Generations Gary Burton

Generations

1	First Impression 6:33
2	Early 5:36
3	Gorgeous 7:39
4	Wheatland 5:33
5	Take Another Look 6:39
6	Syndrome 5:19
7	Test of Time 5:22
8	The Title Will Follow 7:50
9	Ladies in Mercedes 6:22
10	Héroes Sin Nombre 8:16

Barnes & Noble

In his five-decade career as a leader, vibraphone virtuoso Gary Burton has shown a brilliant instinct for sidemen. Among the distinguished players he’s featured in his bands have been bassist Steve Swallow, drummer Bob Moses, pianist Makoto Ozone, and a host of superb guitarists including Larry Coryell, Pat Metheny, Jerry Hahn, and Mick Goodrick. The teenage Julian Lage is another name to be added to the list. A guitarist and composer of considerable gifts, Lage makes a striking debut on an album that stands among Burton’s strongest recordings of the past decade. Ozone makes another prominent appearance here, as do two of today’s strongest young rhythm section players, bassist James Genus and drummer Clarence Penn. And Burton is in superior form as well; his phenomenal command of his instrument remains as distinctive as when he first began drawing attention in the early 1960s. Among the tailor-fit compositions are two tunes that Burton previously recorded on his 1984 Real Life Hits album: Carla Bley’s “Syndrome” and the Swallow's “Ladies in Mercedes.” Generations gives evidence that Burton has plenty of steam left in his career and that Lage has a bright future ahead. Steve Futterman

All Music Guide

Vibraphonist Gary Burton's place in the jazz firmament has long been assured, but he has no intention of sitting on the sidelines as others enter the field. Instead, Burton has a knack for reaching out to younger players, thus leading to the title of his 2004 release, Generations. More specifically, the title refers to guitarist Julian Lage, a new talent on the jazz scene whose low profile can be attributed to the fact that he's a sophomore in high school. Lage's cool sound, inspired by Jim Hall, perfectly complements the lightness of Burton's vibes, giving Generations a relaxed, mellow sound. Burton and Lage are joined by pianist Makoto Ozone, bassist James Genus, and drummer Clarence Penn on well-worn classics like Oscar Peterson's "Wheatland" and more recent classics like Pat Metheny's "Take Another Look." Ozone proves something of a linchpin between the lead players and the rhythm section, offering light, lovely solos on pieces like "The Title Will Follow" and a flurry of rhythmic chords on "Ladies in Mercedes." Burton's predilection toward new ideas can also be discerned by his inclusion of a great deal of new material written by Lage (three pieces) and Ozone (two pieces). Generations is another fine effort by Burton, an excellent introduction to Lage, and above all, a solid recording by a fine group playing in synchronicity. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr., Rovi