Gary Burton Reunion Quartet (with Metheny, Swallow, Sanchez) - Berklee, Boston - 6/20

[bigtiny]

This concert was everything I expected it to be. I had anticipated about half of the set list. Burton burned, Metheny, as usual played his ass off. Steve Swallow is like an elder statesmen of modern jazz. His playing is simply elegant. And Sanchez....ahh Sanchez, probably one of the 3 most exciting drummers to hit the scene in the past few years. He posseses a staggering combination of chops and good taste.

If you get a chance you WANT to see this.

bigtiny

[makpjazz57]

I was there and agree with everything you report, bigtiny. I especially loved the interplay between Sanchez and Burton. A great concert and homecoming for all 4 musicians.

[bigtiny]

I was there and agree with everything you report, bigtiny. I especially loved the interplay between Sanchez and Burton. A great concert and homecoming for all 4 musicians.

Man...Sanchez has a touch, huh? Real tasty player. I've seen him several times in different settings and he's always just awesome. And Burton...whew! This is only the second time I've seen him live. Last time was in 1980 with the 'Times Square' band (Okoshi, Swallow, and Moses in for Haynes). The guys just squirts music everywhere!!! =:-)

bigtiny

[stevebop]

I was there too and I agree with almost everything you all have said but...
for me, a little bit of Pat Metheny goes a long way. I thought he was a little over the top in some places. Too loud! Too rock and roll! Even drowned out Burton in a few places.
The night was billed as the Gary Burton Quartet. Why was Pat the only one featured in s solo spotlight? Why wasn't Gary given the same status? A nice duet ballad for vibes and electric bass would have been appreciated.
Other than that, a nice evening.

[bigtiny]

I was there too and I agree with almost everything you all have said but...
for me, a little bit of Pat Metheny goes a long way. I thought he was a little over the top in some places. Too loud! Too rock and roll! Even drowned out Burton in a few places.
The night was billed as the Gary Burton Quartet. Why was Pat the only one featured in s solo spotlight? Why wasn't Gary given the same status? A nice duet ballad for vibes and electric bass would have been appreciated.
Other than that, a nice evening.

Well, to be fair -- Metheny is co-producer of the album, and let's face it -- he's a big draw for the group. As far as drowining anybody out, that's the sound engineer's domain right? I mean, I thought both of them covered up Swallow most of the night, but I don't think that was Burton's or Metheny's intention...bad engineering I think.

And finally, I think Metheny is one of the few guys who can actually go toe to toe with Burton when it comes to just spewing wonderfully melodic playing.

So there! =:-)

bigtiny

[lonely-at-the-top]

Metheny - IMO - has never been better than today(that would include the last 3-4 years) Saw him with Sanchez and McBride on their DayTrip tour and it was fabulous. The Mehldau Quartett was great as well and now this reunion! Go ahead Pat, way to go!

[Ron Thorne]

Damn, I really wish I could have been there for that one! I'm not at all surprised that these four seriously kicked it.

Rooming next door to Gary in that funky old dorm at Berklee was quite a treat, I must say. Those days hold memories to last a lifetime.