Dr. Burma has been playing its unstoppable mix of classic soul, blues, funk and originals for enthusiastic audiences all over New England for fifteen years. Dynamic vocals, stellar musicianship, and an irresistible groove have built their reputation as one of the area's premier rhythm & blues dance bands, playing clubs, concerts, festivals and parties throughout northern New England and New York. During that time the band has opened concerts for B.B. King and Commander Cody, has performed with Fontella Bass, and had the honor of backing Bo Diddley on his last two tours through New England. Dr Burma has released one album on their own Medical Records label, and are hard at work on a new cd.
Lead vocalist Linda Boudreault has won an enthusiastic following with her unique and soulful style. Prior to joining Dr. Burma she worked in a variety of bands in Franconia and Montpelier including Clean Slate and Cake & Eat It. Linda has also performed with Dartmouth's Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble, the Vermont Jazz Ensemble, a variety of small jazz groups, and the popular zydeco group The Goat Broke Loose. Her jazz cd, Alone with You, was released in August 2001. Linda appeared at the Discover Jazz Festival in Burlington Vermont in June 2002 backed by members of Dr. Burma.
Ted Mortimer plays guitar and also sings. He moved to the area from Los Angeles where he performed with, among others, Chuck Berry and Doug Kershaw. He has also performed in jazz and blues clubs in New York City with Sandra Wright, including the Five Spot and Manny's Car Wash, and opened for the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Livingston Taylor. In collaboration with other Vermont musicians he wrote and recorded the soundtrack for Nosey Parker, a new film by John O'Brien (Man With a Plan), and has contributed to many cd projects. He and Linda are also members of The Goat Broke Loose, a zydeco band, which performs sporadically (schedule permitting) around the state. Members of this all star outfit include Jeremiah McLane on accordion, Colin McCaffrey on bass and vocals.
Dr. Burma's keyboardist/vocalist, Doug Southworth, brings a funky New Orleans-influenced piano style and a big organ sound to the band. He's played in many popular bands in Vermont and elsewhere, including the Michael Hurley Band, The East Bay Jazz Ensemble, and Why Be Reasonable.
Bassist Casey Dennis adds a big fat and funky bottom end to Dr. Burma's sound. He has been a fixture on the Vermont music scene for many years, performing with Roadapple, Sensible Shoes, the Michael Hurley Band, Gusano, and many others.
Drummer Marcus Copening has toured the world with various recording artists including Messiah, Mary Wells, and the Phillipine recording star Hajii. He recorded and performed in New York City with acclaimed jazz fusion guitarist Ryo Kawasaki for seven years. He conducts drum clinics throughout Vermont and has performed with Big Joe Burrell, Funky Miracle, Chris Kleeman, Picture This, the New Nile Orchestra, and many other top Vermont artists.
Dr. Burma frequently performs with a horn section. The band uses many of the best horn players in the Vermont and New Hampshire area, including members of the Vermont Jazz Ensemble and faculty members from Dartmouth College and Johnson State College.
For more information, contact Ted at (802) 685-3152, or drburma@drburma.com.
