This month K profiles
Jerry Burns
In January 1991. Jerry Bums became one of the first signings to the new Columbia label on the strength of some powerful and emotive songs. The record company's faith in her was apparent in their choice of Stephen Hague (New Order. Robbie Robertson) to produce her debut and Bob Cleamiountain (Bruce Springsteen. Dea- con Blue) to mix it in his upstate New York studio. Her first single. ‘Pale Red'. ap- peared in April. and the June release of the eponymous LP promted critics to praise her ‘gentle. wafting. urban blues' and the ‘huge voice' that powers them.
Age: 28
Born: Glasgow
Occupation: Singer/ Songwriter Lives: West End of Glasgow
How did you get started in music? I began working as an actress and. in order to get an Equity card. I had to singjazz music. After a while I tired of singing jazz and of acting. and about two years ago I met my partner Bobby Henry and we started writing together.
Influences: 405 music and singers. like Peggy Lee. Billie Holiday and Anita O'Day. and singer/ songwriters like Rickie Lee Jones. Tom Waits and John Martyn. Visually. stark solo perfomances like Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich.
Which songs do you wish you'd written? )ershwin's I Loves You. Porgy (from Porgy and Bess): the string arrangements on the Manon des Sources soundtrack.
Last film you saw? The Player Apart from Glasgow. where else would you like to live? Paris because I lived
there for a year: New York.
Favourite place in Glasgow? Arlington Baths.
What single thing would make your life complete? No one thing. but acquiring a washing machine or meeting Toni Morrison might help!
Heroes? My Mum and Dad; Frank Sinatra: Gorbachev
Villains? Bullies: people who break into your house and steal your video: the authorities who won't let children out of Sarajevo