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Musician creating memories
Heather MacAdam, heathermacadam@thecasket.ca
An Antigonish native is feeling a sense of accomplishment and modesty after completing his first album.
Lee Burke of Addington Forks recently completed Memory Lane, his debut recording.
Burke said he has played music with friends and family all his life. He added he didn’t come from a strong musical family, but added it was something that was encouraged.
“We had a wonderful upbringing where we were encouraged to try everything – every type of sport you could imagine, plus music. So we weren’t sitting around the kitchen every night playing music but I was in a good environment for music to be instilled upon me and I enjoyed it.”
Burke said he began to listen to a lot of Bob Dylan music in his teen years.
“The first time I was able to chord Mr. Tambourine Man was the catalyst.”
He added he was completely self-taught.
Writing songs became a more serious part of his life in the past five or so years, he said.
“I get a lot of joy out of writing songs. I think my songs are driven by strong lyrics. That’s a big part of what appeals to me when I listen to a song, personally.”
Work on Memory Lane began a few years ago, Burke said.
“I finally made the time to see it through.”
Burke said he doesn’t consciously write in a particular genre.
“I think on this album there are a portion of songs that are either country in sound or flavour and then there’s probably an equal portion that are light rock driven. And there’s an equal third that are definitely influenced by our Maritime heritage. There are definitely Maritime themes in my songs.”
The easiest songs to write for Burke are those based around nautical themes.
The album was released in June, Burke said. His website, www.leeburke.ca, was also launched around that time.
The CD was recorded at Moose Bay Audio in Guysborough County.
“It was a great experience. It was my first experience recording an album. It was a fabulous experience from start to finish.”
In addition to Burke’s vocals and guitar and harmonica, talent on the album includes Greg Favaro on electric and acoustic guitar; Kevin Roach on mandolin, fiddle, madola and dobro; Steve Wright on bass and drums; and Darren Murphy’s background vocals.
Seeing the project complete was rewarding for Burke.
“It was humbling at the same time. There is certainly a lot of talent out there you, kind of, measure yourself up against.”
Over the past year Burke has played at the Maritime Inn and other local pub night events, as well as several private functions.
“This year I wanted to do more of that in light of the fact that the CD was out.”
Feedback so far has been great, he said.
“A lot of people have been singing the guest book [on his website] and providing feedback with regards to the songs. Everyone seems to have their own favourites.”
The album’s title track, Memory Lane, seems to resonate with most people, he said.
“If you’re from Antigonish there’s going to be a lot of imagery in that song that we can relate to. It has a lot to do with growing up in this part of the country.”
The last several weeks have been busy, he said, adding he took part in the Road to Sherbrooke song writing camp.
“That coincided with Canada Day festivities,” he said. “That was headlined with JP Cormier and lots of other great talent.”
Eight participants from the song writing camp were chosen to perform at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, of which Burke was one.
“I got to play Saturday afternoon at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. It was awesome – another dream realized.”
Burke also performed at the Lochaber Strawberry Festival.
“I have a lot of dates booked already into August and September.”
Memory Lane can be purchased at Bennett’s Market, Brendan’s Fairway, Made In Nova Scotia Store, The Sunflower, 5¢ to $1.00, Campbell’s Brewing Centre, Justamere Café, Treasured Moments, Harmony Day Spa, The Wonder Store, and Dine and Dash Restaurant.
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