Arranged and recorded by Ryan Burwell between November 19 and December 31, 2020. Composed by Johnny Marks. Flute by Corinne Burwell. Guitar, keys and cello by Ryan Burwell.

The Island Of Misfit Toys (Nov 19 - Dec 31, 2020)

Composed and recorded by Ryan Burwell between September 10 and November 18, 2020. Flute by Corinne Burwell. Guitar, piano and cello by Ryan Burwell.

Many Moving Pieces (Sept 10 -Nov 18, 2020)

Composed and recorded by Ryan Burwell between June 12 and September 9, 2020. Flute by Corinne Burwell. Guitar and cello by Ryan Burwell.

Not So Fast (June 12 - Sept 9, 2020)

Composed and recorded by Ryan Burwell between May 11 and June 11, 2020. Flute by Corinne Burwell. Guitar and cello by Ryan Burwell.

730 Boogie (May 11 - June 11, 2020)

Composed and recorded by Ryan Burwell between April 13 and May 10, 2020. Corinne Burwell on flute. Ryan Burwell on acoustic guitar and cello.

Three's A Crowd (April 13 - May 10, 2020)

Composed and recorded by Ryan Burwell between March 13 and April 12, 2020. Corinne Burwell on Flute. Ryan Burwell on guitar, cello and piano.

Intermezzo - A Covid Suite

Intermezzo - 19 (March 13 - April 12, 2020)

Our final track on Intermezzo. Composed by Ryan Burwell. Flute by Corinne Burwell. Piano, guitar, cello and drums by Ryan Burwell.

It wasn’t long after Intermezzo's online album release party that we went back into a prolonged lockdown. After glimmers of hope, Ontario faced a brutal third wave and we once again watched the blossoming of spring from indoors.

Encore-19 consists of 3 parts. I started composing the first in mid-March when I was still feeling upbeat about where things were heading. The second part is announced by a tempo change and a switch to a minor key. Its undulating melodies make me picture a creepy merry-go-round, reflecting my darkening suspicion that we would be stuck going in circles for some time yet. 

Half-way through the second part, drums appear for the first time on the album, accompanied by the crash of thunder. And As rain begins to fall, things begin to come back to life. My drum kit is at my parent’s house (which our neighbours appreciate), and by late June it was finally safe to visit. Even more exciting than playing drums for the first time in 16 months was being able to hug my parents.

The final section begins quietly and cautiously - but it can’t help itself and quickly escalates to frenzied excitement. The Album’s denouement reaches its peak, then resolves comfortably to the optimism of a major chord - but only briefly. The final chords of the album are delivered with fatigue and a genuine desire to just be finished.

On July 10, 2021 I received my second covid vaccine - 5 days after Corinne received hers and 484 days since this project began. 

Is it over now?

8. Encore - 19 (March 14 - July 10, 2021)

Our holiday tune for 2021! This track marks the 13th anniversary of The Santa Sessions, so we dressed the part for this year's album cover :)

Arrangement, guitar and cello by Ryan Burwell. Flute by Corinne Burwell.

The Christmas Song (2021)

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s been a strange few years. We’ve tumbled through the rabbit hole of a global pandemic and are now coming out the other side different than we went in. 

So, for the 14th edition of The Santa Sessions, we pay tribute to the long, strange trip we’re on (and make extra use of the Halloween costumes we bought this year).

This year’s tune is from Paul William's amazing score for one of our favourite holiday movies - The Muppet Christmas Carol. Corinne, as always, is one flute. I'm on the other stuff. 

Wishing you warmth, love and perseverance as you chase 2023’s white rabbits.

-Ryan & Corinne Burwell

One More Sleep 'till Xmas (2022)

A tradition 15 years and counting! As always, you'll hear my wonderful wife Corinne on flute, while I take care of the other instruments.

The Santa Sessions

Sleigh Ride (2023)

Part of a Christmas tradition going back to 2008!

Corinne Burwell on flute, with the rest of the instruments by Ryan Burwell.

Nutcracker Suite - Waltz Of The Flowers (2012)

Part of a Christmas tradition going back to 2008!

Corinne Burwell on flute, Bruce Brooker on drums, with the rest of the instruments by Ryan Burwell.

Nutcracker Suite - Trance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy (2009)

I tell stories through instrumental music. You'll hear guitar, cello, piano, flute and drums in my compositions and arrangements - and sometimes my dog Oscar (he likes to bump mic stands after particularly good takes).

Always up for musical collaborations - that's why you'll hear some stuff with words in it too :)

Burwell Music

Popular tracks