Concord Jazz to release Gary Burton album “Quartet Live”

Jazz legend Gary Burton is returning with friends Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow and Antonio Sanchez to reprise the Gary Burton Quartet of the 1970s via a new CD called “Quartet Live.”
Although the compact disc is not released until May 26, the 11-song album was recorded live at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland, Calif.
It will be a musical reunion of sorts for the group. The story begins in 1967 when bassist Steve Swallow joined with vibraphonist Gary Burton to form the original Gary Burton Quartet. In the early 1970s, then 19-year-old guitarist Pat Metheny joined Burton’s band, and one of the most celebrated careers in music began. This would be the start of a 35-year musical friendship between the vibist and guitarist that continues today. A decade ago, Metheny discovered drummer Antonio Sanchez, inviting him to join The Pat Metheny Group, and the two have been playing together ever since.
Sounds like an exciting collaboration as modern jazz history comes to life on stage. Having already toured in Japan, the U.S., and Europe, the new Gary Burton Quartet plans to do a third tour in June 2009.