Gary Burton was born on January 23rd, 1943 in Anderson, Indiana, a small town in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Burton was self-taught on both the vibraphone and marimba and he began using four mallets when he was eight years old. Burton has listed Bill Evans as a major influence on his playing as well as guitarist Jim Hall, who he cites as a strong influence in his comping style. Burton moved to Nashville, Tennessee when he was seventeen years old and it was here that his career took off.
He recorded with country guitarists Hank Garland for the highly influential album Jazz Winds in 1961 and he also recorded with Chet Atkins for the 1960 album After the Riot at Newport. The Newport album was recorded on the back of mansion porch that RCA Records had rented during the festival. Unfortunately, the band´s performance earlier that day had been cancelled due to crowd riots. In particular, Jazz Winds from a New Direction had a profound impact on musicians including Pat Metheny and George Benson, both of who have cited the album as being a key recording for starting their interest in playing jazz guitar.
Also during this time, Burton attended the Berklee School of Music but he only stayed for one year, from the fall of 1960 to the spring of 1961. While in Boston, Burton studied with trumpeter Herb Pomeroy as well as conductor/arranger Michael Gibbs. Burton´s career by this time was in full swing; he released his debut solo album New Vibe Man in Town on RCA Records in 1961. (by jazzcom)
Vibraphonist Gary Burton's debut as a leader shows that he was a brilliant player from the start of his career. Utilizing a sparse trio that also includes bassist Gene Cherico and drummer Joe Morello, Burton even at this early stage sounds quite original and unlike his predecessors (Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo and Milt Jackson). Highlights of the LP include "Joy Spring," "You Stepped Out Of A Dream" and Burton's original "Our Waltz." This boppish set is easily recommended. (by Scott Yanow)
Recorded at RCA Victor's Studio B in New York City on July 6 & 7, 1961
Personnel:
Gary Burton (vibraphone)
Gene Cherico (bass)
Joe Morello (drums)
Tracklist:
01. Joy Spring (Brown) 3.39
02. Over The Rainbow (Arlen/Harburg) 4.21
03. Like Someone In Love (Burke/van Heusen) 3.05
04- Minor Blues (Mardin) 5.30
05. Our Waltz (Burton) 4.30
06. So Many Things (McPartland) 4.14
07. Sir John (Mitchell) 4.10
08. You Stepped Out Of A Dream (Brown/Kahn) 4.28
ARMU 2021 (zippyshare)