Brian Burns

More than two years since the release of his much acclaimed "The Eagle and The Snake" Brian takes a different approach with his fourth studio album on Presido Records. Along with numerous originals from Brian's fine songcrafting talent, he has also included covers from The Young Dubliners, Gordon Lightfoot, Jude Cole and others. Celtic flavor flows freely through out this finely produced CD.

From the opening line of the title cut Heavy Weather "there are times when you get the best light from a burning bridge" Brian creates a image that captivates not only the ears but the mind as well. Heavy Weather set forth with the theme of a journey that is as turbulent in its messages of life, as it is soothing within it's soulful passages of truth.

The Rain Before the Hurricane typifies the collation of life and the storms we endure in everyday struggles. With lyrics that mirror the challenges of love and the lost feeling that sometimes accompanies them.

Hurricane Casey is a ballad of a renegade love and the effect it has on a man. While she blows in and totally put his life in shambles he thrives on the feelings she has brings to his life.

The Young Dubliners would be proud of this cover. A influential Celtic flavor flows freely through out Fisherman's Blues. This fine classic drives hard with a strong intense beat.

Indianola is a great story. From the onset Brian paint's a picture of hope of the prospering settlers, who in their haste to make a fine shipping community, get swept away by the sea they so dearly cherish. The historical time travel through a coastal existence to the demise of this community is chronicled in precise detail with a tribute by Brian at the end.

My personal favorite, Kiowa Creek, is actually a true story chronicled by Clive Cussler. Freight Train #8 rolls thru this tune with the same rigorous beat as the driving lyrics that try to catch up with it's demise. Brian's fine song crafting leaves you melancholy to the vision of the headlight's eerie glow as it plunges into the creek bed down below.

The first radio release off the CD "Nashville vs. Austin" pays tribute to the fact that the recording industry, and a few of their artist that they puppet to the masses, puts out material that lacks integrity. It's incompetence to the true fan has bastardized music at every level. Brian simply manages to convey the message with more eloquence than I dare try....

Madison, a Jude Cole penned tune is covered by Brian with feeling and an incredible attention to detail. Cosmic like carnival backgrounds and a great background singer really keep this cover on track.

Another favorite of mine, Broke Down in Tulsa, is so radio friendly it surprised me that it wasn't picked for the initial radio release. I love the easy going love song that keeps the attentive listener wondering why he went all the way to Tulsa to realize he misses his love. This is one well written piece of work.

Storm on the Ring of Kerry is a nice instrumental with fantastic Celtic feel and a driving beat that may raise eyebrows at stop lights, but then again who cares! I really enjoy the transition to ....

Drink the Drivin' Rain. This self analyzing song just keeps you wondering what made the writer snap to the fact that life is made to live and not made to just participate in. Brian sings it with energy and a testimonial delivery.

Thunderstorms and Tyler Roses is one of the best songs on this CD. Lyrics and pitch make this self written song an instant classic. You'll be humming this song for days after you hear it's message.

Two covers, one from The Young Dubliners, and the other a uniquely sounding cover of a Gordon Lightfoot classic "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" start to close the CD that finished with...

"Mistress of Storms" I love this song. Light piano and keyboards, with well placed acoustic guitar riffs make this a sweet sensitive ballad. It will make you hit the repeat button time after time.

And finally the hidden track... lets just say Brian has a drollery side and he let's it play out with his well written song about what some think are true and other think a fiction. Seeing him perform this jest in live form really makes it hit the spot.

Over all this offering is dramatically different from his previous work. It's exciting to see an artist branch out, try different styles, and succeed with such high authority is refreshing..

"Heavy Weather" stands up by it's self with strong merits and integrity. I like it and I'll continue to play it, not only for the listening enjoyment of this wonderfully produced CD, but also the well written selections by a gifted Texas songcrafter.

Mark Akins Take Country Back April 2004