Promised Land
Danny Burns is originally from Donegal, Ireland, where he grew to enjoy playing Celtic and folk music. He now lives in Charleston, North Carolina, and has fully embraced the deep connections that Irish and Appalachian music has given him, including the melding of bluegrass and Americana. On this new release, Burns is accompanied by his wife, Aine, also from Donegal, along with friends Tim O’Brien and Sam Bush. The studio musicians include Bryan Simpson (mandolin), Billy Contreras (fiddle), Scott Vestal (banjo), Matt Menefee (banjo, mandolin), Tony Wray (guitar), Michael Webb (accordion), Josh Matheny (resonator guitar), Jerry Roe (percussion), Justin Schipper (pedal steel), and Dennis Parker (vocals).
The project has interesting acoustic covers of such tunes as Adele’s “Someone Like You,” Sting’s “Fields of Gold” and Guy Clark’s “Magnolia Wind,” all featuring Tim O’Brien. Sam Bush is featured on “Come To Jesus” and “Dirty Old Town.” There is a cover of Willie Nelson’s title cut “Living In The Promised Land,” and Burns’ wife Aine can be heard on “Nothing But A Child.” Other selections include “Lifeline” and “Some Might Say.”
Burns says he was excited to be able to record “Danny Boy,” the Irish classic, with help from Tim O’Brien. Burns has surrounded himself with some excellent musicians and guests on this project. His hearty vocals and interesting arrangements have made this project one that shows off both his influences from his Celtic background and American folk and bluegrass.
