The Burns Sisters

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Folk, pop and rock are given a Celtic slant by Ithaca, New York-based vocalists the Burns Sisters. Accompanied by Rich DePaolo's guitar, Eric Aceto's fiddle and their own guitar and mandolin, the three sisters -- Annie, Marie and Jeannie -- harmonize with heartfelt spirit. The Burns Sisters, the seventh, eighth, and ninth of 12 children, started singing together in 1980 and originally began as a quintet with sisters Terry and Sheila. One of their earliest accomplishments was a spot on the soundtrack for the movie, Atlantic City, filmed in 1979 and directed by Louis Malle. They were hired as a result of the influence of their brothers who worked as film technicians in Hollywood. Although they recorded a rock-inspired album, "The Burns Sisters Band", for Columbia Records in 1986, the label dropped them one week before the scheduled release of their second album, "Endangered Species", two years later.[1]

After splitting up for several years, the sisters reunited in 1993 and were signed to Rounder/Philo Records. Close to Home, the sisters' first official trio album, showcases their folk and gospel roots. It was produced by Rich DePaolo and released on Philo in 1995. Their sound is country-based folk with shimmering harmonies that are a consistent highlight. In This World, produced by former E Street Band bassist Garry Tallent, adds a dash of rock to their sound and was released on Philo in 1997.[2]

The Burns Sisters redefine the boundaries of acoustic folk/country music. Infused with lush vocal harmonies and world-class musicianship, the sisters take listeners on an emotional roller-coaster ride to heights of joy, through valleys of longing and doubt, and back again. In talking about the sisters' connection to Woody Guthrie, Marie Burns explains, "Woody Guthrie's music makes me feel good about the choices I have made in my life as an artist. When I listen to his lyrics, a spark is reignited, and I am reminded of the importance of speaking my mind, standing up for social justice, and to remember to have a good time through it all."[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ AOL Music Retrieved March 7, 2007.
  2. ^ Stambler, Irwin and Stambler, Lyndon. Folk and Blues: The Encyclopedia. St. Martin's Press, 2001. ISBN 0-312-20057-9.
  3. ^ Ribbon of Highway - Endless Skyway: Concert in the Spirit of Woody Guthrie. Retrieved March 7, 2007.

[edit] External Links

The Burns Sisters Website

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