Sometimes, you just forget how great some jazz artists are. This most recent release by vibist Gary Burton, who’s been with everyone from Metheny to Getz to Corea, is a wondrous and beautiful collection of musical art. His latest band here includes the newest 6 string gunslinger Julian Lage (who has a great disc of his own just released), and all stars Scott Colley/b and Antonio Sanchez/dr. The music flows like vintage ECM Metheny-lithe melodies, gliding and never over indulgent solos, and clever team interplay. Songs like “Never The Same Way” and “Late Night Surprise” have a joyful bounce that is infectious, while “Etude” spotlights some finger licking good guitar work by Lage. Burton glistens on the ballad “Was It So Long Ago” while the band’s interplay on the standard “My Funny Valentine” melds together like flavors of a hot fudge sundae. Unbelievably fresh music here.
Mack Avenue Records
www.mackavenue.com