'free little bird' review(s):
ReviewFree Little Bird liner notes To my mind, the best music always comes as somewhat a surprise. I have known the music of Marie Burns and her sisters for several years, and as much as I enjoy what they have done I have always heard them as one voice. Of course that is not really fair since from the beginning they have all been soloists, but with this album, Marie gets to take center stage all alone. I like music that is not folk, not rock, not country, not pop, but either all of the above or none of the above. Marie seems to agree. From the opening "Dance With The Gypsies", from renowned Oklahoma songwriter Bob Childers to her own wonderful closing song, "Comfort From The Cold", this is a recording that is heartfelt, sensuous and born from years of turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Songs of life and songs of love, both realized and unrequited, these fifteen songs prove that Marie Burns belongs up there with our very best vocalists - and songwriters. "River of Sorrow" shows how much she loves old time country, while on the other hand songs such as "Just One Night" celebrate a natural sexuality and yearning you rarely hear in folk music circles. But of course Marie Burns is not a folksinger, no matter hoe many clubs, festivals and coffeehouses she may play. And thank god for that!! Ok, "Just One Night" is playing again and I am gonna go close my eyes for a while until "Dancing In The Moonlight" wakes me from the dream and makes me glad I have this great music to keep me company. Greg Johnson The Blue Door Oklahoma City After years of performing and recording with the Woodshed All-Stars, Southern Tears, and the Burns Sisters, Marie Burns finally steps out on her own with a solo CD that neatly summarizes her influences in country, old time, folk and pop. Her pliable, airy voice easily winds its way through the mix of originals and well-chosen covers, including songs from Hazel Dickens, Bob Childers and Fred Eaglesmith. Marie's daughter, Anna Burns Lashley, makes her recording debut on "New Kind Of Old Fashioned Girl", proving that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. It may have been a long time in the making, but "Free Little Bird" definitely was worth the wait. Jim Catalano Ithaca Journal source: Homepage |
