They are from a family of twelve children brought up Irish Catholic in upstate New York. Their father, the late John Burns, had an impressive career in politics as Democratic State Chairman of New York state, Campaign Manager in NY State for Robert Kennedy’s Presidential race and Mayor of Binghamton, NY. They all grew up in a family culture that believed in standing up for the rights of all people. They still walk their talk and bring their beliefs into their music.

The past five years have been an incredible time for the sisters. They each released highly acclaimed solo projects, and Annie and Marie were also busy producing other artists. The three sisters were committed to writing and producing their latest album Wild Bouquet together. Their latest CD reflects both the personal and global worlds around them. They are concerned with their country and active in the anti-war movement.

They met Arlo Guthrie in 2004 at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Woody’s hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma. This meeting sent them on a train ride with “Arlo Guthrie and Friends Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans - Bringing Back the Music - Benefiting Victims of Katrina.” It reintroduced them to the music of Woody Guthrie and lead them to perform two of Woody’s songs “Vigilante Man” and “God’s Promise” on Wild Bouquet.

Wild Bouquet is the eighth Burns Sisters Band album. It’s a album of love, grace and understanding. It’s also a album with songs that fit our times appropriately.

The Burns Sisters recorded two albums with Columbia Records, which show their rock roots and five albums, most with Rounder, which give you their alternative folk rock roots side.

In the 1986 the Burns Sisters released their first self-titled recording on Columbia records. Then another with Columbia in 1989 titled Endangered Species. They then self-produced Songs of the Heart, on their own label. The trio, Annie, Marie, and Jeannie then switched their focus to acoustic music and moved to Rounder Records. Close to Home was released by Philo in 1995, and their next album, In This World, released in 1997, was recorded in Nashville and produced by Bruce Springsteen’s bass player, Garry Tallent. The three sisters then released an album of seasonal songs, Tradition: Holiday Songs Old & New. They returned in 2000 with Out Of The Blue. The Burns Sisters produced both of the latter recordings.

The Burns Sisters create not just from the muse, but also from their hearts, souls, and consciences. The result is music that is rich not only in melody, lyrical enjoyment, and import, but also in humanity.

 

Marie finds inspiration in bluegrass, Jeannie prefers the blues, and Annie is the contemporary folkie. Each sister produces the songs they bring to their recordings.

Marie is the soprano and sings high harmony. She loves the old-time sounds of early country and bluegrass and her lyrically thoughtful originals reflect this. Marie plays rhythm mandolin and writes on guitar. She has two solo albums out Free Little Bird and Good Dog. In addition to performing with her sisters, Marie Burns is a member of Mac Benford & the Woodshed All-Stars. “With Free Little Bird, Marie Burns’ first solo recording resonates throughout with her smooth, mature voice. Graced with impeccable performances and production…” Ithaca Times, NY

Tallest of the sisters, alto Jeannie loves rhythm and blues, and rock. She sings low harmonies. She plays rhythm acoustic guitar and flat picks a bit in the “closet”. On her solo CD Coming Up Close “Jeannie’s voice... is on target throughout, from growl to halleluiah” Danny Speer, Ithaca, NY

Annie is a second soprano and sings high or low harmonies depending on the song. She writes prolifically using either piano or guitar for accompaniment. She loves to belt out a rock ballad. She has three solo albums to her credit The Rain, Days in Italy and Into the Wild. “In lyrics and melodies that haunt long after they have been heard, Annie gives us perspectives on living and loving that are joyfully natural in their wisdom”

The Burns Sisters sing together with the authority and passion of a band that knows it’s place and is comfortable challenging the audience. They present meaning with seamless melodies and amazing vocals. Their music is filled with warmth and conviction.