Record Reviews

GARY BURTON ~ SOMETHING`S COMING! / THE GROOVY SOUND OF MUSIC / THE TIME MACHINE BGO 1241 (Barcode: 5017261212412) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of three early albums by the legendary American Jazz vibraphonist / composer Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist (his third to fifth albums): "Something`s Coming!Find albums with this title" from 1964, "The Groovy Sound Of MusicFind albums with this title" from 1965 and "The Time MachineFind albums with this title" from 1966. "Something`s Coming!" was recorded in a quartet setting with guitarist Jim HallFind albums by this artist, bassist Chuck IsraelsFind albums by this artist and drummer Larry BunkerFind albums by this artist. It presents seven pieces, two of which are original compositions by British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, one is by Hall and the remaining four are standards. "The Groovy Sound Of Music", as the title suggests, includes Burton interpretations of eight songs from the musical "The Sound Of Music", recorded in a sextet setting with trombonist Bob BrookmeyerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Joe PumaFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and alternating drummers Joe HuntFind albums by this artist and Ed ShaughnessyFind albums by this artist. "The Time Machine" was recorded in a trio setting with bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Larry Bunker. It presents ten pieces, four of which are original compositions by Burton, two by Gibbs, one by Swallow and the remaining three are standards. These wonderful albums tell the story of the early days of Burton´s musical development and already point out towards several characteristics of his music in the later years, like his close friendship and cooperation with composer Michael Gibbs, his close association with bassist Steve Swallow, who would continue to record with Burton for many years, his appreciation and understanding of the role of the guitar in Jazz, which will soon after lead to his revolutionary cooperation with Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist and the birth of the American Jazz-Rock Fusion, etc. Whereas the first two albums find Burton still engulfed in Bebop and Cool Jazz, the third album is distinctly different and shows his individual voice and stylistic differentiation from mainstream Jazz, which shifts into more sophisticated approach both as a player and a composer, which would eventually bring Burton to be much closer to European Jazz than almost any other of his compatriots. Although these albums were recorded fifty years ago, they all sound absolutely fresh today and the music lost absolutely nothing of its wonderful vitality, musicality and exquisite taste. For Burton and vibraphone fans this is an absolute essential piece of Jazz history, but all music connoisseurs should find it absolutely delightful. Not to be missed!

Updated: 17/10/2016Posted: 17/10/2016

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BILL EVANS ~ TALES: LIVE IN COPENHAGEN (1964) ELEMENTAL MUSIC 5990445 (Barcode: 8435395503751) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 - 1969 Released: 2023 This is another archival album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio setting with bassist Chuck IsraelsFind albums by this artist and drummer Larry BunkerFind albums by this artist during Evans’ first European tour. The album presents eleven tracks, six recorded on August 10, 1964 at Danish Radio (without audience), four recorded on August 25, 1964 at Danish TV and finally one (“bonus”) track recorded on November 21, 1969 with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist. Three of the tracks are Evans’ originals and the rest are standards. This album is a follow up release to the 2CD album “Treasures: Solo, Trio And Orchestral Recordings From Denmark (1965-1969)Find albums with this title”, which presents other recording by Evans in Denmark, and which completes these historical recordings. It also features an extended booklet with interviews with Israels and Bunker’s widow and other background information. The album offers absolutely brilliant sound recording quality, with every little nuance perfectly audible, which of course adds to the pleasure of listening to this album. As usual, the brilliant telepathic communication between the trio members prevails over everything. Evans’ trios were always an exquisite example of collective music creation, and although Evans was at the center of attention, the role of creating the music and the responsibility was equally spread between the trio members, in contrast to the usual leader / sidemen formula. Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the Bill Evans recorded legacy, covering his live appearances in Europe. For the many Evans’ followers it is of course a must, and although it does not reveal anything previously not captured on record, it is certainly a superb piece of Jazz history.

Updated: 23/02/2024Posted: 26/01/2024

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