Michael BURKS - I Smell Smoke 2003 (REPOST)

Michael BURKS - I Smell Smoke 2003 (REPOST)
Live Recording
Recorded at Ardent Studios, Memphis, Tennessee.

Blues

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. By Hal Horowitz.
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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!!!! By Bill an Mary.
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David Smith- Bass
Steve Potts- Drums, Percussion
Michael Burks- Vocals, Guitar
Ernest Williamson- Keyboards
Vasti Jackson- Guitar
Billy Gibson- Harmonica
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01. All Your Affection Is Gone    4:31  
02. One More Chance  3:41  
03. I Smell Smoke  3:49  
04. Time I Came In Out Of The Rain  6:08  
05. Hard Love  3:23  
06. Miss Mercy    4:02  
07. Let The Doorknob Hit You  5:10  
08. Lie To Me  5:20  
09. Willing To Crawl  4:14  
10. I Hope He's Worth My Pain  3:25  
11. Good Man, Bad Thing  3:55  
12. Snake Eggs    4:00
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