Bruce Burnside's For All The World To See

The first thing that struck me when I listened to Bruce Burnside's latest offering, For All The World To See (Copyright 2012, Tortoise Humor Music) is his ability to draw on diverse musical sources that are woven into his songs, a hint of the blues,  a touch of country, respect for history and a commitment to respecting musical traditions. The lonely whine of  slide guitar , the distinctive echo of the dobro, and the plaintive sound of the lap steel  are just three of the  instruments showcased on this collection of 15 songs recorded from 2008-2011. His attention to detail is obvious in his fluid musicianship as well as his melodic voice and sensitive lyrics. Bruce plays mandola, mandolin, mando-cello,banjo, piccolo banjo and - of course - guitar on the different cuts.  I should admit that I have a biased opinion about his picking; I can still remember how well Bruce played "Mole's Moan" when we were 17.

He has managed to build his music with integrity and creative control, as well as working with a core of talented musicians, choosing not to compromise his creative vision by founding his own label - Tortoise Humor Recordings. As Bruce puts it in the CD notes: "With no enforced deadlines, timeliness, market statistics or progress reports, THR encourages persistence and patience. It's a company that believes the long, slow road to anywhere is more enlightening than the express lane to downtown." By way of illustration, just think about how many musicians crash and burn in the express lane done in by their quest to make it big 'downtown'. 

Bruce has frequently documented history through his music incorporating authentic instruments and lyrics, which is the case in "The Year of 1849" - an ironic tale of gold rush fever - and "Pullin' This Flatboat" , a paean to the "boatmen" who once provided the only transportation across America's rivers. 'Road Trip" pays homage to the legend of Robert Johnson, the lyrics suggesting the mythical confrontation between the cryptic Delta bluesman and the Devil that Johnson claimed took place at the "crossroads," although the song really refers to ethics, with the chorus pointing out that:"...At the crossroads, we should follow what we know is right. What we know is right." The instrumental "Tears of the Pueblo" is a sad tribute to the past, inspired by an experience in Santa Fe, and "Heard the Call" references the Old Testament stories of Elijah, Jonah and Moses .

Bruce describes the title tune - "For All The World To See" - as "..a declaration of love from time ever lasting," the instruments and vocals combining in a plaintive but positive affirmation that"...A love can light the darkest night..." His unique sense of humor comes through on "My Own Way" and "Bring Down The Lights." Bruce's latest musical offering is sprinkled with instrumentals that show off the talented players he works with - "Up This Mountain", "Troll Under The Bridge," "Underwater," and "The Wishing Well."

"For All the World To See" is a testament to Bruce Burnside's considerable ability and talent, available 24/7 at http://www.bruceburnside.com/. Bruce iinformally dedicates the collection to his grandsons Pryor and Silas, pointing out that: "...It is my prayer that over the next thirty or so years these songs will answer some of their questions and germinate others."