Jonny Burke "The Long Haul EP"
Jonny Burke is one of the most talented newcomers on the Americana music scene. His new 5-song recording, "The Long Haul EP" showcases a musician who is comfortable in his own skin.Burke's voice has a quality reminiscent of Tom Petty, and his laid-back musical style is warm and familiar. "The Long Haul EP" also offers compelling lyrics and superb musicianship. In short, "The Long Haul EP" is a winner.
About "The Long Haul EP" and musician Jonny Burke: The EP encompasses 5 unforgettable songs. On the opening track, "Lost in the Forest," Jonny gives a rousing call for endurance over an infectious guitar hook. "Make it for You" could have been written by Roy Orison in the 1950's, and arranged by Jeff Tweedy in the 90's. "Ship Come In," (which features a guest appearance by The Band of Heathens), is a Stone-sy rocker whose extended verses pack a punch.
"El Paso" digs deep on the dark yet beautiful with a Southwestern tale of a wandering drug addict set to ambient finger-picking. And title track, "The Long Haul," is a Petty-ish tune (co-written with Son Volt guitarist Chris Masterson) that might sum up that generalized inspirational theme of the Ep. On this track, Jonny sings over a melodic chorus, "I'm in it for the long haul, I'm in it 'til the last one falls..." Because with music this good, Jonny has to be "in it for the long haul."
Recorded over the course of 2009, (whenever he hasn't been on the road opening national tours for the likes of Todd Snider, Ryan Bingham and James McMurtry) Johnny Burke's debut solo release, The Long Haul Ep is a musical novella with subject matter ranging from the dark to the desirable, melodies and arrangements akin to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the Stones, tones inherited from T. Rex, poetic lyrics often compared to Dylan and Townes Van Zandt, and vocal performances that are all his own.