Armed with an array of new songs, Sean Burns intends to bring something a little bit different to Jasper this time around.
The Winnipeg-based musician recently set out on a 25-day tour across western Canada to try out some of his new tunes before he sits down to record his fifth album next year.
鈥淚n the past I used to write songs and record them even if I hadn鈥檛 sung them more than 15 or 20 times, so for me the idea now is to go out and see how the songs perform and see how they鈥檙e received and sing them 100 times before I decide whether or not to record them,鈥� said Burns.
To put his music to the test, Burns will swing through Jasper for a show at the Whistle Stop Oct. 4. The show begins at 8 p.m.
Aside from his new material, Burns will also be playing with fellow Winnpegger, Kristopher Ulrich, who will open up the show before joining Burns on stage.
Together the duo will blend Burns鈥� rich vocals and avid storytelling skills with Ulrich鈥檚 skillful guitar riffs.
鈥淗e鈥檚 a really talented young guitar player,鈥� said Burns, who worked with Ulrich to record his latest EP Rocket Ships and Lemon Trees, which was released in March 2015.
鈥淗e instills a lot of confidence in the people he plays with so it feels real good when he鈥檚 around.鈥�
According to Burns, the duo regularly play together when they鈥檙e both in Winnipeg, but because Ulrich is in such high demand the two often only tour together in the fall.
For Burns, making a stop in Jasper has become a bit of a tradition since he became a solo musician.
鈥淚鈥檝e been playing at the Whistle Stop on and off since 2010,鈥� said Burns.聽
鈥淲e play a lot of house concerts and more traditional venues where it鈥檚 a little quieter of a show and there鈥檚 a lot more story telling and talking, but it鈥檚 also nice to be able to let loose a bit at places like the Whistle Stop,鈥� said Burns.
He credits his musical success with his ability to connect with the audience by sharing down-to-earth stories about his experiences on the road.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 generally write songs when I鈥檓 on the road, but I sort of collect stories and ideas as I go,鈥� said Burns. 鈥淪ome of them are a little exaggerated and some of them are exactly as is, totally 100 per cent true.鈥�
To hear his new songs head over to the Whistle Stop on Oct. 4. The show starts at 8 p.m. and is free of charge.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
