Burke family releases third CD

Amherst - One family, 10 singers and one goal - to make you feel good with their music.

The Burkes have been doing it all of their lives, and they aim to continue that tradition with the release of their third CD, The Reason We Sing.

The 14-track recording was released on Oct. 11, following up the successful 2003 Christmas album, the ECMA-award winning Burke Family Christmas. It has more in common with their 2001 debut, Returning Home, according to June Burke-MacDonald, the youngest of the group.

Whereas Returning Home combined Celtic and inspirational music, The Reason We Sing focuses more on the latter, she explained.

I think its a little more contemporary, and a little more modern, said Burke-MacDonald, one of two siblings now living in Amherst. Its more mainstream, something youre more apt to hear on a radio station.

Music has always been a part of life for the children of Stan and Anita Burke, who grew up in New Waterford. Mother played piano, father played guitar, and everyone sang.

It was the four sons, Stan Jr., Bob, Kevin and Pius, who formed a band with friend Greg called Chosen Few in 1970, and together they played around Cape Breton for seven years, before Stan took a vacation in Windsor, Ont. and never came back. Bob left the group, but the others continued on in a new band, Tapestry, that played another 25 years all over Cape Breton and the Halifax area.

During this time, the sisters were also making music. Sharon, Dianne and June were singing in Halifax, including regular stints on a cable station. At one point, seven of the siblings were directing choirs at the same time.

It was in 1995 that the entire family started making music as a unit, according to Pius.

We got together for a Canada Day celebration, and it was the first time other than just parties, that we played together as a family, he recalled. It was kind of fun, and thats where it started from.

The family quickly became known for its harmonies, which continue to be a highlight of its recordings and its live performances.

Its something that just comes naturally, according to June.

Because were brothers and sisters, were so in tune with one another... who sings what, and when... its just easy, she said. Its always been our thing, the harmony, not just vocally, but on stage and how we interact together in the moment.

Like their previous two recordings, the new CD was recorded at Soundpark Studios in Sydney River, produced by Stephen Muise and engineered by Jamie Foulds. It also features many Cape Bretons finest session musicians, including Muise on piano and keyboards, Allie Bennett on bass, Mark Adam on drums, Dave McKeough on guitar, Richard Burke on flute and saxophone and Ed Woodsworth on fretless bass.

All of the vocals are handled by the 10 siblings in either solos or various duets and trios.

Most of the songs are covers of contemporary Christian songs selected by the group through a careful process, while three - Song of Hope, Searching for the Light and Love is a Healing Place are originals composed by Pius.

Even though the siblings are now spread out, living in New Waterford, Amherst, the Halifax area and as far away as Windsor, Ont., they prepare their music via the Internet, and gathering for rehearsals when possible.

The music brings us together, said Burke-MacDonald.

After more than 30 years of playing in bands, there is nothing like being on stage with your family, according to Pius.

When youre playing with your family and you look across and see the nine others, its a totally different feeling, he said. You kind of celebrate the fact that were all together. The family gets along very well, theres a warmth that we feel together and appreciate when were playing.

They also have several upcoming concert dates, including a Christmas concert at Tantramar Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the theatre or at Pugsleys Pharmacy. The CDs are also available at Pugsleys and Dayles Department Store, as well as the bands website at www.theburke-family.com.