A native of Dayton, Ohio, saxophonist Scott Burns began his education and professional career in jazz music in nearby Cincinnati. After graduating at the top of his class from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Scott became an in-demand performer in the greater Cincinnati / Dayton area. While attending the university, Cincinnati’s own Blue Wisp Jazz Club provided him a supplemental, hands-on education in jazz music. Countless nights at the club were spent soaking in local and national jazz talent; in addition, Scott was a frequent performer as both leader and sideman at the renowned institution. Among his many performance credits in Cincinnati include the Blue Wisp Big Band, led by legendary drummer John von Ohlen, the PsychoAcoustic Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and numerous small group performances with pianists Steve Schmidt, Phil DeGreg, and drummer Art Gore. Scott also performed in a quintet with legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry as part of a Cincinnati jazz series in 1996.
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In 1998, Scott moved to Chicago, IL to attend graduate school at DePaul University. While playing with DePaul’s award-winning jazz ensemble, Scott was prominently featured as soloist alongside legendary jazz performers Joe Lovano, Tom Harrell, Kenny Werner, Louis Bellson and Nicholas Payton. Scott was also awarded an outstanding soloist award from Down Beat magazine in 1999. While attending DePaul, Scott was already becoming an in-demand player on the Chicago jazz scene. He has performed frequently with top area musicians including Jodie Christian, Ron Perrillo, Bobby Broom, Jeff Parker, George Fludas, Dana Hall, Kelly Sill, Joan Hickey and Ryan Cohan. He has also performed with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble under the direction of the late William Russo, and the Chicago Jazz Orchestra with guest vocalist Kurt Elling. For two and a half years, Scott performed all over the United States as a member of the nationally known jazz/blues/soul band the Mighty Blue Kings. The band headlined at many major festivals and venues including the JVC Jazz Fest, the Newport Jazz Fest, the House of Blues, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Kansas City Blues and Heritage festival, and Milwaukee’s Summerfest. In recent years, Scott has performed with legendary singers Harry Connick Jr. and Lou Rawls, and internationally acclaimed jazz pianist David Hazeltine. Scott currently maintains an active performing schedule as a leader and sideman in the greater Chicago area. |
