[FM] Susie Burke & David Surrette: An Appreciation

[chuckhall@excite.com]

Last Saturday, I pried myself away from the TV, telephone, and computer and
went to see David Surrette and Susie Burke at a coffeehouse in a synagogue
in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Now, please understand that I've known these
folks for a long time, and that Gloucester is on Cape Ann, where I live, so
it was easy to decide to go see them do a show.

Now, the show was of course wonderful. And my first few passes at the new
album, "Sometimes In The Evening", have just left me smiling, and feeling
the kind of contentment one feels when friends have worked hard to achieve
something and succeeded. The performance, and the CD, was like good news
from an old friend.

This isn't really intended to be a review, because I'm far too prejudiced,
so I'll stay away from the sort of analysis that other folks do so well on
this list. In fact, I hope someone gets to it- it deserves attention.

A couple of high spots for me, though, I will pass along. Susie has always
been a terrific singer, and the new CD spotlights some very fine work. To my
ears, the high point is Deborah Silverstein's "The Seed", an exquisitely
written and produced song, featuring Susie's achingly beautiful vocal and
Pete Sutherland's heart-rending fiddle work. The combination of great
singer, great song, and great arrangement is hard to beat. 

I also thought "Blue On Monday" and "Reap What You So" (which went over big
time at the show...) were worthy of mention here. Susie is so good with the
ballads it would be good to mention she can also let loose with some serious
vocal-ese. Oh, yes, "When The Night Bird Sings" by Mark Simos, too. Terrific
stuff.

Also wanted to mention that David's work on guitar, mandolin and bouzouki,
which were showcased in the show, are less noticeable but no less important
on the CD. David's got some serious chops, and I want to be there when the
world finds out.

Lunch break's over. The CD is worthy of your attention. Pick one up at a
show or drop them a line at Madrina Music, P.O. Box 4225, Portsmouth, New
Hampshire, 03802. I'll bet they'll sell you one.

Thanks for Listening!

Chuck Hall
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
mrchuckhall@bigfoot.com
Voicemail I get on my computer: 1-978-231-5868