A Smooth Cruise...and a Dream Come True

Kirk Whalum and Chester Burden

Last fall, local jazz singer and guitarist Chester Burden had a chance to sit in with several of his favorite contemporary jazz musicians on a "Smooth Jazz Cruise" aboard the SS Norway. The cruise, featuring such popular performers as Kirk Whalum, Ken Navarro, Paul Taylor, the Rippingtons, Craig Chaquico and Keiko Matsui, toured the West Indies for seven days in November.
"This is a dream come true," said Burden to a packed onboard auditorium before performing "This Masquerade" with Navarro's band. "It's easy to sound good when you're supported by musicians like these!"
If Burden is not necessarily a household name in KC, there's a good reason: he's been in the Army at Fort Leavenworth for the past 20 years. This trip was a gift he decided to give himself.
"I wanted to celebrate my coming retirement by going on a cruise!"
Educated at Norfolk State University in Virginia (bachelor's degree in music), Burden joined the Army in 1980 and proceeded to win the "Best of Show" award at the Army's "Festival of Performing Arts" competition in 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986. Also, during his military career, he remained active "by working solo gigs at military clubs across the country and teaching jazz guitar" in his spare time.
But now, with his military service behind him, Burden is anxious to restart his professional music career and do it in the Kansas City area.
And yes, someday, he'd like to go on another cruise.
"But as a performing artist instead of a guest. Now that would be a dream come true."


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