Since a fortnight from today this album has found itself a comfortable place in my library. After winning high praise with the release of his second full length ‘On Promenade’, the Texan songwriter buckled down to one of his side-projects, namely the scoring of 9 texts excerpt from the Psalms of King David!
“This will be a collection of mellow, melancholy, but beatiful tunes, ones that I feel have a universal power to move people…because there’s just something about the Psalms. They’re unflinching in their honesty and ache. “
Obviously The Shawl won’t be to everybody’s liking. So, as to give you an objective point of view, reminding you of my atheism: I stand in awe as well as I am perplexed ! Sure I’m a fan of M. Burr and I have been secretly watching the release of this collection since the publication of it on his MySpace and I already granted you with an announcing post including the single – I Am Weary With My Sighing.
So why embark on a collection seemingly biblical, even mystical, when one doesn’t believe in God? That’s where the shoe pinches of course. But how resist composer talents at one time anchored in the purest folk, at other times sliding into gospel. That’s the dilemma!
Believers, rise now and buy yourself this magnificent collection without the slightest hesitation. If you’re addicted to the music of Doug Burr and you find it impossible to separate music from lyrics, allow yourself to be tempted out of curiosity. As for me, this album is already on my cdbaby wishlist; an offertory for some of my best catholic friends.
Artist : Doug Burr
Label : Velvet Blue Music
Where to buy : Velvet Blue Music / cdbaby.com / itunes
With two essential full lengths ‘The Sickle & the Sheaves‘ – 2003 and ‘On Promenade‘ released last year, Doug Burr is preparing a new opus : The Shawl ! And once again, I’ve got to deal with the delicate mix of religion in music.
…Mainly right now trying to keep working on new music. First up, The Shawl, a side project of material with lyrics pulled straight from the Psalms as penned by King David himself. We’ll be heading out to record this material at a remote location in an old, old building soon. Me and the band are really looking forward to this experience. We’ll be working with On Promenade’s chief producer, Britton Beisenherz, again on this one. This will be a collection of mellow, melancholy, but beatiful tunes, ones that I feel have a universal power to move people…because there’s just something about the Psalms. They’re unflinching in their honesty and ache. And next up, finishing up the writing phase for what I hope to be the follow-up to On Promenade…
Read more on Doug Burr’s official site.
For those like me, who love Doug Burr soft-acoustic tunes, but who are simply atheist, here’s a teasing track. For the others, listen to this new opportunity increasing both your faith for God and Mr Burr !
Well Good, I have to confess that you have found a perfect servant in the person of Mr Burr ! Even if I won’t join your herd, I will buy ‘The Shawl’ for both the music and those beautiful words, while awaiting for your coming album… I’m already chanting*!
Artist : Doug Burr
Label : Spune
Where to Buy : ‘The Sickle & the Sheaves’ is availalble @cdbaby or @itunes – ‘On promenade’ is available @ cdbaby.com, @spune or @itunes.
You should also enjoy : Fraser Anderson, Evan Goodberry
More Appetizers : @myspace.com
*in french psalmodier is the most accurate word… yeah I used to be part of a choir !
