Episode #17 - James Burton III

Episode #17 - James Burton III

Author: The Brass Ark & Bob Reeves Brass March 16, 2023 Duration: 1:07:37

Trombonist, composer, arranger James Burton III has lent his sound to multiple Grammy Award-winning albums and Tony Award-winning Broadway productions. Born in Queens, now a resident of Harlem, Burton III is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School of Music. While earning his Master's Degree and Artist Diploma from the Juilliard School, Burton held both the Morse and Gluck Fellowships and received the Schuman Prize, an award named for Juilliard's founding president and given to one graduating Masters Degree candidate annually.

Burton got his professional start playing with many of the great large ensembles; the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, the Dizzy Gillespie All Stars, the Lincoln Center and Vanguard Jazz Orchestras etc. Additionally, the opportunity to perform/record with legends Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, Ron Carter and Christian McBride inspired Burton to co-found a 10-piece ensemble called the Uptown Jazz Tentet, which celebrated the release of a second album in late 2020, to much critical acclaim. Currently, Burton's playing and original compositions can be heard alongside band mates Jeremy Pelt and Wayne Escoffery in a dynamic new ensemble; Black Art Jazz Collective. BAJC has released three albums since its inception, the latest two reaching the #1 position on the JazzWeek Charts for  international radio play.

In the model of jazz education pioneer Jackie McLean, Burton is an avid educator and has been a full time associate professor at both the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music as well as Director of Jazz Education at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Burton continues to pass on the legacy of the music via master classes, ensemble coachings and workshops for arts education institutions across the globe.

View the show notes and a transcript for this episode at: https://bobreeves.com/blog/james-burton-trombone-interview/

The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by The Brass Ark (brassark.com) and Bob Reeves Brass (bobreeves.com).

 


Ever wondered what happens in the minds of the musicians who bring that rich, sliding sound to life in orchestras, jazz clubs, and studios? The Trombone Corner pulls up a chair for candid, often surprising conversations with the artists behind the instrument. Hosted by the team at The Brass Ark and Bob Reeves Brass, this series goes far beyond technical talk, though you’ll certainly pick up insights about gear and practice routines. Each episode feels like a backstage pass, where players from across the globe share their personal journeys-the unexpected gigs that changed everything, the challenges of a demanding solo career, and the simple joy of finding the perfect phrase. You’ll hear stories from seasoned symphony veterans, innovative soloists pushing boundaries, and session legends whose work you’ve probably heard on countless recordings. It’s a deep dive into the culture and community of trombone playing, celebrating the dedication it takes to master this versatile brass voice. Tune in for a warm, engaging listen that connects the person to the music they create, making this podcast a unique find for musicians and avid music lovers alike.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 48

The Trombone Corner
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