Mike Bourne Band

Kansas City O’Clock

Overton Music

From the House of Blues to the International Jazz and Blues Festival in Manila and countless points in between, Mike Bourne has been entertaining audiences around the globe with his unique style of jump blues, blues, and roots music since 1998.

Inspired by Louis Jordan, T-Bone Walker, and many others, Bourne first picked up the guitar at age twenty-two and began playing professionally at twenty-five. Over the years, he has recorded and performed with legends of the genre including Otis Rush, Barrelhouse Chuck, and Sam Lay. After long stints in Chicago and Atlanta, he’s back home in Kansas City. Having joined forces with a group of high-caliber musicians, their high-energy shows have the town buzzing. His latest album, Kansas City O’Clock, continues with the same energy and originality displayed in his 2023 release Kansas City Cruisin’ on Blue Heart Records.

Mike Bourne plays guitar and sings on all tracks. He’s joined on four cuts by guitarist Johnny Burgin, with additional contributions from Jim Beisman on piano and organ, and Bob Paige on piano. The bass duties are handled by Patrick Recob, Paul Diffin, and Paul Clinkingbeard on double bass. Drummers include Bryan Herrman, Stephen Dougherty, Pete Maier, and Kerry Denton. The horn section features tenor saxophonists Dougan Smith, Dan Star, and Ryan Styles, while trumpet players Mister B.T., Nick Hmeljak, and Austin Barry add punch to the arrangements. Backing vocalists Maria Bounds, Stephanie Howle, Stephanie Robertson, and Hayley Raxafsby round out the ensemble. All of the songs were written by Mike Bourne unless otherwise noted.

The lead-off track, “Can’t Be Anybody But Myself,” sets the tone as Bourne sings, “I can’t be anybody but myself…when I roll into town, I’ll be that same old clown, I can’t be anybody but myself.” The band swings with Dougan Smith on tenor saxophone, Jim Beisman on piano, and Patrick Recob on double bass.

“Beer in the Morning” follows, with Bourne humorously declaring, “I want a beer in the morning, all I really want is barley and hops, I want a beer in the morning,” accompanied by Ryan Styles on saxophone.

“Too Old to Be Young” features Bourne singing, “Too young to be old, too old to be young, I’m right here in the middle, I can have some fun,” with Bob Paige on piano.

On “Caffeine Blues,” Johnny Burgin joins Bourne on guitar as he belts out, “I woke up this morning with the caffeine blues, if I can’t have my coffee, I might as well have a shot of vodka.” Patrick Recob lays down a solid upright bass line while Stephen Dougherty keeps time on drums.

The title track, “Kansas City O’Clock,” captures the city’s spirit as Bourne groans, “The band starts swinging to let you know it’s Kansas City o’clock, I’m in Kansas City heaven, where the girls love you night and day,” with Beisman again on piano.

“Kick’n a Deuce” is an instrumental cha-cha that begins with a rhythm reminiscent of “Shimmy, Shimmy Coco Pop” before morphing into a Ventures-styled guitar solo.

On “YOLO,” Bourne shouts, “What you wanna do when you want to go home, you know you need to find a way,” with Johnny Burgin again on guitar and Beisman on piano.

“Three Blind Mice” is the album’s longest track at over six minutes. Bourne playfully chirps, “Three blind mice, see how they run, while mouse number three was a con man and quick, see how they run.”

“Really Nice Girl” finds Bourne confessing, “She’s a real nice girl in a strange kind of way, living on sugar…I want to let you know, I love that girl in the same kinda way.”

“Dive Bar Romance” features lyrics by John Hahn (Shemekia Copeland) as Bourne croons, “There’s a place where I go, where I feel right at home. It’s a dive bar romance, she comes up to me and it’s love at first glance, she’s got bloodshot eyes—it’s a dive bar romance.”

“Fore Day Rider” pays tribute to Kansas City legend Jay McShann. Bourne moans, “I’m a fore day rider, baby you oughta see me ride. I ride when I’m high, I ride when I’m low, but it’s so good to be on the road. Baby, baby, don’t you want to ride with me,” with Austin Barry featured on trumpet.

On “Truth Dressed Up Like a Lie,” Bourne growls, “I hear what you say, not what you mean. My intuition tells me it’s wrong…what is your truth dressed up like a lie?” with Dougan Smith on tenor sax and Beisman on piano.

“Rather Be Happy Than Normal” finds Bourne reflecting, “They say I’ll make the big time…you make fun of my choice, well thanks for the tip, I want to be hip. I’d rather be happy than normal…well people don’t know where I’ve been, but they know where I’m going, I’d rather be happy than normal.”

The closer, “People Not Politics,” brings a topical note as Bourne croons, “Well it’s people not politics…I need people not politics…you don’t need funding to build the next building, you need people not politics…it comes from the love and joy inside, it’s people not politics.” The track features Johnny Burgin on second guitar and the full ensemble of backing vocalists.

With Kansas City O’Clock, Mike Bourne takes listeners on a vibrant musical odyssey through the storied sounds of Kansas City. His exuberant vocals and the band’s tight yet loose feel capture the city’s heartbeat. Bourne’s music bottles that classic Kansas City energy—leaving us with the image of him “standing on the corner of Twelfth Street and Vine, with his Kansas City baby and a bottle of Kansas City wine.”

Richard Ludmerer

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included