Dive into the avant-garde world of jazz fusion with Gary Burton Quartet's "A Genuine Tong Funeral," a seminal work that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz. Released on RCA Victor in 1999, this album is a reissue of the original 1968 LP, featuring the vibrant interplay of Gary Burton on vibraphone, Carla Bley on piano, Steve Swallow on bass, and Larry Coryell on guitar. The album is a testament to the innovative spirit of the late 1960s, blending free jazz and jazz fusion into a cohesive and captivating experience.
"A Genuine Tong Funeral" is a concept album composed by Carla Bley, divided into three parts: "The End," "Events Leading To The End," and "A Beginning." Each section is a journey through a narrative of life, death, and rebirth, told through a series of interconnected compositions. The album opens with "The End: The Opening," setting the stage for a series of introspective and experimental pieces. Highlights include the haunting "Death Rolls--Ancestors" and the poignant "Mother of the Dead Man," showcasing the quartet's ability to evoke deep feelings through their music.
The album's tracklist is a rollercoaster of musical exploration, from the somber "Grave Train--The last ride is always vertical" to the hopeful "The New National Anthem--Son of Jazz." The final tracks, "June the 15, 1967," "Feelings and Things," "Fleurette Africaine," "I'm Your Pal," and "Lines," offer a more traditional jazz experience, rounding out the album with a sense of closure and reflection.
With a duration of just over an hour, "A Genuine Tong Funeral" is a rich and rewarding listen for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The album's unique composition and stellar performances make it a standout in Gary Burton's discography and a classic in the jazz fusion genre.
Vinylscout