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Carl Burnett (born February 20, 1941) is an American drummer, jazz and funk musician.
Early years and education
Carl Burnett was born Carl Michael Burnett on February 20, 1941, in Camden, Arkansas. He began playing the trumpet and clarinet at the age of eight and later switched to drums and vibraphone.
He attended Jefferson High School in Los Angeles, California, where he was tutored by Sam Browne. During this time, he founded a Latin jazz band with his classmate Roy Ayers, which performed regionally. In the next few years, he took lessons from Donald Dean.
Career
Burnett began his professional music career in 1960 with George Morrow, with whose group he performed at the International Hotel until 1963. Between 1963 and 1967, he was part of Cal Tjader's band. He was also involved in the recordings of Vince Guaraldi and accompanied Marvin Gaye.
In 1968–73, he worked with pianist Gene Harris in his group The Three Sounds. He performed with Harris on his album The 3 Sounds (released 1971 on the Blue Note label). Although the album is titled after Harris' group The Three Sounds, it is a transitional effort.
In the years 1973–78, Burnett worked with Freddie Hubbard. Next, in 1976–82, he was a part of Art Pepper's band (Pepper's last years.)
In 1979, Burnett recorded the album Nexus for Arista Novus with tenor saxophonist John Klemmer and bassist Bob Magnusson.
In 1980, he and his quintet released an album titled Carl Burnett Quintet – Plays Music Of Richard Rogers, on Discovery Records. His quintet included George Cables(piano), John Williams (bass), Eddie Harris (saxophone), and Bob Summers (trumpet). The album was arranged by Llew Matthews.
From 1983 to 1993, Burnett worked with Horace Silver.
Burnett can also be heard on albums by Leroy Vinnegar, Kenny Burrell, Carl Perkins, Eddie Harris, Milcho Leviev, Jack Sheldon, Lorez Alexandria, Sonny Stitt, and Bill Watrous.