cd_reviews

If Rick Roberts was the heart of Firefall, then Larry Burnett was its soul. Roberts may have written and sung most of the late-70s band’s romantic ballads, but it was Burnett who produced the edgier material, such as the controversial hit “Cinderella”, which he reproduces here in acoustic form.

In fact, all six songs on this CD are just Larry and his guitar, so the questions must be “Can he still sing? Can he still write? Can he still play?” The answers are an unequivocal “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

Two lines into the opening title track and we’re back with an old friend. Confidence is right, as Larry sings with conviction, still unafraid to jump into not always sympathetic characters – “I can beat Jesus with my clever charade. I’m so God-like with my multiple masquerade.” “3 a.m. in Nashville” recalls the mood of “Piece of Paper” from Firefall’s second album, and would make a great concert opener, but I suspect that if he started with any of these songs Larry would have the audience eating out of his hand.

Apparently he has plans for a group album, but for now why not enjoy him singing in your own living room? Welcome back, Larry.

David Eade/UK

Hearing the CD on the first listen is like being reacquainted with an old friend and discovering he was still as rock solid as ever. In many ways the CD is a six song teaser of so much cool things to come...it also reminds us that it's the work of a true songwriter at the top of his game...

The songs blend heartbreak and humor, meaning it's not the work of some hack writer knocking out the same song over and over again. The title track locks in immediately. It's a great opener and the pace doesn't slacken. 'Poor Baby" is like those edgy songs Del Shannon used to write and "3 A.M In Nashville" is what is so right about the CD…the heartbreak side of town. On the humor side is "No Money" that could also work as a Chuck Berry type Rock n Roll song. Hearing the acoustic take on 'Cinderella" was enough to inform me why I dug your deal in the first place...written and sung by an artist with soul. On one level the acoustic "Cinderella" has a freshness that it could have been composed last week yet on another angle it could be a lost Appalachian folk tune from another era. I think 'timeless' is the word I'm searching for....

Must add the production is clear and uncluttered...and totally devoid of trickery, meaning it focuses on the artist alone. Cool. I hear the soulful crack in your voice and the strength of your acoustic guitar picking...and that's what I'm there for. You should be proud...very proud.

Michael McDonald/Australia

Very nice work, Larry. Well written and great production value too. As a program director for a Rock station in Salt Lake, I hear a lot of new music... and most of it sucks. If I had an acoustic show, I would DEFINITELY make you a part of the line up. Keep it up! Cheers!

Michael Foth - PD/KHTB Salt Lake City UT

Good to see your voice still got it! A good familiarity in there, and the Power in your voice is evident. The Lyrics were easy to hear and understand. Great work, and look forward to seein' wassup; Keep On Workin'!!!
3am In Nashville-Good feel for a somber subject; Good drinkin' tune!!!
Poor Baby-Honesty is tough. Sayin' it's tougher, not really.
There's a good insight on all tunes. Thanks for the treat!

mPaul

The disc is great! My favorite tune is Poor Baby, but the lyrics on Confidence and No Money are terrific. I hope I don't offend you with the comparison, but your voice sounds a bit like Warren Zevon on his first two albums. And if you knew how much I love Zevon, you know I mean that as a compliment in the highest order. And certainly, your lyrics have an intelligent edge. The sound of your guitar is great, too, very nice and clean sound in the production, excellent. I know you're modest and don't like too much flowery praise or applause, but you made a great album. You should feel proud of it and I hope you make another soon. Thanks, LB!

Tom Boone