Gary Burton - Four To The Floor
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Whether aged 17, when he made his recording debut in 1961, or at 70, with his seventh Grammy win under his belt, the quality of vibes virtuoso Gary Burton’s playing has never been less than impeccable.
Having led countless high-calibre bands – often discovering future guitar stars such as Metheny and Scofield, and now Julian Lage – Stuart Nicholson finds Burton’s current New Quartet, who headline this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival, hitting even higher gears on a bristling second album that’s as vibrant and engaging as its eternally questing leader
Gary Burton was 70 in January, a time to pause and reflect on times past and present and contemplate what the future holds, more so for a jazz musician in a profession that has increasingly become a young man’s game. Perhaps reaching such a milestone prompts moments of self-enquiry: am I still relevant? Am I still saying something? For Gary Burton there could be no better answer, and no better birthday present, than winning a Grammy award in February.
This is an extract from Jazzwise Issue #174 – to read the full article click here to subscribe and receive a FREE CD...