Burson at Duck Room Sunday

Listen to Clare Burson’s music with your eyes closed. It’s then that you will be transported to the charm of the South, idly swaying on a hand-me-down porch swing while sipping sweet tea laced with life, love and surrender. Burson’s genuine lyrics and achingly tender voice effortlessly conjure that kind of strength.

The Memphis, TN, native whose father was the chief of staff during President Clinton’s second term, and whose mother creates politically-inspired art, credits Lucinda Williams’ simple, rich songwriting style as an influence. Her latest EP, Idaho, garnered recognition from the 2005 International Songwriting Contest when Burson’s song, “Take Good Care,” became a finalist. “I didn’t even want to record that song. I questioned whether or not it was finished,” expressed the singer/songwriter who describes her music as, “indie-americana without the twang.”

With a new release set for Spring 2007, Burson is content doing things on her own. “It’s so rare to make it big in this business. If that never happens, I’m happy to continue making recordings that I’m proud of.”

See Clare Burson, along with Richard Ferreira, Sunday, August 27th at the Duck Room. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 7p.m. To hear some of her music, visit Burson’s website.

--Reine Keis Bayoc