Last night, the Unurban Cafe in Santa Monica transformed into a haven of pure musical joy, courtesy of the remarkable Bill Burnett.

 Forget your rat race to-do lists and your deadlines, because Bill’s performance was a time warp, a portal to a place where only heartfelt melodies and genuine connection mattered.

From the moment he stepped on stage, accompanied by the masterful

Geoff Levin, an icon, whose soulful guitar riffs were the perfect complement to Burnett’s rich vocals, we were hooked, and gladly booked on an unexpected trip. 

The intimate setting was electric, filled with an attentive crowd of friends and supporters who were clearly there for a musical pilgrimage. We sang along, we laughed, and yes, we even stood on our feet, swept away by the sheer power of the music.

Burnett’s songwriting is a masterclass in emotional depth and topical relevance. “Go Down There,” his politically charged anthem, resonated deeply, its message delivered with both humor and biting truth. 

But it wasn’t just the message; it was the delivery. Burnett’s voice, a warm, inviting instrument, held us captive, weaving tales of love, loss, and the human condition with an authenticity that was palpable.

And then, the magic deepened. During the more tender moments, the room fell into a reverent silence, hands joined, hearts open.

 It was a testament to Burnett’s ability to create a space of profound intimacy, a shared experience of vulnerability and connection.

Sir Chester Burnett, hopped upon the ivories, to join his father, gracing us with a world debut of two “songmithed” numbers.

But the night wasn’t all hushed whispers and soulful ballads. Oh no, the…

“Steamy and crawdad-like “BackBoners” (Ginger Smith, Kahlill Sabbagh, and Suzy Williams) exploded onto the stage, a whirlwind of tight harmonies and hip-shaking swamp beats. Their floor-stomping energy was infectious, a jolt of pure, unadulterated fun. It was a delightful contrast, a testament to the eclectic nature of Burnett’s musical world.

And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, Burnett returned, bringing us back to the soft, liquid musings that had first captivated us. His originals, a tantalizing collage of laureate kumbaya, evoked the spirits of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, and yes,Dylan, while remaining uniquely his own. 

It was a musical feast, devoured by hungry fans who soaked up every note. Songs from Gumbo such as “No God Good enough” was simply wonderful, along with other newbies.

Of course, no night of this magic could end without an encore. And Burnett, ever the generous performer, delivered, leaving us with a lingering sense of warmth and a renewed appreciation for the power of live music. 

If you missed this show, you missed something truly special. But fear not, Bill Burnett’s music is a gift that keeps on giving, and we can only hope he graces the Unurban Cafe (or any stage) again soon. Don’t miss it next time!

PS, take note…

Pamela’s (the Dancing Purveyer of this Java club) birthday cake was consumed within micro minutes, by the celebration of wolf hungry fans, who also readily devoured Bill’s magical musical flavors, that since the age of 5, Bill has been tossing out of his creative crib… refusing to ever grow up.

I promise, no more commas,    .  .

Zane