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| BURNT ROSE |
| Providing an unusual �signature� for the band, Debi Ferguson's deep-throated vocals could be compared most favourably to Marianne Faithfull, Sass Jordan or Melissa Etheridge. Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) and Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde) are also brought to mind, but without the diversity of range. In addition to vocal duties, Debi plays guitar, mandolin and harmonica. Whether her voice appeals to you or not, there's certainly no denying her songwriting skills, in partnership with John McCullough (lead guitar, flute and vocals). Piece of the Part is resplendent with "hit" material - from the Dylanesque 'Somehow (Love Survives)' and the tongue-in-cheek jazz-rock of 'Clown Prince', both tracks featuring Paul Augustyn (from Hamilton's Powerhouse) on saxophone, to 'Chez Nirvana', an excellent "Cossack rocker" highlighting the talents of Phil James on bass and vocals and Johnny Gillott on drums and percussion (now suitably replaced by Mike Gomon). There's a wee bit of Celtic influence on the uptempo 'Seems to Me' and, in fact, Burnt Rose has performed regularly at Hamilton's Newfoundlander club, Come By Chance, for nearly three years now. 'Favourite Colours' is a soulful, sentimental ballad dedicated to Debi's father, on which track Phil Kott (also with Powerhouse) plays banjo and Brenda Cooper provides harmony vocals. The overall sound is spiced up by regular keyboardist Don Berryman (formerly of Powerhouse) on piano and Hammond B3, especially on the Pretenders-influenced 'Derailed Train'. Kate Cameron-Leaist and Crystal Graham offer back-up vocals on the title track. Currently performing mainly covers at their hometown of Hamilton and GTA gigs (they performed at the record-breaking benefit at Touchdown), their versatile repertoire includes Van Morrison's 'Into the Mystic', the Straycats' 'Rock This Town', Traffic's 'John Barleycorn Must Die', Amanda Marshall's 'Let It Rain', and the Beatles' 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. A brand-new composition, 'Fishin' for Bass', a reggae-inflected rocker, has much Canadian commercial appeal. This very compassionate band is also heavily involved in benefit concerts, including Toys for Tots and the East 33rd Street Dance for Cancer Assistance Program, and they have also performed for inmates and staff in local detention centres. For more information and bookings, check out their website at www.burntrose.ca. |
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| "HAMILTON BAND RELIES ON POWER VOCALS" [Published in to-nite magazine - Issue #240 - Jan. 9-15/02] |