The Life and Music of Ronnie Burrage

Ronnie Burrage is considered one of the best jazz musicians on the world scene today. He has played with Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius and is featured on more than 100 recordings; and has toured on all four continents from Siberia to South Africa to Japan. Ronnie's latest productions, "Spririt Guides / Truth and Love Music" & "Blue Noise", may be some of his greatest works.

"Most people  who know Ronnie Burrage know him  as an exceptionally skilled jazz drummer, who has been one of the most  well traveled, busiest, and well regarded, by insiders of the music, but who has never gotten the  acclaim he deserves.

His musical biography is dynamic and vibrant. He's worked with the great names in the music, Frank Morgan, Wallace Roney, Jackie & Rene McLean, James Moody, Gary Bartz ,Archie Shepp,Reggie Workman, Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Woody Shaw, McCoy Tyner, Pepper Adams,Michael Brecker. It is a catalog of jazz greats!

In addition, but also as an organic part of his doing, Ronnie Burrage has been an influential teacher, both privately and in significant institutions. He was Instructor at University of the Arts, Philadelphia 1999-6 and as a confirming expression of his long career as a much sought performer he is now a key instructor at  Penn State University , where he leads one of the most dynamic programs of teaching and performing jazz that exists throughout the country.

Prof Burrage is known not only for his virtuoso ability with all forms of percussion, but as an innovative composer and program designer who can put together dramatic musical programs which are  deeply educational and altogether entertaining.  I am writing these things because I think more people need to know Ronnie Burrage, who has been on the scene, like they say, and has been saying something musically, at a very high level."

Amiri Baraka, Author
Prof Emeritus, SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY

Hi Ronnie!!!! "It's been ages. I recall, many times, seeing you playing with McCoy. I'm certain that you would know that both of the Randy & Michael Brecker were big admirers of yours in those days because the lineage of true "Jazz drumming" was beginning to shrink already - I guess that one could say that there's been a comeback of sorts". Steve Khan

This site is an effort of love, an idea from me and made a reality by my dear friend, Rod Echols. We put this together as a tool of information for you to discover and enjoy. Our hope is you take your time to visit it all and also say hello. We welcome your comments and will be adding a post or blog page as we continue to add content and product for you to experience and purchase.

We will make changes as to our family and life schedule, but expect the unexpected and please spread the word!

Now that that has been said I want you to know that on this very page will be statements from my family, friends, colleagues and people I love and respect, so have a look at what my brother Rod has to say.

I have known Ronnie since we were in Head Start on the west side of St. Louis. We still aren't sure whether we were 3 or 4 years old when we met. But we have had a long friendship that continues to this day.

The thing that sticks with me about Ronnie is his dedication. We were 5 years old (this I remember for sure) and walking home from school and talking and boasting as young boys do, Ronnie proclaimed that he was going to be a Jazz drummer!

Well, being 5 years old I probably either didn't say anything or tried starting an argument then a wrestling match. But anyway, we went to school together through 3rd grade. And then my family moved and so did his.

I didn't see Ronnie again until Junior High. Ronnie was playing in a hot band, doing jazz, funk fusion. And although I was never as serious as Ronnie, I played bass. Our musical interest and our early relationship kicked back in and I watched Ronnie blossom into more of a " Multi-Talented Musician", although I guess Jazz Drummer is in there somewhere. As you will see here on the site Ronnie plays drums, keyboards, sings and plays multiple percussion instruments. And he has produced for several of his peers.

The point that I want to get across is that Ronnie Burrage is one of the most dedicated people I have known, and I traveled as a technician with the Art Ensemble of Chicago and met many dedicated people all over the world. I believe you will hear the dedication in Ronnie's latest music that you will find here on the site. I hope you take a look at some of the videos, listen to and purchase some music and check back often for Ronnie's performance and workshop schedule.

By the way, the picture below with Duke Ellington was when Ronnie was 9.

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