Times Square cover

Times Square

Gary Burton · 1978

37 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and contemporary influences, weaving intricate melodies with playful rhythms and rich harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Semblence Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Coral — This track showcases a seamless interplay between Burton's vibraphone and the accompanying musicians, creating an ethereal soundscape that encapsulates the album's fusion essence.
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    Midnight — With its intricate arrangement and shifting dynamics, 'Midnight' highlights Burton's mastery of melody while inviting listeners into a contemplative musical journey.
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    Como En Vietnam — 'Como En Vietnam' stands out for its rhythmic complexity and cultural undertones, reflecting Burton's ability to merge disparate influences into a cohesive narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends complex melodies and rhythms, reflecting Burton's innovative approach to jazz fusion.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate vibraphone melodies that often intertwine with bass and percussion, creating a layered texture.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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 mid-tempo groove
  • intricate melodies for deep listening
  • vibrant soundscapes for focus
  • captivating rhythms for engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marked Burton's first album with ECM, solidifying his innovative reputation.
Themes
New York City vibrancy· jazz fusion experimentation· immersive soundscapes
Career context
By 1978, Gary Burton was a well-established figure in jazz, known for his innovative work on the vibraphone. 'Times Square' marked his first album after joining the ECM label, where he sought to experiment with more eclectic sounds and collaborations, moving beyond traditional jazz boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Pat Metheny· Herbie Hancock
New to Gary Burton? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Semblence Start here 4:04
  • 2 Coral 5:50
  • 3 Careful 4:45
  • 4 Peau Douce 4:59
  • 5 Midnight 4:24
  • 6 Radio 4:44
  • 7 True Or False 2:25
  • 8 Como En Vietnam 6:42

What to play next

Duet
Listen next

Duet

1979

Continues the vibrant jazz fusion with a focus on collaboration and intricate melodies.
Passengers
Go back to

Passengers

1977

Sets the stage with similar contemporary influences and rich harmonies.
Full Gary Burton discography Where to start with Gary Burton Artists like Gary Burton
jazz fusion

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Light as a Feather

Light as a Feather

Chick Corea

Shares intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, embodying jazz fusion's vibrant essence.

Heavy Weather

Heavy Weather

Weather Report

Explores immersive soundscapes with a focus on collective improvisation and eclectic influences.

Offramp

Offramp

Pat Metheny Group

Combines jazz fusion with atmospheric textures and intricate arrangements, inviting deep listening.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata