In 1961 18-year-old vibraphonist Gary Burton made his debut as a leader, kicking off both a prolific decade and an illustrious career for which he‘d eventually be honored as an NEA Jazz Master. On this edition of Night Lights we‘ll hear music he recorded that highlighted the work of composer Carla Bley, anticipated country crossover influences in jazz and pop, and helped usher in the jazz-rock movement, as well as sideman recordings made with Stan Getz and George Shearing, and reflections from Burton himself on this early chapter of his life.
Watch Gary Burton perform his composition "Singing Song" with Stan Getz:
Read JazzWax blogger Marc Myers' interview with Burton.
Special thanks to Gary Burton.