Pick Todd Burge Folk Singer/Songwriter in November! A Singer with Real Issues!

See if your favorite radio station is listed below, then kindly request that they play Todd Burge's latest CD 

Click to Listen

TODD BURGE WANTS TO BE YOUR FOLK SINGER IN NOVEMBER

I realize that many of you are undecided about who you want to be your folk singer this coming November, but I have a new recording out featuring Tim O'Brien and Kenny Malone (produced by Don Dixon) entitled Building Characters which is chocked full of real issues and freshly locally grown twisted humorously dark ideas.

If you are looking for a singer with 

REAL ISSUES

I'm your man!  

Please call or email your favorite DJ and request my songs!
They are likely to have a copy.  Many are listed below

Current Chart Reporters
Station	Contact	email	Phone	Address
	jared test		615.555.5555	,   37027
ACOUSTIC CAFE	Rob Reinhart		734.761.2043	P.O. Box 7730 Ann Arbor, MI  48104-7730 acafe.com
ALTVILLE	Vicki Pepper			P.O. Box 820 Riverside, CA  92502-0820 altville.com
COUNTRYBEAR.COM	Stan Edwards		863.531.0102	PO Box 758 Lake Placid, FL  33862 countrybear.com
CURRENT 89.3	David Safar		651-290-1140	480 Cedar Street St. Paul, MN  55101 http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/th
FARM FRESH RADIO/WMUD	Chip Morgan		802-758-5000	560 Lake Street Bridport, VT  05734 www.wmud.org
FOLKSCENE	Roz Larman		818.346.4112	23457 Schoolcraft St West Hills, CA  91307-2420 folkscene.com
GOTRADIO.COM	Nancy Foster		770-888-2445	4940 Truman Mountain road Gainesville, GA  30506 http://www.gotradio.com
INDIE1015	Sam Ferrara		505-920-4108	4006 Moss Creek Fort Collins, CO  80526 indie1015.com
KAXE	Travis Ryder		218.326.1234	260 Second Street N.E. Grand Rapids, MN  55744 kaxe.org
KBCS	Christine Linde		425.564.6171	3000 Landerholm Cir SE Bellevue, WA  98007 kbcs.fm
KCSN	Laura Kelly		(818) 677-5580	18111 NORDHOFF STREET Los Angeles, CA  91330-8312 www.kcsn.org
KDHX	Nick Acquisto		314.664.3955 x320	3504 Magnolia St. Louis, MO  63118 kdhx.org
KDNK	Luke Nestler		970.963.0139	PO Box 1388 Carbondale, CO  81623 kdnk.org
KEXP	Don Yates		206.520.5833	113 Dexter Ave N Seattle, WA  98109 kexp.org
KFJC	Mike Miyake		650.949.7260	12345 El Monte Rd #6202 Los Altos Hills, CA  94022 kfjc.org
KHYI	Chuck Taylor		972.633.0953 x102	12225 Greenville Ave Dallas, TX  75243 khyi.com
KNBT	Mattson Rainer		830.625.7311x222	1540 Loop 337 North New Braunfels, TX  78130 knbtfm.com
KOPN	Steve Jerrett			1713 Rose Drive Columbia, MO  65202-3234 kopn.org
KPFT	Susan Darrow		713-819-6648	Laura Slavin/Music Dept 419 Lovett Blvd Houston, TX  77006 kpft.org
KPIG	Frank Caprista		831-722-9000	1110 Main St., Suite 16 Watsonville, CA  95076 kpig.com
KRCB	Bill Frater		707-585-8522	PO Box 4262 Santa Rosa, CA  95402 freighttrainboogie.com
KRFC	Scott Foley		970.221.5075	619 South College Ave, #4 Ft. Collins, CO  80524 krfcfm.org
KRSH	Bill Bowker		707-588-0707 x112	3565 Standish Avenue Santa Rosa, CA  95407 krsh.com
KSUT	Stasia Lanier		970-563-0255	PO Box 737 Ignacio, CO  81137 ksut.org
KSYM	David Ludwig		210-486-1373	7519 Dell Oak San Antonio, TX  78218 tcmnradio.com
KTHX	David Herold		775-333-7625	300 East Second St., Suite 1400 Reno, NV  89501 kthxfm.com
KUT	Jeff McCord		512.471.6395	KUT Radio UT Austin 1 University Station #A0704 Austin, TX  78712 kut.org
KUWR	Grady Kirkpatrick		(307) 766-4240	1000 E. University Ave Laramie, WY  82071 www.wyomingpublicradio.net
KVMR	Alice MacAllister		530-265-5531	401 Spring Street Nevada City, CA  95959 kvmr.org
KVNF	Candy Pennetta		970.527.4866	PO Box 1350 Paonia, CO  81428 kvnf.org
KWMR	Amanda Eichstaedt		415-663-8068 Ext. 104	PO Box 1262 Point Reyes Station, CA  94956 kwmr.org
KXCI	Duncan Hudson		520.623.1000x16	220 South 4th Ave Tucson, AZ  85701 kxci.org
KZSU	Bruce Ross		650.723.4839	PO Box 20510 Stanford, CA  94309 kzsu.org
PUBLIC RADIO EAST	George Olsen		252-637-4109	800 College Court Craven Community College New Bern, NC  28562 publicradioeast.org
RADIO VAGABOND	Danny Birch		623-680-3823	7120 W. Canterbury Dr Peoria, AZ  85345 radiovagabond.com
RADIOFREEAMERICANA	Warren Catlett		540-248-4318	66 Shackelford Lane Verona , VA  24482 RadioFreeAmericana.com
SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO	Jeremy Tepper		212-901-6416	1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY  10020 sirius.com
SIRIUSXM THE VILLAGE	Mary Sue Twohy		202-380-1571	1500 Eckington Place NE Washington, DC  20002
THE BILLY BLOCK SHOW	Billy Block		615-665-8772	PO Box 128105 Nashville, TN  37212 www.billyblock.com
WAMU	Chis Teskey		202.885.1579	4000 Brandywine Street NW Washington, DC  20016 http://wamu.org
WCBE	Maggie Brennan		614.365.5555 x226	540 Jack Gibbs Blvd Columbus, OH  43215 wcbe.org
WDBM	Nick Van Huis		517.353.4414	G-4 Holden Hall, MSU East Lansing, MI  48824 impact89fm.org/twang
WDVX	NELSON GULLETT		865-494-2020/865-544-1029	PO Box 27568 Knoxville, TN  37927 wdvx.com
WERU	Denis Howard		207.469.3088	1186 Acadia Highway East Orland, ME  04431 weru.org
WETS	Wayne Winkler		423.439.6441 (or 2)	PO Box 70630 Johnson City, TN  37614 wets.org
WEVL	Brian Craig		901.528.0560 or 0561	518 South Main Memphis, TN  38103 wevl.org
WFDU	Michael Stokes		201.692.2806	1000 River Road Teaneck, NJ  07666 wfdu.fm
WFHB	Jim Manion		812.323.1200	108 W. Fourth Street Bloomington, IN  47404 wfhb.org
WFIV	Cullen Kehoe		(865) 675-4105	517 Watt Road Knoxville, TN  37934 www.myi105.com
WFPK	Michael Young			1501 Goddard Avenue Louisville, KY  40204 wfpk.org
WGCS	Jason Samuel		574.535.7688	1700 S. Main Street Goshen, IN  46526 wgcs.org
WGWG	Jeff Powell		704-406-3841	PO Box 876 106 Emily Lane Boiling Springs, NC  28017 wgwg.org
WHAY	Adam Phillips		606-376-2218	PO Box 69 Whitley City, KY  42653-0069 hay98.com
WHEE	Bill Wyatt		276.632.2152	PO Box 3551 Martinsville, VA  24115 wheeradio.com
WIKX	Larry Timko		941-206-1188 x137	24100 Tiseo Blvd. Suite 10 Port Charlotte, FL  33980 www.wikx.com
WILDMANSTEVE.COM	Wildman Steve Bronson		334-524-0495	653 E. Thach Ave Auburn, AL  36830 www.wildmansteve.com
WJMQ	Doug Rogers		715-524-2194 x238	1456 East Green Bay Street Shawano, WI  54166 frogcountry923.com
WLVR	Big Kev Ploghoft		201-997-1410	39 University Drive Bethlehem, PA  18015 www.wlvr.org
WMKY	Paul Hitchcock		606.783.2334	150 University BLVD Morehead State Univ. Morehead, KY  40351 msuradio.com
WMLB AM 1690	Matt Steadman		404-681-9307	1100 Spring Street Suite 610 Atlanta, GA  30309 www.1690wmlb.com
WMMT	Jim Webb		606.633.0108	91 Madison Street Whitesburg, KY  41858 appalshop.org/wmmt
WMNF	Randy Wynne		813.238.8001	1210 E Martin Luther King Blvd Tampa, FL  33603 wmnf.org
WNCW	Martin Anderson		828.287.8000 x349	PO Box 804 Spindale, NC  28160 wncw.org
WNKU	John McGue		(859) 572-6500	1 Nunn Drive Highland Heights, ky  41099 wnku.org
WNRN	Anne Williams		434.971.4096	2250 Old Ivy Road, Suite 2 Charlottesville, VA  22903 wnrn.org
WOUB	Rusty Smith		740.593.4947	9 South College St Athens, OH  45701 woub.org
WQBR	Dave Stratton		570.769.2327	330 McElhattan Drive McElhattan, PA  17748 bear999.com
WRRW	Ed Lang		757 603 4007	4507 Pleasant View Drive Williamsburg, VA  23188 wrrw.fm
WSM	Joe Limardi		615 458-2441	2804 Opryland Drive Nashville, tn  37214 www.wsmonline.com
WUKY	Russell Sharp		859.257.3225	340 McVey Hall Lexington, KY wuky.org
WUMB	John Laurenti		617.287.6904	100 Morrissey Blvd University of Massachusetts Boston, MA  02125-3393 wumb.org
WUSM	Justin Martin		601-266-9876	118 College Dr Box 5049 Hatteisburg, MS  39401 http://www.southernmissradio.com/
WUSM	Justin Martin		601-266-9876	118 College Drive Box 5049 Hattiesburg, MS  39401 http://www.southernmissradio.com/
WVMP	Ripley Johnson		540 344-2800	611 S Jefferson St suite 7 Roanoke, VA  24011 www.1015themusicplace.com
WWUH	Ed McKeon		860.768.4703	University of Hartford West Hartford, CT  06117 wwuh.org
WYCE	Peter Bruinsma		616-459-4788 x110	711 Bridge St NW Grand Rapids, MI  49504 wyce.org/radio

FOLK DJ CHARTS

1.      Al Kniola (WVPE-FM, IN)

2.       Allan Nelson (BBC, U.K.)

3.       Allison Brown (CJAM-FM, ON)

4.       Andrew Doerr (KCSB-FM, CA)

5.       Angela Page (WJFF-FM, NY)

6.       Annie Keville (WVBR-FM, NY)

7.       Art Menius (WMMT-FM, KY

8.       Arthur Berman (CiTR-FM, BC)

9.       Arthur Dean (WCNI-FM, CT)

10.   Betsi Meissner (KXCI-FM, AZ)

11.   Bill Hahn (WFDU-FM, NJ)

12.   Bill Revill (WESU-FM, CT)

13.   Bill Stuart (WFIT-FM, FL)

14.   Bill Wagman (KDVS-FM, CA)

15.   Blair Larsen (KUSU-FM & UPR, UT)

16.   Bob Gregory (WRFL-FM, KY)

17.   Bob McWilliams (KANU-FM & KPR, KS)

18.   Bob Weiser (WBRS-FM & WOMR-FM, MA)

19.   Brad Edmondson (WVBR-FM, NY)

20.   Bradley Kolodner (WICB-FM, NY)

21.   Brenda & Roman Tacik (CJTR-FM, SK)

22.   Bruce Cameron (2MCE-FM, Australia)

23.   Bud Johnson (syndicated, AK)

24.   Charlie Backfish (WUSB-FM, NY)

25.   Cindy Funk (WYSO-FM, OH)

26.   Clytia Fuller (KZSC-FM, CA)

27.   Colin Fielding (3INR-FM, Australia)

28.   Craig Huegel (WSLR-FM & WMNF-FM, FL)

29.   Dan Alloway (KTEP-FM, TX)

30.   Dan Ross (KACI-FM, OR)

31.   Darla Novak (KZFR-FM, IL)

32.   David John (KTRU-FM, TX)

33.   Deadwood Dick (KKUP-FM, CA)

34.   Denis McKay (VOX-FM, Australia)

35.   Dennis Brunnenmeyer (KVMR-FM, CA)

36.   Diane Crowe (WMCB-FM, MA)

37.   Diane Karl (KBOO-FM etc, OR)

38.   Dick Hermans (WHDD-FM, CT)

39.   Don Jacobson (KBOO-FM, OR)

40.   Donna Mavity (WTUF-FM, GA)

41.   Doug Dick (WVGN-FM, VI)

42.   Ed McDonald (WVMR-FM etc, WV)

43.   Ed Mellnik (KZME-FM, OR) 

45.   Frank Gosar (KLCC-FM, OR)

46.   Frank Hoppe (KCSN-FM, CA)

47.   Gary Irving (WVUD-FM, DE)

48.   Gary Wells (KVMR-FM, CA)

49.   Gaye Auxier (WDBX-FM, IL)

50.   Gene Shay (WXPN-FM, PA)

51.   Gerd Stassen (EVW, Germany)

52.   Gerry Goodfriend (CKUT-FM, QC)

53.   Ginger Hopper (KBCS-FM, WA)

54.   Graham and Barbara Dean (WBCR-LP, MA)

55.   Greg Schatzmann (CJLX-FM, ON)

56.   Hansjoerg Malonek (ISW-FM, Germany)

57.   Harlon Joye (WRFG-FM, GA)

58.   Henk de Weerd (5EBI-FM, Australia)

59.   Henry Hallett (KXCI-FM, AZ)

60.   Jean Geiger (KBCS-FM, WA)

61.   Jeanne Holton (WMNF-FM, FL)

62.   Jeff Boudreau (WCUW-FM, MA)

63.   Jeff Eads (WNKU-FM, KY)

64.   Jeff Robson (CJUM-FM, MB)

65.   Jenny Flux (2AIR-FM, Australia)

66.   Jeremy Butler (WUAL-FM & APR, AL)

67.   Jim Blum (WKSU-FM etc, OH)

68.   Jim Fisher (WGCS-FM, IN)

69.   Jim Gilliland (WRUW-FM, OH)

70.   Jim Marino (CFMU-FM, ON)

71.   Jim Rogers (WIUP-FM, PA)

72.   Jim Schwall (WORT-FM, WI)

73.   Joe Colvin (WYSO-FM, OH)

74.   Joe Gierlach (WRFL-FM, KY)

75.   Joe Pszonek (WMSC-FM, NJ)

76.   Johanna Halbeisen (WXOJ-FM, MA)

77.   John & Maureen Rumsey (KVMR-FM, CA)

78.   John Adams (KVMR-FM, CA)

79.   John Kalb (WSCL-FM, MD)

80.   John McLaughlin (WMUC-FM, MD)

81.   John Patterson (WXPI-FM, PA)

82.   John Platt (WFUV-FM, NY)

83.   John Weingart (WPRB-FM, NJ)

84.   Johnny Bazzano (KRCB-FM, CA)

85.   Jon 'Chip' Colcord (WNEC-FM, NH)

86.   Jon Stein (WTBQ-AM, NY)

87.   Juliet Youngren (WEFT-FM, IL)

88.   Jürgen Kramer (ZuSa, Germany)

89.   Karen Impola (KUNI-FM, IA)

90.   Karen Rakos (KEUL-FM, AK)

91.   Kate McNally (NHPR, NH)

92.   Ken Batista (WYEP-FM, PA)

93.   Ken Campbell (WSKG-FM, NY)

94.   Ken Yavit (KBAC-FM, NM)

95.   Kevin Elliott (WEFT-FM, IL)

96.   Kevin Vance (KALW-FM, CA)

97.   Larry Hillberg (KVMR-FM, CA)

98.   Larry Hoyt (WAER-FM, NY)

99.   Laurie DesJardins (KVMR-FM, CA)

100.                        Lee Larcheveque (WMUA-FM, MA)

101.                        Lee Vengeance (UGFM, Australia)

102.                        Len Holton (KUAR-FM, AR)

103.                        Leonard Epstein (KRFC-FM, CO)

104.                        Lilli Kuzma (WDCB-FM, IL)

105.                        Linda Fahey (Folk Alley, syndicated)

106.                        Lyle D. Skinner (CJUM-FM, MB)

107.                        Maggie Ferguson (WXOU-FM, MI)

108.                        Mara Noelle (KVMR-FM & KFOK-LP, CA)

109.                        Mark Michaelis (WGDR-FM, VT)

110.                        Mark Tobler (WTUL-FM, LA)

111.                        Mary Sue Twohy (XM)

112.                        Mel DeYoung (WPSU-FM, PA)

113.                        Menachem Vinegrad (Upper Galilee-FM, Israel)

114.                        Michael Alzo (WSLU-FM, NY)

115.                        Michael Benson (WPKN-FM & WESU-FM, CT)

116.                        Michael Stock (WLRN-FM, FL)

117.                        Mike Flynn (KUAF-FM & syndicated, AR)

118.                        Mike Horyczun (KPKN-FM, CT)

119.                        Mike Kelsey (WFHB, IN)

120.                        Mitch Park (Kidnappers, New Zealand)

121.                        Naomi Soule and Terry Moses (KCLC-FM, MO)

122.                        Norm Mast (WVPE-FM, IN)

123.                        Norman Whitman (WYSO-FM, OH)

124.                        Pamela Smith (WPKN-FM, CT)

125.                        Patrick Clifford (WDVR-FM, NJ)Celtic

126.                        Paul Hartman (WTMD-FM, MD)

127.                        Paul Stamler (KDHX-FM, MO)

128.                        Peter Fraissinet (WVBR-FM, NY)

129.                        Peter Jones (WTJU-FM, VA)

130.                        Peter Kernast and John Bates (WTSR-FM, NJ)

131.                        Peter Thompson (KALW-FM, CA)BLUEGRASS

132.                        Peter van Zeijl (Dollard Radio-FM, The Netherlands)

133.                        Randall Auxier (WDBX-FM, IL)

134.                        Ray Baumler (WRUR-FM, NY)

135.                        Rich Warren (WFMT-FM & syndicated, IL)

136.                        Richard Gillmann (KBCS-FM, WA)

137.                        Richard Gordon (WNHU-FM, CT)

138.                        Richard Howard (KZMU-FM, UT)

139.                        Rik James (KGLT-FM, MT)

140.                        Robert Resnik (VPR, VT)

141.                        Robin Pressman (KRCB-FM, CA)

142.                        Ron Olesko (WFDU-FM, NJ)

143.                        Roz Larman (KPFK-FM & syndicated, CA)

144.                        Sara Barden (WFSS-FM, NC)

145.                        Sean McGowan (KLCC-FM, OR)

146.                        Sharon Downes (2MAX-FM, Australia)

147.                        Simon Dillon (Phoenix FM, Australia)

148.                        Sonja Hedlund (WJFF, NY)

149.                        Sonny Ochs (WIOX-FM & XM, NY)

150.                        Steve Brockway (KRFC-FM, CO)

151.                        Steve Clarke (CHES-FM, ON)

152.                        Steve Edge (CITR-FM, BC)

153.                        Steve Harris (KRCC-FM, CO)

154.                        Steve Jerrett (KOPN-FM, MO)

155.                        Steve Pritchard (CKLN-FM, ON)

156.                        Stu Weaver (WFCF-FM, FL)

157.                        Sue Kessell (WNUR-FM, IL)

158.                        Susan Forbes Hansen (WHUS-FM & WWUH-FM, CT)

159.                        Susi Lanagan (PBS-FM, Australia)

160.                        Tamara Lewis (KBCS-FM, WA)

161.                        Taylor Caffery (WRKF-FM, LA)

162.                        Terry Carpenter (WTJU-FM, VA)

163.                        Terry Fatseas (2MCE-FM, Australia)

164.                        Thomas Bisard (WNMC-FM, MI)

165.                        Todd Tyson (The Point-FM, VT)

166.                        Tom Bingham (WCVF-FM, NY)

167.                        Tom Coxworth (CKUA-FM, AB)

168.                        Tom Druckenmiller (syndicated & XM)

169.                        Tom Funk (KGLP-FM, NM)

170.                        Valerie Cormier (CITR-FM, BC)

171.                        Wanda Fischer (WAMC & syndicated, NY)

Booking 304-481-2766
tb@toddburge.com 
www.toddburge.com
www.facebook.com/toddburgemusic 

Todd Tours West Virginia in October

Read about my WV Tour below.  Why don't you click on a song and listen while you read?
I'll be bringing these songs and many more on the road with me. 

The New CD, Building Characters featuring Tim O'Brien, Kenny Malone
Produced by Don Dixon

MY BRIEF BUT CERTAINLY BEAUTIFUL TOUR OF WV IN OCT

I'm looking forward to touring the state of WV a bit in October.  I'll be returning to three of my all time favorite venues.

OCT 6 2012 - OCTOBERFEST - BRAMWELL WV.

http://www.bramwelloktoberfest.com/ It's about the beer! And tons of music by Poor Taters, Boatmen, Todd Burge and more! Todd plays "stop #3" a 2:15. This simply is one of the coolest festivals in the state. Bramwell, beautiful people, beautiful town and they are so serious about their beer and having a great time.

It is a family thing too by the way!

Two Shows on OCT 7th!

TAMARACK - BECKLEY WV 2PM

THE PURPLE FIDDLE - THOMAS WV 8PM

Todd performs solo at the Tamarack Theatre. A special stop on his Oct tour of WV! 2PM and free (must call ahead for tickets or get them at the info desk if available the day of show)www.tamarackwv.com. Tamarack - The Best of WV! Fall colors will be at their peak! Todd returns to the Purple Fiddle. Monday is a holiday, so you can hang out past 8pm can't ya? Drive up the mountain and enjoy a Burge retrospective. $7 at the door. http://www.purplefiddle.com/index.html Won't you follow me? www.twitter.com/toddburge www.facebook.com/toddburgemusic For bookings tb@toddburge.com 304-481-2766

Now Booking - BILL KIRCHEN with TODD BURGE (duo tour)

Bill Kirchen & Todd Burge at the Folk Alliance 

*Now Booking East Coast (dates pending)

Bill Kirchen & Todd Burge (duo tour)

The Titan of the Telecaster, Mr. Hot Rod Lincoln, teams up with 
the twisted WV Troubadour for a string of high energy duo shows

For bookings contact

tb@toddburge.com

or call

304-481-2766

BILL KIRCHEN
Watch him play Hot Rod Lincoln 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTd3oaRoNI0&feature=share&list=PLC20069739C32884E

Grammy nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Kirchen is one of the fortunate few who can step onto any stage, play those trademark licks that drove his seminal Commander Cody classic Hot Rod Lincoln into the Top Ten, and elicit instant recognition for a career that has spanned over 40 years and includes guitar work with Nick Lowe, Emmylou Harris, Doug Sahm, Elvis Costello and many more. Named “A Titan of the Telecaster” by Guitar Player Magazine, he celebrates an American musical tradition where rock 'n' roll and country music draws upon its origins in blues and bluegrass, Western swing from Texas and California honky-tonk. His current CD Word To The Wise on Proper American features duets with many of these artists he's worked with, including Elvis, Nick, Maria Muldaur and Dan Hicks
Johnny Cash -
 "I think he's great."

Nick Lowe -
 "A devastating culmination of the elegant and the funky,
a really sensational musician with enormous depth."

No Depression -
 "You might call [Hot Rod Lincoln] the Triumph of the Telecaster.
Then again, you might say that about Kirchen's whole career."

San Francisco Chronicle
 "Kirchen can count on the respect of anybody who knows his work."

Indy Week
 "one of the best guitarists in the land"

Vintage Guitar Magazine -
"an American treasure"

TODD BURGE
Todd on Music City Roots

http://youtu.be/vm-y0IygjJw

"On his new recording, Todd Burge inhabits his invented characters. The scat singing and lyrical humor lighten the mood of some heavy subjects, letting his insights sneak up on you. He just keeps getting better and better."
Tim O’Brien  (Singer-Songwriter, Grammy winner)

"This collection includes songs that no one else could have conceived, much less written. Todd belongs in the company of Peter Stampfel, Todd Snider and Paul Thorn with Roger Miller winking from beyond. Dixon, O'Brien and Malone put up the perfect front to make it all seem so normal. Look upon his works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

Larry Groce – Host of NPR’s Mountain Stage

“With wit and pathos in equal measure, Todd Burge takes on subjects in his songs that never occur to most folks.  Subjects too quirky, too controversial, too obtuse for most writers to get a handle on.  His compelling vocal style and unique perspective keep me interested long after the last note rings out.”

Don Dixon – Producer, Performer, Songwriter

BUILDING CHARACTERS BY TODD BURGE:  On the heels of Harold Camping’s “end of the world predictions” and just in time for the Mayan Calendar to end in December of this year, WV Folk Troubadour once again joins Tim O’Brien & Kenny Malone (See Todd’s 2008 release “My Lost and Found” produced by Tim O’Brien) for a recording that Larry Groce, host of NPR’s Mountain Stage says is “a collection of songs that no one else could have conceived, much less written”.  The recording, produced by Don Dixon (Red Clay Ramblers, REM) is full of many characters all interconnected.   Recorded live at Tim O’Brien’s Nashville home, the sometimes gritty (and humorous), sometimes beautiful songs revolve around insecurity, predictions of the world’s impending doom, religious fanaticism, and fatalistic egoism seen through the eyes of humans, animals and bugs.  In this recording you’ll hear about a woman who buries her husband of 35 years in her own flower garden, then waters him daily, telling him to “Grow Up”.  There a tune about how Joseph must have felt when Mary said she was with child, without his assistance.  A man buys enough Jesus night lights to plug into every receptacle in his house and is blinded by that light.  Springtime comes and a hungry squirrel goes crazy and loses his religion while looking for his nuts. A cocky fly is shown some mercy and his raw attitude brings on some bad Karma.  Make certain you listen before December 21^st of 2012 for best results.  Charles Rich - SWN

 Over the last two decades, Todd Burge, has played everything from Alternative Rock to Bluegrass, performing over 100 shows per year in venues as diverse as CBGB’s, The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Center.  He has toured extensively with Tim O’Brien and will be touring with Bill Kirchen winter 2012-2013.  Employing wry humor, dexterous guitar work and drawing on a rich variety of life experiences, Todd Burge has emerged as one of West Virginia’s most prolific singer/songwriters. Burge’s high-energy shows are packed with songs and stories of bizarre characters and critters, from dogs to sharks to humans and beyond. The Charleston Gazette said, “Burge’s performances are a master class in the Singer/Songwriter genre”.  Burge is a repeat guest on Public Radio’s Mountain Stage and has been called the “dean of WV songwriters, the best we have”, by the show’s host, Larry Groce.  In 2012 Burge released two CDs, One for grownups entitled “Building Characters” produced by Don Dixon (R.E.M. Mary Chapin Carpenter) which features Tim O’Brien and one for children entitled “Character Building”.  The Children’s CD will serve as an ongoing fundraiser for The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. He resides with his wife Lisa and two young children, Sophia (6) and William (8) in Parkersburg WV. www.toddburge.com www.facebook.com/toddburgemusic

tb@toddburge.com  304-481-2766

Todd Hosting Songwriter Night Invitational Nov 1st The Adelphia Marietta Ohio

Our next scheduled invitational

Thursday November 1st 2012
The Adelphia Music Hall 
Marietta Ohio
Hosted by Todd Burge

Please email a link to your music for consideration tosongwriternight@hotmail.com

Listen to our podcast here
www.songwriternight.com

Videos of Songs I Have Written For You

Produced by Don Dixon featuring Tim O'Brien and Kenny Malone-Listen Here

As many of you know, I produced two CDs this year together entitled "Character Building Characters".
One is a CD for kids and grownups (Character Building) and it serves as a benefit for The Food Allergy Network.  The other, well, isn't for kids.  "Building Characters" is a twisted batch of songs that revolved around the erroneous prediction of the end of the world among other fun topics.
They can be found in my store here.  www.toddburge.com

Many of you helped me with the project and as a "reward" I have written or co-written songs and performed  them for you.  I'm still rolling them out, but here is a sample of some of that work.

Thanks for your continuing support!  Hope to see you at a show soon.

Sincerely,
Todd Burge


Mother's Lullaby - Todd Burge and Tim O'Brien (A song by Howard Davidson) I I Love You Love Me (Todd Burge with Tim O'Brien)  I'll Be With You Until We Meet Again (for Tom Jamison in memory of Debby Jamison) A A Special Force The Girls Of Summer (For Alice Kimble Burge and her school pals) Still In Love, Still Know Why (For The Scohys) Cairo (For Cairo WV) Lost Love on a Hot Summer Night (A Song By Dennis McCurdy) Merry Christmas To The Family  (For the Wallace Family) Oona and Wally  (For Oona)

CHARACTER BUILDING CHARACTERS - TWO NEW TODD BURGE CDS OUT NOW

TWO NEW CDS THIS YEAR
I'm excited to say that I have two new CDs out now!  One CD is most certainly for grownups and entitled "Building Characters". The second is for kids and grownups and I call it "Character Building".  The CD for kids will serve as an ongoing fundraiser for The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. (FAAN).

Building Characters (Artwork by Dan Gloyd)

Character Building (Artwork by Dan Gloyd)

Put them together, and they are 

"Character Building Characters"
Listen below

order yours today right here in my store

www.toddburge.com

The Tour

I will be touring throughout the year supporting both of these CDs,  possibly at a finer venue near you in (some shows with Tim O'Brien in April and June) in PA, TN, WV, OH, MA, NY and more.
Many dates in June will be with Tim O'Brien

I'll also be playing some shows for children and conducting songwriter workshops for kids and grownups along the way.   www.toddburge.com 

BUILDING CHARACTERS

The new Todd Burge CD for Grownups
Featuring Tim O'Brien, Kenny Malone and Don Dixon
Produced by Don Dixon


"I dedicate this recording to the Mayan Calendar.  This year we’ll party like it is 2012. I feel that I’ve built one character out of many here. He is following life’s path and along the way, is blocked by insecurity, predictions of the world’s impending doom, religious fanaticism, fatalistic egoism and less. Oh, it is tragically fun too. I certainly hope you have trouble relating to these twisted stories, but enjoy them all the same."Todd Burge

"On his new recording, Todd Burge inhabits his invented characters. The scat singing and lyrical humor lighten the mood of some heavy subjects, letting his insights sneak up on you. He just keeps getting better and better."

Tim O’Brien  (Singer-Songwriter, Grammy winner)

"Defying gravity and age, Todd just gets better. This collection includes songs that no one else could have conceived, much less written. Todd belongs in the company of Peter Stampfel, Todd Snider and Paul Thorn with Roger Miller winking from beyond. Dixon, O'Brien and Malone put up the perfect front to make it all seem so normal.

 Look upon his works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

Larry Groce – Host of NPR’s Mountain Stage

“With wit and pathos in equal measure, Todd Burge takes on subjects in his songs that never occur to most folks.  Subjects too quirky, too controversial, too obtuse for most writers to get a handle on.  His compelling vocal style and

unique perspective keep me interested long after the last note rings out.”

Don Dixon – Producer, Performer, Songwriter

CHARACTER BUILDING
The New Todd Burge CD for Kids (and Grownups)

Many of these songs were written for my children, Will and Sophia.  Some were inspired by them and one was even co-written by Will.  Some are simply tunes that they enjoy listening to.  Kansas City Star is a Roger Miller song I’ve loved since I was about five years old, so I felt it belonged here.  My friend John Bolten and his wife Allison wrote a good one in “Lily and the Bee” and I felt it belonged here too.  I hope you enjoy these and I dedicate this CD with love to my family, Lisa, Will and Sophia. 

25% of the profits from this CD will forever be donated to The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.  
Our 6 year old daughter Sophia has severe food allergies.  The Food Allergy Network assisted us in a huge way with negotiating the everyday challenges we face.  We support their ongoing research and legislative goals! www.foodallergy.org 

The CD includes guest appearances by Sophia Burge, William Burge, Angela Perley, Tim O’Brien, Dennis Crouch, Dirk Powell, Kenny Malone, Billy Matheny, Ammed Soloman and Steve Hill 

order now and check out other Todd Burge recordings here

www.toddburge.com

First Day of Spring (A new song for you entitled "First Day of Sping")

I wrote this song a year ago.  LISTEN HERE 

It was cold on the day I was thinking these thoughts and our family dog, Lou had just passed.  He was John Radcliff's dog too, but that's another story.  This is for Lou, John and you and new beginnings on the first day of Spring 2012.

Lou up on Quincy Hill 2011

The tune is from my upcoming CD project entitled
Building Characters

Produced by Don Dixon and featuring Tim O'Brien

Available April 23 2012 but you can 

pre-order and listen Right here

Check out its companion CD also out April 23 2012  entitled 
Character Building 

A CD for kids and grownups

pre-order and listen here
25% of the profit from this recording go to the Food Allergy Network 

Today's view from the window of my studio

www.toddburge.com

WATCH MY 7 YEAR OLD CUT MY HAIR!

THE CD RELEASE CONCERT! TODD BURGE, TIM O'BRIEN, The Carpenter Ants, John Walsh  in Concert April 28th 2012 8pm The Adelphia Music Hall at the Galley - Marietta Ohio Also - Free Songwriter Workshops by Tim O'Brien and Todd Burge during the day.** Tickets on $12 in advance and on sale now by clicking here http://j.mp/toddtim or here http://www.theadelphia.com  or call 1-740-374-8278 A concert celebrating the release of Todd Burge's upcoming CD release "Building Characters" The CD for grownups Produced by Don Dixon and featuring Tim O'Brien. Todd and Tim will play songs from the new CD, but the evening will also showcase a healthy dose of the music that has made O'Brien famous around the world. The Carpenter Ants will rock and groove you into the late night with special guests. You simply won't know who might show up! Looking for a place to eat? Dine with us! www.thegalleymarietta.com Looking for a place to stay the night? Stay with us! www.thehacketthotel.com (only four rooms left) **SONGWRITER WORKSHOPS Come early in the day and participate in the Songwriter Workshops conducted by Tim O'Brien, Todd Burge and more. They are FREE and brought to you by The Colony Theater Restoration Project and The Ohio Arts Council. Find out more soon here. www.songwriternight.com Todd Burge (www.toddburge.com) Coming in April "Building Characters" by Todd Burge The New CD featuring Tim O’Brien, Don Dixon & Kenny Malone Produced by Don Dixon Listen to clips from this CD here www.reverbnation.com/toddburge "On his new recording, Todd Burge inhabits his invented characters. The scat singing and lyrical humor lighten the mood of some heavy subjects, letting his insights sneak up on you. He just keeps getting better and better." Tim O’Brien (Singer-Songwriter, Grammy winner) "Defying gravity and age, Todd just gets better. This collection includes songs that no one else could have conceived, much less written. Todd belongs in the company of Peter Stampfel, Todd Snider and Paul Thorn with Roger Miller winking from beyond. Dixon, O'Brien and Malone put up the perfect front to make it all seem so normal. Look upon his works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Larry Groce – Host of NPR’s Mountain Stage “With wit and pathos in equal measure, Todd Burge takes on subjects in his songs that never occur to most folks. Subjects too quirky, too controversial, too obtuse for most writers to get a handle on. His compelling vocal style and unique perspective keep me interested long after the last note rings out.” Don Dixon – Producer, Performer, Songwriter "I feel that I’ve built one character out of many here. He/She is following life’s path and along the way, is blocked by insecurity, predictions of the world’s impending doom, religious fanaticism, fatalistic egoism and less. In this recording you’ll hear about a woman who buries her husband of 35 years in her own flower garden, then waters him daily, telling him to “Grow Up”. There a tune about how Joseph must have felt when Mary said she was with child, without his assistance. A man buys enough Jesus night lights to plug into every receptacle in his house and is blinded by that light. Springtime comes and a hungry squirrel goes crazy and loses his religion while looking for his nuts. A cocky fly is shown some mercy and his raw attitude brings on some bad Karma. I certainly hope you have trouble relating to these twisted stories, but enjoy them all the same. We certainly enjoyed recording them for you.” Todd Burge TODD BURGE bio Over the last two decades, Todd Burge, has played everything from Alternative Rock to Bluegrass, performing over 100 shows per year in venues as diverse as CBGB’s, The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Center. Burge is a repeat guest on Public Radio’s Mountain Stage and has been called the “dean of WV songwriters, the best we have”, by the show’s host, Larry Groce. Burge has performed and toured with Tim O’Brien, Kathy Mattea, Lucinda Williams, Bela Fleck, Mike Seeger, Larry Groce, Ricky Skaggs and many others. In April of this year, Burge will release two CDs, One for grownups entitled “Building Characters” produced by Don Dixon (R.E.M. Mary Chapin Carpenter) and featuring Tim O’Brien (Hot Rize, Mark Knopfler, Steve Martin) and one for children entitled “Character Building”. The Children’s CD will serve as an ongoing fundraiser for The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. His high energy shows are packed with songs and stories of bizarre characters and critters, from dogs to sharks to humans and beyond. Burge has the ability to twist his catchy tunes into something we can all relate to. Todd Burge also hosts his own radio show and podcast, Songwriter Night with Todd Burge. He resides with his wife Lisa and two young children, Sophia (5) and William (7) in Parkersburg WV. For bookings or more info www.toddburge.com (304)481-2766 Other websites of interest www.songwriternight.com (The Radio Show and Podcast) www.facebook.com/toddburgemusic www.twitter.com/toddburge Tim O'Brien (www.timobrien.net) In Tim O’Brien’s music, things come together. The uncanny intersection of traditional and contemporary elements in his songwriting, his tireless dedication to a vast and still-expanding array of instruments, and his ongoing commitment to place himself in as many unique and challenging musical scenarios as possible has made him a key figure in today’s thriving roots music scene – and well beyond it. O’Brien’s presence – be it as a bandleader, songwriter, mentor, instrumentalist, or vocalist – has been strongly felt not only in his own rich music, but in the many recordings of his songs by such artists as the Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, Nickel Creek, Kathy Mattea, the New Grass Revival, and the Seldom Scene, and in his recorded collaborations with Steve Martin, the Chieftains, and innumerable others. Most recently, O’Brien has been performing before capacity crowds in the band of Mark Knopfler, who described O’Brien as “a master of American folk music, Irish music, Scottish music – it doesn't matter; a fine songwriter and one of my favorite singers.” O’Brien listens to bluegrass and hears the music’s roots in modal Irish ballads and vintage swing. He insightfully re-examines and reconstructs those styles, and many others, in his own music, throwing off new sparks by reawakening the tension and interplay of the colliding components at the heart of American music. “Over the years,” he explains, “my music has become a certain thing. Each time I go into the studio to make a new album, I could make an Irish record, or a bluegrass record, or a country record…but it seems artificial to sift anything out. I feel like I’d be leaving out something important. In the end, I just try to make it round…” That roundness of vision and scope permeates every aspect of Chicken & Egg, O’Brien’s thirteenth solo album, available July 13 via his own Howdy Skies imprint. Mixing O’Brien originals, collaborations, and a handful of outside compositions, Chicken & Egg is an illuminating, engaging, and ultimately life-affirming meditation on the art of living. “This stuff reflects what goes on in the life of someone my age,” O’Brien reflects. “I’m 56 years old. I’m not the young kid on the scene – and I’m happy about that. I’m at a strange point in my life: my kids are growing up, while my parents and teachers are passing on. There’s a lot happening – but it’s just life, and that’s what this album is about. There’s a little love song action here and there, but mostly it’s about living life.” The Carpenter Ants (www.carpenterants.net) Even the best bands come and go but the Carpenter Ants have been around – with virtually the same lineup – for 25 years. The Ants have defied the odds and outlasted most of their peers for a number of reasons. First and foremost, after more than 2,000 performances, regardless of the occasion, the band never fails to have a good time – and that feeling is contagious.Check out the amazing new CD with Bill Kirchen - Ant and Uncles. www.carpenterants.net Tickets  http://j.mp/toddtim Free workshops www.songwriternight.com

A Song For the Buckeyes, Super Tuesday & Rush Limbaugh

Rush & His Pussy

With both sides of my brain tied behind my back, I wrote this song back during the Clinton years.  The story goes out to my buckeye friends and seems just right for super duper Tuesday and all the Rush Limbaugh hubbub.

Whole Lotta Choice (Lost in Cleveland)
LISTEN HERE

Whole Lotta Choice (Lost In Cleveland)
From "Most Requested" found in the store here www.toddburge.com
(C) & (P) Bunj Jam-BMI

Three strikes and you’re out

Two strikes and you’re a little bit down

One strike might send a king off to play golf

That same strike might send a pauper

A much lessor offer

But what if one strike went right to your pretty daughter’s face?

She’d have to hide that mark when she wanted to go anyplace

Way back when things were a bit more fair

The only care in her world

Was the perfect curl in her hair

And how the boys would stare

Must have had a friend

Must have had all kinds of friends

Once had a voice

And a whole lotta choice

Now I was leaving a show one night in Cleveland Ohio

My right hand was fishing around my car’s interior for a map

And the next thing you know

Instead of going down 90 South

I was destined to go up and get a drink

Out of a lake at the upper end of the state

Now I could’ve been driving just about anyplace

There was paint rotting off the houses and holes in the streets

There were beer cans along the curb

And about every other block I could see

The bright green

Squeaky clean sign that read “BP”

Like a light watching over me

So I drove up to get directions and a big bag of potato chips

But the door was locked and the speaker was broken

So we had to read each other’s lips

And man I thought I’d thanked that lady kindly

But just about then she flipped me the bird

And when I looked down in that sliding metal box

I saw a small container of paper clips

She didn’t see a single word

Must have had a friend

Must have had all kinds of friends

Once had a voice

And a whole lotta choice

Now I don’t know about the land of the free

But I can see the home of the brave

It’s behind bullet proof plastic

At a BP Station in Cleveland

So I got in my car with no more sense of direction

Than when I arrived at that service-less station

It was just about then that I met my escort

Came in the form of a police car, the finest in Ohio

He said what’s a white West Virginia boy doing

Driving a Geo, at 1 AM  in the Cleveland ghetto

I filled him in on my show and everything else I thought he’d like to know

I said, I’m trying to connect up with I-90 South

He said,  Follow me boy, I’ll direct you out

And man I thought I’d seen it all

When I saw a lady sleeping in the street

While I was cranking up my heat

And tuned into a re-broadcast of Rush Limbaugh

Must have had a friend

Must have had all kinds of friend

Once had a voice

Must have made that her choice

BURGE VS. LADY GAGA! (Help me win!)

Future Loser - Lady Gaga

I need your help!
That's right, I am chasing Lady Gaga on Facebook.
Lady Gaga has 47,919,600 people who "like" her
I have 1,401


Please visit my Facebook music page and click the "LIKE" tab.
Share the page with your Facebook friends too!

With your help, I think I can have her beat by next Wednesday, Thursday at the latest.

Much love and thanks!  Todd

(CLICK ON THIS LINK AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR TODD BURGE)

The Never Ending End (A Letter To Harold Camping From A Believer)

From the upcoming CD "Building Characters" produced by Don Dixon and featuring Tim O'Brien, Don Dixon and Kenny Malone.  Due out April 2012

LISTEN TO THIS SONG RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Is this the real end?

Radio Evangelist, Harold Camping predicted the end of the world would come May 21, 2011.  Many of his followers quit their jobs and sold everything they had in order to help him "get the word out".  According to Harold, Jesus was returning and our souls were going to be sorted out.  This is a"letter" from one of his followers written May 22, 2011.

Joseph's Prayer To His Baby Son by Todd Burge, Tim O'Brien, Don Dixon & Kenny Malone (Due out April 2012)

LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

From the upcoming CD "Building Characters" (coming April 2012) by Todd Burge.

Watch the video here about this project

Joseph's Prayer To His Baby Son.  I was wondering how Joseph felt when Mary told him that she was "with child" without his "assistance".  I would have been horribly insecure.

Recorded on the upcoming CD project "Building Characters" produced by Don Dixon and performed live in the studio at "Tim's World" in Nashville TN by Todd Burge, (Acoustic Guitar & harmonica) Tim O'Brien (bouzouki & violin ), Don Dixon (Bowed bass), Kenny Malone (Percussion)

The song fits the general theme of "Building Characters". A work that revolves around 2012, religious fanaticism, darkness and enlightenment. Oh, it is a really fun CD too. It will be out in the Spring of 2012.

Check out more about this recording as well as its companion CD for kids entitled "Character Building" (a fundraiser for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) right here.

http://rockethub.com/projects/3846-building-character-w-burge-o-brien-dixon

There is a video waiting for you there.

Let me know what you think. Thanks for listening! Sincerely, Todd

www.toddburge.com

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LIGHT by Todd Burge, Tim O'Brien, Don Dixon and Kenny Malone

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LIGHT(CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!)
this is the only song that will be on both the CD for "kids" (Character Building) and the CD for "adults" (Building Characters) "Building Characters" produced by Don Dixon and performed live in the studio at "Tim's World" in Nashville TN by Todd Burge, (Acoustic Guitar & harmonica) Tim O'Brien (Electric guitar), Don Dixon (Bass), Kenny Malone (Drums)

The song fits the general theme of "Building Characters".  A work that revolves around 2012, religious fanaticism, darkness and enlightenment.  Oh, it is a really fun CD too.  It will be out in the Spring of 2012.

It also fits the theme of the CD for Kids "Character Building" which deals with many critters and human placed under challenging circumstances.

Check out more about this recording as well as its companion CD for kids entitled "Character Building" right here.  or by clicking on my pic below. There is a video waiting for you there.

This recording will serve as a fundraiser for the Food Allergy Network.  I can use you help.  Watch the video and let me know what you think.  Thanks for listening!  Sincerely, Todd

JESUS NIGHT LIGHT by Todd Burge, Tim O'Brien, Don Dixon and Kenny Malone

JESUS NIGHT LIGHT (Click here to listen ) is the only older tune that was recorded on the upcoming CD project "Building Characters" produced by Don Dixon and performed live in the studio at "Tim's World" in Nashville TN by Todd Burge, (Acoustic Guitar & harmonica) Tim O'Brien (Electric guitar), Don Dixon (Bass), Kenny Malone (Drums)


The song fits the general theme of "Building Characters".  A work that revolves around 2012, religious fanaticism, darkness and enlightenment.  Oh, it is a really fun CD too.  It will be out in the Spring of 2012.

Check out more about this recording as well as its companion CD for kids entitled "Character Building" right here.  or by clicking on my pic below. There is a video waiting for you there.

This recording will serve as a fundraiser for the Food Allergy Network.  I can use you help.  Watch the video and let me know what you think.  Thanks for listening!  Sincerely, Todd

Review of The Fourteenth Colony (A Novel with Music by Jason T. Lewis)

I just finished reading The Fourteenth Colony by Jason T. Lewis.  The book comes with an eight song companion CD/download. 

Lewis was a well known regular in the Morgantown WV music scene back in the early 90s.  He later moved to New York City to pursue his music, started an Americana rock band there called Star City, worked with the late Jay Bennett (Wilco) and for the last couple years has been Director of the Writing and Humanities Program at the University of Iowa.

My first memories of Jason Lewis are that of a musician and journalist.  If I remember right, he was a music writer for The Daily Athenaeum, the WVU student newspaper.

He interviewed me 20 years ago when my cassette “New World Out of Order” came out.

To be from West Virginia is to be an artist.   You must be creative to stay, but you must be creative to leave and stay away.  Staying away is the real trick. Some find it impossible.  Others live their lives tortured by it. Pining away for the Great State or the selective memories of what they thought was great before they left.  In West Virginia there’s art in the way people speak, in the food, the land, the slice of a buck’s belly, the pain and the heaven that is there or almost there, daily.

I spent my twenties trying to get out of West Virginia and I spent my thirties trying to get back. 

The Fourteenth Colony is a fictional work about trying to “get back” home and slipping as you try.  It is about trying to mend your broken past somehow. 

It is about a musician from a broken family, a broken state and heart stepped on by a mother and a father who didn’t know how to be a mother and father.  A musician who moved to New York and was signed to a major label, but then the bottom fell out and left him with nothing but some master tapes that he had no legal right to release.

I know that some of this work of fiction is fact and follows Lewis’ actual life, but I’m somewhat afraid to ask him which is which as it all seems so painful. 

The story is a compelling one for me as I too come from a broken home and am a musician who moved away to search for my musical “legacy”. My reasons and motivation to start playing rock and roll were not sexually motivated as is the case with most young men, but possibly a reaching out to my family.  An attempt to prove something to them. If Dad had hugged me once or twice as a baby, maybe I would have been an accountant.

I feel this to be the case with the main character in Lewis’ book, John Martin.  I can’t shake the name. Or maybe the name shakes me in an interesting way.  John Martin.  John=John and Martin=fine guitar.  Crapper Guitar.  Crap Guitar.  Music in the crapper.  Ha.

At any rate, The Fourteenth Colony is a book of struggle that is more than worthy of a read from anyone, but especially those who grew up in West Virginia then moved away.  Maybe it is best to never go back, but sometimes going back is the only option. 

John Martin finds himself going back to the same haunts, losing sobriety and his mind or possibly finding his mind as he gets lost.  He seems to be connecting himself with those people who most remind him of his past.  A stripper who reminds him of his mother who has a teenage son comes to mind.  The stripper talks about how she had her son a bit too early in life and one of my favorite lines of the book falls here.  She talks about how her boy will take off without letting her know where he is, just long enough to make it hurt. “He knows how to make time painful”, she said.

John Martin sees his teen years in that boy and his mother in the stripper.  He desperately attempts to mend his past by connecting with both of them.  The spark of the book is in this ongoing friction.

John Martin’s dying father’s request for a deer steak for his possible last meal turns into a wonderful metaphoric trip through the familiar West Virginia hills of my boyhood.  I can almost smell the words.  As John Martin reluctantly hunts the deer down he is thinking, “It wasn’t in me, but I had to try. I stood and walked further up the hill, past the place where I’d been the day before, toward the clearing above.  It was an unknown place. Maybe unknown things could happen there.” 

Unknown things do happen there.

Throughout the story, Martin refers to the master tapes that are in his van, the major label release that fell through.  In most books you would simply imagine the music, but Lewis has included a CD/download of some of the songs mentioned on the master as well as others that touch on the book’s theme.  The book gets so desperately dark at times that I expected the songs to venture into Lou Reed’s territory, lyrically I mean, but they don’t.  They are straight forward Americana rock songs with a well rehearsed band.  No hillbilly twang here.  They are aching Americana Rock tunes.  They sound like songs from a man who may have spent his twenties running away from his West Virginia roots only to realize that there was nowhere to run.  They most certainly sound like songs that could have been on John Martin’s never to be released CD.  The book stands strong on its own, but it is really great/unique having this musical companion.

As a songwriter, this work was inspirational to me.  It is an exciting and admirable achievement by Lewis.   

Read it.

Todd Burge Jan 11th 2012

Find it here:

JASON T. LEWIS

Amazon

Goodreads