Strong Women In Music Concert Interview Series: The Music Director, Ronnie Burrage

Strong Women In Music Concert at Penn State University | April 27, 2011
Interviews with MC Lyte, Dr. E and musical director Ronnie Burrage.

The Musical Director: Interview with Ronnie Burrage

St. Louis native drummer and multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Burrage played an integral role in the Strong Women In Music Concert both as the music director and accompanying musician. Chatting with Ronnie, I learned stories of his first memories of music, his world travels playing with jazz legends, upcoming show dates, and even a few unconventional talents! Enjoy ;)

Thank you again for your time Ronnie, it was so much fun meeting you! -Ebony Jeanette

EAR CANDI: You are a part of many ensembles, please name them.

Ronnie: "Third Kind of Blue", "Band Burrage" "The Burrage Ensemble" "Q.K.R." which features Qunicy Troupe, author of Miles Davis Autobiography screen writer, "Pursuit Of Happiness" feat. Will Smith & Kelvyn Bell

EAR CANDI: What instruments do you play in addition to the drums?

Ronnie: I play several instruments, keyboards, voice, vibes, multi percussion and idiophones from around the world.

EAR CANDI: Describe your first memory of wanting to play music.


Ronnie: My mother is the oldest of eight siblings and they all were musicians. My grandmother’s father and brother were musicians in the Barnum and Bailey Black circus band as well her brother my uncle John Saunders played sax with Bessie Smith ad many jazz and blues artist out of Chicago, so I grew up playing music by the time I was able to walk. I sang in several choirs including Catholic, Baptist and Methodist.

EAR CANDI: Including the legendary MC Lyte, share some of the other major acts you have played alongside.

Ronnie: McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Sting, Fontella Bass, Nancy Wilson, Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw, Archie Shepp, Nona Hendrix and many more!

EAR CANDI: If you could play with any musician dead or alive who would it be?

Ronnie: I’ve played with pretty much all my heroes, but I would have to say Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, or Ella Fitzgerald.

EAR CANDI: Most embarrassing moment during a live performance?

Ronnie: I guess once at the Chicago Jazz Festival I was not able to read the written music from the great artist George Russell and I did not do so well in the performance, but I am proud to say that there has not been many incidents of this nature during my career.

EAR CANDI: Do you have a any signature or unconventional talents?

Ronnie: I yodle during my scatting and oh yeah I can flex my chest nipples, LOL!

EAR CANDI: What does the Strong Women in Music Concert mean to you?

Ronnie: The Strong Women In Music Concert means creating a fun, educational, and absolutely enlightening experience to celebrate female musicians like MC Lyte who are trailblazers in the industry.

EAR CANDI: Any future projects coming up we should know about?

Ronnie: Yes I have two new Cd's coming out on my label,, MiMikAlana Records next month entitled, Ronnie Burrage "Spirit Guides" Truth & Love Music / Don't Be Afraid and my production for Australia saxophonist Dale Barlow called, "Blue Jess" Timeline Observatory, Also here is my summer touring schedule.

May 21 Ronnie Burrage Trio "Sista's Place" Brooklyn, New York
May 28 Center City Philadelphia CD RElease Event www.vivantartcollection.com
June 2 & 3 Missoula, Montana "The Daily Jazz" with Azar Lawrence Group
June 4 Bozmen, Montana w. Azar
June 10 Vienna, Austria "Porgy & Bess" w/ Azar
June 11 Diersbach, Austria "INNTOENE Jazz Festival" w/Azar
June 12 - 20 Poland / Sweden
June 23 Duc Des Lombards Paris
June 24 & 25 France, "Galerie de Berlinval" Ronnie Burrage Group with Rasul Siddik
This leg is all Ronnie Burrage Group
July 1 Baltimore "AnDie Muzik Hall"
July 3 "Bohemian Caverns" DC
July 5 Atlanta GA "Churchill Grounds" w/ guest Russell Gunn
July 6 travel day to Matinique
July 7 free
July 8 Concert Martinique/ "Fort Du France Cultural Festival"
July 9 free
July 10 Depart Matinique
July 11 travel day to Orlando
July 12 Concert "Rollins College" Orlando
July 13 free
July 14/15 "The Palladium Theater" Tampa / St. Pete Florida
July 22 & 23 Robbie's House of Jazz St. Louis, MO.
July 23 CD signing in-store "Vintage Vinyl" St. Louis, MO.
July 16 travel New York
August 28 Thompson Square Park, "The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival" w/Archie Shepp

EAR CANDI: What advice can you give to musicians living in central PA trying to break into the industry.

Ronnie: Practice and play as much music and every type of music you can. Reach out to collaborate and move around to meet as many musicians you can.

EAR CANDI: Where can we buy your music?

Ronnie: Visit www.ronnieburrage.biz for album info and purchases. I am also on Facebook!

ADD Ronnie Burrage on FACEBOOK!

Visit www.ronnieburrage.biz for more information on tour dates, album releases and more!