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0:00/3:42
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Birds and Bees 3:410:00/3:41
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Reefer 4:000:00/4:00
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Nights of July 3:560:00/3:56
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Thunder 3:360:00/3:36
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Swallowtail Jig 2:420:00/2:42
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Cold Hart 4:040:00/4:04
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0:00/2:58
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The Wind 5:000:00/5:00
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Time for a Change 3:500:00/3:50
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Thunder - reprise 2:100:00/2:10
Photo by AppleTree Photography
BIO : MORNINGBIRD
GENRE: Folk, Folk Rock, Americana
Morningbird is a powerhouse quartet (sometimes trio) with an eclectic vibe. Multi-instrumentalists Jill Burkes (vocals, violin, guitar) and Josh Palmi (vocals, guitar) bring a rare chemistry to their performances. Supplemented by Shane Kingsland on Bass and Jim Pietila on Percussion, the band creates a seamless fusion of folk, rock & country stylings. Rooted in an authenticity that is both grounded and free spirited, their music has been described by critics as folk-Americana, sometimes offering a gospel edge or Appalachian harmonic structure. The group is string driven, performing traditional & original song.
“They're musicians from the Iron Range of Minnesota & right from the start their style's a refreshingly modernized throwback to duos & groups of the 60s and early 70s that carved out the more acoustic folk-storytelling songbook.”
-Americana Highways
“There's driving passion to their songs and the intertwinging vocals simply shine.”
-Americana UK
“Listening to Echoes in the Meadow, MorningBird's new long player, is like wandering through the story of roots music. At every turn, they engage in all its broad forms, are influenced by its sounds and styles, tackle all manner of sub-genre and geography, play with its history and heratage, and, as a result, also help secure its future."
-The Big Takeover
Jill Burkes
Bio
Jill Burkes is a singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Hibbing, MN. She began studying the violin at age 7. At 10 she embarked on her first European tour as part of the Singing Strings ensemble which culminated in a performance at the White House at age 12. Throughout her Junior High & High School years Jill held a position with the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestra. During her college years she set out on her 2nd European tour, this time with Duluth based ensemble Sound of Strings. After teaching herself the basics of guitar, Jill took time off to raise a family. Back to music again in 2017, Jill performed in multiple Iron Range projects and appeared on numerous albums before beginning her own songwriting journey in 2020. Currently fronting the folk rock band Morningbird, their debut album “Echoes in the Meadow” was released in May 2024.
MorningBird Press Photos-
by AppleTree Photography
MorningBird “Echoes in the Meadow”
2024 CD Review
Morningbird opens this disc with a cool rendition of the blues classic “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning.” The group eases into it, developing that wonderful groove before delivering the song’s first lines. This track features some absolutely delicious blending of voices on the chorus, and a really nice lead on guitar. Toward the end, we are treated to some wonderful stuff on violin. “Before you know, your whole world is all gone.” That’s followed by an original song, “Birds And Bees,” with Jill Burkes on lead vocals. “Eyes are heavy, but I just can’t sleep/Never did me good trying to count all them sheep/Overactive brain but it ain’t that deep/Sure do like the fire, but I can’t stand the heat.” That line “Overactive brain but it ain’t all that deep” in particular delights me, and there is something catchy about the overall song. Part of it is in the rhythm of the vocal delivery. This track also features some good stuff on guitar.
“Reefer” begins with a repetition of the line “Throw that reefer in the river,” and then develops another really good groove and vibe. “Who’s that creeping round the back yard/Who’s that peeking on the fence/Who’s that lurking while you’re sleeping/Coming for you when you’re in bed.” This song itself sounds like it is sneaking around your back yard, creeping in and making a home for itself in your house. And check out that guitar work in the middle. This track also features some nice touches on harmonica. Ryan Dermody and Jesse Dermody join the group on percussion on this one. “Reefer” ends as it began, with the repetition of the line “Throw that reefer in the river.” Then “Nights Of July” has a slow, dark groove moving with certainty, a captivating sound. “Come take my hand, let’s never grow old/Lay with me now/Take my heart, take my soul/Together we’ll never let go.” What a beautiful and haunting vocal performance. We sense that death lurks around every corner, watching each slow step we take. “Feelings familiar of dread and despair/When will I learn that this life isn’t fair.” It’s interesting, for the mandolin often has a cheerful sound, yet here it is comes from a darker place, like a bell signaling the end, itself pretty and haunting. This is one of my favorite tracks.
“Thunder” has a weight to it, and there is a spiritual bent to that gorgeous vocal work sounding, “Thunder.” This one also has a folk vibe that is both timeless and immediate, catching us up in its atmosphere. “Down in the valley on the river bed/Leaves of yellow and burning red/Gold in the morning.” The violin could be coming from a mountain top or a back porch. Either way, we are transported by this excellent song. And who isn’t looking for such a thing these days? The album’s second traditional number is an instrumental titled “Swallowtail Jig,” and it too transports us, taking us straight away to Ireland. I can’t help but love it, for this music is in my blood, and my body and soul react to it in a strong and positive way. There is a pub near me that used to have music like this frequently, and I miss hearing it on a regular basis. Anyway, these guys do a great job with it, fully inhabiting the song, delivering a passionate rendition.
I appreciate the unexpected play on words in the title of “Cold Hart,” and I love Jill’s vocal delivery, her passion giving a sense of urgency to the song. “Society, they got it wrong, the fast one wins the race/When you’re living in the woods, hell, no one gets first place/Sitting all alone, it’s your thoughts that you must face.” And again, there is some great work on guitar. Jesse Dermody is on percussion, and Ryan Dermody provides some backing vocal work on this track. The song concludes with some strong work on violin. That’s followed by the final of the album’s traditional numbers, “Darlin’ Cody,” here titled “Dig A Hole In The Meadow (Darlin’ Cody),” the violin figuring prominently from the start, helping to create the rhythm and then rising above it. As the song is reaching its conclusion, they bring things in closer for a softer, more intimate section, led by the vocals, which is wonderful.
“The Wind” is really good, powerful and timely number, expressing a certain dismay with this nation and its own mythology. “Corruption between the state and the church/No matter the cost, drink his blood, cure your thirst/Your heathen souls forever damned and be cursed/Unless you carry this cross and his leather bound verse.” Great lyrics, right? I’ve been thinking about religion again lately, in part because of the horrid state this country has gotten itself into, and that at the urging of the religious folks who seem hell-bent on reaching the apocalypse, the foolish bastards. “It’s still bought and sold, the American dream/White male power, corruption and schemes/The rich getting richer, you work and scream/You’re forced to pay taxes, outdated regimes.” Churches should be taxed. It is ridiculous that they aren’t, particularly as those people won’t stay the hell out of politics like they’re supposed to. Then “Time For A Change” has a more fun rhythm, yet also addresses some of the troubles of this nation. “There’s children in school, what are we teaching them/If we want peace we got to change their curriculum/Life lost, what’s the cost, you’re all worried about inflation.” And they sing, “It’s time for change.” Certainly it is, but I am no longer optimistic that it’s going to happen. There are too many morons, too many terrible people. The election in November proved that people suck. Not all of them, clearly, but great numbers of them, more than I’d previously imagined in my optimistic stupor. There is a lot of change that is needed. An end to the Electoral College, for one thing. And campaign finance reform. Corporations and groups should not be allowed to donate money to political campaigns, not a single dollar. And all religion should be removed from politics. And of course we need to start getting rid of the guns. Will any of this happen? There is a nice moment when we expect the word “fight,” and they surprise us by instead delivering the word “love.” And that, I suppose, is the key. “It don’t matter what side you’re on, we’re all in this together/You’d think by now we’d be smart enough to know how to act better.” The album concludes with a reprise of “Thunder.” It’s almost the entire song again, but with a somewhat stripped-down folk sound.
Echoes In The Meadow was released on May 10, 2024.
-Michael Doherty of Michael Doherty's Music Log
The Wind - Song Review by Melodic Noise 7/10/24
Acoustic guitar and subtle, steady percussive elements dance together to create a classic country sound while MorningBird's lead vocalist paints a picture of political corruption, starting strong with subversively quoting the Star Spangled Banner - "Land of America, home of the free/A myth fed to all, generationally." This is a track that doesn't shy away from telling the unfortunate truths of late capitalist, modern day America. MorningBird's reclamation of the country genre in an age of otherwise vapid, mainstream hits brings Americana folk back to its impactful roots - singing the stories of this country's people ... all its people. This is a beautiful and meaningful track with traditional instrumentation carrying its necessary, progressive message.
Review - Amerricana Highways
MorningBird – Echoes In the Meadow
This is a debut work by the trio MorningBird who provide 3 traditional songs & the balance — 8 immaculately crafted originals that populate the Ryan Dermody-produced Echoes In the Meadow (Drops May 10/Independent/40:00).
They’re musicians from the Iron Range of Minnesota & right from the start their style’s a refreshingly modernized throwback to duos & groups of the 60s & early 70s that carved out the more acoustic folk-storytelling songbook. Some English groups did it (Pentangle, Curved Air, Dando Shaft, Richard & Linda Thompson) & many American ones (Richard & Mimi Farina, Seatrain & more progressively The Flock).
But this effort is quite the original. It’s an interesting listen. Even their covers are brightly performed. “Birds and Bees,” is a beautifully upbeat folk workout with lots of excellent vocalizing & accompaniment. The members comfortably add a cross-current of folk with R&R spice. Jill Burkes’ lead vocal is exemplary.
Sometimes bands doing this type of music take time to find their footing, but these musicians are accomplished & ambitious. They aren’t trying to emulate anyone – they add sterling additions to their performance to enhance the pleasure of listening to them. Each tune whets the appetite for more.
While they’re not exploring controversy or trying to be too intense with their showcase they tackle fascinating topics. “Reefer” is laid out with a darker primitive folk distillation. This tune features both a male & female vocal & it’s impressive. The instrumentation goes for atmosphere & mood over showboating.
Several songs maintain their rural countrified & expressive manner. For the most part, the staging is simple but effective. “Thunder” is performed in an Appalachian harmonic structure with a delicate balance. A lighter touch resemblance of Goose Creek Symphony. All articulated with skill.
Songs like “Cold Hart,” & “Time For Change” will recollect The Grateful Dead in their era when Donna Godchaux was one of their singers as backup & solo. “Cold Hart” is folky with an edge & with a rousing Jill Burkes execution. She has that magical confidence consistently.
Deeper in a traditional fervor comes “Dig a Hole In the Meadow (Darling Cory),” played with lots of whimsicality. Jill’s violin has flexibility & the showcase has an underpinning of a buttery rhythmic feel. Nice stuff. Relaxing, entertaining & nothing is novelty-oriented or silly. A good debut & introduction to MorningBird.
Highlights – “Birds and Bees,” “Reefer,” “Thunder,” “Dig a Hole In the Meadow (Darling Cory),” “The Wind” & “Time For Change.”
Musicians – Jill Burkes (guitar/violin/vocals), Rob Wheeler (guitar/mandolin/harmonica/vocals/stomp box), Josh Palmi (upright bass/vocals/guitar) with guests Jesse Dermody (percussion) & Ryan Dermody (bgv/percussion).