Customer Reviews

I Smell Smoke

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!!!!

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.

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.

--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.

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.

I had a chance to see Michael Burks live this week with his band. The Band I am in, ([...]), played a Blues Festival in Little Rock. Great bands were there with a great mix of Blues stylings. Then this big dude shows up at the end. Turned out to be Michael Burks.
Once he took the stage and cut loose, it was incredible. Every member of his band was stellar. Including the grey-haired guitarist in the band with him. His set was smokin' from start to finish! A story of a "home town boy makes good"! If you haven't seen him, DO! If you don't have his stuff, BUY IT! His style is certainly not unlike Albert King, but just as there was only one Albert King, after you listen to his music, you will know there is only ONE Michael Burks!

I have had this since it first came out, not bad Mr. Burks. This I think leans more toward rock than blues. The CD (Make It Rain) I think is better, but I am more into blues than rock. His vocals and stinging guitar are excellent, but I find the songs to be forgettable. There is something missing and I can't quite put my finger on it, I guess it might be the fact that (Make It Rain) had stronger songs. This is just my opinion, so this review is so you have some more thoughts on this CD before you buy.

I recently had the best experience with Mr. Burks on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise this January and I know he played alot of these songs and I just loved him. I didn't miss one of his performances thru out the week. I hope to see him again real soon, so I can hear him play like the wind. He has magic in his hands and voice and I wish him the best of luck.

Outstanding follow-up to Make It Rain. Took a long time to release, but well worth the wait ... and if you can see Michael live, you're in for the treat of your life, guaranteed!

It just doesn't get better than Michael Burks. A fantastic album for anybody into the blues.