DANNY BURNS

DANNY BURNS
NORTH COUNTRY

Bonfire Recordings
BRC5008

Danny Burns may be a new face to many, but this Irish native has spent twenty years as a traveling folksinger on both sides of the Atlantic, honing his skills as a musician and songwriter. This is his debut project and he’s joined by some impressive talent, including Tift Merritt, Holly Williams, Mindy Smith, Cara Dillon, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Dan Tyminski, Critter Fuqua (Old Crow Medicine Show), and Chessboxer (Cadillac Sky).

The songs are all from Burns’ pen and span the sounds of Irish folk, gospel, bluegrass, ballads, and American roots. With Burns on guitar, the other musicians and singers weave in and out of the selections with expert precision. Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas are featured on “Let It Go” and “Down And Out.” Holly Williams is joined by Bush and Douglas on “Look Into Her Eyes.” Tim O’Brien is heard on “Great Big Sea,” “Darling Roisin,” and Dan Tyminski joins on “Waiting On Something To Give.” Cara Dillon harmonizes on “Amy,” a tribute to Amy Winehouse, “Hummingbee” features Mindy Smith and Chessboxer, and Tift Merritt jumps in on “Human Heart.” These are all good songs that feature Burns’ strong lead, and the accompanying musicians make the overall project a fine listening experience. (Bonfire Recording, 2514 River Rd., Ste. 105, Piedmont, SC 29673, www.bonfirerecordingco.com.)BF