Home » Jazz Musicians » Scott Burns

Scott Burns

Possessing a warm, expressive sound, an energetic rhythmic feel, and formidable melodic and harmonic insight, saxophonist Scott Burns has been a fixture on the Chicago jazz scene since moving to the city in 1998.  A native of Dayton, Ohio, Scott began his education and professional career in jazz in nearby Cincinnati.  After graduating at the top of his class from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Scott became an in-demand player in the greater Cincinnati/Dayton area.  Performance credits include regular appearances as both leader and sideman at the landmark Blue Wisp Jazz Club, performances with powerhouse drummer John von Ohlen & the Blue Wisp Big Band, the PsychoAcoustic Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.  He also performed in concert alongside legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry as part of a Cincinnati jazz series.

In 1998, Scott moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University’s Masters of Music program.  While playing with DePaul’s award-winning jazz ensemble, Scott was a prominently featured soloist alongside legendary jazz performers Joe Lovano, Tom Harrell, Kenny Werner, Louis Bellson and Nicholas Payton, and received an outstanding soloist award from Down Beat magazine in 1999.  As an established member of the local jazz scene, Scott frequently shares the stage with veteran Chicago jazz musicians, including Jodie Christian, Ron Perrillo, Jeff Parker, George Fludas, Dana Hall, Kelly Sill, Paulinho Garcia, Bobby Broom, and others.  He has performed with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble under the direction of the late William Russo, and the Chicago Jazz Orchestra with guest saxophonists Von Freeman and Charles McPherson, pianist John Campbell, and vocalists Judy Roberts and Kurt Elling.  Scott has toured nationally, playing select dates with legendary singer Harry Connick Jr., as well as with the jazz/blues/soul band the Mighty Blue Kings, headlining major festivals & venues including JVC Jazz Fest, Newport Jazz Fest, the House of Blues, Chicago Blues Festival, and others.  Recently, he has appeared with international jazz artists David Hazeltine and Ira Sullivan.

Scott’s debut CD as a leader, Passages, was released on Origin Records and features his original compositions.  The album has received critical acclaim both locally and nationally, and has been broadcasted across the nation.  Scott Burns can currently be seen and heard performing at festivals and venues throughout the Midwest region.


Tags

30
Album Review

Scott Burns / John Wojciechowski / Geof Bradfield: Tenor Time

Read "Tenor Time" reviewed by Jack Bowers


Tenor Time unveils the talents of a trio of Chicago-area tenor saxophonists, each of whom--presumably—solos on each of the album's eight numbers. The qualifier is necessary because the solo order is not given and, skillful as they are, the tenors sound much like triplets at the same workbench. That is to say that in terms of tone, technique and improvisation, they more closely resemble Tweedledee and Tweedledum than, say, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims and Hank Mobley. If ...

359
Live Review

Scott Burns Quartet at Andy's Jazz Club, Chicago, June 25

Read "Scott Burns Quartet at Andy's Jazz Club, Chicago, June 25" reviewed by Kim Vinson


Scott Burns QuartetAndy'sChicago, IllinoisJune 25, 2008

It was a muggy summer night, but the streets were bustling with activity. I made my way into Andy's Jazz Club located in downtown Chicago at 11 E. Hubbard St., just west of Michigan Ave. The spacious venue was alive with a contagious energy. The waitress asked where I wanted to sit. I scanned the room, noticing seats near the stage area, and told her right up front. Her ...

Read more articles
Primary Instrument

Saxophone, tenor

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Scott Burns is/ has been an educator at the following Universities and schools:
* Northwestern University High School Music Institute
-full time Jazz Faculty
* Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
-private instruction
* University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
-guest clinician
* Bowling Green State University
-guest soloist/clinician
* University of Illinois
-guest clinician
* Columbia College
-jazz jury consultant
* Near North Montessori School
-private instruction
* Cincinnati School for the Creative and Performing Arts
-private instruction

Scott is available for private instruction and clinics.
Topics include:

* Saxophone sound production and technique
* Jazz Theory
* Jazz Improvisation
* Transcription techniques
* Ensemble coaching
* and more!
Please contact Scott via email: [email protected]
or by phone at (773) 960-7297

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Tenor Time

Afar Music
2022

buy

Passages

Origin Records
2006

buy

Switchback

From: Passages
By Scott Burns

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.