Tuesday, 5/8/12

by musicclipoftheday

passings

Michael Burks, singer, guitar player, songwriter
July 30, 1957-May 6, 2012

Here’s what I wrote when I first posted this clip (2/28/11):

When something is this lyrical, this convincing, there’s only one thing I want to do when it ends—hear it again.

“Empty Promises”
Live, Falls Church, Virginia, 8/21/09

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Michael came to Alligator Records long after I left. But a few years ago I did some legal work for him and got to know him. Soft-spoken, gentle, warm: these are the words that come to mind. He collapsed at the Atlanta airport after returning from a European tour—heart attack.

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“Fire and Water”
Live, Denmark (Frederikshavn), 2010

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“Since I’ve Been Loving You”
Live, Jacksonville Beach, Florida, 2010

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“House of the Rising Sun”
Live, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, 2008