Sam Burns

Sam Burns is a guitarist and composer redefining the sound of modern jazz in the Chicago-land area. Drawing from classical roots, rock-and-roll overdrive, and the improvisational lineage of Black American Music, he’s crafted a sonic identity that feels both explosive and intimate. His live shows are marked by fiery guitar work, tasteful keyboard textures, and rhythm-section energy that hits like an engine—creating a sound that’s unmistakably his.

Since debuting his original music in 2023, Sam has remained relentlessly prolific. His writing and playing are shaped by fusion heavyweights like Kurt Rosenwinkel, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Mike Stern, while also pulling from the spirit of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the emotional depth of Beethoven, and the melodic brilliance of The Beatles. The result: a personal brand of Midwest fusion that blends nuance, narrative, and raw power.

Emerging from the Chicago jazz circuit, Sam delivers original compositions and improvisational jams with high energy, soaring tone, and a stage presence that merges classic jazz swagger with modern rock urgency. Every performance is a statement of intent.
This is jazz – Done Sam’s way.