Born: August 21 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
It may sound cliche, but Michael Burton was made for making music. Jackson native Michael Burton's musical gift was trained from an early age and honed through years of commitment. His mother was a singer with the Mississippi Mass Choir and his father a tenor saxophonist. In a home filled with music, he developed an affinity for soul and jazz. As a student in Jackson Public Schools, Burton took part in music programs offered at JPS's Academic and Performing Arts Complex (known as Power APAC) and after graduating from Murrah High School in 1996 he embarked on a journey to build on this musical legacy.
Since completing both bachelor's and master's degrees in Jazz Studies ” under the tutelage of David Baker at Indiana University ” Burton's legacy and musical career has flourished. He has toured with Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, and Anita Baker as well as with New Edition, Johnta Austin, soul artist PJ Morton, and blues singer Willie Clayton. Burton has played keys and sax for the Tyler Perry stage productions Madea Goes To Jail, What's Done In The Dark, Why Did I Get Married, Laugh To Keep From Crying and Madea's Big Happy Family. Burton has appeared in the Perry films Madea's Big Happy Family, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, The Family That Preys and Madea's Family Reunion.
Burton has recorded with a long list of jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, gospel, and hip/hop artists including Polow Da Don, Ann Nesby, Jennifer Holliday, PJ Morton, Avery Sunshine, Marcus Johnson, The Mississippi Mass Choir, and many others. His soulful saxophone can also be heard on the Grammy Nominated “Love Has Finally Come At Last,” by Calvin Richardson. Mike was also a featured soloist on Hidden Beach Recordings “Unwrapped Volume 5.”
As if his performance credits weren't prolific enough, Burton's television and studio production work extends the list. He has appeared on The Tonight Show, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, TV One, BET Jazz, and performed alongside pianist Bobby Lyle on the popular show Studio Jams. He was also in the house band for the 2011 Dove Awards, playing behind Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Smokey Norful, Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Paul Morton, Sandi Patty and many others. Michael frequently appears on the Mo'nique show as a member of the house band (Big Jim's Penthouse Playas). Burton has also written and/or produced songs for Alex Bugnon, Terrell Carter, Christian Keyes, Chandra Currelley, and Melvin Miller. Mike's latest CD, “Soulful” was released on March 1, 2011.
“ The real “intro” track is “Ay Bay Bay”, and it not only sets up the set, it has a very smooth Crusaders groove. Michael Burton listened to Maceo and Grover, and his sax melody is excellent. He plays with style, but its not all sauce, there's enough chicken fat to make a meal, too.” By Dave Morgan
“Calvin admitted this is the first album he recorded with a live band, a band that happens to belong to Inspirational singer Ann Nesby. Ann is featured on the “Love has finally come” selection on the CD. That particular Bobby Womack cover was originally sung with Patti LaBelle, but Ann Nesby was the perfect one to attempt it. Not many can compare to Patti, but the incredible vocals of Nesby did it with no sweat. That was one of my favorite songs on the album, not only because of Ann's soulful contribution and Calvin's unbelievable passion to the song, but it has a Jazz feel to it thanks to the horn playing of Michael Burton.” - Eunice Mosley www.thepulseofentertainment.com
“Best Of Jackson 2009: Best Jazz Artist: Michael Burton Atlanta-based but Jackson-raised, Michael Burton delivers smooth saxophone melodies matched with hip-hop and R&B tunes. That might look like an odd combination on paper, but your ears will tell you otherwise. Burton has toured with Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and Willie Clayton, among others. He has also performed with a lengthy list of well-known performers like Young Jeezy, Timbaland and the Mississippi Mass Choir.” - The Jackson Free Press
