Charles Burnham is a singular, versatile and virtuosic American violinist and composer. The Brooklyn based musician has become widely admired and much sought after for his unique approach to the violin. Primarily an improvising player, he has performed and recorded in a wide variety of musical styles, from blues and bluegrass, to jazz.
Burnham became known internationally after joining James Blood Ulmer’s Oddessey Band in 1983. Since then he has recorded and performed with such musical luminaries as Cassandra Wilson, Wynton Marsalis, Henry Threadgill, Henry Butler, Nora Jones, Living Colour, Queen Esther, John Zorn, Steve Swell, Rufus Wainwright, Krishna Das, Kenny Wollesen, Billie Joe Armstrong, Jason Kao Hwang, The Woes, Hem, Elysian Fields, Adam Rudolph, the Heavy Circles, Mario Pavone, Joan As Police Woman, Gabrielle roth, Robert Musso, Jai Uttal, Soul Syndicate, Rick Moranis, Doug Wamble, Robert Musso, Babby Paunetto, Sasha Dobson, Kato Hideki and Emily Coates..
He is currently writing and performing new and original material often scored for small ensembles, and in particular, duets. These latest pieces feature Burnham singing original lyrics in his husky and soulful voice. Blues and gospel music has been his inspiration for his latest works.