Mary Kathleen Burke

About Mary Kathleen Burke

Reviews and Quotes
Since 2008, Mary Kathleen Burke has been building a reputation as a true visionary in the music scene. Starting out creating music and playing gigs in the UK, Germany and Italy Mary Kathleen Burke quickly built a devoted following. This solo artist draws crowds from far and wide, and continues to spread musical light in every new destination. Get in touch to learn more about this shining talent and upcoming gigs.

Born in Co Derry N Ireland Mary left home at 16 and took up residence in Scotland .
Signed to Greentrax Recordings in Scotland in 2008 they released Mary's Stunning debut album " A song in her heart" which was met with worldwide critical acclaim and
and several reviews from music critics as well as worldwide airplay on commercial and community radios stations . Due to a major back operation Mary had to take some time out of music but has since released a further two albums one of which is self penned . She also recently released new singles ..
​

Press Reviews & Quotes for Mary Kathleen Burke



Album of The Week’ (Celtic Music Radio, Glasgow)



Album of the week The Ian Anderson Show BBC Radio Scotland



“My Scotsman and Thee”; this song is the likes of which careers are built upon. Having left Ireland and fallen for a man who will not forsake his home so that she might return to hers, Burke’s song strikes the balance between yearning lament and reflective acceptance. Staggering! Donald Teplyske”

Donald Teplyske - Roots Music Canada​





​

To transport the absolute incredible voice of a true singer and exceptional as Mary Kathleen Burke, a real and true phenomenon, a complete musician, exciting, really great.”

Antonio - A Boxful of Treasures Folk Club Forli Italy



"An inspiring singer with a truly beautiful voice, Mary Burke is making a huge impression on the industry and has a bright and prosperous future ahead of her." Lecturer's Reid Kerr Music Department

Reid Kerr College - Reid Kerr Marketing News

​

​

“Mary Kathleen Burke is an excellent singer/performer. Naturally, as she is Irish, she sings songs of her native homeland with great feeling and passion; but her repertoire very much extends to traditional Scottish, Americana/country and contemporary material, where she is also very much “at home”. When embracing all of these she doesn't (as is very often the case these days) “mince up “the material. Rather, with great phrasing and love of what she does, she delivers her song in a truly innate and natural way – straight “from the heart”. Donald Black (Scottish Celtic Harmonica)”

Donald Black (Scottish Celtic Harmonica) - Donald Black (Scottish Celtic Harmonica)

​

​

“This is an outstanding first album, even if she waited about 30 years to burst on the scene, and I look forward to many more. Nicky Rossiter (Irish Music Magazine) ”

Nicky Rossiter - Irish Music Magazine

​

​

​“This has to be one of the best debut albums I have heard !- beautiful voice, choice of songs and arrangements. I shall certainly be playing it on my Sunday evening show on Radio Borders. Karin Ingram (Presenter, The Sunday Gathering') ”

Karin Ingram - Radio Borders

​

​“Mary's music is as strong as her vocal ability and she includes Eleanor McEvoy's US hit A Woman’s Heart here. Donovan’s Catch the Wind makes it, as does Burns Ae Fond Kiss and various band settings of contemporary compositions among the trad. (Norman Chalmers, Scotland on Sunday)”

Norman Charmers - Scotland on Sunday

““There’s an element of nostalgia that you tend to find only among long time exiles... something different and charming" (Sarah McQuaid, Evening Herald reviewer) ”

Sarah Mc Quade - Evening Herald




"Album Of The Week" (Celtic Connections Radio, Glasgow) just one week after its release! " Album of the week on BBC Radio Scotland (Ian Anderson Show)

BBC Radio Scotland

​

​

"The album arrived yesterday, and I am afraid I can’t stop listening. Many thanks for this beautiful record" (Bernard Jean, Musiques Sans Frontiers, France)

Bernard Jean - Musiques Sans Frontiers, France

​"Using her strong, passionate voice to good effect" (Spectrum FM Radio, Australia)

Spectrum Radio Australia

​



​‘A fist full of songs sung from the heart, that you allow willingly into your soul’ ((expired link))

​



"I've not heard many like her. She’s a wonderfully gifted performer, and a natural musician with an gorgeous voice. I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that she is going to become a great star." Dr Ian Green (Director Greentrax Scotland

Dr Ian Green - Greentrax Recordings

​

​

‘Sometimes a songwriter can be too smart for their own good, but this singer and musician knows when to keep it simple. The technical ability on guitar is as clear as the voice. But rhythm, harmony and lyrics don’t need to show off, and here is the proof… “Mary Kathleen Burke is singing to a different tune. She stands as an example of how paying your dues - a weary cliché in these days of instant celebrity status -brings its own rewards, but only if you have the talent to accompany the effort. Chris Holmes Author and Journalist”

Chris Holmes - Chris Holmes Author ; Journalist



“Combining their inventive sound with a forward-thinking musicality, Mary Kathleen Burke consistently manage to hit all the right notes. With undeniably unique songs and engaging performances, this is one Professional Musician to keep your eyes (and ears) on.”

​