Mary K Burke Singer -Songwriter-Guitarist -Rec-artist-composer..............

“A Song In Her Heart”, debut release by Mary Kathleen Burke (Greentrax, 2008)

  by CHRIS HOLMES

“I was a bit tearful when I heard the playback of the song I wrote when I was 19 and homesick” said Mary Kathleen Burke, during the recording of her album, a mixture of self-penned material and “other songs”; the latter including an outstanding interpretation of Donavan’s ‘Catch The Wind’.

  Sometimes a songwriter can be too smart for their own good, but this singer and musician knows when to keep it simple. The technical ability on guitar is as clear as the voice. But rhythm, harmony and lyrics don’t need to show off, and here is the proof.

 

  There is a positive wave of romance throughout the album. ‘James’ has a hint of Paris about it. ‘Give Me Time’ is undeniably and hypnotically ‘Celtic’, whilst the track ‘My Scotsman and Thee’ deals with the perennial ‘Exile’ theme of many an Irish ballad, but with raw honesty and a twist in the tale.

  The romantic spirit coursing through this album never threatens to rise up and swamp the songs. There is a much subtler groove at work, with some remarkable outside contributions.

 

Chuck Fleming – widely known from the days of the JSD Band – has always been a highly respected fiddle player. Now based in Durham, he hopped back over the border for a while, in order to add his own bit of unique magic to the brew. With the support of musicians of this calibre, there are interesting times ahead for Mary Kathleen Burke.

Following the release of the album there will be a tour of concert halls, supporting the legendary Irish singer and songwriter Johnny McEvoy, due to commence in Oct 2008.

  As Bob Dylan once sang, “Things Have Changed”, a satire on cynicism and a weary modern update on his hopeful “The Times They Are A-Changin’”. But Mary Kathleen Burke is singing to a different tune. She stands as an example of how paying your dues - a weary cliché in these days of instant ‘celebrity’ status - brings its own rewards, but only if you have the talent to accompany the effort. And perhaps the love of and need for music has more than a little to do with it all.

 

 Mary Kathleen Burke hails from Park, County Derry, but has lived in Glasgow since she ventured forth at the age of 16 to pursue an always uncertain career as a singer and songwriter. But she is well-aware of the importance of her early musical background in Northern Ireland. By the age of 15 she had learned keyboards and guitar, and played with a country band: “We were awful,” says Mary, “but somehow we got gigs.” When Christopher Logue – now part of the duo Logue and McCool - joined the band, things improved dramatically.

  Mary acknowledges this background, without being chained to it. As a solo performer (under the stage name Tanya), her repertoire consisted largely of traditional Irish and Scots folk music. In 1994 she joined the already established country band ‘Nevada’, before leaving after four years to form her own band ‘Tanya and Sneaky Moon’. She later returned to solo performances, with sets consisting largely of traditional and contemporary folk and country music, sometimes in the support slot for such names as Sean Cannon of ‘The Dubliners’ and Nashville’s own Bob Cheevers.

 Eventually, a Licencing deal came up. Greentrax – described by ‘Roots’ magazine as “the undisputed frontrunner amongst Scottish labels” – boasts a stable including Donnie Munro, Skye based singer and songwriter of ‘Runrig’ fame, who signed up in 2006. The label, founded in 1986, has become the major player in the development of an indigenous music industry. The Scottish music scene is currently replete with talent and no small number of Irish ‘exiles’ are making their own vital contribution to this spirited community. Mary Kathleen Burke knows about ‘The Long Way Home’, but is living proof that ‘A Woman’s Heart’ beats strong.

‘A SONG IN HER HEART’ by MARY KATHLEEN BURKE (Greentrax)

 RELEASE DATE FEBRUARY 1st 2008

 (A brief preview written by CHRIS HOLMES.)

Debut album "A song in her heart"

Listening to MKB’s songs, the impression gained is one of a woman who can draw from any place emotionally. A rare gift for any singer.

A cover of Richard Thompson’s ‘Beeswing’, amongst others, is an absolute delight, but she is much more than a fine interpreter of other people’s songs. A rapidly expanding fan-base includes no small number of talented musicians who are uniquely positioned to appreciate a genuine songwriter.

As you can hear, Mary’s voice is strong and supple, equally adept at slow ballads and more uptempo numbers. Nothing bland or bloodless, here.The musicianship is undoubted, but she also knows when to keep things harmonically and rhythmically simple.

Live appearances have kept Mary out of the studio, but now she has been clocking up more than a few recording hours, working hard on her debut album. Chuck Fleming, the respected Durham fiddler, adds to the brew. A song written by Mary at the tender age of 19, as a homesick girl, has been developed with another verse added. The promise is clear. The album is eagerly awaited.

Reviewed by Christopher Holmes (author and journalist)

Christopher's study of Mural Art in the Bogside, Derry, appears in ART MONTHLY, AUSTRALIA (September issue).

Review by RJ Chesney Singer /Songwriter

I'm not sure whose page I found Mary Kathleen Burke..... Anyway..... After the first few notes, I fell deeply in love with her voice! Its a pure voice, full of life , vulnerability and sweet sadness. She was born in a Small town in Northern Ireland and why she isn't a National Treasure is beyond me....... When you listen to Mary's music , don't forget to scroll down to the middle of her page where she has additional music she recorded. Her voice is VERY traditional, yet contemporary. Her style is traditional Irish , yet closely related to what we in the states call "Americana"..... I call it gorgeous!............................................ If you like singers like Mary Black, Nanci Griffith, Mary Gauthier & Gillian Welch, then this is a woman you have to hear! It is my absolute pleasure to honour such a Genuine talent!

RJ Chesneyhttp://www.myspace.com/rjchesneymusic

Latest Comments

 like all your music. I was just listening to "James" and that is so tastefully sung and played. Magnificent! Entirely captivating. Robert Johnston

rory furlong  2007.11.15 03:21

You have the voice of an angel, a great ear for a good song, and the intepretation of "Womans Heart" is second to none. waiting with bated breath for the rest of the the album. I want it Now!

much love Rory

Fabulous Mary!

Message

Marvelous, great, awesome, and fabulous are ony a few of the words I

 can think of to express how I feel about your album and you!. You my dear

 have a hit on your hands. Get ready for the crowds and are you ready

 for all the fans and publicity. I am so very proud of you. God Bless and

 please keep singing. Love Mum

15 Aug 2007 12:16

Mary, hope you are well!

I have looked back at my notes from our Friday night interview. Following are a few of the comments, beginning with the one that I told you:

1. Listener: "Loved the interview with Mary K. That gal can sing! You'd better let us know when her Christmas album is out."

2. Listener: "Mary is delightful. What a spirit. I love her music. Great interview"

3. Listener: "You (Bruce) not only get us safely through the night; You also take us round the world without a passport. I just loved Mary's accent. The only thing better is her singing."

4. Listener: "Loved Mary Kathleen. Glad you had her on. In love with the way she talks and sings. Will you be playing her Christmas music this year?"

Mary, all the comments were positive - these were among the best. Naturally, most comments come in early along with requests and such. I was getting comments about your interview up to two hours after. Hope you feel motivated by them. I am.

Bruce

'Nightrider

Mary, your greeting is so nice :). It is great to hear someone's speaking voice as well and yours is lovely.

Mary!. You have a beautiful voice and your songs are lovely. Especially I love Power and Honesty and Black is the colour.

It's good to see some of my friends among your friends, for instance Darren Farrell, Ciaran Dorris and my very favourite Irish singer, Charlie McGettigan.

Nice to meet you Mary and kind regards from Sweden,

Ami

Hi Mary

Nice to talk to you again, love the welcome message idea for your myspace. When is your debut album coming out I look forward to hearing it in full.

Thanks for spotting the light on, I must look out for yours the next time.

All the best

Brendan

Hi Mary!

Thank you for your kind words and for dropping by to have a wee listen. Your voice is absolutely gorgeous! My fav is Power and Honesty I have to say :) Beautiful. Keep in touch Derry/Scots girl ;)

xxx

Elmear Bradley

I just read the interview with you posten on Darren Farrell's site. Can I offer you my deepest, sincerest congratulations on your achievements so far. Six years ago I took the path back to adult education and began to teach others, not for one moment have I regretted it. You are inspirational ... oh aye, well done on the record deal too!

Hi Mary Kathleen. Thanks for the lovely comment about Causeway. :-) Nice to see Darren Farrell put a bit about you on his website. It would be great if you opened the show for Johnny. All the best. Daithi

Send your comments to Mary now to have them published here.

Welcome to the official website of Mary Kathleen Burke Originally from N Ireland Mary has spent 28 years in Scotland and has now been signed to Greentrax Scotland’s undisputed front runner in Record Labels for Celtic and Folk Music in Scotland. A song in her heart will see its way into shops worldwide on its official release date Feb 1st 2008 .14 Beautiful tracks of original and cover songs this music will sooth your soul with players like Chuck Fleming (JSD BAND) On fiddle, Gordon Mc Culloch on Accordion, Alistair Mc Culloch Top Scottish fiddle player and many more well known names don’t miss this stunning yet simple album from Mary Kathleen Burke and watch out for Mary's live shows coming up in 2008 this includes a tour of Britain in the latter part of the Year supporting the legendary Irish Folk singer song writer Johnny Mc Evoy. To find out more about Mary and her music just click enter button. Mary always likes to get feedback from her visitors so please take a moment to sign her guest book and to be kept informed join Mary's mailing list.

Enjoy your visit and Haste Ye Back !

Website Designed and maintained By Mary Kathleen Burke

Website Designed and maintained By Mary Kathleen Burke