Chicago Jazz Pianist Mark Burnell Returns to the Stage After Surgery

Mark Burnell, a renowned jazz pianist from Chicago, made a triumphant return to the stage on April 21, 2023, just three months after undergoing a complex brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Performing at the Gateway Lounge, located within the Copernicus Center, Burnell captivated an audience of friends and fans, showcasing his resilience and love for music.

His journey through illness was marked by challenges that few can imagine. Just weeks before his performance, Burnell faced a significant health crisis. He spent a week in a hospital bed, with electrodes implanted in his brain to identify areas causing debilitating seizures. This innovative procedure allowed doctors to monitor his brain activity while he played, ensuring they did not damage crucial areas responsible for his musical abilities.

“His best friend is music,” said Anne Burnell, Mark’s wife and musical partner, as she sang softly at his bedside during his recovery. The couple has shared a deep connection through music since they met in 1993 on a Chicago River dinner cruise.

Mark Burnell’s relationship with music began at a young age. He started playing piano at eight years old and had his first gig by age 15. Over the years, he has performed at numerous venues across Chicago, including the Green Mill and Andy’s Jazz Club. His passion for music has been a constant in his life, despite significant health challenges stemming from a severe head injury he sustained during his first year at Carnegie Mellon University.

The incident, which left him in a coma for a week, resulted in years of living with the repercussions until seizures began to re-emerge in later life. These episodes led to increased anxiety, particularly about performing in front of audiences. “It did happen three times, and the third time was pretty embarrassing,” he admitted.

In January, while touring in Florida, Burnell experienced a spike in seizure activity, prompting a visit to the Mayo Clinic. There, neurologists diagnosed him with drug-resistant multifocal epilepsy. Dr. William Tatum, a neurologist involved in his care, explained that without intervention, Burnell’s quality of life would likely deteriorate, possibly forcing him to stop performing altogether.

To locate the sources of his seizures, doctors conducted a procedure involving the drilling of 14 tiny holes in his skull to insert electrodes. This allowed them to monitor his brain activity in real time while he played a keyboard. “When we stimulated him, if he would miss a note or forget lyrics, we’d pay attention to that,” Dr. David Sabsevitz, a neuropsychologist on Burnell’s medical team, explained. This meticulous process ensured that vital brain areas remained unharmed during the surgical intervention.

By the end of April, Burnell was back on stage, showcasing his talent and determination. He expressed his initial concern about whether he could still play the piano after the surgery. “I went directly to the piano,” he recalled, relieved to find that he could still perform.

During his two-hour set at the Gateway Lounge, he played a mix of jazz standards and audience favorites, including a lively rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Song Sung Blue” and an a cappella version of “On Broadway.” The performance was a celebration of not only his recovery but also of the community that supported him throughout his ordeal.

As he thanked the audience for their support, Burnell reflected on the experience: “It was so exhilarating, so rewarding. And I wasn’t afraid anymore. I felt the energy from the crowd and the love pouring onto the stage.”

Mark Burnell’s journey is a testament to the healing power of music and the strength of human spirit. His return to the stage serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.