What is the best Gary Burton album to start with?

The best album to start with is "The New Quartet" (1973). It's the most representative of what makes Gary Burton worth hearing.

What are the best Gary Burton albums?

The essential Gary Burton albums include "New Vibe Man in Town" (1961), "Something's Coming!" (1964), "The Groovy Sound of Music" (1965), "3 in Jazz" (1965) and "Lofty Fake Anagram" (1967).

How many albums does Gary Burton have?

Gary Burton has 61 releases in their discography, including 60 albums.

Photo: Tom Beetz @ http://home.hetnet.nl/~tbeetz/index.html · CC BY 2.0

Gary Burton

Q: Who is Gary Burton for?

If you're into jazz fusion, Gary Burton is worth your time. A complex tapestry of shimmering notes unfolds with rhythmic precision, creating a rich dialogue between melody and harmony that invites exploration.

A complex tapestry of shimmering notes unfolds with rhythmic precision, creating a rich dialogue between melody and harmony that invites exploration.

jazz fusion

United States

Read about Gary Burton on Bookshop

Start here

The album

The New Tango (1987)

Showcases a blend of jazz and tango, highlighting Burton's innovative approach and melodic sensibility in a cohesive collection.

The song

“Libertango”

An engaging track that captures Burton's signature sound and rhythmic precision, making it an excellent introduction to his style.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Native Sense" — from Native Sense – The New Duets (1997)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Autumn" — from Reunion (1989)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Caminos" — from Guided Tour (2013)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Henniger Flats" — from Throb (1969)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"The Opening / Interlude: Shovels / The Survivors / Grave Train" — from A Genuine Tong Funeral (1968)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Question and Answer" — from Like Minds (1998)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Gary Burton

Gary Burton is a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz, particularly in how he has shaped the vibraphone's role within both traditional and modern contexts.

His innovative approach transformed this instrument from a background texture to a commanding voice in ensemble settings, allowing for fresh expressions that resonate with audiences seeking depth in improvisation and melodic clarity. Burton's process involves an intricate interplay of technique and emotion, often utilizing two mallets in each hand for a more nuanced performance. This method not only enhances his playing but also introduces unique harmonies and textures that push the boundaries of rhythm and melody. He excels at creating conversational dynamics between musicians, fostering an environment where spontaneity thrives and each note feels like a deliberate choice rather than mere chance. Lyrically, while Burton's music may lack direct words, it embodies storytelling through intricate melodies that evoke a range of emotions—from joy to introspection. His tone tends toward sincerity, weaving impressions that invite listeners to immerse themselves in the narrative woven through sound. The result is an evocative experience that resonates deeply, even without lyrics to guide interpretation.

60 studio albums· 61 total releases· 5 decades· United States

Full discography

Gary Burton's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

61 releases • 60 albums • 1961–2013

Type:

Studio albums (54)

Grouped by decade — 7 eras.

2010s (3)

2000s (7)

Turn of the Century album by Gary Burton

Undated (2)

Gary Burton

play the music of Duke Ellington

Live (6)

Fan Favorite 58 /100

Compilations (1)

Collection

1996

No releases match the current filters.

Continue your journey

If you liked Gary Burton, start with Chick Corea

A guided entry point we think you'll like.

Listen

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Reference

Official site Wikipedia MusicBrainz Wikidata

Gary Burton

Start here

Songs to start with

About Gary Burton

Full discography

Studio albums (54)

2010s (3)

Time Thread

Guided Tour

Common Ground

2000s (7)

Turn of the Century

Next Generation

Generations

Music stories

Virtuosi

For Hamp, Red, Bags, and Cal

Libertango

1990s (11)

Like Minds

Astor Piazzolla Reunion: A Tango Excursion

Astor Piazzolla reunion

Native Sense – The New Duets

Departure

Face to face

It's another day

Six Pack

Benny rides again

Cool Nights

Right Time, Right Place

1980s (9)

Reunion

Times Like These

The New Tango

Whiz Kids

Real Life Hits

Gary Burton and the Berklee all-stars

Picture This

Easy as Pie

Artist’s Choice

1970s (10)

Duet

Times Square

Passengers

Dreams So Real

Hotel Hello

Ring

Seven Songs for Quartet and Chamber Orchestra

The New Quartet

Alone at Last

Good Vibes

1960s (12)

Throb

Country Roads & Other Places

A Genuine Tong Funeral

Lofty Fake Anagram

Tennessee Firebird

Duster

The Time Machine

The Groovy Sound of Music

3 in Jazz

Something's Coming!

Who is Gary Burton?

New Vibe Man in Town

Undated (2)

Gary Burton

play the music of Duke Ellington

Live (6)

Quartet Live

Jazz - Recorded Live at the Munich Summer Piano Festival, 14 July 1995

Live at the Midem

Live in Tokyo

Live in Tokyo

Gary Burton Quartet in Concert

Compilations (1)

Collection