As the saying goes, history does repeat itself.  Just about three and a half years ago I wrote these words

........."This CD consists of one right after another of very interesting, sometimes humorous, often truthful and always cleverly written songs"......about a disc I was reviewing - "MY MOJO'S JUST TOO WEAK" - by JOOK BOURKE.  Well, here I now sit, reviewing "JUST A MINUTE", the latest JOOK BOURKE release, and the best way to describe this disc is to simply say it again - "This CD consists of one right after another of very interesting, sometimes humorous, often truthful and always cleverly written songs".  When quality is involved, consistency is a beautiful thing. 

 

    On "JUST A MINUTE", JOOK BOURKE once again takes topical events such as hurricanes, and every day happenings like answering the telephone, and turns them into eleven masterfully written and superbly delivered original songs.  Of course, he's also does all the vocals, plays the guitars, bass, hand drum and harmonica and created all the drum loops. 

 

    The title track, "JUST A MINUTE", is one of the most beautiful love songs I have ever heard.  The lyrics simply state that by seeing his woman's smile or hearing her voice - even if just for a minute - is all he needs to soothe his blues.  JOOKS singing of these remarkable lyrics make them sound even more remarkable.  It took me a good 25 minuets to listen to this 2:47 track.  If this song ever gets discovered and recorded by a mainstream artist I guarantee it will top the charts.  This is the only track that featured another musician and CHRISTIAN HOWES did a beautiful job on the violin.

 

    Living in the area where notorious hurricanes "FRANCIS" and "JEAN" struck within a two week period, JOOK'S unfortunately got experiences to relate on a track called "IT'S A HURRICANE".  Unfortunately, I live in the same area and just talking about makes me nervous, so you'll just have to listen to this track to hear what JOOK, and myself, think about these beasts. 

 

    The title of another great track is not just the title, it's also an explanation of sorts.  Ya see, you can't always be on top of your game and when some low down misery gets the best of him, JOOK'S got no problem with letting folks know that "SOMETIMES I JUST NEED TO FEEL THIS WAY". More great vocals and top notch acoustic guitar pickin' highlight this one.

 

    "AREA CODE 212" is, of course, all about New York, New York - a place which as JOOK says - "Is so important, you've got to say it twice".  Having wished he moved there sooner when he could have bought the whole place for $24, you can imagine his disappointment when his moving truck got a ticket for five times as much.  New Yawkers are going to love this one.  Great harp and bass playing and JOOK doing his own background vocals make this one of the discs best.

 

    The lack of caller ID has JOOK in a constant debate - with himself, as to if he should he answer the phone or not. You see, it's very obvious that "SOMEBODY'S CALLING", but who could it be?  The many possibilities cause the phone to be on it's thirteenth ring on this very hilarious song.  More great lyrics and vocals on this one.

 

    Other tracks on "JUST A MINUTE" include: "HOT PEPPER SAUCE", "NOBODY CAN DO WHAT I CAN DO", "REACH OUT", "I NEED TO GET HOME", "THIS AIN'T WHERE I BELONG" and "BOCA RATON"

 

    Here's the place to check JOOK out at...... www.jookbourke.com..... and make sure you tell him the Blewzzman sent ya.  While you're doin' that, I'm going back to listen to "JUST A MINUTE" a few more times.

 

    This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com