The Melodious Journey of Don Burrows: A Symphony of Jazz
The Early Years: A Flute in the Wind
Donald Vernon Burrows, born on August 8, 1928, was the only child of Vernon and Beryl. His journey into the world of music began at Bondi Public School when a visiting flutist, Victor McMahon, inspired him to learn the flute. He started with a B-flat flute, which he later played at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival. By 1940, he was leading the Metropolitan Schools Flute Band and participating in talent quests. This early exposure to music and performance laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
Stepping into Professional Music: The Clarinet Calls
At the tender age of 14, Burrows began playing the clarinet and left school. He started performing at Sydney jazz clubs and appeared on The Youth Show, a Macquarie Radio show. In 1944, he was invited to play and record with George Trevare’s Australians. He quickly became a well-known figure in Sydney jazz circles, performing in dance halls, nightclubs, and radio bands. This period marked the beginning of his professional career and his rise as a prominent figure in the Australian jazz scene.
Achievements and Recognition: Gold Records and Global Applause
During the 1960s and 1970s, Burrows had numerous engagements in Australia and the United States, including a six-year stint at the Wentworth Hotel in Sydney. In 1972, he was invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival and later the Newport Jazz Festival. The year 1973 was a landmark one for Burrows as he received the first gold record for an Australian jazz musician for his record “Just the Beginning”. He also initiated the first jazz studies program in the southern hemisphere at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Contributions to Jazz Education: A Maestro and a Mentor
In 1979, Burrows was appointed Chair of Jazz Studies at the conservatorium. He performed for mostly classical music audiences through tours with Musica Viva and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation concert series. He led the nationally televised show “The Don Burrows Collection” for six years. He had an extensive recording career with his groups and performed on albums by others. His contributions to jazz education were significant and far-reaching, influencing a generation of musicians and promoting jazz as a respected art form.
Collaborations and Performances: A Symphony of Talent
In the 1980s, Burrows mentored and was closely associated with James Morrison. He formed the Don Burrows Quartet with George Golla (guitar), Ed Gaston (double bass), and Alan Turnbull (drums). He also worked with Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Tony Bennett, Stéphane Grappelli, Cleo Laine, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. In 2005, Burrows toured with a small band that included the Australian jazz pianist Kevin Hunt. These collaborations and performances showcased his versatility and his ability to blend seamlessly with other musicians.
Legacy and Influence: The Jazz Maestro Lives On
Don Burrows, who passed away on March 12, 2020, left an indelible mark on the world of jazz. His contributions to jazz education and his influence on a generation of musicians have ensured his legacy will continue to inspire future jazz artists. Despite battling arthritis from age 38, Burrows’ passion for music never waned, demonstrating his dedication and love for the art form.
- “On Camera”– This is Don Burrows’s debut LP. In 1962, television personality Bryan Davis approached Burrows about forming a band for a series he was producing on the ABC. Don got together with some of his fellow colleagues like John Sangster and Judy Bailey to arrange and perform tunes on set.
- “The Jazz Sound of the Don Burrows Quartet”– This album showcases the unique sound of the Don Burrows Quartet, a group that was instrumental in shaping the Australian jazz scene.
- “A Tribute to Freddy Gardner”– In this album, Burrows pays tribute to the legendary saxophonist Freddy Gardner, showcasing his own skills on the saxophone.
- “2000 Weeks”– This album is a fantastic collection of pop jazz arrangements and atmospheric pieces of a darker nature. It was composed for a film and is often compared to the UK sound during the late sixties.
- “Just the Beginning”– This album marked a watershed moment for Burrows as he received the first gold record for an Australian jazz musician for this record.
- “The Saxophone Artistry Of Don Burrows”– This album showcases Burrows’s exceptional skills on the saxophone, one of the many instruments he mastered.
- “The Tasman Connection”– This album is a richly textured work that reaches out to half a dozen jazz sub-genres and movements, pulling them together under the leadership of Don Burrow’s clarinet and flute.
- “Don Burrows and the Brazilian Connection”– In this album, Burrows explores the sounds of Brazilian jazz, demonstrating his versatility and ability to blend different styles of music.
- “Sara Dane: Music Inspired By The T.V. Series”– This album features music inspired by the TV series “Sara Dane”. It showcases Burrows’s ability to compose music that enhances the storytelling of a visual medium.
- “Don Burrows & James Morrison : In Good Company”– This album is a collaboration between Burrows and James Morrison, one of the musicians he mentored. It showcases the synergy between the two artists and their shared love for jazz.
