Courtney Burton: A Vibrant Voice in Jazz
For over 25 years, Courtney Burton has been a captivating presence in the Twin Cities jazz scene, enchanting audiences with her heartfelt interpretations of beloved jazz standards. Her performances breathe new life into timeless classics, blending smooth vocals with an authentic passion for storytelling. Courtney's distinctive style bends traditional phrasing, unveiling new emotional dimensions as she approaches each song as a narrative journey, interpreting every note with intention—whether lingering in contemplative spaces or surging with unexpected intensity.
At the heart of her artistry is a profound understanding that jazz transcends melody and rhythm; it is a means to connect, inspire, and explore universal truths about life. Whether commanding the stage backed by an 18-piece big band or crafting intimate moments with a jazz combo, Courtney transforms decades-old compositions into deep conversations with her listeners.
Career Highlights
Debuted at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest (2024
Founder and director of Court's In Session (2009-present)
Lead vocalist for Beasley’s Big Band (1996-present)
Collaborates with the Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra (2019-present)
Notable recordings include Live at O'Gara's (1996), For the Love of Basie (2018), and A440 Studios (2019)
Maintains an artist residency at Brianno’s Chart House and performs on Viking Mississippi River Cruises
Appears at venues ranging from intimate weddings to major festivals and galas
“Your music sounds like how I like my house to feel on Sunday mornings.”
Courtney’s musical journey ignited during her freshman year of college, where singing in the shower led to an unexpected invitation to join the chapel choir. This serendipitous moment rekindled her love for storytelling through music, embracing the singer-songwriter style of her time.
After a successful 15-year corporate career, Courtney returned to music, feeling a profound sense of homecoming.
"That first rehearsal with Beasley’s Big Band brought tears to my eyes—it felt like finding a piece of myself I hadn’t realized was missing," she recalls.
This pivotal moment laid the foundation for her flourishing dual careers, each feeding different parts of her soul. Inspired by jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, Courtney studied under renowned Twin Cities vocalists Roberta Davis and Vicky Mountain.
In 2009, she founded Court’s In Session to honor the legacy and mentorship of senior members of Beasley’s Big Band: Ruben Haugen (saxophone/clarinet), Roger Bartlett (trombone/upright bass), and Mel Carter Sr. (trumpet).
At age 60, Courtney made the courageous decision to leave her corporate career, fully embracing her creative calling and connecting with audiences in new and meaningful ways. “I had the honor of being mentored by guys who lived this music. They taught me how the music was intended to be played," she shares.
“...jazz as it’s meant to be...simultaneously loose and tight; performing seamlessly while moving and playing within the music, the moment, and the room. Fronting it all is Courtney, whose smooth voice timbre sails over what her musicians are laying down—a celebration of life wrapped within the wonder of art.”