Bay Area Jazz Saxophonist
Original jazz, soulful standards, and live performances from the heart of the Bay Area — new album "Ron Burris Meets Marcos Silva" out now.
About Ron
Vallejo CA born Jazz saxophonist Ron Burris started playing at an early age — 4th grade — and continued through high school when he joined a band called Project Soul, which later became the supergroup Con-Funk-Shun.
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. A deep love for the music of Gene Ammons eventually pulled him fully into jazz, where he found his voice playing tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone.
With a solid background in R&B and sprinkles of gospel, Ron holds a B.A. in Music from UC Davis and a teaching credential from Sonoma State University (1978). He taught music in the public school system for 10 years, all while leading a jazz band performing throughout Vallejo, the Bay Area, and San Francisco.
Ron performs regularly at venues across the Bay Area, including Yoshi's in Oakland, the Empress Theatre, wineries, festivals, private events, and churches — solo saxophone or with a full quartet.
What Critics Say
An excellent straight-ahead tenor and alto saxophonist who is based in Northern California, Ron Burris long had his own personal sound on his horns. The playing throughout Ron Burris' album is top-notch and enjoyable, showing listeners that there is plenty of life to be found in straight-ahead jazz today when played by musicians of this high caliber.
Burris does not sound like anyone else, even on songs closely associated with John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Stanley Turrentine. His passionate solos, the countermelodies he creates, and his heartfelt emotional expression mark him as a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz.
Listen Now
Play each featured track right here on the site. Hear the rest on Apple Music or Spotify.
2026 · Latest Release
Ron's fourth album is a beautiful blend of straight-ahead jazz and Bossa Nova standards, recorded with pianist Marcos Silva, guitarist Mimi Fox, bassist Scott Thompson, and drummer Dillon Vado.
♫ Featured Track — Keep Hold of Yourself
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2024
A soulful mix of jazz standards and originals showcasing Ron's versatility across tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone. Warm, melodic, and impossible not to enjoy.
♫ Featured Track — Black Orpheus
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2021
From bop to bossa, John Coltrane to Freddie Hubbard — this album charted on JazzWeek's Top 50 for eight weeks.
“Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys melodic modern jazz.”— Scott Yanow, jazz journalist & historian
♫ Featured Track — Giant Steps
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2019
Ron's debut — a self-produced 9-tune set with 7 originals displaying his writing, arranging, and production skills across tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone.
♫ Featured Track — Alto Samba
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Own It
The full album, delivered to your door. Call or text Ron directly to order — all four albums available.
Tell Ron which album you'd like and your mailing address. Allow 5–7 business days for delivery.
Catch a Show
Redmonds Hall, 431 Georgia St, Vallejo, CA · 7–10 PM
More dates added regularly — recent performances include Yoshi's, the Empress Theatre, and Bay Area wineries. Call or text to book Ron for your venue, festival, church, or private event.
Gallery
From legendary jazz clubs to wine country evenings — a few moments from recent performances.
A Look Back
A career built one stage at a time — restaurants, wineries, weddings, and everywhere in between.
Available for Hire
Ron Burris is available for private events, parties, weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions throughout the Bay Area — as a solo saxophonist or with a full band. Enjoy a beautiful saxophone set or a complete jazz quartet, tailored to your event.
Ron Burris