Art "Turk" Burton

A member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) since 1973, Art recieved a full scholarship to Governors' State University for bongo & conga percussion in 1974. He has taught bongo & conga technique at the American conservatory of Music in Chicago. He played in the Muhal Richard Abrams Big Band, and has performed with Lester Bowie, Joseph Jarman, Randy Weston, Chico Freeman, Elvin Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Anthony Braxton, Freddie Waits, Lou Donaldson, Don Cherry, Sonny Stitt, and Don Moye. Turk also recorded with Ari Brown, Venus, and with saxophonist Vandy Harris' Pure Fire.

Art is currently performing with flutist Nicole Mitchell and the Black Earth Ensemble. They have recorded a cd, titled: Hope, Future, Destiny. They were part of the Sons D’Hiver Jazz Festival in Paris, France in February, 2005. Nicole just won the new artist category for flute in the Downbeat Jazz Magazine International Critics Poll.

He is also performing with the AACM’s (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) Great Black Music Ensemble, thirty members strong, which received rave reviews at the 2005 Chicago Jazz Festival last weekend. Last but not least, he is playing with the South Suburban College Jazz Orchestra, where he also teaches history. With all the aforementioned groups he performs on bongo and conga drums.

We at Rhythmweb appreciate Art for his extensive knowledge in these areas, and when we have a question, about techniqe or about the history of the instruments, he's one of the pros we turn to. Thanks Art, for all your help so far...

You can write to Art at turk@rhythmweb.com