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Wildernessed–Following the contours of the life and work of Oscar Wilde,
is the first of three albums dealing with love, art, and the
intricacies of the struggle between intellect and emotion. Using the
idea of Wilde's humor and pathos as a template Wildernessed and the
subsequent two albums seek to involve the listener on multiple
levels–sympathizer, participant and voyer. The songs evoke every facet
of a relationship from stammering joy to sarcastic cleverness to
apologetic and hollow observances of past glories. Wildernessed is full of the pain of life that somehow–to quote 1924 songwriter Gus Kahn – "makes me feel good, just to feel bad, thinking of you". Entire CD or individual tracks available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pburke5 |
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Scarecrow–Religion
comes barreling in on the first track, truth seeking and a-capella. The
listener is implored with a kind of "why is everyone so different when
they're obviously the same" question at the end Down In The River To Pray which seems at first
to be a purely Christian endeavor but in Burke's version ends up as a universal calling.
Without waiting for the shock to wear off the music advances with the
light stepping of a completely non-sensical lyric and
happiness-personified melody in Blue Fish Make The Water Shine. Following up with the hands down love song Sky at Night this album weaves a transcendental path among universal questions, (Scarecrow, God or Just a Slow Breeze), freedom from gravity, (Picnic for Two Guitars), and that gaping yaw in the psyche some seem to think may indeed be the soul (Endless.) Not wanting to leave it there, a compelling rendition of Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas fills out the phono-gram. This CD is currently only available at live shows. |
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The Secret Diaries–The
temptation to record an album comprised of other people's music has
always been a strong one for Burke and this cd quenches that thirst
once and for all. The running theme is love unrequited with a nod to
Oscar Wilde, since that subject seems to bring out the most emotional
outpourings from any artist in any medium and is one toward which every
human being is drawn. With a rare deftness Patrick Burke is able to
weave graceful continuity into a surprising variety of songstyles
creating a beautifully unique and emotionally seductive collection. Johnny Cash, Coldplay, Irving Berlin, The Beatles, Bob Dylan,
and more all find their place in delicious and compelling synthesis.
Such personal songs written by people we've never met seem to go right
to the very heart of our own troubled, exultant, priceless, worthThis CD is currently only available at live shows.less, godawful and spiritually-blessed-by-the-power- of-the-universe existence. Isn't that why we listen in the first place? This CD is currently only available at live shows. |
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The Butler's Bullfinch–Composer
and fine-art photographer Patrick Burke's CD of original solo piano
compositions cheerfully entitled The Butler's Bullfinch consists of
memorable melodies played in a simple and very accessible style. There
is also an element of humor and playfulness to Burke's music which is
in short supply among his solo piano contemporaries. An eight-page
color booklet included with the CD features Burke's fine-art skills with a
photo illustration for each of the 13 tracks. A bust of Mozart
confidently seated in an empty sardine can corresponds to his
neoclassical Mozart In Sardinia. The title of the CD and several of the
tracks were inspired by writer P.G. Wodehouse. “Like other composers I
write beauty and drama, but I also believe there's never enough humor
in the world and I'm not afraid of writing songs that are overtly
happy” says Burke. Entire CD or individual tracks available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pburke2 |
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Narcissus Reflects–Here is a thoughtful and thought-provoking collection of songs. Narcissus Reflects,
the title track (which at over 12 minutes is also the longest) starts
almost comically, then begins to change after the first three stanzas.
With one dramatic melody sweeping over another, and tumbling crescendos
giving way to still-water emotion, Narcissus Reflects
is a complete journey in itself. And that's only the first track....
The experience continues with the moody and proper sounding Pittock Mansion. There is quiet dignity in this piece and the easy-going feel of a previous era. Three Chosen Clouds is a trilogy, with each piece subtly echoing the other two. Park Bench, 4AM is peace and security personified featuring a conclusion that seeps into the unconscious with understated grace. Apple God, a Gershwin-esque arrangement includes unique melodies of perceived urgency, unspoken longing, and pure joy. Narcissus Reflects has rightfully been called “a sound track for the wandering mind.” Entire CD or individual tracks available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pburke3 |
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The Calming–The Calming is the final installment of Patrick Burke's well received Bullfinch Trilogy.
As the name would imply this is the most tranquil of the three and
Burke has made a special point of writing music which is highly
introspective and engaging. This is one of those CDs which will grow on
you a little more with each listen. It has the effect of defining a
time and place in your life. Stories are told, conclusions reached.
Patrick Burke's Bullfinch Trilogy as a whole defies the current New Age
stereotype in that the music is not simply lovely background fluff (not
that there’s anything wrong with that), rather, there is variation,
personality, and most of all, drama in the theme and mood of each
collection. As the listener you are given the wonderful choice of
really focusing on the finer details and subtleties or, if you prefer,
simply allowing the music to float by of its own accord. Just
listen, and dream. Entire CD or individual tracks available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pburke4 |