Updated: April 28, 2024
Born: November 2, 1955
ARC-3442: LATEST RELEASE (2024)
“ORIGINALS” is a long form musical work that primarily uses jazz combo instrumentation in its presentation. It’s a work comprised of 6 movements that flow from one piece to the next: I. Finally, II. Always, III. Maybe, IV. Infinity, V. Later, VI. Yesteryears. The movements appear as individual tracks on the album and there is a bonus take of VI.
“ORIGINALS” is a musical “love letter” to our family throughout the ages. To: Our past biological family members who we have never met because we are displaced historically by generations. To: Our biological family members of our own time and to our future biological family members whom we will never meet in person. And, to our life family members who consist of the people and kindred spirits we have encountered on this journey who have indeed become “family.”
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ALLMUSIC.COM BIOGRAPHY
Saxophonist, educator, and military band veteran Christopher L. Burnett is known for his warm and lyrical jazz sound. Following a 20-plus year military career during which he taught and performed, Burnett embarked on a fruitful career teaching at a university and became a performer. He continued to perform in his native Kansas, releasing albums like 2013's Time Flies, 2014's Firebird, and 2021's The Standards, Vol. 1.
Born in Olathe, Kansas, Burnett grew up in a military family. Consequently, he moved often before settling in the Kansas City area. Along with his older brother, drummer Richie Pratt, Burnett was exposed to music growing up. His mother introduced him to the piano and he was a member of the youth choir at his church. As part of his school band program, he took up saxophone and clarinet. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Music Program where, along with performing, he continued to pursue higher education, studying at the Armed Forces School of Music, Webster University, Missouri's Columbia College, Berklee College of Music, and American University. Burnett spent over 22 years in the military, rising to the distinguished rank of First Sergeant in the position of Enlisted Bandleader. While in the military he held numerous positions, including a staff and faculty assignment at the Armed Forces School of Music. He was also the Leading Chief Petty Officer of the NATO Band in Naples, Italy. There, he served as NATO Ceremonial Band Conductor, directed the jazz band, and performed as a featured soloist. Other assignments included being selected to play the lead alto saxophone chair with the West Point Military Academy Band's Jazz Knights, selection for assignment as a Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal Conductor at the Armed Forces School of Music, and being a featured soloist with the Hof Symphony Orchestra in Germany. By the time he left the military, he had been awarded both the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Army Meritorious Service Medal.
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All About Jazz Articles
Christopher Burnett: The Standards, Vol. 2 (Live at The Drum Room in Kansas City)
![Read "The Standards, Vol. 2 (Live at The Drum Room in Kansas City)" reviewed by Kyle Simpler](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/ff44d4fd92a2bad74bda920c39244dae.jpg)
by Kyle Simpler
During its heyday, The Drum Room in The Hotel President was one of Kansas City's most popular jazz venues. Performers such as Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and Benny Goodman all played there. The Drum Room closed during the late seventies but was brought back to life a few years later and, between 2006 and 2007, The Christopher Burnett Quartet performed there on the first Saturday night of each month. That was Burnett's first outing as a bandleader and his tenure ...
read moreChristopher Burnett: The Standards, Vol. 1
![Read "The Standards, Vol. 1" reviewed by Kyle Simpler](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/4deadafb4464b2309ea044cf40d81de6.jpg)
by Kyle Simpler
Modern jazz can certainly take a variety of different forms, but standards still remain the foundation for many players. With The Standards Vol. 1, Christopher Burnett brings modern and traditional elements together in an excellent meeting. His approach is to bring a traditional approach to each song, whether it's a well-loved favorite or an original composition. Burnett is a Kansas City native with an impressive professional background. After serving 22 years in the Army, where he was able ...
read moreChris Burnett: Time Flies
![Read "Time Flies" reviewed by IDM Records](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/f3f978a2e25bf9e8a08e27b4919ee409.jpg)
by IDM Records
Chris Burnett - Saxophonist/Composer. The music presented on the debut Time Flies is very representative of instrumental jazz - the indigenous American art form that is a unique blend of western music and African rhythms which creates new and exciting harmonies and syncopation. From Jelly Roll Morton to Wynton Marsalis, jazz exists in many forms and Burnett's music is a refreshing addition to this legacy.Jazz is a nebulous entity, constantly absorbing, digesting and reflecting our society and culture. ...
read moreArticles Across the Web
...or were mentioned in an All About Jazz article.
- KCUR's Band Of The Week: Christopher Burnett Quintet
- KC Area Youth Jazz News
- On This New Jazz Record, Kansas City And Italy Make Beautiful Music Together
- A Jazz History Tour Of Kansas City
- Social Media Matters: KC jazz event finds just the right rhythm
- A Neon Jazz Interview with Alto Saxophonist, Educator & Composer Christopher Burnett
- KC Jazz Saxophonist Chris Burnett on KC Area Youth Jazz @ youthjazz.us
- Veteran KC Jazz Saxophonist Christopher Burnett - 2022 CD Standards, Vol. 2 Live at The Drum Room
- AllMusic TIVO Database
All About Jazz Top 10 Tracks: April 2021
![All About Jazz Top 10 Tracks: April 2021](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/4deadafb4464b2309ea044cf40d81de6.jpg)
Source:
All About Jazz
All About Jazz features a free song every day spanning all genres of jazz, and of the 30 tracks featured in April, these ten represent our personal favorites. We also included the top ten reader favorites as indicated by total listens. Musicians and record labels can submit full length MP3s for consideration here. Enjoy! Top Tracks I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me Fifth Element From: Fifth Element 4:07 Dolphin Dance
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Saxophonist Christopher Burnett Set to Release Standards Album On ARC Label
![Saxophonist Christopher Burnett Set to Release Standards Album On ARC Label](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/f3f978a2e25bf9e8a08e27b4919ee409.jpg)
Source:
Artists Recording Collective, LLC
Kansas City based alto saxophonist, composer and educator, Christopher Burnett has announced the recording of his fourth album as a leader titled, The Standards, Vol. 1 on the Artists Recording Collective (ARC) label. The album of mostly post-bop compositions will be released in 2020 to purposely coincide with the 100th birth year of bebop pioneer, Charlie Parker. I have at least 50 jazz masterworks that I really love for various reasons," Burnett said. And obviously, as a composer, I hope ...
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Joel Nichols Joins Kansas City Area Youth Jazz As Spokesperson, Emcee, Consultant
![Joel Nichols Joins Kansas City Area Youth Jazz As Spokesperson, Emcee, Consultant](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/f3f978a2e25bf9e8a08e27b4919ee409.jpg)
Source:
Christopher Burnett
KC Area Youth Jazz is pleased to announce the addition of Media Relations Expert and Kansas City area Radio and Television Personality, Joel Nichols as an official Spokesperson, Concert Emcee, and Media Consultant. “I’ve known Christopher [Burnett] for many years and look forward to working with KC Area Youth Jazz,” Nichols said. “I’m looking forward to serving the organization as an official spokesperson, concert emcee, and consultant.” An assistant professor of broadcasting for 25 years, Nichols knows the value of ...
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American Jazz Museum To Participate In National Chamber Music Month
![American Jazz Museum To Participate In National Chamber Music Month](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/f3f978a2e25bf9e8a08e27b4919ee409.jpg)
Source:
Artists Recording Collective, LLC
The American Jazz Museum will join thousands of musicians and hundreds of concert presenters across the country this May in celebrating National Chamber Music Month. The American Jazz Museum’s presentation of a monthlong calendar in the Blue Room jazz club that features Charlotte Embry and Soigné on Friday, May 1st; the Dino Massa / Chris Burnett Group on Friday, May 8th; and, the Jazz Disciples with vocalist, Lisa Henry and poet, Glenn North, is part of a nationwide initiative to ...
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Firebird (Single Release) By Kansas City-Based Saxophonist/Composer Christopher Burnett
![Firebird (Single Release) By Kansas City-Based Saxophonist/Composer Christopher Burnett](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/f3f978a2e25bf9e8a08e27b4919ee409.jpg)
Source:
Artists Recording Collective, LLC
jny: Kansas City, MO: BurnettMusic.com and the Artists Recording Collective LLC are pleased to present Firebird" (single release) ARC-2581 from the forthcoming album by Christopher L. Burnett, BMI. “Firebird”, the first single, was released on Monday, September 1st exclusively at iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play and CD Baby. The CD Baby download features the highly recommended MP3 320 and FLAC lossless audio file formats for discriminating listners. Featuring: Christopher Burnett: alto saxophone/composition; Roger Wilder: piano; Jeff Harshbarger: bass; Clarence Smith: ...
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Tune Shop Instructor Selected To Conn Selmer Artist Roster
![Tune Shop Instructor Selected To Conn Selmer Artist Roster](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/f3f978a2e25bf9e8a08e27b4919ee409.jpg)
Source:
Artists Recording Collective, LLC
Chris Burnett departs studio instruction after teaching weekly lessons since 2001. Tune Shop, Inc. today announced the departure of Chris Burnett from its weekly studio teacher roster after eleven years of providing private woodwind lessons at the store. Mr. Burnett will remain associated with the Tune Shop, Inc. in his role as an official Selmer (Paris) Saxophone artist and Conn-Selmer Performing Artist and Clinician. Tune Shop, Inc. is an authorized full service Conn-Selmer dealer. Mr. Burnett departs studio instruction after ...
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Chris Burnett Now Official Selmer Saxophone Artist
![Chris Burnett Now Official Selmer Saxophone Artist](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/f3f978a2e25bf9e8a08e27b4919ee409.jpg)
Source:
Artists Recording Collective, LLC
Burnett Publishing and the Tune Shop, Inc. music store have officially announced the departure of Chris Burnett from the music store's weekly studio teacher roster after eleven years of providing private woodwind lessons at the store. Mr. Burnett will remain actively associated with the Tune Shop, Inc. in his role as an official Selmer (Paris) Saxophone artist and Conn-Selmer Performing Artist and Clinician. Tune Shop, Inc. is an authorized full service Conn-Selmer dealer. Mr. Burnett departs studio instruction after having ...
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'ASR Records Artist, Chris Burnett Co-Featured on Cover of Jazz Ambassador Magazine
!['ASR Records Artist, Chris Burnett Co-Featured on Cover of Jazz Ambassador Magazine](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/f3f978a2e25bf9e8a08e27b4919ee409.jpg)
Source:
Paul Collins Artist Management International
The June/July 2007 edition of Jazz Ambassador Magazine (JAM) contains a feature article about 'ASR Records Artist, Chris Burnett. Jazz Ambassador Magazine is undertaking a series of feature articles about Kansas City based saxophone artists of note. It hit me like a meteor while the last JAM went to press that the ranks of classy saxophonists in the area is huge. Some, like Bobby Watson, the recently departed Kim Park, Gerald Dunn , Mark Southerland, and Ahmad Alaadeen have received ...
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“Christopher Burnett is a paragon of taste. His new album Originals is characterized by sprightly melodies and amiable swing.” ~ Plastic Sax
Primary Instrument
Saxophone, alto
Location
Kansas City
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
Teaching Studio and Clinics services are dedicated to providing individual instruction programs based upon many years of teaching privately and at the university level, from the perspective of an active professional artist who has been a full-time working musician for decades. More information is available at BurnettSchool.net.