another gripping lead. But it?s his fleet-fingered attack that commands the most attention, as he torches through blistering solos like on the closing "Snake Eggs"--a stripped down showcase for guitar and Billy Gibson?s Little Walter-styled harmonica where Burks sounds menacing even without a band. The aching, slow burn gospel-laced "Lie to Me" also benefits from Burks? stunning tone that prowls and growls like a caged tiger. The combination of his singing and six-stringing talents makes Michael Burks an incendiary force and lights the fire under I Smell Smoke. --Hal Horowitz« less
Although he?ll never entirely break free from the Albert King comparisons (certainly as long as he brandishes that Flying V guitar), Michael Burks? second Alligator album moves him closer to hotshot guitar slinger territory. His playing has attained an even more muscular, slightly psychedelic edge that ferociously jumps out of the mix. Almost as impressive is Burks? sand and honey voice. Like Latimore--whose "Let the Doorknob Hit You" he covers here--the Arkansas-raised guitarist is a commanding and gritty singer, naturally joining soul, R&B, and blues. He?d make a convincing vocalist even if he never played another gripping lead. But it?s his fleet-fingered attack that commands the most attention, as he torches through blistering solos like on the closing "Snake Eggs"--a stripped down showcase for guitar and Billy Gibson?s Little Walter-styled harmonica where Burks sounds menacing even without a band. The aching, slow burn gospel-laced "Lie to Me" also benefits from Burks? stunning tone that prowls and growls like a caged tiger. The combination of his singing and six-stringing talents makes Michael Burks an incendiary force and lights the fire under I Smell Smoke. --Hal Horowitz
CD Reviews
Greatness In The Making
Bill an Mary | Crestline, OH USA | 06/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael Burks and the band are a hard working group that produced a recording or should we say recordings that show what hard work and devotion will do when you give all you have. It is obvious that Michael puts his soul into his music. He plays a guitar with such a force that is hard to believe anyone can compare him to other blues guitarists because he plays a flying V although he has been compared to Albert King by some. Time will tell that Michael Burks cannot be compared to anyone except MICHAEL BURKS. He sings with such a deep silky voice that only experience can produce. When he sings (I Hope He's Worth My Pain) it seems he is singing about a life experience and makes you feel some of your own experiences. (Lie To Me) is another song that Michael sings that shows the intensity of his experiences and lets you know you are not alone in the world of pain. It is obvious that band members are behind Michael as they seem to play with the same intensity. This is Michaels 3rd CD and so far each new one has been better than the last. Michael and the band get better with each CD and we can only expect the next to be the best. So I Smell Smoke!!!!"
The smoke you smell is your strings burning Michael!
Christopher | Harrison, Arkansas | 12/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! Michael Burks is quite a talent. And this cd has quickly become one of my favorites. Great songs, great guitar playing, and great singing from this blues beast. Here he gets funky with songs like "One More Chance", just plain rocks out with songs like "All Your Affection Is Gone," and slows it down with songs like "Time I Came In Out Of The Rain." Michael's voice reminds me so much of Albert King's, but it's not in a copying sort of way, it's just that he has that honey and smoke vocal style. And on the the way it's recorded: you know, things change. The recording equipment around today is just a lot better. It captures things more clearly. I really like the sound of this album, and it's one I know I'll be listening to for a long time."
Almost as good as live!
HilfyChanur | Elkhart, IN United States | 04/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"--A talented guitarist who knows when _not_ to play. An amazing range, from the dirty I-IV-V blues of "Snake Eggs," to the gritty funk on "Miss Mercy," not to mention the wryly sung "Let the door knob hit you" ("where the good Lord split you," is the rest.) I saw the man live in '03, and was pleasantly surprised by this album; not everyone with that kind of passion on stage can also find it in the studio, but he does. Only fans of monotony need not apply."
+1/2
jerdon69 | Atlanta, GA | 07/30/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is more like it. Too many blues people are going the way of the dinosaurs. Michael once again gives me hope that there are true blues artists out there. If you have been happy with his other albums then you have to get this one. It rocks your soul down to your last blues."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1