Gary Burton Quartet Live CD

 Not bad, but not up to the ECM era records.
An attempt to return to the glory years of Gary Burton's early ECM period by reuniting with Metheny and Swallow only half works out. First, the sound is typically modern - and that's not a good thing. Heavy, bloated throbbing bass that is not appropriate for this music. Second, Burton is low in the mix (I suppose to favor the more popular Metheny) and it makes his tone a bit of the tinny and light side. Third, the improvisations have nowhere near the fire of that classic period, and while fine, don't really go anywhere. Metheny has become a bit cliched, and in truth, the ECM period was really marked by the great Mick Goodrick as Burton's lead guitarist, with Metheny as the understudy. A decent record, but ECM records like Ring, Dreams So Real, and Passengers are the real deal and should be the first stop.
Submitted by rob.hutton (Toronto, Ontario) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 Outstanding recording in every respect
These four giants interact with beautiful rapport throughout this excellent recording. The first cut, Sea Journey, and the eighth, Fleurette Africaine, swung me into ecstasy. This recording will be voted one of 2009's best.
Submitted by Bo (Asheville, NC, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

Have you heard this album?