 Burton Jespersen, singer, songwriter, guitar player, actor.... born and raised in Chicago, moved to southern California at age fifteen, now long a part of the New Mexico music scene. Playing the guitar from age ten or so and always a singer, Burton has developed a bluezzy folk/rock style that has been well received around the world. Burton started young in the music biz, working as road manager for Chad and Jeremy and the Buckinghams and other well known acts of the day, learning a great deal about the inner workings of the music, and the music bizness. After years on the road he moved to Taos New Mexico to get away and to write songs.
Over the years Burton has sung with a number of bands. The most well known in Taos is, of course is "The Refrigerators". His involvement in music and theater projects has been non-stop. Burton has had his original songs included in two compilation albums, Taos Rocks and Partners. He has acted in over a dozen plays and one movie, in Taos, LA and Australia too.
After spending a few years traveling the world, playing music in Europe, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, Burton returned to his temporary home in Los Angeles. The result of that stay was the recently completed and very well received CD entitled The Ride, a collection from Burton's current repertoire including three original songs.
 The album was recorded mostly in LA with some parts recorded in Taos, produced by old friend Marty Grebb. Marty is well known to popular music as writer, singer, player and producer. With top-notch musicians from LA and Taos on board The Ride is a success. Last report was that the CD is getting air play in Holland, Belgium, New Zealand, Argentina and has been picked up by two Internet stations in California.
The musicians on The Ride include: Marty Grebb who's played with The Buckinghams, Bonnie Rait Band, Taj Mahal, Dr. John and Emmy Lou Harris; Garry Lieszwho's played with Van Morrison and Bruce Springstein; Reggie McBride who's played with Keb Mo Band, Stevie Wonder and Ry Cooder; and Greg Malabar who played with K. D. Lange Band.
Currently Burton is excited about the completion of "Sisters Sara's Sky", an independent film In which he plays a few different characters. It is a fun little comedy written and directed by Michael Glover, and shot in California with a bunch of actor and musician friends. "Sister Sara's Sky" will be shown this spring and summer here in Taos. We just don't know where at this time.
These next months Burton will be working in the studio on songs for the next CD, and playing here and there around town and a bit in Colorado too.
Visit burtsworld.net for more information on Burton Jespersen.
 The Ride TM0122
Songs: Perpetual Blues Machine, The Ride, Native Son,You're a Big Girl Now, Shotgun Boogie, Clatter & Roll, It's Only Me, Tennessee Plates, Tomorrow, Neon Moon
Burton Jespersen - lead vocals & acoustic guitar. Marty Grebb - piano, organ, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric piano, accordian, saxophones. Greg Liesz - electric guitar, pedal steel, lap slide guitar, dobro. Garry Malabar - drums, percussion. Reggie McBride - electric bass,fretless bass, acoustic bass. Jimmy Stadler - acoustic guitar, classical guitar, mandolin, background vocals, Michael Hearne - background vocals.
Produced by Marty Grebb. Engineered by Earl Mankey, Richard Morrison, Andre Mayeux, Michael Glover & John Gold. Mixed by Richard Morris. Photos by Jaap Vanderplas & Burton Jespersen. Artwork by Christen Buchanan & Kevin McDermott. ©2002 Burton Jespersen. |
