Christopher Burnett is a prominent Kansas City saxophonist, band leader, instructor and raconteur. He also operates Artists Recording Collective, a record label that has released dozens of albums by jazz musicians from around the world.
One of those records, 2017's "Echoes of Europe," paired the Italian pianist Dino Massa with musicians based in Kansas City. Reviewing the release here last year, I said it was “an exceptionally graceful album that imbues mainstream jazz with the elegant sheen of classical chamber music.”
This wistful rendering of the title track reflects Burnett’s thoughtful approach to jazz; its contemplative swing and tasteful arrangement is a showcase for Burnett’s deft playing:
Starting this weekend, Burnett — who was largely responsible for the "Echoes of Europe" project — leads a quintet at Black Dolphin on the first Saturday of every month in 2018, playing original material as well as compositions by the likes of Wayne Shorter.
The band for most dates will consist of Burnett, pianist Roger Wilder (rather than Dino Massa), guitarist Charles Gatschet, bassist Dominique Sanders and drummer Clarence Smith. The well-traveled trombonist Marcus Hampton will occasionally appear as a special guest.
Christopher Burnett Quintet, 9 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, January 6 at Black Dolphin, 1813 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City Missouri, 64108; 816-215-2954.
KCUR contributor Bill Brownlee blogs about Kansas City's jazz scene at Plastic Sax.
