Alberta-based Bill Bourne is a prolific songwriter and dazzling guitarist whose inspiring sound has its roots in influences as broad-ranging as African highlife, blues, swing, gospel, Celtic, Cajun, aboriginal and flamenco. To say the least, there's no convenient category that easily describes his work. In concert, Bourne is riveting. Possessing a soulful voice, he performs strongly rhythmic tunes that often have a sense of spiritual purpose.
In addition to his Juno Award-winning release with Alan MacLeod, Bourne has had five other Juno-nominated albums as well as three recordings with Scotland's Tannahill Weavers. Bourne's discography includes Bill Bourne (1982), Passage (with the Tannahill Weavers, 1984), The Best of The Tannahill Weavers (1989), Dance & Celebrate (Bourne & MacLeod, 1990), Moonlight Dancers (Bourne & MacLeod, 1992), Dear Madonna (Bourne & Johnson, 1994), Celtic Folk Festival (with the Tannahill Weavers, 1996), Victory Train (Bourne & Johnson, 1996), No Special Rider (Bourne, Schuld & Stamer, 1997), Farmer, Philanthropist & Musician (1997), and Sally's Dream (1998).
Farmer, Philanthropist & Musician (1997) is partly a compilation album of work by Bourne and his musical partners and partly an album of new and unreleased material. As such the album works as a good introduction to Bill Bourne. There are selections from Bourne & MacLeod albums--"Pitsberg," "Oblioh," "Trust in Love"--Bourne & Johnson--"The Road to Tokyo," "Your Amour Sitar"--and an out take from Bourne Schuld & Stamer--"Uncle John's Gospel." Other songs are studio recordings and recordings from concerts, such as "Ole Buffalo" recorded at the 1994 Edmonton Folk Festival.
Sally's Dream (1998) may possibly be Bourne's finest album to date. The tracks range from diverse original songs such as "The 20th Century Requiem," "Sally's Dream," and "Summer at the Circus" to tribute songs such as "Louis Collins" (Mississippi John Hurt) and "Worried Man Blues" (traditional, arranged by Bill Bourne). The guitar work is arresting and, as always, Bourne's voice is electric. What is remarkable about this recording is that, with exception of backup vocals on "Blue Eyed Moggie," there are no additional musicians on the recording. Between voice, harmonica, foot tapping and extraordinary guitar work, Bourne sounds like a full band. Highly recommended.
Farmer, Philanthropist & Musician
1997 Blue Streak (BSCD 97002)Pitsberg; The Horseman; Bluebird; The Road to Tokyo; Slidin' Delta; Stick 'em up Baby; Oblioh; Ole Buffalo; Uncle John's Gospel; Your Amour Sitar; Trust in Love; Give It to Me 51:31Sally's Dream *
1998 Ragged Pup (RPR 0008)The 20th Century Requiem; Sally's Dream; Old Hag/Go from My Window; Louis Collins; Blue Eyed Moggie; Worried Man Blues; Summer at the Circus; Only a Fool; Seven Angels; Dance and Celebrate/Manumit; The Wild Watusi 47:06