[.ca] I Smell Smoke

From Amazon.com:
Although he'll never entirely break free from the Albert King comparisons (certainly as long as he brandishes that Flying V guitar), Michael Burks' second Alligator album moves him closer to hotshot guitar slinger territory. His playing has attained an even more muscular, slightly psychedelic edge that ferociously jumps out of the mix. Almost as impressive is Burks' sand and honey voice. Like Latimore--whose "Let the Doorknob Hit You" he covers here--the Arkansas-raised guitarist is a commanding and gritty singer, naturally joining soul, R & B, and blues. He'd make a convincing vocalist even if he never played another gripping lead. But it's his fleet-fingered attack that commands the most attention, as he torches through blistering solos like on the closing "Snake Eggs"--a stripped down showcase for guitar and Billy Gibson's Little Walter-styled harmonica where Burks sounds menacing even without a band. The aching, slow burn gospel-laced "Lie to Me" also benefits from Burks' stunning tone that prowls and growls like a caged tiger. The combination of his singing and six-stringing talents makes Michael Burks an incendiary force and lights the fire under I Smell Smoke. --Hal Horowitz

good but not great:
Muscular blues-rock guitar playing, robust vocals, but forgettable songs.

forgetable songs:
make it rain is a five star cd, but this one was a big dissapointment this is more rock than blues by far. i think the songs are weak nothing that really catches your attention. he could have done alot better like staying with the blues but there are some good solos.

Lyrical and Soulful Blues:
One of the best albums I have in my blues collection. Also one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Michael played for almost 4 hours straight with one powerful song after another. Thnak you Michael for keeping the true-blue blues alive.

Greatness In The Making:
Michael Burks and the band are a hard working group that produced a recording or should we say recordings that show what hard work and devotion will do when you give all you have. It is obvious that Michael puts his soul into his music. He plays a guitar with such a force that is hard to believe anyone can compare him to other blues guitarists because he plays a flying V although he has been compared to Albert King by some. Time will tell that Michael Burks cannot be compared to anyone except MICHAEL BURKS. He sings with such a deep silky voice that only experience can produce. When he sings (I Hope He's Worth My Pain) it seems he is singing about a life experience and makes you feel some of your own experiences. (Lie To Me) is another song that Michael sings that shows the intensity of his experiences and lets you know you are not alone in the world of pain. It is obvious that band members are behind Michael as they seem to play with the same intensity. This is Michaels 3rd CD and so far each new one has been better than the last. Michael and the band get better with each CD and we can only expect the next to be the best. So I Smell Smoke!!!!

+1/2:
This is more like it. Too many blues people are going the way of the dinosaurs. Michael once again gives me hope that there are true blues artists out there. If you have been happy with his other albums then you have to get this one. It rocks your soul down to your last blues.

• All Your Affection Is Gone
• One More Chance
• I Smell Smoke
• Time I Came in Out of the Rain
• Hard Love
• Miss Mercy
• Let the Doorknob Hit You
• Lie to Me
• Willing to Crawl
• I Hope He's Worth My Pain
• Good Man, Bad Thing
• Snake Eggs