Soulful Saxophone with southern roots. Jazz, r&b, hip hop, and gospel influenced.

13 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Smooth Jazz, URBAN/R&B: Soul



Details:
Only in his mid twenties, Michael Burton is making a name for himself in the music world. He is a gifted saxophonist as well as songwriter, producer, and educator. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Michael grew up listening to his mother sing with the Mississippi Mass Choir and playing his father's soul records from the 1970s. At the same time, he was building his own collection of hip hop and jazz recordings. These influences have had a profound effect on his approach to improvisation and composition.

Michael received his Master of Music degree in jazz studies, from the prestigious Indiana University School of Music, where he studied with the world famous jazz educator David Baker.

As a performer, his style consists of the jazz language being fused with other African American music genres, such as soul, hip hop, R&B, and gospel. Michael has opened up for Greg Osby, Ray Charles, Richard Elliot, and Regina Bell. He has also performed with Patrice Rushen, Kim Burrell, Mary Mary, Mike Phillips, Freddie Jackson, Marcus Johnson, Victor Goines (of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), Morris Hayes (of Prince and the New Power Generation), Mike Manson, The Canton Spirituals, the late Rev. James Moore, and the Mississippi Mass Choir.

Michael has recorded with Marcus Johnson "Just Doin What I Do" (2004), Alyson Williams "It's About Time" (2004), Bill Banfield "Striking Balance" (2004), and The Mississippi Mass Choir "Amazing Love" (2002). He has also toured with New Edition, the UniverSoul Circus as a member of their nine piece soul band, Soul artist PJ Morton, and with Blues singer Willie Clayton. He is currently touring with Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes To Jail," playing sax and keys.

Michael has appeared on BET Jazz, performing at the Bermuda Jazz festival as well as on the popular show Studio Jams alongside pianist Bobby Lyle. He also performed for VIP's at the BET walk of fame for Aretha Franklin. Burton also co-wrote two songs (Pillow Talk and Don't Go) for smooth jazz pianist Alex Bugnon which appear on his latest release, "Free."

Burton's new release "Sojourn" is comprised of original music, composed mostly while he was touring. These songs are full of heart and soul, and they show that Michael is seasoned well beyond his years. Enjoy!