BBurns

I sat pondering for a long time wondering why I'm so strongly compelled to write another review of the same artist at the same venue a month from writing my last one. The answer is the title of this review. Brian is a truly an artist. I think a talented artist of any kind (whether musician, painter, dancer, etc.) is one who inspires something within us by their particular craft. I think any musician can get up there and play songs night after night. An artist moves people with their craft, no matter how many times those same people see or hear that art. Brian Burns is the epitome of an artist.

With kids fed, babysitter settled in, we made our fifteen-minute drive to Buffalo Joe's. It's a nice little place on the square downtown. It's very nice, but also very comfortable. We arrived a little early, and were immediately greeted with a big smile from Brian, and from those working at Joe's. We grabbed a couple of Lone Star beers from the bar, and headed up to have a seat. Brian came over and greeted us with a hug for me and a handshake for Andy. We talked a bit, and then Brian went to get his equipment ready.

Our friend, Steve, soon joined us at the table as did Brian when his sound check was complete. I just can't reiterate enough what a nice person Brian is. There's no arrogance because "he's the star", he's just Brian Burns...has a family, has a mama, has a day job, has a great sense of humor, and is just one of the best guys you'll ever meet. In the six months we've been following him, Brian has become our friend, too.

More friends and acquaintances came in throughout the evening. Jimmy2, Cherie, Greg, Tracy, Chris, Karen, Ernie, Jeff, Shelly, and of course the Burns Brigade (aka "Cosmic Compadres) of Kevin, Teresa, John and Misty. There were others I'm sure I'm leaving out, but my point for listing all these names is this. In our little world of OKOM, I'm finding new friendships (some who seem more like family), re-establishing old ones, and seeing more and more familiar faces around me each time I go out. I firmly believe that my musical experiences are only enhanced being surrounded by friends who have the same appreciation for it that I do. On with the show.

From the moment Brian picked up his guitar, he had us all snared in his music. Brian is a storyteller with his songs. His voice and his guitar mesh so beautifully that you are transported to the place and time and emotion of what he's telling you. The neatest thing about Brian's shows are that on any given night, any given song may grab me just a little harder than it has before. Of course, Brian reciting the "Letter from William B. Travis" requesting aid to the Alamo, and songs that follow always bring a tear to my eyes and chill to my spine. "What Work Is" (off Tom Russell's new "Borderlines" CD) sounded almost as if Brian himself had written it. "Angels and Outlaws", the title cut from Brian's currently available CD, was particularly good last night as well.

Then, in a flash, Brian can transport you from sweet, strong emotion, to fun time sing-a-long! His song "Urban Legends" had quite the choir from all the BB fans in the audience. When he launched into Marty Robbins's "El Paso", the whole place was singing, and as is customary, "Welcome to Texas" was a loud and proud sing-a-long, too.

There was some fine dancin' as well. Buffalo Joe's really doesn't have a dance floor, but it's conducive to impromptu dancing in the open spots around the tables. It was very nice dancing and holding my best friend closely as Brian sang Larry Joe Taylor's "Third Coast".

I could gush endlessly about every song Brian did, but none of it would do proper justice to the evening. All I can do is strongly encourage you to go see Brian, and if he's not playing soon near you, then trust me and order a CD. You won't be disappointed. I don't say this just because Brian's become our friend. I say this because his music speaks more to me than most artists. His heart and soul communicate the music directly to those willing to receive it. He does it every time I see him. He is a true artist.

Venue: Buffalo Joe's, McKinney, TX

Date: July 6, 2001