MICHAEL BURKS TO CELEBRATE LABEL DEBUT WITH PERFORMANCE IN MINNEAPOLIS!

“Outrageous tone, explosive solos and soulful vocals…with a Gibson Flying V in hand, he exudes energy – part rock, part soul and plenty of blues” – Blues Revue

Powerhouse guitarist/vocalist Michael Burks will celebrate the release of Make It Rain (AL 4878), his Alligator Records debut, with a live performance in Minneapolis. Boasting remarkable natural talent, deep-rooted soulfulness and driven by an intense, blue collar work ethic, Michael has earned well-deserved national recognition to become one of the blues world's fastest-rising stars. Concert information is as follows

Thursday, June 7th:
Famous Dave's
3001 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN
612.822.9837
Ticket Price: no cover
Showtime: 9 PM

Produced in Memphis by Jim Gaines (Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan) and Bruce Iglauer (Albert Collins, Johnny Winter), Make It Rain captures the sheer musical force of Michael Burks. With his compelling guitar playing and gritty, thundering vocals, Michael conjures up a truly riveting set. He moves through up-tempo rockers like Mean Old Lady and heartfelt slow-burners like the title track, Make It Rain, with equal conviction. On the blues-rocker Thank God For Fools, Michael unleashes an awe-inspiring whirlwind of thick-toned guitar leads, while songs like What Can A Man Do? and Got A Way With Women showcase his extraordinarily emotive singing and story-telling abilities.

Born in Milwaukee in 1957, Michael entered the world with blues in his blood. Michael's grandfather, Joe Burks, was a Delta-style bluesman from Camden, Arkansas. His father, Frederick, played bass and often backed harmonica legend Sonny Boy Williamson II. It was Frederick who began teaching his son guitar from the moment Michael could hold one – starting when Michael was two years old! Equipped with a fully functional, child-size guitar, the young Burks began emulating the bass runs of his father. Soon he was learning scales and songs. By the age of five, he was diligently studying his father's 45s, aided by an effective lesson plan. “I'll give you a dollar if you learn this song by the time I'm home from work,” Frederick would tell his young prodigy. Sure enough, Michael would learn that tune inside and out by the time his father got home. Michael had collected a tall stack of dollar bills when the elder Burks realized his teaching tactics were burning a hole in his wallet. Finally, Frederick told his son, “Here's another 45. You learn this one, and you're gonna get a lickin'!” In the early 1970's Frederick Burks moved his family back to Arkansas. There, Michael and his siblings helped their father build the Bradley Ferry Country Club -- a 300-seat juke joint. Michael led the Bradley Ferry house band Thursdays through Saturdays and backed the blues and R&B greats who passed through town. After thriving for years, the club closed in the mid-80s. Michael landed a day job as a mechanical technician for Lockheed-Martin. His desire to perform remained strong however, and he continued clubs and regional festivals. Despite not having a record, his diesel-powered performances began to earn him festival offers from Florida to California. Fortunately, Michael's boss was a blues lover who recognized Michael's ability and gave him the flexibility of long weekends in order to tour.

In 1997, Michael released his self-produced debut, From the Inside Out. The album announced Michael's intention to take the blues world by storm. His fiery tone and smoldering vocals left no doubt that Michael Burks was an emotionally-charged blues powerhouse. Critics and fans loved what they heard. Blues Access proclaimed From the Inside Out to be “the most impressive indie in recent memory,” and Living Blues rated it as one of “the best debut discs of the year.” Fueled by a tank full of positive reviews, Michael turned to music full time once again.

Today, a near-constant string of performances at premier festivals and clubs continues to energize the word-of-mouth upwelling that has quickly developed around this budding star. Those familiar with his deep, soul-infused music and undeniable charisma already know that Michael Burks is a tremendous blues talent. Now, Make It Rain will at last bring him the national attention he has always deserved.

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