Christopher L. Burnett is a distinguished saxophonist, educator, and veteran of military bands, recognized for his warm and lyrical approach to jazz. After a successful career spanning over 20 years in the military, during which he both taught and performed, Burnett transitioned to academia and a performing career. He has remained active in his home state of Kansas, releasing several albums, including Time Flies in 2013, Firebird in 2014, and The Standards, Vol. 1 in 2021.

Born in 1955 in Olathe, Kansas, Burnett grew up in a military family, experiencing frequent relocations before finally settling in the Kansas City area. His musical journey began early, influenced by his older brother, drummer Richie Pratt, and nurtured by his mother, who introduced him to the piano. He participated in his church's youth choir and later engaged in his school band program, taking up the saxophone and clarinet. After completing high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Music Program, where he continued his musical education at institutions such as the Armed Forces School of Music, Webster University, Columbia College in Missouri, Berklee College of Music, and American University.

Burnett dedicated more than 22 years to the military, achieving the rank of First Sergeant and serving as an Enlisted Bandleader. His military career included various roles, such as a staff position at the Armed Forces School of Music and Leading Chief Petty Officer for the NATO Band in Naples, Italy, where he conducted the NATO Ceremonial Band, directed the jazz band, and performed as a featured soloist. Additionally, he held the lead alto saxophone chair with the West Point Military Academy Band's Jazz Knights, served as a Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal Conductor at the Armed Forces School of Music, and was a featured soloist with the Hof Symphony Orchestra in Germany. By the end of his military service, he had received both the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Meritorious Service Medal.

After leaving the military, Burnett continued his educational pursuits as the director of the jazz ensemble program at Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla), where he served as an Adjunct Lecturer for ten years. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Bobby Watson, Will Matthews, Marcus Hampton, and Ahmed Alaadeen. In the Kansas City area, he founded the KC Area Youth Jazz and co-founded the independent recording label Artists Recording Collective with colleagues Erica Lindsay and Sumi Tonooka.

Burnett's performance highlights include appearances at the Roots Festival in Paola, Kansas, residencies at the historic Drum Room and the Black Dolphin in Kansas City, and guest artist engagements at the Northwest Missouri State Jazz Festival. His debut album as a leader, Time Flies, was released in 2013, followed by Firebird in 2014. In 2021, he unveiled The Standards, Vol. 1, with a second volume, Live at The Drum Room in Kansas City, released in 2022.