Born in Derby, England,[1] Burnap became interested in New Orleans jazz while attending school in Belper.
[2] He built up a friendship with the clarinet player Chris Blount, who introduced him to New Orleans veterans Bunk Johnson and George Lewis.
[2] He played with a considerable number of well-known New Orleans/mainstream bands in England, and also appeared with visiting American jazz musicians including Billy Butterfield, Bud Freeman, Bob Haggart, and Kenny Davern.
[2] He has penned reviews for jazz magazines as well as writing and presenting a number of radio features, including a highly acclaimed series on the life and music of Louis Armstrong.
He wore an MCC tie as he led a band called 'The Out-Swingers' behind the pavilion at Lord's, which serenaded the crowd during the lunch interval at Test matches.