reviews

"A wonderfully tasteful and careful songwriter who makes every word count..."
- Marilyn Rea Beyer, Music Director, WUMB 91.9 fm, Folk Radio (Boston)
"Starkly etched tunes... deserves a listen."
- Paul Robicheau, The Boston Globe
"One of the hottest guitar players and song-writers on the Boston acoustic music scene."
- Martha's Vineyard Gazette, Vineyard Haven, MA
"Soul, introspection, inspiration. [Burtis] provokes the mind."
- Soundcheck Magazine
"Clarify [title track] is a perfect modern pop tune."
"It's an uplifting record... Burtis has a solid grasp of hooks and lyrics, and he has a voice to deliver the goods."
- Joe Viglione - All Music Guide
"Voluminous guitar knowledge...and top-notch songwriting."
- Northeast Performer

Soundcheck Magazine - November 2002

Pat Burtis - Clarify - ***1/2 stars (out of 4)

"Burtis is walking the razor edged line between folk and rock. He's got intelligent and thoughtful lyrics that cut straight to the core and deep grooved rhythms that will keep you on your feet. He's got local roots and connections and a great accessible sound. What more could you ask for? Check him out next time he's playing in town - your smart, rocking self will thank you."

- Whitney Hudak

Metronome Magazine (June 2002)

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Pat Burtis deals up an engaging collection of songs on his newly released album Clarify. Operating from a folk-rock platform, Burtis infuses savory embellishments that construct color and character into each track. His voice is strong and capable as he exhibits a wide range of vocal gymnastics. Solid backing vocals and harmonies from guest musicians Huck Bennert, Jason Downie, Mark Shilansky, Johnny P, and Christy Zarlengo also add a nice touch to Burtis' songs.

AOR radio-friendly cuts include the album's title track "Clarify," "The Archipelago of Main Street," "Breakfast All Day," "The Book of Us," and "The Shoe Song." Produced by Huck Bennert and Burtis, Clarify is a prime candidate for a Boston Music Award and more!

The Boston Herald (May 3, 2002)
Pat Burtis: Clarify (Blacksmith Shop Music)

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Pat Burtis left Boston for San Francisco shortly after finishing work on his third CD. But "Clarify" functions as a power-packed parting gift to the city where he spent four formative years.

Don't dismiss Burtis as just another earnest folk-rocker. He's a gifted arranger - check out the swelling, carefully crafted lap-steel fills on "Everything & More." The bluesy "All of Me" reveals him as a cagey melodist. And he's a potent electric guitarist.

Sometimes whimsy gets the best of him, as on the coffeehouse-cute "Breakfast All Day." But such mis-steps only underline just how good the rest of "Clarify" is.

- Kevin R. Convey

From The Graham Weekly Album Review #1177
Pat Burtis: Radium Girls
by George Graham (DJ, music reviewer for WVIA, 50,000 watt NPR affiliate, Pittston, PA)
from live broadcast 12/13/99

"Most composer-performers tend to have strength in either in the composing of the music, or in their lyrics. There are the notable musical poets who can make their statement with three or four chords strummed on an acoustic guitar. And there are those whose compositions are marked by interesting musical ideas or particularly good instrumental work, and for whom the lyrics are less important or profound. Both types of specialists have created worthwhile and lasting music. But there are relatively few artists who consistently excel at both areas. Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman and Jonatha Brooke are three who come quickly to mind.
"This week we have another such performer who combines thoughtful words with fairly sophisticated musically creative compositions: Boston-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Pat Burtis whose new CD is called Radium Girls.
"Pat Burtis has a background that is as interesting as his music..."

From INDIEcator Online Reviews - May 29, 2000
Pat Burtis - Radium Girls (Indie)
Well, I like it! The weather has been wonderfully summer-like and this is definitely a good summer album. This will be perfect for summer roadtrips and picnics, since it's melodic, catchy, and can be non-obtrusive when need be (unlike, say, screeching hardcore punk or something). This singer songwriter has a wonderful way with words and history, fitting both 1920's women who painted watchfaces and Greek myth into his album. A couple of the best songs on the album are 'Aphrodite' and by far, 'Said and Done'. The title track is stunning as well, but perhaps a bit long for radio (at 5:40). 'Denim Gun' is the rocking tune of the bunch, and for sweet emotion, check out 'Clementine'. This album should make your summer a whole lot better so go pick it up.
***1/2 (out of 4)

Live performance review from
The Hooker-Dunham Theater, Brattleboro, VT, 10/30/99

BURTIS GIVES INSPIRED LOCAL PERFORMANCE
(Brattleboro Reformer 11/4/99)
"Burtis proved himself to be a literate songwriter, innovative guitarist, and sweetly soulful vocalist... [with a] novelist's eye for detail."
"...always interesting and thought-provoking, and performed with the right amount of passion and precision."

** Excerpts from a review of the new CD 'Radium Girls' from Soundcheck Magazine (October 99)
"Very well done CD from Pat Burtis. 'Radium Girls' strokes the ears with a textured sound - layers of warm-toned rhythms with a nice edge."
"Soul, introspection, inspiration. He provokes the mind with insightful, yet grounded lyrics..."

**also from Soundcheck:

"Radium Girls combines educated elements of traditional folk, roots, and rock, in a diverse yet musically consistent manner that demonstrates Burtis' expansive musical talent and command."

Digitalcity.com - Jonathan Ruhe on the Pat Burtis Band

http://www.digitalcity.com/boston/entertainment/event.adp?eid=248397