When you first hear a song like "Kewlspace" from Jason Burke's Swimming CD, your initial reaction might be "ok, another bluesy hard rock song." Except as you start bobbing your head, you notice something is different. Musically-trained listeners may even figure it out: the song is in 6/4 time, not the 4/4 time that is typical of rock. Or maybe "Doc" was the first song you heard, and halfway through the song you realized you had heard the story being told somewhere before.
Technically the music could be described as “progressive hard rock,” a mix of guitar-oriented rock with more intelligent lyrics and writing influences. Listeners of Rush and Dream Theater will hear the influence of these legends and others in Jason’s material. The music is accessible and listenable, while standing apart from the overly-compressed, one-dimensional sound that characterizes much of contemporary rock and metal.
Jason studied classical music from the age of 10. He started singing in rock bands while attending college at Virginia Tech. Over the years, the group names changed -- Kyller Instynct, Over the Edge, Black Ice, Gougroy, King Friday -- but Jason's strong vocal presence has remained. He was heavily influenced by singers like Steve Perry (Journey), Karen Carpenter, and Geoff Tate (Queensryche). Those influences come across in his vocal performances, and give the songs a strong melodic focus. "Music to the ears and soul" is how one reviewer described it.
In the studio, Jason’s writing comes alive through the amazing talent of his friends and bandmates. Matthew Porcaro (drums), Todd Serafin (guitars), and Oliver Sampson (bass) are just a few of the independent artists that appear on Jason’s CDs. Taken individually, each artist is exceptional; put together, the combination creates something much more.
Jason's music has been featured on many radio, podcast, and webcasts. Four of the 8 tracks on Jason's first CD climbed musical charts around the world, with two songs entering the top 5 and one hitting #1. Some of the listener comments have included:
"Wow! Great original songs, top-notch musicians, music to the ears and soul..."
"5 out of 5. Progressive yet not too progressive. …the singer is outstanding!!!
Very well done!!! Great jam!!!"
"These guys are precise and highly talented"
"I have been blown away by this CD. There isn't a bad song on it. These guys
are precise like Rush and have incredible vocals like Yes. … "
If you are looking for vocals that resemble chainsaws, drum sounds made by computers, or songs that revolve exclusively around sex and drugs, Jason's music is probably not for you. But for those that can appreciate the subtleties -- soaring guitar solos, intricate drum patterns, harmonic vocal tracks, and lyrics that tease the mind -- Jason has something you will probably like.
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