Common Ground
Gary Burton · 2011
52 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing intricate arrangements and the melodic resonance of vibraphone.
Top tracks — play these first
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Route 66 Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Stormy Monday Blues — This track stands out for its soulful interpretation, where Burton's vibraphone weaves through moody harmonies that reflect the emotional depth of the blues tradition.
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I'd Rather Go Blind — Burton's rendition transforms this classic into a poignant reflection on heartache, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through instrumental expression.
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Georgia — The arrangement breathes new life into this beloved standard, highlighting Burton's knack for balancing lyrical beauty with complex musical conversations among musicians.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong arrangements and skilled performances but lacks a cohesive narrative across its length.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'Route 66' and 'Stormy Monday Blues' are reinterpreted with intricate arrangements that highlight the interplay between instruments.
- Several pieces incorporate extended improvisation sections, allowing for dynamic shifts in tempo and mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady reflective listening experience
- heartfelt improvisation and nuance
- for late-night contemplation
- intricate melodies that invite focus
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party atmospheres
Where this album fits
- Themes
- vibraphone mastery· blues-infused jazz· traditional reinterpretation
- Career context
- When 'Common Ground' was released in 2011, Gary Burton was a well-respected figure in jazz, known for his innovative work on the vibraphone. This album came after a prolific career spanning over five decades, marking his continued relevance in the evolving jazz landscape while also serving as a celebration of collaboration with various artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· Pat Metheny· Herbie Hancock
Tracklist
- 1 Route 66 Start here 4:07
- 2 If Is a Mighty Big Word 3:26
- 3 This Side of Birmingham 4:04
- 4 Then There's the Truth 3:35
- 5 Stormy Monday Blues 4:14
- 6 Blues for Dom 4:30
- 7 Georgia 4:14
- 8 Lately 3:08
- 9 Gary Seven 3:49
- 10 Black Coffee 4:29
- 11 I'd Rather Go Blind 4:13
- 12 Last Two Dollars 3:42
- 13 Through the Eyes of a Child 4:43
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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