Why Jazz Lovers Can’t Get Enough of Ron Burris’s New Music?
In the constantly changing landscape of jazz, there are not many artists who are able to capture the hearts of fans and critics, but saxophonist Ron Burris is one of them. With his rich past in R&B, gospel, and jazz, Burris's new music has touched a chord deep within the hearts of jazz lovers. His seamless blending of various styles, combined with his signature sound, has rendered his latest work a must-have for genre lovers.
Get to know Ron Burris: A Transition from R&B to Jazz.
Ron Burris's musical journey started early in life in Vallejo, California, when he was introduced to the might of music by his family. With his mother singing hymns throughout the house and his sister, Bobbie, singing in the church choir, music was never far from his life. It wasn't long before he started to venture into other genres, including the groundbreaking sounds of Motown icons such as Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, the Temptations, and James Brown. His early life was exposed to rhythm and blues, which created a foundation that would one day lead to an abiding passion for music.
Burris also played in a band called Project Soul in high school, later to become the famous funk band Con-Funk-Shun. Yet it wasn't until Burris attended college at UC Davis that he ever really felt drawn to jazz. Spurred by the emotive sounds of Gene Ammons and other jazz masters such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, Burris began to carve his niche in the jazz arena. His influences molded his tone, combining technical skill with inner feeling—a trademark of his style.
The Spirit of Jazz: Ron Burris's Sound
What distinguishes Ron Burris from most other saxophonists is his talent for synthesizing disparate influences while keeping his sound distinct. Drawing on his formative years steeped in gospel and R&B, his jazz saxophone playing is warm, soulful, and deeply expressive. This synthesis of musical influences brings a warmth to his playing that is immediately recognizable.
One of the defining moments in Burris's career was when he became enamored with the sound of Gene Ammons, whose rich, soulful voice made a lasting impression on him. "I loved Gene… particularly the low notes, and he made everyone who was listening feel the music he was playing," Burris remembers. Likewise, his love for the complex soundscapes of John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, and Cannonball Adderley influenced his style of improvisation and saxophone technique.
Though Burris's earlier life did have spiritual epiphanies that temporarily distracted him from the music, eventually, he came back to his original passion. His newfound rejuvenation as an artist culminated in his first self-released CD, Mr. Cool!, which displayed his virtuosity and talent not just as a saxophonist but as a composer and arranger.
An Album Like No Other: "Never Felt So Good"
Cut forward to his newest album, Never Felt So Good, and it's understandable why jazz aficionados are so keen to discuss Burris's work. It's his third release as an independent artist, and it is a career landmark. The eight classic jazz standards on the disc, plus one original, are all performed with incredible passion and proficiency. You can listen to it here- Never felt so good
What is most appealing about Never Felt So Good is that it brings new life to the ageless jazz standards. The album begins with a new interpretation of John Coltrane's Impressions, in which Burris and his group deliver a lively and deeply emotional performance. The essence of the composition is brought to life by the drum solos of Kendrick Freeman, whose work complements the vigor of the whole group.
The other highlight is the Brazilian ballad Black Orpheus, where the musicians (which include pianist John Simon and bassist Stephen) present a hauntingly mellow reading. The rich mood and melodic loveliness of this song are absolutely unavoidable. The focus on details of the arrangement and the easy coordination among the musicians take the listener to another dimension.
Burris's respect for jazz greats such as Wayne Shorter shines through in his rendition of Yes & No. A moving tribute to the deceased artist, this song gives Burris the freedom to navigate the intricacies of Shorter's style while retaining his unique voice. Likewise, his rendition of Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham infuses the album with a rhythmic energy that makes it impossible not to tap one's foot along with the beat.
Most notable, though, is Burris's piece, Never Felt So Good. Plain but intensely emotional, this song captures Burris's gratitude and appreciation for life and music. It is the ultimate summation of the album's themes: appreciation, beauty, and the alchemy of jazz.
A Modern-Day Jazz Icon
As the album progresses, Burris keeps shining with complex tunes such as Coltrane's Moment's Notice and Stanley Turrentine's Sugar. Every song brings out not only Burris's technical mastery but also his capacity to find the soul of the music. The complex harmonies, involved solos, and forceful rhythms on this album demonstrate Burris's masterful grasp of jazz's complexities, as well as his capacity to infuse each work with new energy.
On the last tracks, Burris breaks out the alto saxophone for a straight bebop reading of Charlie Parker's Ornithology and then a moving interpretation of Everything Happens to Me. The contrast between the energetic bebop and contemplative balladry is a satisfying finale to an album that embodies the essence of jazz in every manifestation.
Why Jazz Fans Won't Shut Up About Ron Burris
No doubt Never Felt So Good has resonated with jazz listeners everywhere. The album's brilliant performances, flawless arrangements, and the simple pleasure of playing make it impossible to ignore. For jazz lovers, Burris's new release is a reminder of the beauty and richness of jazz—how it can take listeners back in time yet somehow remain utterly fresh and contemporary.
Ron Burris's music is a journey rich with melodies, intense emotions, and deep musicality. As jazz continues to change, Burris is a testament to the power of the genre to change and inspire yet stay deeply rooted in its origins. If you haven't done so already, it's time to listen to his sound and see why the world of jazz can't get enough of Ron Burris.
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