About Court’s In Session
Jazz band playing live music in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN.
Jazz that Transports You to a Bygone Era
Jazz is a uniquely American art form. Court’s In Session is keeping that art form alive by sharing the story of each song they play. The music transports you into a bygone era while enjoying the mood. Backed by four amazing musicians, Courtney’s rich vocals will provide exquisite ambience for your event, gala, wedding, fundraiser, or private party.
How It All Began
A simple comment almost 20 years ago sparked a series of events that led to the creation of Court’s in Session. Courtney didn’t set out to become a musician, but jazz had its sights set on her and it was an irresistible invitation. Chuck Beasley, a veteran of the big band scene in the Twin Cities, loved Courtney’s voice and invited her to audition for Beasley’s Big Band (BBB). The rest, as they say, is history.
Mentor musicians from Beasley’s Big Band play jazz the way it was meant to be played: from the heart.
Court’s In Session was born as a way to honor three of the senior members BBB. Ruben Haugen (saxophone and clarinet), Roger Bartlett (trombone and upright bass), and Mel Carter Sr. (trumpet) served as mentors and teachers to anyone willing to be under their tutelage. They lived the music “the first time around” and taught the "real" way this music should be played: from the heart. They loved the large body of work known as the American Songbook of Jazz Standards.
Court’s In Session provided a forum for these music mentors to continue creating music after retiring from the rigors of playing with BBB. Throughout the years, new faces have stepped in to help keep the jazz legacy alive, including band-members Rich Goldman (saxophone, clarinet, and flute, Keith Schweitzer (upright bass), and Ryan Lodgaard (drums).
Court’s In Session will stir your emotions and relax your mind by capturing the heart of the classic American Songbook played in the tradition of yesteryear - with a dash of blues and a ton of soul.
Courtney Burton’s smooth and soulful voice is supported beautifully by her authentic ensemble to produce great interpretations from the glory days of jazz. Courtney and her band do justice to the art form of jazz in the most sincere and classic manner.
Paul A. DeStefanon | NY Jazz Enthusiast, Drummer, Foodie, Business Leader
Court’s In Session is really good for our dances. She’s popular, so it draws a lot of extra people into our dances. I mean she has been around for the last decade or more, and we’ve hired her throughout the years for our dances and we always get good feedback about her and how much people like the band.
Terry Gardner | Owner & Instructor
at TC Swing
I really liked the band. We are swing dancers, doing Lindy hop from the 30s and 40s, and she has a great texture and feel for big bands, sound, and the instruments are all allowed to express their voice, which gives me as a dancer lots of rhythms to pick up on.
Terry J. | Swing Dance Devotee
A Night on the Town
Woven between the pieces are each song’s unsung story about a shared heritage that crosses lines with iconic American spirit. Jazz. Pure. Full. Transporting. Plan to be beguiled by the band’s delivery of hits like Lullaby in Birdland, Shiny Stockings, That's All, New York State of Mind, Crazy He Calls Me, Sway, Summertime, Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby, and I Love Being Here With You.
It’s a night on the town, an event to remember. The verdict is in: Court’s in Session delivers. Jazz. The way you love it.
Listen as Phil Nusbaum of Jazz 88.5 FM interviews Courtney Burton of Court’s In Session about singing jazz.