ABBY BURKE: Who are we?

Abby Burke, Vocal Artist

Abby Burke, M.Ed., D.Div. (2012)
Vocalist/ Educator/Ordained Minister

“When Abby Burke sings, rooms fall silent. She is irrepressible with a multi-octave range overshadowed only by the depth of her tone and the drama in her physical delivery. Whether teaching at the Nashville Jazz Workshop or recording with the Nashville Symphony, singing the music of Ray Charles or the simplicity of a Spiritual, her love for what she does flows through each and every fiber of her being.” Drew Walen, Nashville City Paper

Abby Burke holds a BA and a M.Ed. in the study of the psychology and affect of music on the human psyche from Cambridge College, MA. She is presently working on a Doctorate in Divinity (D.Div.) where she has branched out into the ritual component of Praise and Worship and its affect on the human soul. A 1982-83 Opryland USA Nashville alumna Abby returned to Nashville in1998. In the past decade, Abby has been afforded several wonderful performing experiences.

Abby’s professional life includes performances and recordings with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra Nashville, on the 2006 Grammy winning album “Songs from the Neighborhood: the music of Mister Rogers”; being the first Nashville vocalist to sing in the new NSO performance home- the Schemerhorn Symphony Center on a “Tribute to Ray Charles with Maestro Albert George Schram;” she has performed with the Paducah KY, Tucson AZ, Charlotte NC Symphonies and the Columbus OH Symphonies. The TN Arts commission honored Abby with an Individual Artists Grant in 2005, and in 2008 asked her to represent the state of TN at the National Arts Council Conference in Chattanooga, TN.

Ordained by The United New Testament Church in 2008, Abby is an active member of the Oasis Church Nashville and a vital part of their arts ministry. She is an ASCAP writer whose take on “the Blues” can be heard locally at various venues in and around the Nashville area. Accompanied by her husband of 20 years Glenn Burke on saxophone and their “Soul Catchers Band,” their brand of blues/funk and soul has been lauded to “Reach Up and Slap you Upside your Head!” Denny @ the French Quarter Café-

Abby Burke & Friends

Abby Burke, with her dynamic voice, commanding stage presence, statuesque appearance and an infectious joy for what she does, along with her "Friends" invites you to hear music that will shake your soul.

From the sensuous musical sounds of R & B to hard-hitting retro Funk, AB & Friends have become a force on the Nashville music scene. AB & Friends is a five to six piece group comprised of seasoned veterans of the Nashville music scene, who spin their own take on the band’s music. Known throughout the south east as the band that can do anything, they live by the motto: "You ask...and we will make it happen!"

Abby Burke and THE SOUL CATCHERS

"WE ARE ON A MISSION.. SPREADING THE LIGHT BY DOING SOME SOUL CATCHING..THAT IS WHAT WE DO!"

Abby Burke and The Soul Catchers are on a mission to spread LIGHT throughout this world by using “Praise Filled Blues”..yes Blues! Love for their mission comes through in every power packed performance! From the joyous simplicity of "Satisfied" to the deep down wail of "Sweet Honey from the Rock," Abby Burke and THE SOUL CATCHERS is ready to catch...catch Your Soul!

THE SOUL CATCHERS is a partnership between The Burke's and some of Nashville's finest players which resulted in a premier spirit filled and blues driven band. Our name reflects our goal of capturing your emotions and passions. Our visions and stories are shared through our music and performances. Take a journey with us as we lay it down for you. Performing original compositions and some select cover songs and the availability to travel anywhere, we can provide world class entertainment for any type of engagement.