“Sleep with One Eye Open”

By The Burnett Sisters Band & Colin Ray

When your honey is honkytonking around, you best keep an eye out. That’s the message in this lively rendition, one of 12 tracks from the four sisters’ 2020 album, “Long Way Home.” Other good renditions include “My Kind of Woman, My Kind of Man” and “Walk On Boy.”

Growing up in Boone together, these gals finetuned their smooth harmonies and tight instrumental arrangements. Talented musician Colin Ray, born in Lincolnton, recently officially joined the crew (and also wed Kathleen, the oldest sister). Their repertoire includes bluegrass, country and gospel, and they perform with a welcome attention to nuance. At a show, an old-time fiddle tune might be followed by a Patty Loveless song or a soaring a cappella gospel number. All sisters received a foundational education in traditional music, first from their father, and then through the Junior Appalachian Musicians program. Typically, Kathleen Burnett Ray handles vocals and the guitar, Anissa Burnett, vocals and fiddle, Sophia Burnett plays bass, and Anneli Burnett performs vocals and the mandolin. Colin Ray is a multi-instrumentalist vocalist. Musician Justin Alexander sometimes accompanies the musicians on banjo, as well. The Burnett household is a Blue Ridge Energy member.