Reckless Drivin', Central New York's unique Alt-Country, Americana and Roots-Rock band, is back to reclaim its place as one of the area's premier acts. With a rich and storied history in Central New York's music scene, the five-time SAMMY award-winning band is rejuvenated with fresh energy, and still strutting with the swagger that originally gave the quartet its exciting and infectious personality. Reckless Drivin' comes to each show polished and professional, playing their upbeat, intricate arrangements with style and conviction. When the band hits the stage, their music and showmanship makes every performance an unforgettable event.

Though the name Reckless Drivin' may be new to some, there are many fans in CNY who remember the long string of memorable shows and accomplishments in the band's rear view mirror. Through the years they've shown local music lovers from a wide range of genres that they have what it takes to thrill audiences and impress the critics. They've proven their mettle on the big stages with such national artists as Brad Paisley, Paulette Carlson, Mark Collie, Rick Trevino, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kevin Sharp, Steel Magnolia, The Remingtons, Great Plains, Western Flyer, Louise Mandrell, the Canyon River Bluff Band, Sons of the Desert, Burnin' Daylight, and Doug Stone.

Reckless Drivin's career highlights include being selected to perform for the first SAMMY awards show at the Landmark Theater. The following year they took home SAMMYS for both Best Country Band and Best Country Vocalist. In 1997 Reckless came back once again with a clean sweep, winning Best Country Band, Best Country Vocalist, and Best Country Instrumentalist. They've been invited to perform seven times at the region's largest and oldest music festival, WFRG's Frog Fest. In 1995 Syracuse New Times readers paid the band the complement of voting to send them to Toronto for the famed North by Northeast Music Festival as representatives of the Central New York music scene. The band's highly acclaimed self-titled 1994 CD won rave reviews and airplay on many radio stations. Much of the work on a follow-up CD has already been completed, with a release scheduled for later this year. It will showcase the bands exceptional writing talents.

The husband and wife duo of Mike Burke and Kay Miracle-Burke developed the concept for a band that is truly unique, based on the couple's eclectic taste in music and extensive performing careers. The band captures the power and attitude of rock'n'roll, the raving electricity of rockabilly, and the lyrical poetry of country. Their musical passions conceived Reckless Drivin' in partnership with some of the area's finest musicians, each contributing their own talents, influences and personalities.

Lead Vocalist KAY MIRACLE-BURKE was already a veteran entertainer when she became Mike Burke's partner in life and music. Kay is a sparkling live performer who began her singing career as a child with her younger sister, performing at county fairs, talent contests and local TV shows around her home state of Washington. She went on to gain professional experience while touring overseas with PACAF (Pacific Air Force) Tours and the USO. Her travels took her to Japan, the Philippines, Guam, Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, and other points all over the world. Kay spent many years playing the Seattle music scene, performing in numerous local rock, country, jazz, and r'n'b bands. She was a contestant in the Miss Washington Pageant and capitalized on her talent to win both a college music scholarship and an award for her song-writing. She's still working these writing talents to this day as the band's principle song writer.

Lead Guitarist/Vocalist MICHAEL BURKE was a well known Central New York musician prior to forming Reckless Drivin'. He toured with the Velcros in 1984, opening for famed rockers Van Halen, playing all the major arenas across the U.S. and Canada. Mike's bands have also performed with many other national acts including Earl Slick, Papa John Creach, Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, The Stray Cats, The Band, Roy Orbison, Nick Lowe, NRBQ, The Bodeans, Paul Carrick, and the New Riders of the Purple Sage. He was also a featured instrumentalist for The Rave-Ons, The Roundup, and The James L. Cortland Band. A Baldwinsville native, Mike has long idolized such roots rock pioneers as Cliff Gallup, Scotty Moore, and Grady Martin, as well as contemporary artists such as Dave Edmonds and John Jorgenson. His hard-driving electric guitar style shows their influences, tempered by the hillbilly string-bending he picked up listening to artists like Johnny Horton and Hank Williams. He doubles as the band's business manager and musical director.

Bassist/Vocalist DAVE CURTIS joined Reckless Drivin' in April 1993. Bringing his hard-driving bass, extensive knowledge of music theory, and his love for high-energy country and roots rock'n'roll, Dave has had a profound influence on the 'Reckless' sound, and is a major contributor to the band's original material. Hailing from Lafayette, south of Syracuse, he's played in many local country bands, including Colorado Rose, and Lock, Stock, & Barrel. He has also done studio session work, including Austin Jimmy Murphy's highly acclaimed blues album, "The Last Blue Note". Dave's enthusiasm is infectious, and his up-beat presence and stage antics are an ideal fit with Reckless Drivin's tear-it-up persona.

Drummer DAVID READ is the new guy in Reckless Drivin', and he's a gifted and seasoned veteran of many popular Central New York bands. Sonny Farrar and The Late Show, Ed Hamell and The Works, the Doyle-Whiting Band, The Viceroys and the East Shore All-Stars all have benefited from his talents over the years. He's also provided drum lessons locally for many of the area's future star drummers. Dave's style reflects many influences, including Charlie Watts, John Bonham, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr, who like Dave ... is a lefty who drums right-handed. His steady presence, professional approach, and rock-solid chops made him the perfect choice to be the newest member of Reckless Drivin'.

Kevin Corbett - Syracuse New Times