Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

Alligator Records

Michael Burks' Iron Man is potent blues by a powerful performer. He's the real deal as a guitar player, vocalist, and composer. Burks doesn't hide the fact that his style sometimes strays way outside of stringent blues borders and into unashamed rock territory. In fact, his spot-on cover of Free's classic, "Fire and Water," is a magnificent display of that. This cut is a big thrill ride for this long-time Paul Rodgers enthusiast. The disk starts off with guitars ablaze on the scorching, “Love Disease". In "Strange Feeling" Burks belts out a strong vocal around a dominant blues riff. "Empty Promises" is a display of his slow blues prowess, one that's colorful and full of passion. Jimmy Johnson's, "Ashes in my Ashtray" is another song in this mode. "Don't Waste My Time" is a pleasant R&B melody that features an addictive rhythmic flow. This cut also features some very nice Hammond organ by Wayne Sharp. "Quiet Little Town" is yet another rocked-up gem, reminiscent in style of Bob Seger at first. The intro to "Changed Man" chugs along like a freight train barreling down the tracks and then switches to a traditional blues melody that is chock-full of yet another killer guitar solo by Burks. The killer guitar work is a consistent pattern throughout this disk and makes for great listening for guitaraholics like me. Burks has really poured himself into these songs and the passion in his vocals and playing shines through on virtually every cut. Buy this one now!!!