I have found over the years that Henri SELMER Paris saxophones are the elite standard that all other brands constantly seem to emulate in some way. What separates the Henri SELMER Paris instruments is the placement of keys and the annealing process they use for the brass is profoundly complementary to the instrument tone quality. I'm proud to play and recommend Henri SELMER Paris saxophones exclusively.

Christopher L. Burnett is an alto saxophonist, award-winning BMI composer, educator, and arts entrepreneur. Known for a musical style that critics praise for its "legato eloquence" and "refined taste," Burnett’s career spans decades across military service, independent label operation, music journalism, and non-profit jazz advocacy.

Having played Selmer Paris woodwind instruments professionally around the world for over 50 years, Burnettofficially joined the Conn Selmer Artist Roster in 2012. He most recently purchased new, and still plays, an "Artist Select" Super Action 80 Series II "Jubilee" model alto saxophone. Burnett says: "I have found over the years that Selmer Paris saxophones are the elite standard that all other brands constantly seem to emulate in some way. What separates the Selmer instruments is the placement of keys and the annealing process they use for the brass is profoundly complementary to the instrument tone quality. I'm proud to play and recommend Selmer saxophones exclusively."

His professional music path began right after high school graduation in 1974 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Music Program. Over a 22-year military career, he rose to the rank of First Sergeant as an Enlisted Bandleader. His assignments included being selected to play lead alto saxophone for the West Point Military Academy Band's Jazz Knights, serving as Leading Chief Petty Officer, Big Band Jazz Ensemble Leader, and Ceremonial Band Conductor of the multi-service and multi-national NATO Band that was once located in downtown Naples, Italy; serving on the staff and faculty of the Armed Forces School of Music; and, performing as a featured soloist with the Hof Symphony Orchestra in Germany. Along the way, he earned both the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Meritorious Service Medal.

After retiring from the military at the peak of his powers, Burnett ultimately returned home to the Kansas City area in 2001 to focus on performing jazz, teaching, recording, composing, and business leadership. He also spent a decade as an Adjunct Lecturer directing the jazz ensemble program at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is an in-demand clinician and adjudicator who has presented highly regarded clinics at both the Missouri and Kansas Music Educators Association Conference Workshops.

In December 2007, he co-founded the Artists Recording Collective (ARC)alongside colleagues Erica Lindsay and Sumi Tonooka. Built on an artist-first, zero-commission model, the ARC label provides an independent platform for musicians to release and distribute their work globally without traditional industry constraints. The label began with one release that featured three artists, and now contains over 150 albums that include nearly 500 recording artists.

An active member of Kansas City Local 34-627, Burnett has performed at all of the major jazz venues in the Kansas City area over the years to include the Blue Room at the American Jazz Museum on 18th & Vine, a two-year residency at historic The Drum Room in downtown Kansas City, and even a one-year residency at Black Dolphin in the KC's Crossroads Arts District. He has performed on woodwinds for the Kansas City Repertory Theatre as well.

As a recording artist and leader of his own Quartet and Quintet, Burnett has released a steady catalog of critically acclaimed music. His discography includes his formal debut Time Flies (2013), Firebird (2014), and The Standards, Vol. 1 (2021), which earned a four-star review from All About Jazz. His original compositions are managed through Burnett Publishing Company. His big band piece, Daedalus, won the 5-Star Award of Merit from the National Federation of Music Clubs, and his works have been licensed by national networks like The Weather Channel.

To support the next generation of musicians, Burnett founded the Kansas City Area Youth Jazz, Inc. (Youth Jazz) in 2018. Operating as a non-profit public charity, the program provides high school and college students with merit-based fellowships, performance opportunities, and real-world recording studio experience. The program releases a commercial album recording each season.

Burnett also works to document jazz culture as a voting member of the Jazz Journalists Association. He is a founding editor and writer for Jazz Artistry Now (JAN), a digital magazine launched in 2007 under the Youth Jazz umbrella that highlights veteran talent and emerging voices. Whether performing on international stages or presenting as a clinician for music educators across Missouri and Kansas, Burnett remains a dedicated advocate for jazz as a refined, living art form. Visit his portal website for access to all of his various projects and endeavors at https://BurnettMusic.BIZ