Vann Burchfield - Keep Pressing On (2021)

The rich musical history of Alabama has been well documented. From Muscle Shoals down to the Gulf Coast, the state has bore witness to landmark recordings in all genres - rock, soul, R&B, blues, bluegrass, country, and jazz. Saxophonist, composer, producer Vann Burchfield immersed himself in this musical potpourri from an early age and it informs his forthcoming album “Keep Pressing On”.

The title track and lead radio single is a powerful, soulful reminder to stay focused on the present while looking towards the future in the midst of all that is happening around us. “As always, this project is me trying to express my feelings and emotions through my horns”, says Burchfield.

Born and raised in Bessemer (near Birmingham), Vann started taking piano lessons at age six, while also learning guitar. But it wasn’t until he picked up an old saxophone at his grandparents house at age ten that he knew his life would never be the same.” I started out in the public school system playing clarinet in the beginner band but I just felt something different when I played the sax”. I found my voice quickly and I started really exploring the instrument. In 7th grade my band director told us about circular breathing so I learned the technique and how to perfect it. Later on when I saw Kenny G on the Tonight Show say that he was going to try to go about 20 minutes, I set a goal for myself.”

My longest time in rehearsal was 1 hour 8 minutes and 22 seconds so I knew then that I could officially break the record. I contacted Guinness for the rules and regulations and in my first attempt, I went 47 minutes and 6 seconds. It was enough to set the new world record. Guinness accepted my record and then told me that they were going to cancel the category and that I would remain the record holder indefinitely. I am honored to have held the record for over 20 years.

A prolific producer, along with his musical partner and keyboard player Kevin Taylor, Vann has released six previous albums (including a Christmas collection) and a handful of “smooth jazz” radio singles. “Kevin and I work really well together in the studio. He takes my thoughts and concepts and brings them to a new musical level.”

With his live band, Vann has appeared at many prestigious venues, including the White House four times and at notable jazz clubs around the country. “Most of my albums have been an exploration of my sound and the music I grew up with. I have always played pop and R&B with my horns but I also take my music in other directions as well. And jazz has always fascinated me.

An avid golfer with multiple holes in one, Vann is a lover of peace, happiness, joy and contentment. “I hope my music will always reflect the inner peace and joy that I have. I work very hard to maintain peace in my life and I hope my music reflects this.”