Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Burse died on this day in 1965 at age 64. Burse is often credited as a ukelele player, and even used the name Uke Kid for a short time, when in fact he was a multi-insrumentalist that played nearly anything with strings attached, including guitar, mandolin, banjo, Uke-banjo, and tenor guitar (a 4-stringed guitar tuned one octave higher). The fact is, it is debatable whether Burse actually EVER played a ukelele, but I`m sure he could. Burse was a member of the original revolving Blues band, The Memphis Jug Band. Burse has been caled obnoxious and abusive at times, possibly the product of a hangover. He was a long time partner of Will Shade, leader of The Memphis Jug Band and known as a well organized businessman, and who was probably the first Bluesman to buy a house from the proceeds of playing Blues. Despite being apparent opposites, Burse and Shade maintained a friendsip and musical partnership for four decades. Bearse can be heard on many of the Mempis Jug band`s re-issues (check out the Complete Recorded Works series on Document), but his last time in the studio in the mid-sixties is available on the delightful Rounder CD Beale Street Mess-Around, a gathering of Memphis veterans, recorded live in the studio, playing the music they love. youtu.be/tLLb4xR0l9w
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 21:19:39 +0000