Album Notes

Composition has been the guide for this unique instrumentalist since a very early age. Having been trained in the rigors of classical piano and violin from the age of five and having worked in a professional capacity since the age of thirteen, Bill began to compose at the age of sixteen. Insisting that the development of a composition is a discovery Burke pursues the truly novel rather than attempting variations on an already existent music.

Having studied jazz, R&B, pop and Indian classical (six years study on sitar within the Maihar Gharana) Burke is able to craftily and intelligently fuse multiple genres which reach diverse audiences.

Firmly believing that technique should develop according to the demands of the composition rather than through one's desire for virtuosity, Burke finds his vehicle of expression in the touch guitar - an eight stringed instrument played by "tapping" the strings against the fretboard. Similar in concept to a piano if the fingers are considered the hammers yet distinct in the instrument's allowance for microtones through bending, slides, vibrato and tremolo. With touch guitar in hand Burke is able to deliver two, three and even four part compositions for audiences. Onlookers are immediately intrigued by Burke's physical movements on the instrument and remain to experience the novel and powerfully moving compositions.