Their Roots In The Backyard: Bonfires, Guitars, Rum & Cigars
AndersonBurko traces its roots to a backyard bonfire. Roy Anderson and Darrell Burko were neighbours who got to know each other while watching their kids play in the local park. One night, Burko mentioned he was heading home to start a bonfire, play a little guitar, drink a little rum and smoke a few cigars. Anderson bought his way in by offering to bring along some wood ... and his own guitar. The first AndersonBurko session took place that summer evening in 1997.
Anderson and Burko are quintessential “backyard” musicians. They both grew up listening to everything, from The Beatles and Rolling Stones, to Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, to Valdy and Bruce Cockburn, and of course, John Prine.
Although their musical styles are different—sometimes wildly so—their shared interest in the music of singer/songwriters led the guys to think about writing their own songs. Jam sessions started to transition away from playing great covers to discussing song ideas, lyrics and musical treatments. Neither had any illusions about becoming full-time musicians, but music needs an audience, and Anderson and Burko both wanted to perform, so … the AndersonBurko band was the logical next step.
The guys launched their debut CD, Enjoy the Show, at the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon in 2009. The house was packed and the buzz was all good. Since then, they’ve criss-crossed the plains playing roots-infused folkrockcountryblues. From songs about longing hearts, stumbling lovers and trucks on their debut (now in its second production run), they pushed the folk boundary with good intention on their 2011 follow-up, Mitch’s Garage.
Songwriting for their self-titled third album was kicked off by the duo’s escape to Texas, where they co-wrote tunes on the porch of a hunting shack outside of the small town of Cherokee. The album is true to their flatland roots—great song writing with strong vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, weeping pedal steel, smokin’ lead guitar, piano, Hammond B3 organ, fiddle and mandolin.
"a good musical mix from a fine mix of musicians ~ 4 out of 5 stars"
Star Phoenix, Bill Robertson, March 26th, 2015.
The AnB show promises an energy-filled night of music and great stories. AndersonBurko features Roy and Darrell on vocals, guitar, mandolin and harmonica, Daryl Pierce on bass and background vocals, Kevin Pierce on drums, Fabian Minnema on lead guitar, and Lucas Goetz on pedal steel.
Full Band Shows
The Blue Chair Café • Fri., May 6
9624 - 76 Ave, Edmonton
Show 8:30pm • $15 bluechair.ca • 780-989-2861
Ironwood Stage & Grill • Sat., May 7
1229 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Show time 8:00 p.m. • $20 ironwoodstage.ca • 403-269-5581
The Artesian • Sat., May 14
2627 13th Avenue, Regina
Doors 7pm • Show 8pm • $20 artesianon13th.ca
The Bassment • Fri., Jun 3
204 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon
Doors 8pm • Show 9pm • $22 ($17 Mem) thebassment.ca