Burrell began playing guitar in Detroit during his early teens and was influenced by such greats as Charlie Christian, the first guitarist to utilize the electric guitar, and Oscar Moore, the innovator of modern chords. Other influences included T-Bone Walker and Muddy Waters. Since then, he has remained a recording artist, having recorded 90 albums. I feel lucky to have had the support of the record companies and the fans as well. Burrell seeks to expand the jazz audience, but explains that this is difficult because he believes jazz takes a more seasoned, intellectual ear.
Jazz is both pop and classical.
Pop music equates to entertainment and sales, though. Record companies feel it's difficult to promote something as sophisticated and highly developed as jazz. They would rather put their dollars toward a more simplified kind of music. If we look at the definition of 'classical,' then it is indeed classical music. But even a more serious problem is that jazz gets very little support from the classical side of the music business.