Big Joe Burke's debut album "Love or Money" draws our attention to moments in time that define us, make us who we are. "We all make decisions and compromises in our lives; often the most important involve a choice between love or money."
Burke's own life story is the stuff that country songs (and legends) have long been made of, connecting him to music and inspiring him to become a musician at an early age.
As a songwriter, Burke's intensely visual lyrics are like a collection of cleverly written vignettes, character sketches and raw, honest, soulful expression. In "Love or Money", Burke's songs tell of the life hard lived, of choices made, or left unmade, prices paid, and the value of love.
"Love or Money" makes no judgments and pushes no answers. "I'm just sharing observations and experiences." Burke states. "We all have to make our own choices in life, and live with them."
Burke's performance is sincere and heartfelt. "I love performing," Burke states, "seeing and feeling how a song can touch the audience. Making that kind of connection with people just shows how much we all share in common."
Since releasing "Love or Money" in the summer of 2007 Burke has been reaching into the hearts and minds of fans from Vancouver to Berlin - and developing a devoted fan base of folks who've come to see him as a friend.
Burke's powerful pipes, ability to sing from the heart and express each song as if living the moment, definitely bring his listeners deep inside every song he performs.
Burke's musical influence spans the decades; Williams, Cash and Presley to Townshend, Costello and Tweedy. Comparisons can be made to some of country and rock'n'roll's greats, but "Love or Money" defines Big Joe Burke as a singer, songwriter and performer who is destined to become a legend unto his own.
James Lillico - Upright Bass
'In demand' bass man James Lillico, is a young upstart who's been seen playing around town with some of the best country, blues and rockabilly bands in Vancouver. James has been working with Big Joe since the summer of 2006 and is an original member of the band.
Gord "Gorehound" Smithers - Electric and Steel Guitars
Gord joined the group on New Year's Eve 2006 when Dave Klein was unable to play a show at The Marine Club. Gord is currently one of the hardest working players in town contributing his talents to The Deadcats, The Kon-Tikis, Whichita Trip, Boomchix and more. In addition to electric guitar, Gord also plays steel guitar, dobro, banjo, mandolin and fiddle.
Sandy Bone - Drums
Sandy's talent on the skins have placed him at the top of the Canadian music heap. Bone has been honoured as "Best Canadian Blues Drummer" by Real Blues magazine an unprecedented eight times. He also received a JUNO nomination for his former band, The Twisters, which garnered Best Blues Record of 2003 by The Canadian Independent Music Award.
Dan Wood - Drums
Since recording the CD 'Love or Money', Sandy has been forced by tendonitis to quit drumming. His spot behind the kit has been taken over by Danno' Wood, a drummer with years of road experience who also provides some sweet harmonies and a great attitude.
Joe Rotundo - Guitar
Joe Rotundo, a veteran player with The Modelos and Bughouse 5 among others has been stepping in and playing guitar for the band since Dave moved on.
Dave Klein - Electric Guitar
Dave Klein is the original guitar player with the Big Joe band joining in 2006 and provides much of the electric guitar you hear on the CD 'Love or Money'. Dave has since left the band to pursue other interests.
Also featured on the CD...
Tom Lavin - Piano
Katheryn Peterson - Accordion
© 2007 Big Joe Burke. All Rights Reserved.