I Smell Smoke

Michael Burks | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 17, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Alligator Records
• ASIN: B00009NJDC
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #101,609 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Greatness In The Making, June 14, 2004

By 

Bill an Mary (Crestline, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Smell Smoke (Audio CD)

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!!!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical and Soulful Blues, August 17, 2003

By 

Michael Matriotti (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Smell Smoke (Audio CD)

One of the best albums I have in my blues collection. Also one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Michael played for almost 4 hours straight with one powerful song after another. Thnak you Michael for keeping the true-blue blues alive.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The smoke you smell is your strings burning Michael!, December 21, 2004

By 

Christopher "deezer1986" (Harrison, Arkansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Smell Smoke (Audio CD)

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.