*Essex High School student Marcino Ambris views the new mobile Big Joe Burrell saxophone exhibit. Photo by Lafoi Faith Awotho/Big Heavy World.*

BURLINGTON, VT May 17, 2022: In August of 2021 three saxophones belonging to Big Joe Burrell returned to Vermont via the state’s volunteer-run independent music office, Big Heavy World. Now, one has been prepared to tour the state as a mobile exhibit highlighting the esteemed bluesman’s contributions to Vermont’s arts and culture. Burrell’s 1942 King Zephyr alto saxophone — with his name engraved in the instrument bell — will be available to school libraries, public libraries, historical societies and museums for short-term loan through 2023 and beyond. This mobile exhibit was made possible in great part by a grant from Vermont Humanities.

Big Joe Burrell passed away in 2005 after a lengthy career in music (see below) of which almost thirty years were lived in Burlington. Three of his instruments traveled to Florida with his nephew, Dr. Leon Burrell. Through generous gifts of Todd R. Lockwood and Burlington’s Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Office as well as the kindness of Big Joe’s nephew Dr. Leon Burrell, the instruments were purchased to become public cultural treasures in Vermont. All three instruments were cleaned for conservation by Jonathan Ranney at Ellis Music Co. in Bethel where he manufactured brass armatures to display the tenor and alto saxophones. A museum stand for the mobile alto saxophone exhibit was donated by the Fleming Museum, and modified by its staff to make the exhibit more accessible to children and from a seated height.

The exhibit is comprised of the saxophone on a pedestal, under an acrylic vitrine, accompanied by two pull-up banners and a freestanding exhibit label stand. Reuben Jackson — a poet, music historian and radio personality — produced written and audio interpretive materials to accompany the mobile exhibits. The audio narrative, below, is heard via a mobile player.

*Reuben Jackson records his essay for the mobile exhibit at the studio of Luke Awtry. Photo by* *Luke Awtry Photography*.

Organizations that would like to display the saxophone exhibit may reach out to Big Heavy World at info@bigheavyworld.com. The exhibit is free to loan; organizations will need to provide transportation of the exhibit to and from the Tiny Museum of Vermont History at Big Heavy World in Burlington (a small van is needed). James Lockridge, Big Heavy World Executive Director, said, “Organizations across the state will be able to share the story of Big Joe Burrell with their communities, reminding us how music and music-makers are important to all of us. Big Joe was Vermont’s Blues statesman, and we hope this helps grow the circle of hearts that his music lives in.” Reservations are now being accepted for 2023.

Reserve the Exhibit for your Museum or Library

The following is edited from Big Joe’s Burlington Free Press obituary, February 6, 2005: “Big Joe was born during the big band era, February 9, 1924, in Port Huron, Michigan. His interest in music began in the 1930s after hearing big bands like Count Basie and Jimmie Lunceford. Joe served three years in the Army playing with the Harlem and Cadence Army Show Band throughout Italy, North Africa and the Philippines. When he returned to civilian life, he honed his techniques in Detroit and Toledo clubs. Joe later joined the B.B. King Orchestra. An encounter with Count Basie led to a gig in the Count’s Club in New York City. Joe formed his own band ‘The Burning Flames’ and played back-up to The Miller Sisters for several years. He moved on to Toronto, Canada, joining ‘The Hot Toddies,’ led by Big John Little. During the rock’n’roll era, they traveled and entertained all over the eastern provinces. Offered a gig with the Charlie Duncan Organ Trio playing in Burlington, Joe returned to the states. In 1976, he learned that his nephew lived in Burlington and decided to stay. He played with a popular local band ‘Just Jazz.’ Eventually, he and Paul Asbell (the leader of Kilimanjaro), formed ‘The Unknown Blues Band: featuring Big Joe Burrell,’ becoming one of the premier bands in Vermont until officially disbanding in 2002. Big Joe Burrell died peacefully at age 80, February 2, 2005.”

Many individuals aided in the fundraising, communications or logistics that led to the accession of the instruments, including the alto saxophone; Big Heavy World sends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Leon Burrell; Todd R. Lockwood; Tyeastia Green; Chuck Eller; Sandy Combs; Katie Riegelman; Toni Trombley; Seth Trombley; Janie Cohen; Margaret Tamulonis; Suzy Zaner; Marcino Ambris; Lafoi Faith Awotho; Jocelyn Dunn; and the staff of Ellis Music. The mobile exhibit was made possible by a grant from Vermont Humanities. The Vermont Department of Libraries and Vermont Historical Society will help raise awareness of the mobile exhibit availability among their constituent institutions.

*The Fleming Museum contributed the exhibit stand. Pictured: Margaret Tamulonis, Manager of Collections and Exhibitions and Suzy Zaner, Preparator. Photo by James Lockridge/Big Heavy World.*

Big Heavy World is an independent nonprofit music development office established to archive and promote the original music of Vermont. With a crew of volunteers it publishes information about Vermont’s music industry, archives thousands of Vermont-made recordings, photographs and artifacts, and operates 105.9FM, a radio station highlighting the region’s creative community. It hosts the weekly ‘Rocket Shop’ local music radio hour and podcast that has featured ~700 Vermont-based artists. In 2020 Big Heavy World was recognized as ‘Best Global Music Office’ by an international Music Cities jury. The organization was founded in 1996. For more, visit bigheavyworld.com.

Differentiation aid: Todd R. Lockwood and James Lockridge have similar last names.

Mobile Big Joe Burrell Saxophone Exhibit to Tour State Schools, Libraries and Museums