Chris Holmes Author & Journalist

10 Jan 2008

 A REVIEW BY CHRIS HOLMES

Category: Music

A REVIEW BY CHRIS HOLMES Author & Journalist

"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 (CDTRAX 321

Singer-songwriter-Guitarist-recording artist & Radio Presenter

Website Designed and maintained By Mary Kathleen Burke

Buy The Debut Album now ! " A song in her heart" online at www.greentrax.com and in all good music shops online and offline worldwide. Get yours today and support Mary's Music