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In early November 2004, I filled in for fiddler Greg Hirte in the world touring zydeco band Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies for a gig in Chicago, IL. I told the leader Mojo I was in search of a bass player, and he recommended his bassist Brian Burke because of his talent and the fact that we were the same age. Ironically, Brian wasn't playing on the gig that day, but I still got to meet a world class bass player that day in Harlen Terson. Still I really wanted to meet Brian, so I called him a few days after the gig to see if he was interested. Immediately, Brian expressed interest and we got a chance to perform together earlier than expected. I received a call from Mojo and got the chance to perform with Brian on a Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies a week and a half later. Once I heard Brian play, I definitely wanted him to perform in by band. I had been in numerous bands, but I never saw any bass player with the amazing chops and stage presence Brian displayed.
It took some time before Brian was able to committ fully to my band, as aside from performing in Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies, Brian also was the full time bass player in the regionally touring Led Zeppelin tribute band, Kashmir. Brian performed whenever he was available, but he was only able to perform half my shows. At the time I didn't realize how lucky I was, as Martina McBride's former bass player and vocalist and current leader of his own band, Joe Worrel performed the other half of my shows. Between Brian and Joe, I had exceptionally high level professionals performing at every show. Joe was in a transitional period when he was performing with me, as he informed me in June of 2006 that he was moving to Kansas City, MO in August to front his own band, Joe Worrel & the Last Free Exit Band. A few days after Joe informed me of his imminent departure, I asked Brian if he was interested in performing in my band full time. Without hestiation and to my surprise, Brian accepted my offer. Since August of 2006, Brian has been the anchor of our rhythm section with Kenny Smith. Brian is very unique in that he can lay down a groove with the best in the business, but he has an unparalleled ability to improvise. I've never seen anyone solo on a bass the way Brian can, as he has a ridiculous amount of chops but he also uses them tastefully. Brian is ridiculously versatile as a bass player, as he can perform any song in any style after simply spending a few minutes listening to a song. Brian also has the rare ability to perform well on both acoustic string bass and electric bass. In 2001, Brian graduated from Cornell College with a Bachelor's of Music in String Bass Performance. In 2003 Brian graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Masters in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy. Brian has a great sense of musicality and original and unique ideas, and really brought them to the forefront when we jointly produced our first cd, Yankee Irish Stew. He wrote "Blue Mountain Waltz" which is captivating, and unlike any waltz you've ever heard, I promise you. Many people have fallen in love with it, as couples have asked us to perform it for the first dance for their weddings. Brian has a great career in producing if he ever chooses to pursue this route. Brian's website is www.brianburkemusic.com. |
