Name: I Smell Smoke
Brand: ADA [Wea 1-Stop Account]
SKU: 52838
Price: 15.07 USD
Availability: InStock

I Smell Smoke

Rating

Album: I Smell Smoke
#	Song Title		Time
1)	All Your Affection Is Gone	More Info...	0:04
2)	One More Chance	More Info...	0:03
3)	I Smell Smoke	More Info...	0:04
4)	Time I Came In Out Of The Rain	More Info...	0:06
5)	Hard Love	More Info...	0:03
6)	Miss Mercy	More Info...	0:04
7)	Let The Doorknob Hit You	More Info...	0:05
8)	Lie to Me	More Info...	0:05
9)	Willing To Crawl	More Info...	0:04
10)	I Hope He's Worth My Pain	More Info...	0:03
11)	Good Man, Bad Thing	More Info...	0:04
12)	Snake Eggs	More Info...	0:04

Album: I Smell Smoke
#	Song Title		Time
1)	All Your Affection Is Gone	More Info...	0:04
2)	One More Chance	More Info...	0:03
3)	I Smell Smoke	More Info...	0:04
4)	Time I Came In Out Of The Rain	More Info...	0:06
5)	Hard Love	More Info...	0:03
6)	Miss Mercy	More Info...	0:04
7)	Let The Doorknob Hit You	More Info...	0:05
8)	Lie to Me	More Info...	0:05
9)	Willing To Crawl	More Info...	0:04
10)	I Hope He's Worth My Pain	More Info...	0:03
11)	Good Man, Bad Thing	More Info...	0:04
12)	Snake Eggs	More Info...	0:04

Performer Notes

Personnel: Michael Burks (vocals, guitar); Vasti Jackson (guitar); Billy Gibson (harmonica); Ernest Williamson (keyboards); David Smith (bass); Steve Potts (drums, percussion).
Producers: Michael Burks, Bruce Iglauer, Jim Gaines.
Recorded at Ardent Studios, Memphis, Tennessee.
Personnel: Michael Burks (vocals, guitar); Billy Gibson (harmonica); Ernest Williamson (keyboards); Steve Potts (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixers: Jason Latshaw; Jim Gaines.
Recording information: Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN.
Photographer: Paul Natkin.
A continuation of the sound established on his Alligator debut, I Smell Smoke is even more impressive than its much-heralded predecessor. While vocally Michael Burks still invites comparison to Albert King, especially on gospel-fried ballads like "Lie to Me" (the Flying V guitar he sports on this album's cover shot further reinforces the similarities between the two artists), his guitar work has become more electrified and confident. With a tone sounding at times like Eric Clapton's psychedelic work in Cream and a rugged four-piece band supporting him, this is a tough, uncompromising contemporary blues/blues-rock/R&B album that doesn't pull punches. Co-produced and mixed by veteran Jim Gaines, the sound is professional but not polished, with Burks' strong persona commanding attention. However, the songs -- which are far above average -- are as important as the performance. Mostly written by outside sources, Burks avoids the crowd-pleasing covers that populate his live shows, instead digging into obscure tunes such as Latimore's "Let the Doorknob Hit You," delivering them with his gutsy punch. His playing often takes on a Buddy Guy-styled intensity, with leads that reach out of the speakers, wrapping around and reeling you in. Even the slow blues tracks are played full-bore, but the closing "Snake Eggs," with just guitar and Billy Gibson's fiery, overdriven Little Walter-styled harmonica, shows that Michael Burks doesn't need help to create all the smoke he wants. ~ Hal Horowitz

Professional Reviews

Living Blues (9/03, p.79) - "...Michael Burks' voice, like that of his role model Albert King, is dusky and sensual yet shot through with virility....His fretwork is skin-tight yet emotionally explosive..."