Christopher L. Burnett, a saxophonist who also works as an educator and spent years as a veteran of military bands, maintains a reputation for his warm, lyrical approach to jazz. After completing more than two decades of service in which he both instructed and played, he transitioned into a productive university teaching role while sustaining an active performance schedule. Remaining in his home state of Kansas, he issued several recordings, among them Time Stamps in 2013, Firebird in 2014, and The Standards, Vol. 1 in 2021.
Born in Olathe, Kansas, in 1955, Burnett was raised within a military household that required frequent relocations before the family established roots in the Kansas City region. Music entered his life early through his older brother, drummer Richie Pratt, while his mother provided his first piano lessons and he sang in the youth choir at church. Participation in the school band program later led him to the saxophone and clarinet. Immediately after high school he joined the U.S. Army Band, where he continued his education at the Armed Forces School of Music, Webster University, Missouri’s Columbia College, Berklee College of Music, and American University. Over the course of 22 years he attained the rank of First Sergeant and served as Enlisted Bandleader, holding assignments that included a staff and faculty post at the Armed Forces School of Music as well as the role of Leading Chief Petty Officer with the NATO Band in Naples, Italy. In that capacity he conducted the NATO Ceremonial Band, led its jazz ensemble, and appeared as a featured soloist; additional duties encompassed the alto saxophone chair in the Jazz Knights of the West Point Military Academy Band, Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal Conductor at the Armed Forces School of Music, and featured soloist appearances with the Hof Symphony Orchestra in Germany. Upon leaving the military he had received both the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Meritorious Service Medal.
Beyond his uniformed service, Burnett directed the jazz ensemble program at Missouri University of Science and Technology—formerly known as University of Missouri-Rolla—serving a decade as Adjunct Lecturer. He has shared stages with musicians such as Bobby Watson, Will Matthews, Marcus Hampton, and Ahmed Alaadeen. Residing in the Kansas City area, he established KC Area Youth Jazz as its Founder and Artistic Director and also founded the independent Artists Recording Collective.
His performances include an appearance at the Roots Festival in Paola, Kansas, residencies at the historic Drum Room and the Black Dolphin in Kansas City, and guest-artist and clinician duties at the Northwest Missouri State Jazz Festival. The debut album issued under his leadership, Time Stamps, arrived in 2013, followed by Firebird in 2014. The concert recording The Standards, Vol. 1, captured live at The Drum Room in Kansas City, was released in 2021, with a second volume following in 2022.
