Gary Burton

Gary Burton first showed off his vibraphone technique with George Shearing and Stan Getz, often playing with four mallets instead of the usual two. Burton brings a fluid sense of Swing to often "left of the mainstream" musical ideas, making him a forward-thinking Post Bop artist who builds on the past, often to startling effect. He has recorded some great sides with Chick Corea, but we recommend Departure (1997), where his recording of the Frazier theme returns the song to its shimmering, George Shearing-style roots. Like his fellow vibes master, Bobby Hutcherson, Burton keeps experimenting while pleasing audiences -- making him a shining light in modern mainstream jazz.