Gary Burton In The Jazz Underground

Here's what I love about Jazz Underground: I get to discover musicians that have been hiding in plan site forever.

This show was partially a tribute to Gary Burton for his birthday.  I admit, I'm no Gary Burton expert.  In fact, I couldn't even have told you that he played vibraphone.  But after listening to this playlist and doing a little bit of research, I'm fascinated by his recorded output and his life story.

The only snag, Burton's 70s / 80s label, ECM, doesn't "do" Spotify, so it's definitely worthwhile to check out the YouTube videos for the two cuts from this era below -- an unbelievable marriage of jazz and psychedelia.

As usual, NFTJU host Paul Abella complements some Burton with some wild and weird material including Ozric Tentacles, new stuff from Joe DeRose, and a sweet jam from Freddie Hubbard and Stanley Turrentine.  There's some jazz / jam crossover stuff here, too, like Snarky Puppy and locals Spare Parts.

Of particular note, the Donny Hathaway tune is a fine example of him showing off his live band.  Paul says, "while usually those kinds of things are boring as hell, with a band as good as Hathaway's, it funky and brilliant."

Notes From The Jazz Underground runs Friday nights on WDCB 90.9 FM.

Complete Playlist

Track - Artist - Album