When it comes to his saxophone talent, Ron Burris undoubtedly believes it’s God-given. If it wasn’t, it might not look so good.

Burris, 68, earned a Master’s in theology and his Ph.D. in church history at the University of California at Davis and puts most of the bread on the table by teaching future ministers and chaplains. The butter, however, is paid for with gigs — as difficult as they’ve been since the pandemic hit in early 2020.

But there is a silver lining. As rusty as it might be during COVID, Burris took the spare time to write, rehearse, and record his second CD, “Shades of Jazz.”

“I’ve been working on it about a year while I was indoors,” Burris said by phone Tuesday. “I’m really proud of it.”

“Shades of Jazz” is about “different colors, different types of jazz songs,” Burris said.

The 10-cut recording includes six covers “by the masters” and four originals. Burris unveils the CD and the songs with his quartet Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m., at Three Restaurant, 721 Texas St., in Fairfield.

“I’ve got to play music at this point in life,” he said. “If I can get the opportunity to play more and more, I’d play more and more.”

That fame and fortune thing likely took a train out of town a while back, acknowledged Burris.

“My goal now is to play music and make people happy. Just want to put a smile on their face,” he said. “Music is one of God’s gifts he gave us to make us happy.”

Burris’ new recording starts off with “three powerful songs by the masters” — “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane, “Lyresto” by Coltrane and Kenny Burrell, and “Yardbird Suite” by Charlie Parker.

The fourth tune, “Cruzzin’ With the Top Down,” is an original smooth jazz effort “but with a funk beat,” Burris said.

The next tune, an original composition, “Let the Children Dance,” has a calypso feel and is inspired by Burris’ seven grandchildren.

“It’s a funny, happy song,” Burris says, remembering that when his grandchildren were little, “they would jump around and dance when I practiced.”

The sixth song on the recording is “Clouds,” by Cannonball Adderly and Sergio Mendes, featuring Burris on alto sax.

“Up Jumped Spring” is by “another master,” Freddie Hubbard, “one of the greatest jazz improvisers,” said Burris, including a ballad, “My One and Only” by Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, on the CD.

“Mr. JC,” a tribute tune to Coltrane by Burris, and another original, “Sunset,” wrap up “Shades of Jazz.” The final tune was inspired by Burris’ walks along the Benicia and Vallejo waterfronts.

“It’s a meditative ballad meant to inspire one to think about the beauty of the world and peace,” Burris said.

The CD is a follow-up to the musician’s debut in 2019, “Mr. Cool,” a tribute to Burris’ late brother, Hewitt Clinton Burris.

“I’m proud of this CD. I really worked on it,” Burris said of “Shades of Jazz.”

Yes, the recording is available to download. But Burris remains a bit old-school.

“I still have a CD player in my car,” Burris said. “I’m looking for the old-timers.”

However, though he still boasts a significant vinyl record collection, “I don’t play ’em often,” Burris said. “I don’t think vinyl’s coming back. Who wants to get up and change a record? I think CDs are going to come back. They’re small. I like CDs.”

The Ron Burris Quartet plays 3 Restaurants, 721 Texas St., Fairfield, Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m. No cover. For more, visit threefoodbeerwine.com.