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That jazz festival featured some household names (Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and Sarah Vaughan to drop just a few), vibraphonist Burton was then in his early 20s and it became evident within a few minutes into his set that he would climb to the pinnacle of jazz success. Of course, that happened.
Burton, like most musicians, has heroes who were studied with care. For Burton, four names made the cut. I suspect any devotee of the vibes would agree with Burton's choices: Red Norvo, Lionel Hampton, Milt "Bags" Jackson, and the Latin master Cal Tjader.
Burton's new CD features the music of those valued gentlemen. "Gary Burton: For Hamp, Red, Bags and Cal" (Concord Jazz). I suspect this one will be nominated when awards start to be handed out later in the year. This is a special album, one that I can't bear to remove from my audio system.
The album opens with Cal Tjader's "Afro Blue," handled in a straight manner by Burton. Next comes "Bags' Groove," one of the most familiar tunes in anyone's jazz catalog. Burton brings back memories of Jackson while making special sounds of his own.
For a time, "Midnight Sun" from the Hampton catalog was my favorite song. It was one of two theme songs for the Hampton big band, the other being "Flying Home," which always brought Hamp to the drum kit and to hit a few notes on the piano. Audiences mostly rose to their feet and sometimes Hamp would lead some of his musicians off the stage and down the aisles. As the liner notes point out, it has the reputation of being the most raucous theme in pop/jazz music. Naturally, Burton keeps his smooth sound intact while still demanding a quickened pulse beat from listeners.
So the album goes, without a miscue within its playing time. The musicians offer superb support, with their work full-bodied and emotional. Especially noticeable is the deft Mulgrew Miller on piano and the dazzling Christian McBride on the bass.
Burton's now in his 50's. Where did the time go?
Jazz Messengers Sound Great
Concord Records has this deal that should delight music lovers with tight pocketbooks. The good folks out in California occasionally sift through their catalogs and put together "two-fers," two discs for essentially the price of one. If you love good music and hate spending big bucks on stocking your music shelves, these bargain packages are just the ticket.Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers were around for a long time, delighting jazz fans who enjoyed the leader's explosive drum work and getting to see budding superstars perform with the band. Blakey has departed this earth, but you can receive a notion of what those bands were like in this new release, "New York Scene and Live at Kimball's."
"New York Scene" originally came out in 1986 and contains outstanding work by the band on a selection of inviting tunes. The five songs are given stretched-out readings, allowing for some thoughtful solos.
The other disc, recorded at a nightclub in 1984, includes enough auditory thrills to sate any music fan. Trumpet swinger Terence Blanchard shows his stuff on both albums. His ideas are plentiful and he pays tribute to old and new players with his innovative solos.
Mulgrew Miller, mentioned at the outset of this column, deserves more attention that he has received. His work at the piano swings like crazy. On ballads he tones things down to the proper spot, while keeping the emotion going.
Trombonist Barrett Swings
I love to listen to Dan Barrett, whether he's working that slide trombone or making with the tight cheeks while blowing a fine cornet. The man is an ambassador for swing, and his new album will keep toes atappin' everywhere.Barrett concentrates on his trombone in the new album, "Melody in Swing" (Arbors Records). If you have any interest at all in swing music, this one should make your smile.
The 13 tracks contain a wide range of songs, from the title number to the Steve Allen hit of decades ago, "Gravy Waltz." Jazz author Leonard Feather's "Mighty Like the Blues" receives a sturdy reading. Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love" remains a welcome visitor. One I've always enjoyed is "Besame Mucho,: which calls to mind those Twentieth Century Fox musicals from the '40s featuring the weird but entertaining Carmen Miranda.
Barrett gets plenty of room to stretch out and shows once more that he's probably the finest swing trombonist on the plant. This album pleases.
Smooth Jazz by Calle
Regular tasters of "Powerssound" know of my distaste for so-called Smooth Jazz. Other than to help one fall asleep, this bled-white version of jazz seldom has anything to offer beyond soothing and relaxing "music."Ed Calle's new CD, "Twilight" (Concord Vista) contains no surprises. The songs are possibly useful in a baby nursery when the young one won't go to sleep. But if you are looking for signs of life, you will be disappointed. Despite the presence of talented musicians (Calle plays ten instruments), there's not much here to make the pulse climb.
The magnificent Arturo Sandoval plays trumpet on the album, but that's not sufficient reason to buy it.
Calle sounds best on tenor saxophone, such as on track two, "Love After Dark." His musicianship is solidly professional, but Smooth Jazz doesn't give a player enough to chew on.
"Twilight" is eons above Kenny G. So if you feel a need for beddy-bye sounds, try Ed Calle.
NEXT TIME AROUND: Jimmy Scott at 75 finally gets the recognition he so richly deserves. His new album, "Over the Rainbow," contains some stunning vocal work by the veteran performer. The new release by Los Hombres Calientes demonstrates that the Latin jazz band from New Orleans has its mojo working. Who knows what surprises may occur? Be here and find out!
