Irischer Barde, unterstützt durch Fiddles, Uilleann Pipes, Celtic Harp, Bass, Whistles, Bodhran und Keyboards. John O'Regan reviews his latest album 'Tip of the Tongue' in January 2001's fROOTS: 'Alan Burke's second solo album 'Tip Of The Tongue' has the ex Afterhours frontman now safely ensconced in his solo career. Burke can handle both up-tempo material and more sensitive songs with equal aplomb and with the right backing turns in some impressively pleasing … mehrperformances. With his Afterhours companions, including piper Francis McIllduff and one time fiddler Henry Sears and more, he provides some riveting moments. Subtle backings add additional light and shade yet never intrude sufficiently. 'A solid take on 'Longford Weaver' learned from Andy Irvine gives Burke the chance to place his own stamp on the song of daring-do with alcohol and loose women. Burke's voice is a distinctive instrument with a sound of its own. Strong and personable without being derivative, it characterises his Irish background. He can handle the serious lyrical ballads like the Co. Cork based 'Banks Of Sullane', 'Green Brooms' and the obscure American ballad 'Across The Blue Mountains', turning in performances that emphasise the lyrical qualities of both his voice and the narratives. By turn he can rip it up and handle the comic shenanigans of Ned Flaherty's 'Drake', a comic song of some age but generally forgotten until artists like Alan Burke pick up on it and cause a fresh examination of its merits. Burke's antennae also pick up some unusual songs like 'The Squire's Bride and The Shepherd Boy' and especially 'Sweet Dirty Lane', the latter a Patrick Street-like tale. 'Here is both an excellent exponent of Irish songs and also a performer of considerable power and ability and 'Tip Of The Tongue' is a further demonstration of his narrative and lyrical powers.' weniger