Christopher Burnett

Compiled and edited by: Terri Burnett

'ASR Records recording artist, Christopher Burnett was born on November 2nd in Olathe, Kansas - a city suburb of Kansas City, Kansas. Primarily known as Chris Burnett and starting his active career in 1974 at the age of 18 years old. The Kansas City area native was also recently signed to the roster of Paul Collins Artist Management International. After his family traveled extensively in early childhood and lived at such places as: France, Michigan and Colorado, he was subsequently raised and grew up in the small KC metro city of Paola, Kansas where his studies in music began seriously under clarinetist, James R. Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs was the local school band director who exposed him to professional saxophone players like Charles Molina and Gary Foster during those formative years. His brother, Richard Pratt, who is also a musician (New York Jazz Quartet, Broadway, Film, Television, Studio, etc.) and the eldest sibling in his family, continues to serve as a significant professional role model and mentor.

Mr. Burnett completed a 20-year career performing professionally with various noteworthy US military bands. And thus, has already participated in thousands of live performances. His honorable service resulted in the receipt of numerous award decorations, for both musical and military excellence, and include: the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two individual awards of the Army Meritorious Service Medal, and many others. Noteable 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; being featured at age 23, as alto saxophone soloist with the Hof Symphony Orchestra (Germany) during two recorded Haupt Koncert (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.

An active BMI Writer Affiliate, his ensemble performances and studio recordings primarily feature his original compositions and arrangements of select works by other composers. As a composer, Mr. 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. His 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. This release resulted in signing with a real jazz label and was officially re-issued under his own name in 2003 by 'ASR Records. With new Chris Burnett CD releases now in the works, "Time Flies" continues to garner the highest of positive musical reviews and commentary from both, professional music critics and listening fans alike. The goal of documenting music that rewards repeated listening has been achieved with his debut CD.

Chris Burnett Quartet was formed upon his return home to live in the Kansas City area in 2001. Thus, he began another new phase of his career as a performer. The Chris Burnett Quartet debuted with a performance on the main stage of the Roots Festival at Paola, Kansas in 2002. In 2003, he was contacted to open at the Adam's Mark in Kansas City for Maynard Ferguson by the jazz trumpet legend's management. As a result of that successful performance, an official of the Elms Resort and Spa who was in the audience, contracted CbQ to appear as the featured group at their 4th Annual Jazz and Wine Festival in Excelsior Springs, Missouri in 2004. Other recent performances included performing and successfully hosting the "Blue Monday Jam" at Kansas City's famous Blue Room jazz club in 2004. Mr. Burnett also participated in a special broadcast performance for the popular "The Jazz Scene - 2004 Holiday Show" radio program hosted by David Basse for Kansas Public Radio. Members of Chris Burnett Quartet are: Chris Burnett (asx/comp); Roger Wilder (pno); Seth Lee (dbl bs); and, Donivan Bailey (drs).