RON BURRIS QUINTET & FRIENDS w/ JANICE MAXIE REID

Experience musical virtuosity, smooth sounds and infectious rhythms led by renowned jazz musician Ron Burris Quintet and friends featuring Leon Joyce on Drums and Michael Jones on Bass & special guest Janice Maxie Reid on Keys. The ensemble showcases a blend of traditional jazz standards, contemporary interpretations, and original compositions that will transport you to a bygone era while still feeling fresh and vibrant. 

Presented by Kim Pruitt of KP Entertainment Connections in association with Mark Elliott & The A-List Musiq Circle. Hosted by Greg Bridges of KPFA Radio 

RON BURRIS

Vallejo, CA-born saxophonist Ron Burris started playing at an early age (4th grade) and continued playing through high school when he joined a band called Project Soul, and this band later became super group Con-Funk-Shun! Ron’s early years were filled with the great R&B singers and groups of his day. “I remember listening to Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and all the Motown stars like the Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and Jr Walker and The All Stars plus James Brown and Maceo Parker”!

Ron received inspiration from his family, as his sister Barbara (Bobbie) sang in the church choir, and his mother would sing hymns daily around the house. “When I say hymns, I mean the slow meter hymns that were sung during the time of slavery.” With a solid background in R&B and sprinkles of gospel, Ron went on to college to major in music at UC Davis. He graduated with a B.A. in music and followed up with a teaching credential from Sonoma State University in 1978. With his teaching credential in tow, Ron taught music in the public school system for 10 years while leading a jazz band that played in Vallejo and the surrounding cities, including San Francisco! 

Ron Burris third album Never Felt so Good, was on the Jazz- Week Charts for 11 weeks straight and reached as high as number 23. In addition, Ron's second album Shades of Jazz was on the Jazz- Week Charts for eight weeks and reached to number 28.  This demonstrates that Ron Burris' music commands the attention and respect of other top artist in his field.  Also, Ron is not an imitator but has his own style and therefore his own voice.