Wednesday, January 28, 2009

MEET THE GROOMSMEN...



MEET THE GROOMSMEN
I have the honor and privilege of introducing the men that will stand by my side on the most important day of my life. Meet THE GROOMSMEN…

THE BEST MAN: Marco Secchi
Marco has been my friend since we were kids playing little league together, growing up in San Jose, California. Our friendship grew in high school but I can honestly say that we have grown much closer in recent years, keeping in touch by phone, email, and occasional visits, regardless of the 2,500 miles we live from each other. He has been a friend, an adviser, and source of strength throughout my life. I always know that Marco can bring me up with a joke (He’s a funny man) or bring me back to reality if I need it. I couldn’t be prouder of him and all that he has accomplished in his life. I feel honored to have such a great man stand next to me at my wedding; he truly is the Best Man for the job.

THE BROTHER: Scott Burns
There is a handful of people in this world I would give my life for and one of them is my brother. Though we were never close in age the bond you have with a brother can never be broken. Like Marco, my brother lives thousands of miles away in Las Vegas, but this always gives Christy and I an excellent excuse to go visit. I am so proud of my brother. He has been through tough times in his life but has always come out on the other side, holding his head up; the epitome of strength. I have always looked up to my brother and I love him with all my heart. It means the world to me that he will be at my side when my beautiful bride comes down the aisle.

THE PILOT: Chad Johnson
Chad, Christy’s brother, has become more than just “my future brother in law”; he’s become my friend. Had it not been for Chad dragging Christy to Underground Bluz “that night”, Christy and I would have never met. Since that time I have formed a respect and close friendship with Chad and he has also been an inspiration. Watching him as he graduated from college and eventually working hard to become a pilot. Accompanied by a great heart he is, hands down, one the funniest people I know. (Perfect Uncle Material) I think it’s only fitting that he now gets to watch his only sister walk down the aisle while standing beside the man that has become his friend and will become her husband.

THE MUSICIAN: Alex Eastman
One of the first friends I made here in Orlando has become one of my best. I have a special connection with Alex, not only because we are both musicians, but because he has played Bass Guitar on all of my music. That may not seem important to some people but the bond you create with someone through making music is unlike anything else, and I cherish it. Music aside, he’s also a great human being, with a heart of gold and extreme sense of loyalty towards his friends. I’m proud to have a man like Alex, that helps me do what I love to do, stand up for me on my wedding day.

THE PRODUCER: Jason Gloria
Last, but certainly not least, is a man that I have grown to respect immensely. Jason was my producer first, helping to make every song of mine sound the best it possibly could. When you hear anything I record you are also hearing Jason. His skill at his craft and his love for music is unparalleled. You can’t help but form a deep friendship with someone that helps you create, and it wasn’t long before I began introducing Jason as one of my best friends instead of “my producer”. There are only a small group of people that can make me laugh out loud days after having said something funny; Jason is one of those people. Jason has made me a better songwriter and musician and I am forever grateful. I can’t imagine myself recording music with anyone else, and when you feel that close with someone, you want them to be by your side on the most important day of your life.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Dirty Jim (Ever want to to kill your boss?)



If you have ever worked a job that you didn't like, or hated with every fiber of your being, it was mostly due to the fact you were not paid enough to deal with your boss. You know the type: Someone that you are far more qualified than yet they are somehow in charge of you...they call you names, belittle you, and abuse their power. A few years ago I wrote a bluegrass song titled, "Dirty Jim" to help convey the frustration that most of us feel in this situation. The song has been welcomed with open arms by most. The only gripe some have with the lyrics is that there are a few cuss words. This is tough for me because although I feel for the sensitivity of those with "little ears" and tender sensibilities, the frustration I felt towards this particular boss evoked, artistically, certain emotions and therefore the cuss words I used in the song were born. Why am I even explaining this? Because I love the song and I love to play it live but I am also a person that does not like to offend anyone. (Particularly people that like my music) Of course if I spot a child in the audience I quickly turn on the PG rated version, which is not nearly as fun. I hope that people can see why I used the words I used and realize that all language can be used to express emotions. I also feel strongly that had you worked for this man you would see nothing wrong with the cussing, and in fact, you would suggest that there should be more. Below is a video of me playing this song LIVE @ The Social. If you would like to hear the studio version go to my MYSPACE PAGE and have a listen. This song will be available on CD sometime later this year.




"Dirty Jim" by Chris Burns


Now gather round' my friends
And I'll tell you all again
The story of how we killed Dirty Jim
Dirty Jim was our boss
Everyday he would get sauced
And then wold get quite cross
You don't talk back to him...
Oh, how we hated Dirty Jim


He was cold and he was mean
The blackest eyes you ever seen
Every word from his mouth was a threat
And there's a story that's been spread
That will fill your heart with dread
When you're alone in your bed
He set his own Ma' on fire...
Just to light a cigarette


I can't work any faster
I wish I was dead
I really hate this bastard
I think I'll bury him instead


We came up with a plan
To dispose of the man
Ideas were filling to the brim
There shouldn't be a fuss
There's one of him and four of us
And if he starts to spit and cuss
We'll tear him limb from limb...
and end the reign of Dirty Jim


I can't work any faster
I wish I was dead
I really hate this bastard
I think I'll bury him instead


Well, the time had come at last
And it all happened so fast
Dirty Jim was tied upon the ground
And I know it seems absurd
But I never even heard him
Him say his last words
But maybe that's because the only sound...
Was that concrete pouring down


I can't work any faster
I wish I was dead
I really hate that fucking bastard
I think I'll bury him instead


One year to the day
An investigator made his way
From the new police department down the street
The evidence was slim
In the case if Dirty Jim
With no hide nor' hair of him
All he could do was walk the beat...
The answers right below his feet
The answers right below his feet
The answers right below his feet