Tuesday, March 17, 2015

New Todd Burge Album Out Today! iTunes, Amazon, etc

The New Album Releases TODAY!Pick your copy up in your favorite format in the Todd Burge Store
or on iTunes/Amazon etc! 

TODD BURGE STORE  CDs & Downloads
iTunes                   Amazon                CD Baby 

THE NEW ALBUM by TODD BURGE 
IMITATION LIFE
Produced By Tim O’Brien


"He's got a great talent as a writer and unique view of the world; he's invented his own art form. His songs just get better and better. This album is a real Todd de force”
Tim O’Brien (Singer-Songwriter, Grammy winner)

Written during Todd's 50th year on planet Earth, this album was originally entitled "50 Songs", but fear of false advertising nixed that one. Burge, who may be best known for his method of writing songs from the perspective of odd characters, criminals, animals and bugs, (listen to Building Characters produced by Don Dixon) has recently released an album of personal songs entitled Imitation Life (MARCH 2015). The recording was produced by long term collaborator, Tim O’Brien. O’Brien is an inductee to the WV Music Hall of Fame and 2015 Grammy winner. Recorded live with few overdubs at John Prine’s Butcher Shoppe Studios in Nashville TN, and engineered and mixed by David “Ferg” Ferguson (Johnny Cash, Del McCoury) the album captures Burge’s melodies and unique wordplay in their element. 
Imitation Life features O’Brien on multiple instruments, Kathy Mattea on backing vocals and a handful of other Nashville cats* rounding out the band.

Todd belongs in the company of Peter Stampfel, Todd Snider and Paul Thorn with Roger Miller winking from beyond. Look upon his works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Larry Groce – Host of NPR’s Mountain Stage


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, has played everything from Alternative Rock to Contemporary Folk, performing concerts at festivals and in venues as diverse as CBGB’s, The Country Music Hall of Fame, The Kennedy Center, and of course, literally hundreds of clubs including the obscure, to the world famous Caffe Lena, Club Passim and Music City Roots. He is a repeat guest on NPR's Mountain Stage and has been called the “dean of WV songwriters, the best we have”, by its host, Larry Groce. In 2014, Burge wrote 13 songs for a musical adaptation of Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare. The show received great reviews as it was performed at Muskingum Park in Marietta Ohio, produced by Marietta College/The Colony Theatre and directed by Geoff Coward. Todd Burge resides in Parkersburg WV with his wife Lisa and their children, Will and Sophia.

Imitation Life by Todd Burge
Produced by Tim O’Brien

Todd Burge – vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, banjo & harmonicas
Tim O'Brien – mandolin, violin, electric & acoustic guitars, bouzouki & backing vocals
Lex Price – upright and electric bass 
Ian Fitchuck – drums, marimba & Hammond B3 organ

Kathy Mattea – backing vocals on “Change”
Larry Atamanuik - drums on “Change” 
Mike Bub - bass on “Change”
Will Burge – backing vocal on “Step Aside”
Recorded and mixed at The Butcher Shoppe Studio – Nashville TN
Engineered and mixed by David Ferguson 
Additional engineering by Sean Sullivan
Mastered by David K. Shipley at Foxwood Mastering – Nashville TN

Original “wire man” art by Nick Barry
Tim O'Brien appears courtesy of Howdy Skies Records
All songs by Todd Burge ©2015 Bunj Jam Music BMI

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Pictures from Album Release Concert THANK YOU!

Thank you all for supporting what I do! Sincerely Todd

Post by Todd Burge.

Next up at The Parkersburg Arts Center




Wednesday, March 11, 2015

WTAP/Facebook Song - "I Ironed My Shirt For This?"

Here's a song I wrote via WTAP viewers and my Facebook "Likers". The song's title was conceived by Jessica Bowers. Thank you! If you would like a Gift Song written for you or a loved one or friend, visit www.yourgiftsong.com

Friday, March 06, 2015

Todd Burge's New Album Charting Five Songs In The TOP 10 - ADP GLOBAL SINGLE CHART!

APD Global Radio Indicator Charts ™
Top 50 APD Americana / AAA Singles - March 2015
(as of 10:29pm Friday, March 6th 2015)


Todd Burge - Imitation Life - Produced by Tim O'Brien
                       Change (For Clean Water) Featuring Kathy Mattea

2  Todd Burge - Imitation Life - Produced by Tim O'Brien
                         If This Tree Could Talk

Todd Burge - Imitation Life - Produced by Tim O'Brien
                         The Cheerleader

4  Sherry Lynn Promotions Comp Vol #7
                         Big B - Raised ON A Gravel Road 3:01

5  Todd Burge - Imitation Life - Produced by Tim O'Brien
                         Good Times of Life

6  Black Prairie - A Tear In the Eye Is a Wound In the Hea
                          For The Love of John Hartford

7  Todd Burge - Imitation Life - Produced by Tim O'Brien
                          Time To Waste Time

8  Black Prairie - A Tear In the Eye Is a Wound In the Hea
                            Rock of Ages

9  Stephen Stills - "Carry On" 17
                            Carry On/Questions (CSN&Y)

10 Black Prairie - A Tear In the Eye Is a Wound In the Hea 17
                            Nowhere, Massachusetts

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Parkersburg Arts Center hosting Songwriter Night Series This Spring (Todd Burge CD Release Concert March 13 also, Suitcase Junket, The Sea The Sea and more)

Songwriter Night with Todd Burge Returns to the Parkersburg Art Center 
Three intimate evenings featuring regional and national touring songwriters!

The second Friday of March, April and May
will feature some of the most unique songwriters in the country!

SOLD OUT    
Todd Burge Album Release
Parkersburg Art Center - March 13 2015 8pm
with Jimmy Clinton, Larry Groce, William Matheny and more


Todd performs songs from his upcoming album, Imitation Life, 
Produced by Grammy winner Tim O’Brien and featuring Kathy Mattea.
‘Todd belongs in the company of Peter Stampfel, Todd Snider
and Paul Thorn with Roger Miller winking from beyond.
Look upon his works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Larry Groce – Host of NPR’s Mountain Stage



COMING UP NEXT!
_________________________________________________________________

THE SUITCASE JUNKET
Friday, April 10th   2015 8pm
THE SUITCASE JUNKET
Benefiting The Parkersburg Arts Center 725 Market Street Parkersburg, WV 
http://parkersburgartcenter.org/
TICKETS ARE $12 in Advance $15 at the Door (If Available)

NATIONALLY TOURING, SLIDE GUITAR PLAYING, THROAT SINGING ONE MAN BAND!
“Not everyone can pull of the one-man-band gambit without lapsing into schtick,  
but Amherst's Matt Lorenz has it all down to an art form.
The songs are what you remember”– The Boston Globe


COMING UP NEXT!
_________________________________________________________________

THE SEA THE SEA
Friday May 8th 2015 8pm
THE SEA, THE SEA
Benefiting The Parkersburg Arts Center 725 Market Street Parkersburg, WV 
http://parkersburgartcenter.org/
TICKETS ARE $12 in Advance $15 at the Door (If Available)

“ two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year”
The Huffington Post


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Here's Your Chance to Join The "IN" Crowd!! Todd T-Shirts and FREE DOWLOADS



You have always wanted to be in with the "in crowd" right? 
Get hip to his Jack!
Supplies are SUPER limited! 

A high quality (black only) T-shirt with a very high quality print of Dan Gloyd's artwork for Todd's Building Characters Album. T-shirt purchase comes with a free download of the album! Pick one up for yourself, a family member or friend for the holidays! Very limited stock in S, M, L, XL and XXL
NEW LIMITED TODD BURGE T-SHIRT with FREE DOWNLOAD!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE

T-SHIRT COMES WITH A FREE DOWLOAD!!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

CONCERTS IN YOUR HOME? You can do it! Sure ya can!

Hello all!
I have some great shows coming up in traditional venues, and have found that house concerts are a superb way to round out my touring schedule. If you are curious about them, watch this video.
Click on this link too.
http://www.listeningroomnetwork.com/index.php
Maybe we can book a show in your home sometime? Cool. Thanks T


Wednesday, October 08, 2014

TODD BURGE WV TOUR THIS WEEK!

Touring WV this week!
Middlebourne, Bluefield, Beckley, Bramwell and Thomas.

Will be playing some new songs including this one below.
Will you share with your friends? Would love to see you there
Thanks again for allowing me to do what I love to do.
Sincerely,
Todd

oh, all tour details are on my "tours" link  here www.toddburge.com 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Remembering Joseph Hale

Some scattered thoughts on my late friend Joseph Hale.

I was first aware of Joseph Hale back in 2008, I think. My father and step-mother were in from KY and staying at the Blennerhasset Hotel. We just had dinner and were hanging out in the lounge, and in the corner sat one Joseph Henry, (Later, changing his last name to Hale)  playing piano as background sound with nobody really paying much attention, except for his wife, Sasha. She was so into it, grooving and singing every word, sitting on the leather couch near him. It was super sweet.  I was distracted by how good he was. Not good, amazing really. I was feeling guilty that I was distracted so from my family visit. I said to my wife, "am I so un-hip and  just really out of touch with current music that don't know any of these songs or are they all originals?  They all sound amazing!" I approached Joseph at the end of his set and he informed me that his songs were all original. It didn't seem real. I couldn't believe that all this music, music that was so brilliantly formed, arranged and performed was being created right here near my ears. Created/conceived so close to my home.

He gave me two CDs that night. Both packed full of original songs that he had obviously spent hours producing in his basement on his multi-track. Recording in mind bending "Brian Wilson" fashion. The arrangements were thick and fully realized, one song after the other and his voice was flat out amazing in a Lennon/McCartney way. As I listened to the songs, one gem after the other, I eventually had to pull off the road (on my way to some show)  and call my wife to tell her how out of my head I was over this guy's music!

At the time I was hosting many songwriter nights in WV and Ohio and had a radio show were I would feature regional songwriters. I felt I knew just about everyone, but man, was I wrong. This was like accidentally striking gold.  I immediately asked him to perform one of my radio shows in Morgantown.
He would command your attention during those tapings. His songs were beautiful, funny, dark, punk, yet melodic. He would totally suck the crowd's attention in.  There's no way to exaggerate his musicality at that time in his life.  Here is a recording from one of those radio shows.


After watching him perform, I invited him over to the house to work on some songs of mine with no real goal in mind, although, I dreamed of incorporating him into my then scattered musical vision. He brought his keyboard and set up and we discussed music, (Lou Reed, Bowie, Zevon etc) played a few songs and immediately connected.
I loved how he worked his ass off on learning my tunes when we really didn't have a plan, we were just playing and kicking things around. I'm so happy I documented that first collaboration here.


Joseph Hale then became part of my mid-life crisis it seems. After being out of a band for a few years and playing and touring as a solo artist, I found that Joseph along with Billy Matheny, both about 20 years younger than I, inspired me to start a new band. Like most people, my career has been filled with mentors. Sometimes the mentors have been unaware. The earlier obvious ones being my mother and brother playing the piano around the house, then later, my guitar/artistic guru, Dallas Gose, then later still, Mike Morningstar, Larry Groce, Tim O'Brien etc, but when Joseph entered my life, I found myself writing songs and creating music informed and inspired by him and his musical way. Joseph along with Billy Matheny unknowingly became a driving force in my musical direction. Both mentors of sorts.  I would imagine them hearing the tunes, maybe looking over my shoulder and approving or disapproving. I was writing songs about a fictitious songwriter who was going through an extreme mid-life crisis. My mid-life crisis was mild, possibly because I felt that I was making "good art".  It was closely tied to Mr. Hale. His fine work can be found in songs like Get Well, Intervene, I'm a Shark etc here.

He enriched my life and I spent a lot of time struggling over how I might sooth his mind somehow. Break in and reorganize?  It is difficult to talk about a friend who has passed so tragically, so early in life and honor and discuss their worth without becoming self-serving. Impossible really.
So, I suppose these words are to make myself feel better about his passing somehow, but they are also meant to celebrate all that was good about the man, and there was plenty.  I do know that I respected Joseph Hale. I respected his life and his art and friendship. I'm happy that I was able to tell him that over and over again. I will miss him and continue to celebrate what he created here on earth. Pure art can be unreal. Joseph Hale was unreal, yet he made us all feel, so, real.

You simply must listen to his music again.
FIND IT HERE
http://www.reverbnation.com/ovada

Todd with Joseph Making up a song on the fly in Pomeroy Ohio

Friday, August 08, 2014

New Music From Camp Craw Dad

Started writing a song with the kids of Camp Craw Dad today. My kids, Will (10) and Sophia (8) both go there. Go to "Todd Burge for Kids" and you'll hear Sophia and Will teach the happy campers how to play "The Bugs Are Coming". I'm hoping to finish the original song we started today and have it posted next week.  More news to come! Thank you! Todd http://toddburgeforkids.blogspot.com/ 

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Burge in Looneyville, Charleston and Parkersburg! Wear Your Bike Helmet!


This Week - June 21 and 22 214

 Todd at FestivALL's Music Works (Charleston)
Then Looneyville WV, Both on Saturday
then Sunday at the Multi Cultural Festival in Parkersburg, WV
check www.toddburge.com for complete tours.

Saturday, June 07, 2014

Help 8yr Old Sophia Burge Raise Money to Fight Severe Food Allergies!



 As many of you know, our 8 year old Sophia has severe food allergies. 


She is severely allergic to almost all nuts and has an egg allergy as well.The Food Allergy Network has helped our family negotiate the daily challenges that go along with her condition and we are honored to be able to "give back" and support them with their noble mission. We will be at the FARE Walk for Food Allergy in Wheeling, WV on June 8th and hope that you will join us in raising funds for FARE. Click here http://www.foodallergywalk.org/wheeling/burge and make a donation. Thank your for your support! Sincerely, Sophia, Will, Lisa and Todd We will have a table set up and will sing some songs along with with any human or animal wanting to join us at this event. Please join us? Oglebay Park (Levenson Shelter) 465 Lodge Drive Wheeling, WV 26003 10AM June 8th Sunday Food allergy is a life-altering and potentially life-threatening disease that sends someone to the emergency room every 3 minutes. With 15 million Americans affected, there are 15 million reasons to support this important cause. We will be participating in the 2014 FARE Walk for Food Allergy to help raise critical funds and awareness. The money we raise will support Food Allergy Research & Education's (FARE) mission to ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. We need your support. You can join our team or make a donation to support our efforts. • To make a donation to our team, click the DONATE NOW button on the link above.   • To join our team to fundraiser and/or walk, click on the JOIN TEAM link in the top right corner. By making a donation on our team's behalf, you will be helping FARE to fund food allergy education programs, advocacy and awareness initiatives, and world-class research. Help us Say FAREwell to Food Allergies! - See more at: http://www.foodallergywalk.org

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Dixon, Burge & Cowdery this Friday - Burge and O'Brien Record Next Week.

TODD BURGE AT A GLANCE
Hi everyone!  I'm excited about my benefit show with Don Dixon and RJ Cowdery this Friday at the People's Bank Theatre (Colony) in Marietta. Next week I'm in Nashville recording my song "Change for Clean Water"  with Tim O'Brien for "The Water Project" CD that will includeKathy Mattea, John Gorka, Billy Ed Wheeler and many many more. I'm touring like a fool this year. Just added 19 shows and more are coming. Would love to see you out there! Watch my video and I'll fill you in on the coming week.



Tons of shows coming up this Spring and Summer including
The Nelsonville Music Festival,
The WV MUSIC HALL OF FAME'S GARDEN PARTY in SUTTON
The Multi-Cultural Fest and more.  

Saturday, May 03, 2014

Attn:Songwriters and Lovers of Songs! DIXON, BURGE, COWDERY and YOU????

DON DIXON
Share or invite this event
https://www.facebook.com/events/563056133810188/

Songwriter Invitational Features Renowned Performers
at Merchants and Artists Walk

TWO FREE EVENTS IN ONE!

6PM-8PM
In Front of Colony
Songwriter Invitational (Sign up below**)
Hayfield and Crow (more TBA)

8PM
DON DIXON, RJ COWDERY
& TODD BURGE inside on the Colony Stage  


Don Dixon, Todd Burge & RJ Cowdery will perform “in the round” on the stage of the historic Peoples Bank/Colony Theatre, 222 Putnam St, Marietta Ohio, at 8pm, Friday May 9th as part of Marietta, Ohio’s Merchants and Artists Walk.

This performance is free to the public and donations will benefit the theatre restoration project.

Dixon is nationally known as a performer and producer, working with acts like REM, Joan Baez, and Joe Cocker. Burge and Cowdery are both from the Mid-Ohio Valley and tour nationally. They have also worked extensively with Dixon in the past.

**Songwriters wishing to attend and share some songs please contact Todd at toddburge@suddelink.net. There will be performance opportunities in front of the theatre beginning at 6 pm before Dixon, Burge and Cowdery perform inside at 8pm. All participating songwriters will also be invited to attend a meet and greet with Jim Lauderdale at 7 pm in the balcony at The Adelphia Music Hall, Thursday May 22, before his performance with JD Hutchison. (More info here www.theadelphia.com)

Tours of the theatre will begin at 6 pm. This performance is free to the public and donations will benefit the theatre restoration project.

The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Don Dixon
Dixon is considered to be one of the key producers of what is called the jangle pop movement of the early 1980s. He spent thirteen years as a member of North Carolina cult heroes Arrogance. Around 1983, Dixon attracted attention by co-producing with Mitch Easter, R.E.M.'s landmark debut LP Murmur and in 1984 R.E.M.'s follow-up LP Reckoning, also with Mitch Easter (both credited in the Reckoning liner notes as "Machinists"). He then spent several years producing the work of varied artists including Chris Stamey (formerly of The dB's), The Smithereens, Fetchin Bones and Richard Barone. Considered to be a highlight of this period was Tommy Keene's Run Now EP. This success led to Dixon recording his solo debut Most of the Girls Like to Dance But Only Some of the Boys Like To, a further affirmation of his love of classic pop melodies and spiky, Nick Lowe-inspired word play. A book of his song lyrics, Songs 101: the Lyrics of Don Dixon was released in 2009 by VanZeno press.
In 2006, Dixon released his first new album in six years, The Entire Combustible World in One Small Room.
In 2008, Dixon released an album with his bandmates of 20 years, Jamie Hoover of The Spongetones, and Jim Brock. Dubbing the band The Jump Rabbits, the collection is called The Nu-Look.
Although Dixon and wife, Marti Jones, have collaborated on each other's albums for years; in 2011 they released the first true Jones/Dixon album. Entitled Living Stereo, it is a collection of duets.

Todd Burge

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 has played everything from Alternative Rock to Bluegrass, performing concerts in venues as diverse as CBGB’s, The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Center. He 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. His latest recording, Building Characters was produced by Don Dixon (R.E.M. James McMurtry) and once again features Tim O’Brien & Kenny Malone.


RJ Cowdery

After working for years in health care and writing on the side, Ohio native RJ Cowdery finally found the nerve to choose music as her career.  Since joining the ranks of traveling troubadours, RJ has racked up major songwriting awards (Kerrville New Folk, Mountain Stage NewSong, Wildflower! Arts and Music, runner up at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, and most recently the Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest at Sisters Folk Festival in Sisters, Oregon) and fans from across the country with her heartfelt lyrics and tender voice.
“In This Light”, RJ’s 2011 release on Blue Rock Artists label, is a collection of 11 intimate songs produced by veteran Billy Crockett and recorded at Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio in Wimberley, Texas. The CD features Cindy Cashdollar on dobro/lap steel and special appearances by Pierce Pettis, and Jonathan Byrd.
In 2008, RJ released her second CD, “One More Door,” a compelling gathering of 13 songs, a title very much reflective of the exciting promise of her current career good fortune was recorded live in only two days in Parkersburg, West Virginia with percussionist Ammed Solomon and guitarist Michael Lipton. Both Solomon and Lipton are band members with National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage. The sessions for the recording, were produced by West Virginia’s renowned singer-songwriter Todd Burge. The disc also features Don Dixon, singer, songwriter, musician and producer of such pop icons as R.E.M. Smithereens, and Marti Jones.

Contact Information:
R. Hunt Brawley, J.D.
Director, Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association
Phone: (740) 373-0894 E-Mail: hbrawley@hipp222.com
Todd Burge
www.toddburge.com
(304)481-2766

Friday, January 24, 2014

CHANGE (For Clean Water) By Todd Burge

Download this song for free. See link below.

Change (For Clean Water)
By Todd Burge Jan 17 2014

I wonder what the natives thought
As Washington rode their river so pristine
Then forced to follow his direction
Be it Hell or be it Heaven
Made to swim up
His Stream

The story is as old
As the mountains, tall and green
That used to make the skyline
Of a state that once was clean

Change, change
If not it all will stay the
Same same same
Change change
We’ve got to break and make some change


Granddad had a can
From the plant along the river
On his roof (It was 1972)
Issued by some man
To measure how much toxin
That plant was letting lose

Now the numbers are all in
They’ve been crunched and wadded up
They just toss them in the river
And now our children drink them up

Change, change
If not it all will stay the
Same same same
Change change
We’ve got to break and make some change


Short term gain is taking away
Everything our great state has got to gain
And when there’s nothing left to lose
Our kids will just pack up
And simply move away

It’s true what they say
 Mountaineers are always free
In their hearts and minds
With freedom to leave
Change, change
If not it all will stay the
Same same same
Change change
We’ve got to break and make some change

“In this light, the Elk River leak could be the future of many American cities -- a future in which systems failures cause local catastrophic events, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill to clean up after polluters.” Angie Rosse - Executive Director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition in Charleston WV.


Learn how to change
www dot wvrivers dot org
http://www.wvrivers.org/

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Would You Like To Give A Song Gift To A Friend or Loved One? I'm Your Man! Watch the Video

I'd love to write "Your Gift Song"! Maybe you know of someone who would enjoy a gift song or maybe you have a song idea you'd like realized. I'm your man! Visit www.yourgiftsong.com for more or email me at toddburge@suddenlink.net Watch this and thank you!

Sunday, January 05, 2014

Listen to 63 Eyes perform Deer Head from 123 Pleasant Street
last May at 123 Pleasant Street
Morgantown WV

More Todd Burge shows posting this week.
Check "Tours" often


  

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Who Did Joseph Pray To On Christmas Day?


Who did Joseph pray to on Christmas day?

My latest Christmas song recorded here with Tim O'Brien, Don Dixon and Kenny Malone begs the question, Who did Joseph pray to on Christmas day? My songs are all grown locally.

Download it in finer online stores everywhere. Merry Christmas and thank you for supporting what I do!





Song on iTunes


Song on Amazon 





Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Some of My Favorite Listening for 2013

WOUB Public Media once again asked me to reveal my favorite listening for the old year.
Here are some bits and pieces.

SAM PHILLIPS - PUSH ANY BUTTON
Sam has been pushing her own buttons and sliders since 2008 with consistently amazing results. T-Bone pushed em before that. This recording is the soundtrack of a few moods. I dig getting moody with Sam.
Current favorite track is the poppy When I'm Alone.



ROBBIE FULKS - GONE AWAY BACKWARDS
"Some guy in Bombay is running that press I used to hate. Now I sling hash for what all spills off the interstate" is my favorite line from the song "Where I Fell". The song is performed in such a whispered state that it gives Robbie's abrasive verbal jabs more power than ever. This isn't your typical Fulks, but then again, nothing ever is. Steve Albini again stays out of the way and produces a real sounding record. No percussion here and very little electric.

TIM O'BRIEN and DARRELL SCOTT - MEMORIES AND MOMENTS
Being a songwritin' WV boy, I felt like I'd heard all the coal songs I needed, or I should say, I felt that the good ones were already penned. Keep Your Dirty Lights On, written by Scott and performed here changed my mind. Recorded mostly live in the studio with little to no overdubs. I heard just now that the song was nominated for a Grammy, but don't hold that against em.


THE MIDDLE RATS - The Middle Rats
What started out as a side project for Joey Hebdo and friends, turned out to be one great recording. These rats are hep cats. I caught them before my show at Donkey Coffee earlier this year as they were playing at Casa Nueva. Typical noisy cantina crowd, which always makes me feel somehow sad for the performers who play over it. The noise that is. I knew they were good live, but was unprepared for where the CD would take me as I was stuck on the DC beltway. Check out Instead She Let Me Go and compare it to this video and you'll get an idea of how diverse this recording is.



PAUL MCCARTNEY-NEW
I don't like this recording because Paul is out there and still at it at 70. I think it is a really cool listen.
I understand some of the lyrics are improvised. I'm thinking these might be the best lyrics, but lyrics aside, I marvel at the endless supply of nutty great melodies that continue to come from this man.  The songs, Early Days and New, are tunes that both have Paul looking back. They are probably the weakest of the batch, but led me to the next recording on my list.



PAUL MCCARTNEY - BAND ON THE RUN.
After New, I went "old". I'd never heard this whole album. Released in 1973 I believe. Band on the Run and Jet are worth the price of admission, but the rest of the recording is grand too. I'm 40 years behind on my listening. I envy those who will hear some of the classics for the first time.


MOUNTAIN STAGE - ARCHIVES - AUG 6 1989

I spent much if not most of my casual listening time celebrating Mountain Stage's 30th anniversary year by listening to many of their archived shows. So many of them are so great, but one in particular shines a light on what a classic program Mountain Stage really is. On Aug 6 1989 they recorded a program with John and Jamie Hartford, Rambling Jack Elliot, The McGarrigle Sisters and Tony Rice. The same archive has a bonus set of Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys recorded earlier that same year. A thrill through and through. Happy anniversary to Mountain Stage.

BIRTH OF A RADIO SHOW - Mountain Stage at 30: A Radio Retrospective by Dave Mistich
The single most captivating hour of listening for me in 2013 would have to be this WV Public Radio piece by Dave Mistich. Mistich does a great job of telling us the story of Mountain Stage from their inception 30 years ago, to now. Many famous artists talk it up here, from Richard Thompson to Kathy Mattea and beyond.
Host, Larry Groce and past producer, Andy Ridenour tell their story as well as many others from the Mountain Stage staff, band and crew. There isn't much music at all on this podcast, but it is crucial listening for any fan of this world famous program, that I'm proud to say, is produced right here in the great state of West Virginia.

Andy Ridenour and Larry Groce



LOU REED - MAGIC and LOSS
After Reed passed, I kept going back to this superb recording from 1991. He recorded a group of songs surrounding the passing of two of his close friends. Life's Good


Others off the top of my head

Blue Yonder - Bittersweet Road - John Lilly has a real way of making his new songs sound like classic county. Guitar champ Robert Shafer smokes all over this too.

Fields of Gettysburg by John A Walsh - Walsh churned out a great song cycle on the 150 anniversary of this notorious battle. Nothing hayseed here. Members of the Mountain Stage Band, Tim O'Brien, Colten Pack and more.

Others

Superchunk - I Hate Music
Jason Isbell - Southeastern
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Push the Sky Away
Kurt Vile - Waking on a Pretty Daze
Neil Young - Live at the Cellar Door
David Bowie - The Next Day





Friday, November 22, 2013

Todd Burge Will Create A Special Song Just For You



Hi Everyone
Every year around this time, I slow down my concert schedule and stay close to home for the holidays.
I'm also in the habit of writing a lot during this period. This is where you come in. I'm going to write 7 songs before Christmas for others. What I mean is, If you 'd like to give the special gift of song to someone you love this holiday season, let me know. I will take your story or notes, turn them into a song, record it and put it on Youtube for you to share.

I've written many songs by request. Maybe you'd like a special song written for your spouse, child, dog, parent, grandparent, boss, co-worker, grandchild, neighbor etc! It can be serious or not so serious. It is really up to you and me.

Again, I'm only doing five of these this year, so jump in early. Deadline for you to be considered is  Dec 13th and 1/5 of the money will go to F.A.R.E. in support of families with severe food allergies.

Shoot me an email right now if you'd like to talk more about this. tb@toddburge.com
I only have time to write 5 more songs.  Thank you!

Below are some examples of songs I've written for others.

I AM WHAT I EAT - Written for a friend who had a heart valve replacement

OUR FIRST DOG - Written by Todd Burge & Tim O'Brien for the Presidential Dog


TRIBUTE SONG for a loved one


Thursday, October 17, 2013

OCT 18 Todd plays Frostburg MD OCT 19th - 63 Eyes in Morgantown


Photo by Amos Perrine
FROSTBURG THIS FRIDAY
I'm playing Frostburg, MD at Mountain City Traditional Arts (25 E. Main)
this coming Friday and I am thrilled.
I love that college town in the mountains.
Who do you know in that region? Please share this Facebook event page with them.
More here or check my "tours" page.


123 PLEASANT STREET TURNS 15!
Congratulations to 123 Pleasant Street! We are celebrating the 15th anniversary
of one of the greatest music venues on the planet this Saturday,
123 Pleasant Street in Morgantown, WV!

By "we" I mean, 63 Eyes, The Phantom Six and J. Marinelli.
as of this writing, there are still some tickets left,
click on my "tours" link for more or
click here for tix. www.123pleasantstreet.com 

I have some exciting announcements coming up.
I'm not sure what they are yet, but when I find out,
I'll share them with you.

Thanks friends!


Todd 





Friday, September 27, 2013

This Weekend - Fields of Gettysburg w/ Walsh/Groce/Baldwin ALSO: Food Allergy Walk Sunday in Morgantown

Hello All!
SATURDAY SEPT 28 - FIELDS OF GETTYSBURG at THE ADELPHIA
An exciting weekend coming up. The Fields of Gettysburg by John Walsh will return to the stage at The Adelphia Music Hall in Marietta Ohio this Saturday for two shows. This is a great song cycle created by John Walsh and will include Larry Groce, Micheal Lipton and Ammed Solomon (of the Mountain Stage Band), Justin Arthur, Jessica Baldwin and so many more. Please get your tickets now as the last show sold out. Find them here www.theadelphia.com  Watch "FOG" on NPR's Mountain Stage



SUNDAY SEPT 29 - FARE "FOOD ALLERGY" Walk
- Todd Performs, Kids can play etc.
http://www.foodallergywalk.org/morgantown/sophiaburge
Click the above link to support the cause :) Thanks - Todd, Lisa, Sophia and Will Burge

READ MORE
We are once again participating in the Morgantown WV Walk for Food Allergy THIS SUNDAY Sept 29th! Will you please support us with a donation and help us reach our goal?

Sophia, age 7 has severe food allergies and the Food Allergy Network (now F.A.R.E.) has helped us negotiate the everyday challenges that come along with having a family member with this life threatening condition. So, we are giving back in hopes that many others will receive FARE's assistance.

Not a day has gone by in the last 5 years that we haven't thought about food allergies. When Sophia had her first bite of peanut butter and had a severe reaction it was terrifying! With the help of FARE we manage our food allergy situation with confidence.

Please help us by donating and supporting Food Allergy Research and Education.
Many thanks!!!

**Give at the $20 level or more and receive Todd Burge's CD for children and grownups entitled "Character Building". The CD includes songs inspired by and written along with Sophia and Will. After you give, please email tb@toddburge.com for your free CD. Thank you so much!

Coming up
Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott with Todd Burge
OCT 11th - Morgantown WV tickets at www.toddburge.com 
“Todd belongs in the company of Peter Stampfel, Todd Snider and Paul Thorn with Roger Miller winking from beyond. Look upon his works, ye Mighty, and despair! ” Larry Groce - Host of NPR's Mountain Stage
“his insights sneak up on you. He just keeps getting better and better.”
Tim O'Brien - Singer-Songwriter, Grammy Winner Super Human
“He’s a deeply original, even quirky writer, but his stuff kind of works its way into your skull and improves it.” 
Craig H. - Music City Roots
A COMPLETE LIST OF TOUR DATES www.toddburge.com 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Todd's "Puppy Giveaway"! ALSO; McMurray PA (Two Shows) This weekend.

Hi All! Check out the video about my "puppy giveaway"!  

 Who do you know in the Pittsburgh PA area? More specifically McMurray PA? Let them know I'll be playing two shows there this Friday and Saturday. Friday's show is about sold out I think. Saturday's 2PM show will be a workshop of sorts for musicians and songwriters as well. More can be found by clicking on "Tours" here. Thank you! Sincerely, Todd

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Don Dixon & Hey Mavis - Does It Get Any Better?? Coming to Pittsburgh Area Next Week - Fields of Gettysburg, Tim O'Brien, Darrell Scott and more more more!!!

Hi All,
My pal and producer Don Dixon will be performing an intimate solo set (but it'll rock like crazy!) at The Adelphia in Marietta Ohio this Friday at 8pm. This is worth the trip folks. You might know Don's solo work. He has put out many fine solo CDs as well as one with his famous wife, Marti Jones. Dixon has written songs covered by the likes of  Joe Cocker and had a song in the Winona Rider movie "Heathers" entitled Teenage Suicide. Oh, he has produced many acts including R.E.M. and the Smithereens and uhm, Todd Burge. Don puts on an amazing show. There is no hype needed with Dixon. A real inspiration. His friends, Hey Mavis will play a set afterwards. I have their new CD Honey Man which is also produced by Dixon.  A great rootsy Folk rock blend. They are smooth at times and they are rough and rockin' too. They were finalists at Telluride last year!  This is some serious music. Stop by, you won't be disappointed. Tickets www.theadelphia.com only $7 in advance! Lisa and I will go early and have dinner. Join us?

I'll be playing two special shows in the PITTSBURGH area next week. Sept 20 and 21.
The 20th is getting close to selling out. Please click on "tours" here www.toddburge.com and tell your Pittsburgh friends for me. Thanks

Upcoming shows: Fields of Gettysburg Sept 28 - Marietta Ohio (A certain sell out) FARE Walk - Morgantown WV Sept 29.. Playing with Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott in Morgantown and looking forward to returning to Frostburg next month too. Added some shows in TN this week. Playing with Scott Miller in Dec at the Down Home in Johnson City TN. Oh, 63 EYES will be playing 123 Pleasant Street's 15th Anniversary with J.Marinelli and The Phantom Six Oct 18th. It'll RIP!  Please click on tours here www.toddburge.com

Thank you for supporting what I love to do in life.. seriously.
Sincerely,
Todd


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Looking Back at VA & MD, The "Ohio Guys Tour" and More.

HI EVERYONE!
If you'd like to keep up with my tours, please sign up to my mailing list here tb@toddburge.com and like my page here www.facebook.com/toddburgemusic 
I've just added more shows in Pittsburgh, Knoxville and more. 
Speaking of touring, I had a fantastic time rejoining old friends and finding new ones on my run through Maryland and Virginia last week.
Check out some of the pics and videos I gathered along the way.
Thanks for allowing me to do what I love to do. 
The last week was full of surprises in four venues I had never played.


Dante's - Frostburg MD
Charlie's Motel in Frostburg. My reluctance to stay at this "American Owned"
Motel was offset by the fact that it was solar powered. Is that silly? Probably.

Pic by Lisa Sheirer
What a hip music space this is. Thanks Sinead and Charlie and special thanks to Lisa Sheirer for hooking me up with the venue. My first performance in Frostburg was perfect. Fine people in that audience too! Looking forward to seeing you again in Oct. Check my "tours" out here www.toddburge.com 

BETHESDA MD KIDS WORKSHOP AND SHOW
Thanks to John and Allison Bolten for the Bethesda and Upperville "hook up".

Kazoo workshop (no joke) followed by a performance with the kids. 

UPPERVILLE VA  - LITTLE GIDDING CONCERTS
I drove up to the Potter's house and met Jamie for the first time.
Within 30 seconds I felt we were good friends.
The View from the Stage at Little Gidding. No Kidding.



Heard a lot of good songs at Little Gidding by John and Allison Bolten Amy Potter Sullivan etc.
This tune by Jamie (in the video) was running through my head the next day so I asked him to
play it one more time before I hit the road. Google their music. Check out "The Whiskey Darlin's" too.


FREDERICKSBURG VA
The "Ohio Guys" Tour 2013. Somehow this WV boy became part of this 20 year old tradition. Bruce Dalzell and Billy Rhinehart have traveled to Fredericksburg VA to meet up with old pals Pete Mealy and Laurie Rose Griffith annually for many years now. I remember Laurie when she reigned supreme over the Contemporary Folk Scene at OU back in the late 80s or early 90s. It was great to see them play at the Colonial Tavern on Friday. Bruce, Billy and I played at Griffin's Book store on Saturday with Harlan Dalzell, Bruce's son, making a cameo. The after party was the best. Long time Athens Ohio songwriter, Pat White blew me away (pun unintended) with his Balloon song. Corina Dalzell sang some originals on the porch. Harlan did too. These folks whether blood related or not are all family. I was honored to be part of this special gathering. Thanks Bruce, Pete, Laurie and all.
Above Pic 1 - Pete, Laurie and Henry Pic 2 - Harlan
Pic 3 - Laurie, Pat, Bruce Pic 4 Corina and Harlan

PORCH VIDEOS by Harlan & Corina Dalzell

Wednesday, August 07, 2013

AUGUST TOUR - Todd Burge plays Frostburg, Upperville, Bethesda and Fredericksburg

Hi friends! I will be in Frostburg, MD, Upperville VA, Bethesda MD and Fredericksburg VA this month. Please share this event page with your friends who live in the DC area and Frostburg.
https://www.facebook.com/events/224463701037868/
Thank you!



See dates below

Todd Burge www.toddburge.com
www.facebook.com/toddburgemusic
http://www.youtube.com/toddburge

"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


Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 8:00pm
Frostburg, MD
Dante's - 8PM
Todd Burge in Concert
www.dantesbarfrostburg.com


Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 1:30 and 3PM
Bethesda, MD
World Music Summer Camp for Kids
Workshop & Concert
Todd Burge kazoo worshop for kids 3-8 and concert
World Music Summer Camp for Kids
7701 Bradley Blvd.
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Phone 301-910-1669 (host)
Email camp@musicKidsProgram.com
Website http://www.MusicKidsProgram.com/



Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 7:30pm
Upperville, VA
Little Gidding Presents: TODD BURGE HOUSE CONCERT
21748 Greengarden Road, Upperville, Virginia 20184
For questions email whiskeydarlings@aol.com


Friday, August 16, 2013 at 8:00pm
Fredericksburg, VA- Colonial Tavern - Griffith, Mealy, Burge, Rhinehart & Dalzells - A hootenanny!
406 Lafayette Blvd Fredericksburg, VA 22401
irishbrigadetavern.com


Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 8:00pm
Fredericksburg, VA
The Griffin Bookshop and Coffee Bar
Burge, Dalzells and Rhinehart
723 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Griffin-Bookshop-and-Coffee-Bar/73423219180
(540) 899-8041


www.toddburge.com