Chris Burnett
Encyclopedia
Chris Burnett is an American saxophone
player, composer
, veteran
of US military jazz bands and band leader. Born in Olathe, Kansas
, Burnett's family moved relatively frequently during his early childhood due to his father being a member of the active US military service. His sibling family lived at places such as: France, Michigan
, and Colorado
prior to settling permanently back home in the Kansas City
metro area. His brother, Richie Pratt
, who is also a musician (Lionel Hampton
, Junior Mance
, Aretha Franklin
, New York Jazz Quartet
, Broadway
, films, studios ...), and the eldest sibling in his family continues to serve as a significant professional role model and mentor.
by his mother (Violet Lorraine Burnett), and later studied vocal music through the youth choir program at his church under the direction of Nevada Rosbia. Burnett took to music intuitively and his introduction to saxophone
and clarinet
began through the instrumental music program at school. James R. Fuchs was his primary music teacher who also exposed him to some of the local and internationally recognized professional saxophone players like Charles Molina and Gary Foster who visited the school periodically during the early 1970s. Unable to afford college tuition, prior to graduation from high school in May 1974, Burnett auditioned for and was accepted to the music programs of both, the US Air Force and US Army bands. He has ultimately studied with numerous significant teachers and at the Armed Forces School of Music, Webster University
, Columbia College (Missouri), Berklee College of Music
, and American University
.
, composition, arranging, teaching, management
and leadership
). He concluded his career at the rank of First Sergeant
and in the position of Enlisted Bandleader, which was the highest position attainable for performing artists working in the military music system. He is a highly decorated military veteran, who has performed thousands of concerts and whose formal honors include: the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal
and (two awards of) the Army Meritorious Service Medal, among many other awards, certificates and letters.
Notable highlights of his military music career include: a Staff and Faculty assignment at the Armed Forces School of Music; Leading Chief Petty Officer
of the NATO Band at Naples, Italy where he served as NATO Ceremonial Band Conductor, Jazz Ensemble Director, and featured soloist during performance tours which also included several television broadcasts; accepted for assignment to the West Point Military Academy Band's Jazz Knights as a jazz alto saxophonist; accepted for assignment to the Armed Forces School of Music as a Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal Conductor; being featured at the age of 23 years old, as jazz alto saxophone soloist with the Hof Symphony Orchestra (Germany) during two recorded Hauptkoncert (Main Concert) performances of the Rolf Liebermann
12-tone serial work, Concerto for Jazz Band and Symphony Orchestra (comp. 1954); along with jazz performances with his quartet outside of the military jobs. He was also selected to participate in a special "Staffing for Army Bands" video teleconference that resulted in the development and implementation of management systems that continue to positively and significantly impact the modern operational functionality of US Army bands.
, formerly University of Missouri-Rolla, where he was employed as an Adjunct Lecturer in Music for more than 10 years (academic years: 1984–1990 and 1996–2000) until returning home to the Kansas City area. He was bestowed as an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi
and Tau Beta Sigma
chapters at the University of Missouri-Rolla. He was also one of the principal artist/educators featured at the First Annual Jazz Education Forum and Jazz Festival in 1998, which was held in Jefferson City, Missouri
. At which, he performed with his own quartet, as well as with another stellar group composed of: Bill Cunliffe
(piano), Kristin Korb (bass), and Yoron Israel, (drums). Burnett has taught several hundred students over the years. Some have gone on to study music at the college level, then engage professional careers in music as performers, recording artists or educators themselves.
Burnett's study of the Schillinger System
of Musical Composition under O'tress L. Tandy from 1983–1985, has proven to be a cornerstone of his original artistic and compositional concepts. He is the 1995 5-Star Award of Merit winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs
for his original composition
and arrangement
for big band
titled, "Daedalus". Burnett has also stated that his main concern as a performer, who is also a legitimate composer, is to present his own original music parallel to the traditions of the generations before him. He states that approaching this goal requires that one become a teacher of sorts by developing one's own approach to the musical language - not merely to imitate the melodic and harmonic statements of the established masters as a less mature student might be satisfied to do.
Burnett's work around 2001, such as Time Stamps, is significant for a melding of his more mature style of writing with his ability to place emphasis on both the improvisational and composition structural aspects of jazz music. He achieves this by giving each instrumentalist the inherent responsibilities and enough freedom to create musical content over rich harmonic and melodic compositional bedrock. He continues to explore these and other concepts with his own ensembles.
Burnett is of a generation that brings much substance to American music because his is the first generation who grew up as adults with full Civil Rights
and full access to the bounties of US society. He is one of the musicians of this generation who: have successfully served their country, have successfully raised families, are productive citizens, and continue to grow their gifts as an original artist. With over 150 original compositions, 30 of which are registered BMI
Works, it is logical to assume that there will be much more music to investigate from Chris Burnett for many years to come. He has proven business experience, and has recorded a highly successful debut album titled, "Time Flies". Initially influenced by the work of saxophonists Charlie Parker
, John Coltrane
, Cannonball Adderley and the styling’s of trumpeter, Miles Davis
; Burnett has also performed and been influenced by many other artists and styles of music beyond the genre of jazz.
Burnett incorporates many elements from his classical studies on saxophone and clarinet, along with his knowledge as a trained composer and arranger of music, into the current improvisational and compositional language he presents to listeners. Burnett does not believe that music is limited in the way that most of the commercial marketing of it often presents to the majority of the world. He also believes that any person of his generation and age, (or younger,) can only "get so close" to the jazz music that was made before they were born without having a direct relationship with a person who was actually living during that particular musical era. His artistic motivations are dedicated to presenting jazz music from his generational perspective and context, within a paradigm of creativity as the focus. Thus, Burnett's own work is focused on contributing to the music of his African-American heritage and Midwest traditions in such a manner that it is approachable by most listeners, yet not so watered down to the point of having little remaining genuine artistic substance.
Writer Affiliate, his ensemble performances and studio recordings primarily feature his original compositions and his interpretive arrangements of select works by other composers. As a composer, Burnett is the 1995 5-Star Award of Merit Winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs
for his original composition and arrangement for big band titled, Daedalus. Daedalus was initially recorded by the award-winning Engineer Center Jazz Ensemble and published on the highly acclaimed compact disc recording by the 399th US Army Band, titled "Essayons" - which was also the first-ever CD recording released in that particular military band's history.
A modern thinker and early explorer of the digital music landscape, Burnett garnered more than a half million music downloads and sold CDs to fans in 38 countries via MP3.com
(1999–2003) before most musicians had figured out that there were other ways than major record label contracts and brick-and-mortar retail stores to reach listeners. He is a pioneer among professional musicians utilizing new media resources and was among the first to integrate 21st Century Technologies as a matter of course.
Burnett's debut CD titled, “Time Flies", was recorded with the last edition of his group named, "4-Jazz", which included: Jeff Stewart on piano, Elliot Kuykendall on acoustic and electric basses; and, Ken Baldwin and/or Bob Habib on drum set and percussion. Another unique aspect of "Time Flies" is that it features Burnett with Chicago-based jazz pianist, Benjamin Lewis (Founder, MIDI Jazz Network), on one of the earliest Internet musical production collaborations ever formally documented, published and released on a commercially distributed professional CD. With several new CD projects scheduled to be recorded and released, "Time Flies" stands as a bonafide successful commercial album (i.e., meaning that in addition to critical acclaim, "Time Flies" CD sales have recouped all production expenses). Now distributed worldwide on the Artists Recording Collective label brand, "Time Flies" was initially distributed via Internet channels and continues to garner the highest of positive musical reviews and commentary from both, professional music critics and listening fans alike.
Burnett remains an active and in-demand performer, composer and educator of the highest order. After the diversity of activities required by service in military bands, his applied musical activities now primarily include concerts and master classes or adjudicating at jazz festivals. Burnett's post military bands career activities also include touring and he almost always performs in some context while visiting other geographical locations such as New York, Denver, Austin, Boston and Europe. Although he has led several groups over the years, his main group Chris Burnett Quartet (CbQ) began in 2001 and remains active. Burnett also remains active as a composer and arranger, working on personal projects, as well as, commissioned works.
BurnettMusic.com is not only his official artist website domain name, but also an organized sole proprietorship business entity that is owned and operated by Mr. Burnett. His developed technical knowledge, proven management abilities and tempered experience as a businessman, result in several significant professional associations of BurnettMusic.com with other established music businesses and arts organizations.
As a publisher and businessman, Mr. Burnett also gained valuable experience while serving as a staff writer/arranger and company manager for many noteworthy military band assignments. Shortly after arriving back home and getting settled in the Kansas City metro, he began utilizing his diverse skills and vast experience to constructively contribute to the KC scene. Burnett began his tenure as a member of the Kansas City jazz community by going to local jam sessions; and then, he volunteered his time and services to the non-profit entity, Alaadeen Enterprises, Inc., from 2002–2007 for free while performing a myriad of essential administrative duties, arranging music and also serving as a participating Board Member of that organization. His motivation was to contribute his professional skills while learning about the Kansas City music scene.
Mr. Burnett has been subsequently invited to become a part of the artsONE Artists Council. The Artists Council of artsONE is composed of well known and respected local Kansas City Jazz
and Blues artists. In December 2007, Chris Burnett, along with New York-based artists, Erica Lindsay
and Sumi Tonooka, co-founded Artists Recording Collective
- an internationally recognized brand that serves as a dynamic and multi-dimensional platform to present the works and services of a select roster of artists-producers and boutique labels. Subsequently, Artists Recording Collective formally launched its first commercial CD recording release in early 2008 to critical acclaim and National Radio Chart success. Based upon his innovative approach to promotion and marketing, Burnett was contacted by telephone and the Artists Recording Collective was featured in a Down Beat
magazine article by writer, Yoshi Kato. This unsolicited piece launched Artists Recording Collective onto the nation
al and international
music scene and focused on the new music industry paradigm - specifically, how social networking sites like Facebook
and Myspace
have factored into the distribution of music.
Mr. Burnett was elected to the Board of Directors of the historic Mutual Musicians Foundation
in 2009. And, in 2008 he was asked to serve as a member of the Advisory Council for Kansas City Youth Jazz, which is composed of musicians, business and community members who contribute regularly to various activities crucial to the operation of the organization. These include programming, concert logistics, fundraising, outreach and many, many others.
Mr. Burnett’s Professional Memberships include: American Federation of Musicians
(Kansas City Local 34-627), The Recording Academy (GRAMMY), and the US Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP).
Saxophone
The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
player, composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, veteran
Veteran
A veteran is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field; " A veteran of ..."...
of US military jazz bands and band leader. Born in Olathe, Kansas
Olathe, Kansas
Olathe is a city in and the county seat of Johnson County, Kansas, United States. Located in northeastern Kansas, it is also the fifth most populous city in the state, with a population of 125,872 at the 2010 census. As a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, Olathe is the fourth-largest city in the...
, Burnett's family moved relatively frequently during his early childhood due to his father being a member of the active US military service. His sibling family lived at places such as: France, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, and Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
prior to settling permanently back home in the Kansas City
Kansas City Metropolitan Area
The Kansas City Metropolitan Area is a fifteen-county metropolitan area that is anchored by Kansas City, Missouri and is bisected by the border between the states of Missouri and Kansas. As of the 2010 Census, the metropolitan area has a population of 2,035,334. The metropolitan area is the...
metro area. His brother, Richie Pratt
Richie Pratt
Richie Pratt is a professional musician. He embarked upon a career as a professional musician on the New York scene in the early 1970s, it was as much due to unanticipated intervention as anything else...
, who is also a musician (Lionel Hampton
Lionel Hampton
Lionel Leo Hampton was an American jazz vibraphonist, pianist, percussionist, bandleader and actor. Like Red Norvo, he was one of the first jazz vibraphone players. Hampton ranks among the great names in jazz history, having worked with a who's who of jazz musicians, from Benny Goodman and Buddy...
, Junior Mance
Junior Mance
Julian Clifford Mance, Jr. is an American jazz pianist and composer.-Biography:...
, Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
, New York Jazz Quartet
New York Jazz Quartet
The New York Jazz Quartet was founded by pianist Roland Hanna. First consisting of flautist Hubert Laws, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Billy Cobham, in 1974 the lineup changed to Frank Wess, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Ben Riley. Richie Pratt and Grady Tate also contributed. The group...
, Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
, films, studios ...), and the eldest sibling in his family continues to serve as a significant professional role model and mentor.
Formative years
Burnett was first exposed to music at an early age through the pianoPiano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
by his mother (Violet Lorraine Burnett), and later studied vocal music through the youth choir program at his church under the direction of Nevada Rosbia. Burnett took to music intuitively and his introduction to saxophone
Saxophone
The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
and clarinet
Clarinet
The clarinet is a musical instrument of woodwind type. The name derives from adding the suffix -et to the Italian word clarino , as the first clarinets had a strident tone similar to that of a trumpet. The instrument has an approximately cylindrical bore, and uses a single reed...
began through the instrumental music program at school. James R. Fuchs was his primary music teacher who also exposed him to some of the local and internationally recognized professional saxophone players like Charles Molina and Gary Foster who visited the school periodically during the early 1970s. Unable to afford college tuition, prior to graduation from high school in May 1974, Burnett auditioned for and was accepted to the music programs of both, the US Air Force and US Army bands. He has ultimately studied with numerous significant teachers and at the Armed Forces School of Music, Webster University
Webster University
Webster University is an American non-profit private university with its main campus in Webster Groves, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools...
, Columbia College (Missouri), Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
, and American University
American University
American University is a private, Methodist, liberal arts, and research university in Washington, D.C. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892 as "The American University", which was approved by President Benjamin Harrison on February 24, 1893...
.
US military bands
Initially joining the U.S. military bands was intended to provide funding for college using the G.I. Bill education benefits that were available at that time. However, Burnett excelled musically and due to his background of being from a military family, he was successful in meeting the demands required of service as a uniformed musician as well. Burnett was able to maintain a balance between his responsibilities to the music and to the military. Thus, his skills continued to develop throughout his entire 20-year career toward his mastery of most all of the areas required of a person engaged in working within the music profession (performancePerformance
A performance, in performing arts, generally comprises an event in which a performer or group of performers behave in a particular way for another group of people, the audience. Choral music and ballet are examples. Usually the performers participate in rehearsals beforehand. Afterwards audience...
, composition, arranging, teaching, management
Management
Management in all business and organizational activities is the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively...
and leadership
Leadership
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.-Theories:...
). He concluded his career at the rank of First Sergeant
First Sergeant
First sergeant is the name of a military rank used in many countries, typically a senior non-commissioned officer.-Singapore:First Sergeant is a Specialist in the Singapore Armed Forces. First Sergeants are the most senior of the junior Specialists, ranking above Second Sergeants, and below Staff...
and in the position of Enlisted Bandleader, which was the highest position attainable for performing artists working in the military music system. He is a highly decorated military veteran, who has performed thousands of concerts and whose formal honors include: the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
and (two awards of) the Army Meritorious Service Medal, among many other awards, certificates and letters.
Notable highlights of his military music career include: a Staff and Faculty assignment at the Armed Forces School of Music; Leading Chief Petty Officer
Chief Petty Officer
A chief petty officer is a senior non-commissioned officer in many navies and coast guards.-Canada:"Chief Petty Officer" refers to two ranks in the Canadian Navy...
of the NATO Band at Naples, Italy where he served as NATO Ceremonial Band Conductor, Jazz Ensemble Director, and featured soloist during performance tours which also included several television broadcasts; accepted for assignment to the West Point Military Academy Band's Jazz Knights as a jazz alto saxophonist; accepted for assignment to the Armed Forces School of Music as a Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal Conductor; being featured at the age of 23 years old, as jazz alto saxophone soloist with the Hof Symphony Orchestra (Germany) during two recorded Hauptkoncert (Main Concert) performances of the Rolf Liebermann
Rolf Liebermann
Rolf Liebermann , was a Swiss composer and music administrator born in Zurich, and associated with several different musical genres. His output included chansons, classical, and light music. His classical music often combines myriad styles and techniques, including those drawn from baroque,...
12-tone serial work, Concerto for Jazz Band and Symphony Orchestra (comp. 1954); along with jazz performances with his quartet outside of the military jobs. He was also selected to participate in a special "Staffing for Army Bands" video teleconference that resulted in the development and implementation of management systems that continue to positively and significantly impact the modern operational functionality of US Army bands.
Decorations and badges
Defense Meritorious Service MedalDefense Meritorious Service MedalThe Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal (United States)The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
(with Oak Leaf Cluster)
Army Commendation Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Music Education and Artistic Motivations
Burnett has noteworthy college-level teaching experience as a former director of the jazz ensemble program at Missouri University of Science and TechnologyMissouri University of Science and Technology
Missouri University of Science and Technology is an institution of higher learning located in Rolla, Missouri, United States, and part of the University of Missouri System...
, formerly University of Missouri-Rolla, where he was employed as an Adjunct Lecturer in Music for more than 10 years (academic years: 1984–1990 and 1996–2000) until returning home to the Kansas City area. He was bestowed as an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternity for college and university band members. It was founded on November 27, 1919 at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, Oklahoma. William Scroggs, now regarded as the "Founder," together with "Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi" A...
and Tau Beta Sigma
Tau Beta Sigma
Tau Beta Sigma is a co-educational national honorary band sorority dedicated to serving college and university bands. The Sorority, headquartered at the historic Stillwater Station in Stillwater, Oklahoma, numbers over 3,500 active members in 145 active chapters, and over 40,000 alumni...
chapters at the University of Missouri-Rolla. He was also one of the principal artist/educators featured at the First Annual Jazz Education Forum and Jazz Festival in 1998, which was held in Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City is the capital of the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Cole County. Located in Callaway and Cole counties, it is the principal city of the Jefferson City metropolitan area, which encompasses the entirety of both counties. As of the 2010 census, the population was 43,079...
. At which, he performed with his own quartet, as well as with another stellar group composed of: Bill Cunliffe
Bill Cunliffe
Bill Cunliffe is an American jazz pianist and composer based in Los Angeles He has been described by The New York Times as being in the "modern jazz mainstream" and as an "accomplished pianist and composer." Ernie Rideout of Keyboard Magazine described Cunliffe's playing as "inventive, melodic,...
(piano), Kristin Korb (bass), and Yoron Israel, (drums). Burnett has taught several hundred students over the years. Some have gone on to study music at the college level, then engage professional careers in music as performers, recording artists or educators themselves.
Burnett's study of the Schillinger System
Schillinger System
The Schillinger System of Musical Composition, named after Joseph Schillinger, is a method of musical composition based on mathematical processes...
of Musical Composition under O'tress L. Tandy from 1983–1985, has proven to be a cornerstone of his original artistic and compositional concepts. He is the 1995 5-Star Award of Merit winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs
National Federation of Music Clubs
The National Federation of Music Clubs was founded in 1898, became an NGO member of the United Nations in 1949, and was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1982. NFMC is a non-profit philanthropic music organization whose goal is to promote American music, performers, and composers through quality...
for his original composition
Musical composition
Musical composition can refer to an original piece of music, the structure of a musical piece, or the process of creating a new piece of music. People who practice composition are called composers.- Musical compositions :...
and arrangement
Arrangement
The American Federation of Musicians defines arranging as "the art of preparing and adapting an already written composition for presentation in other than its original form. An arrangement may include reharmonization, paraphrasing, and/or development of a composition, so that it fully represents...
for big band
Big band
A big band is a type of musical ensemble associated with jazz and the Swing Era typically consisting of rhythm, brass, and woodwind instruments totaling approximately twelve to twenty-five musicians...
titled, "Daedalus". Burnett has also stated that his main concern as a performer, who is also a legitimate composer, is to present his own original music parallel to the traditions of the generations before him. He states that approaching this goal requires that one become a teacher of sorts by developing one's own approach to the musical language - not merely to imitate the melodic and harmonic statements of the established masters as a less mature student might be satisfied to do.
Burnett's work around 2001, such as Time Stamps, is significant for a melding of his more mature style of writing with his ability to place emphasis on both the improvisational and composition structural aspects of jazz music. He achieves this by giving each instrumentalist the inherent responsibilities and enough freedom to create musical content over rich harmonic and melodic compositional bedrock. He continues to explore these and other concepts with his own ensembles.
Burnett is of a generation that brings much substance to American music because his is the first generation who grew up as adults with full Civil Rights
Civil rights
Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals' freedom from unwarranted infringement by governments and private organizations, and ensure one's ability to participate in the civil and political life of the state without discrimination or repression.Civil rights include...
and full access to the bounties of US society. He is one of the musicians of this generation who: have successfully served their country, have successfully raised families, are productive citizens, and continue to grow their gifts as an original artist. With over 150 original compositions, 30 of which are registered BMI
Broadcast Music Incorporated
Broadcast Music, Inc. is one of three United States performing rights organizations, along with ASCAP and SESAC. It collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to those members whose works have been performed...
Works, it is logical to assume that there will be much more music to investigate from Chris Burnett for many years to come. He has proven business experience, and has recorded a highly successful debut album titled, "Time Flies". Initially influenced by the work of saxophonists Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker
Charles Parker, Jr. , famously called Bird or Yardbird, was an American jazz saxophonist and composer....
, John Coltrane
John Coltrane
John William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz...
, Cannonball Adderley and the styling’s of trumpeter, Miles Davis
Miles Davis
Miles Dewey Davis III was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz,...
; Burnett has also performed and been influenced by many other artists and styles of music beyond the genre of jazz.
Burnett incorporates many elements from his classical studies on saxophone and clarinet, along with his knowledge as a trained composer and arranger of music, into the current improvisational and compositional language he presents to listeners. Burnett does not believe that music is limited in the way that most of the commercial marketing of it often presents to the majority of the world. He also believes that any person of his generation and age, (or younger,) can only "get so close" to the jazz music that was made before they were born without having a direct relationship with a person who was actually living during that particular musical era. His artistic motivations are dedicated to presenting jazz music from his generational perspective and context, within a paradigm of creativity as the focus. Thus, Burnett's own work is focused on contributing to the music of his African-American heritage and Midwest traditions in such a manner that it is approachable by most listeners, yet not so watered down to the point of having little remaining genuine artistic substance.
Recording career and online music distribution
As an active BMIBroadcast Music Incorporated
Broadcast Music, Inc. is one of three United States performing rights organizations, along with ASCAP and SESAC. It collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to those members whose works have been performed...
Writer Affiliate, his ensemble performances and studio recordings primarily feature his original compositions and his interpretive arrangements of select works by other composers. As a composer, Burnett is the 1995 5-Star Award of Merit Winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs
National Federation of Music Clubs
The National Federation of Music Clubs was founded in 1898, became an NGO member of the United Nations in 1949, and was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1982. NFMC is a non-profit philanthropic music organization whose goal is to promote American music, performers, and composers through quality...
for his original composition and arrangement for big band titled, Daedalus. Daedalus was initially recorded by the award-winning Engineer Center Jazz Ensemble and published on the highly acclaimed compact disc recording by the 399th US Army Band, titled "Essayons" - which was also the first-ever CD recording released in that particular military band's history.
A modern thinker and early explorer of the digital music landscape, Burnett garnered more than a half million music downloads and sold CDs to fans in 38 countries via MP3.com
MP3.com
MP3.com is a web site operated by CNET Networks providing information about digital music and artists, songs, services, community, and technologies. It is probably better known for its original incarnation, as a legal, free music-sharing service, popular with independent musicians for promoting...
(1999–2003) before most musicians had figured out that there were other ways than major record label contracts and brick-and-mortar retail stores to reach listeners. He is a pioneer among professional musicians utilizing new media resources and was among the first to integrate 21st Century Technologies as a matter of course.
Burnett's debut CD titled, “Time Flies", was recorded with the last edition of his group named, "4-Jazz", which included: Jeff Stewart on piano, Elliot Kuykendall on acoustic and electric basses; and, Ken Baldwin and/or Bob Habib on drum set and percussion. Another unique aspect of "Time Flies" is that it features Burnett with Chicago-based jazz pianist, Benjamin Lewis (Founder, MIDI Jazz Network), on one of the earliest Internet musical production collaborations ever formally documented, published and released on a commercially distributed professional CD. With several new CD projects scheduled to be recorded and released, "Time Flies" stands as a bonafide successful commercial album (i.e., meaning that in addition to critical acclaim, "Time Flies" CD sales have recouped all production expenses). Now distributed worldwide on the Artists Recording Collective label brand, "Time Flies" was initially distributed via Internet channels and continues to garner the highest of positive musical reviews and commentary from both, professional music critics and listening fans alike.
Post-military career and Kansas City jazz scene
Burnett opened a retail music store business in the rural Missouri town outside of Fort Leonard Wood after retiring from the Army Bands Career Program in 1996. However, the business did not remain viable and was closed in 2001. In February 2001, Burnett with his wife, Terri, and their dog, Coltrane, moved back home to his native Kansas City area and has been based out of the KC area since that time.Burnett remains an active and in-demand performer, composer and educator of the highest order. After the diversity of activities required by service in military bands, his applied musical activities now primarily include concerts and master classes or adjudicating at jazz festivals. Burnett's post military bands career activities also include touring and he almost always performs in some context while visiting other geographical locations such as New York, Denver, Austin, Boston and Europe. Although he has led several groups over the years, his main group Chris Burnett Quartet (CbQ) began in 2001 and remains active. Burnett also remains active as a composer and arranger, working on personal projects, as well as, commissioned works.
BurnettMusic.com is not only his official artist website domain name, but also an organized sole proprietorship business entity that is owned and operated by Mr. Burnett. His developed technical knowledge, proven management abilities and tempered experience as a businessman, result in several significant professional associations of BurnettMusic.com with other established music businesses and arts organizations.
As a publisher and businessman, Mr. Burnett also gained valuable experience while serving as a staff writer/arranger and company manager for many noteworthy military band assignments. Shortly after arriving back home and getting settled in the Kansas City metro, he began utilizing his diverse skills and vast experience to constructively contribute to the KC scene. Burnett began his tenure as a member of the Kansas City jazz community by going to local jam sessions; and then, he volunteered his time and services to the non-profit entity, Alaadeen Enterprises, Inc., from 2002–2007 for free while performing a myriad of essential administrative duties, arranging music and also serving as a participating Board Member of that organization. His motivation was to contribute his professional skills while learning about the Kansas City music scene.
Mr. Burnett has been subsequently invited to become a part of the artsONE Artists Council. The Artists Council of artsONE is composed of well known and respected local Kansas City Jazz
Kansas City Jazz
Kansas City Jazz is a style of jazz that developed in Kansas City, Missouri and the surrounding Kansas City Metropolitan Area during the 1930s and marked the transition from the structured big band style to the musical improvisation style of Bebop...
and Blues artists. In December 2007, Chris Burnett, along with New York-based artists, Erica Lindsay
Erica Lindsay
Erica Lindsay is an American saxophone player and composer. Erica Lindsay is an American jazz - saxophonist and composer....
and Sumi Tonooka, co-founded Artists Recording Collective
Artists Recording Collective
Artists Recording Collective is an independent music label brand and 21st Century music business model that was created by professional musicians for professional musicians. It provides a platform for member projects and activities to reach a global audience...
- an internationally recognized brand that serves as a dynamic and multi-dimensional platform to present the works and services of a select roster of artists-producers and boutique labels. Subsequently, Artists Recording Collective formally launched its first commercial CD recording release in early 2008 to critical acclaim and National Radio Chart success. Based upon his innovative approach to promotion and marketing, Burnett was contacted by telephone and the Artists Recording Collective was featured in a Down Beat
Down Beat
Down Beat is an American magazine devoted to "jazz, blues and beyond" to indicate its expansion beyond the jazz realm which it covered exclusively in previous years. The publication was established in 1934 in Chicago, Illinois...
magazine article by writer, Yoshi Kato. This unsolicited piece launched Artists Recording Collective onto the nation
Nation
A nation may refer to a community of people who share a common language, culture, ethnicity, descent, and/or history. In this definition, a nation has no physical borders. However, it can also refer to people who share a common territory and government irrespective of their ethnic make-up...
al and international
International
----International mostly means something that involves more than one country. The term international as a word means involvement of, interaction between or encompassing more than one nation, or generally beyond national boundaries...
music scene and focused on the new music industry paradigm - specifically, how social networking sites like Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
and Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
have factored into the distribution of music.
Mr. Burnett was elected to the Board of Directors of the historic Mutual Musicians Foundation
Mutual Musicians Foundation
Kansas City’s Local 627, the African-American Musicians Union, founded in 1917, and known as the Mutual Musicians Foundation, still stands in Kansas City, Missouri's historic 18th and Vine district at 1823 Highland Avenue....
in 2009. And, in 2008 he was asked to serve as a member of the Advisory Council for Kansas City Youth Jazz, which is composed of musicians, business and community members who contribute regularly to various activities crucial to the operation of the organization. These include programming, concert logistics, fundraising, outreach and many, many others.
Mr. Burnett’s Professional Memberships include: American Federation of Musicians
American Federation of Musicians
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is a labor union of professional musicians in the United States and Canada...
(Kansas City Local 34-627), The Recording Academy (GRAMMY), and the US Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP).
Further information
- BMI Registered Works Catalogue - Christopher L. Burnett
- Mutual Musicians Foundation - At large board member
- Drum Room Hilton President Kansas City - Featured Artists
- Lomax Classic Mouthpieces - Artist Endorser, New York Jazz Model
- Jazz Ambassador Magazine feature article - The Kansas City Saxophone, Part One; Chris Burnett: Bringing His Point of View Home to Kansas City, by Roger Atkinson, editor
- GoPro Music listing - Member of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
- The National Archives - Military Service Records and Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs, DD Form 214)
- US Army Museum The Registry of the American Soldier - USAM Honoree
External links
- BurnettMusic.com - official site.
- BurnettPublishing.com - official site.
- Artists Recording Collective - co-founder.
- Mutual Musicians Foundation - board member.
- Jazz Police - bio
- Capital Jazzfest - bio - 1998 Capital Jazzfest and Education Forum - Archive.org
- All About Jazz - bio
- [ AllMusic.com listing]
- The Schillinger Society
- TheFoundationJamsOn.org - At-Large Board Member.
- Curriculum Vitae