Biography

Gary Burton (1943-Present) has notably been at the forefront of the fusion jazz movement, while developing a pianistic four-mallet “Burton Grip” style of playing that is widely imitated among vibraphonists today. He is also known for his role as an educator, having been on faculty at his alma mater Berklee College of Music for over 30 years. As a performer, he toured with pianist George Shearing, undertaking an ambitious composing project that produced an album of originals entitled Out of the Woods (1965). In 1967 he formed the Gary Burton Quartet, consisting of Steve Swallow, Larry Coryell, and Roy Haynes. His most famous collaboration has been with the late pianist Chick Corea, with whom he released eight Grammy award-winning fusion jazz albums during their partnership of over 40 years. Some of his most celebrated releases include Crystal Silence (1973), Paris Encounter (2005), Reunion (1990), Good Vibes (2005), and Gary Burton and Keith Jarrett (1971).