Name: Virtuosi
Brand: Concord
SKU: 40399
Availability: OutOfStock

Virtuosi

Rating

Album: Virtuosi
#	Song Title		Time
1)	Le Tombeau De Couperin I Album Version	More Info...	5:17
2)	Excursions I - Opus 20 Album Version	More Info...	5:33
3)	Prelude VIII - Opus 32 Album Version	More Info...	4:06
4)	Milonga Album Version	More Info...	6:06
5)	Prelude 2 Album Version	More Info...	6:25
6)	Sonata K20 Album Version	More Info...	6:36
7)	Impromptu - From Three Little Oddities Album Version	More Info...	6:07
8)	Piano Concerto In F - Movement III Album Version	More Info...	6:20
9)	Lakmé Medley: Berceuse / Duettino Album Version	More Info...	10:29
10)	Capriccio II - Opus 76 Album Version	More Info...	5:52
11)	Something Borrowed, Something Blue Album Version	More Info...	6:17

Album: Virtuosi
#	Song Title		Time
1)	Le Tombeau De Couperin I Album Version	More Info...	5:17
2)	Excursions I - Opus 20 Album Version	More Info...	5:33
3)	Prelude VIII - Opus 32 Album Version	More Info...	4:06
4)	Milonga Album Version	More Info...	6:06
5)	Prelude 2 Album Version	More Info...	6:25
6)	Sonata K20 Album Version	More Info...	6:36
7)	Impromptu - From Three Little Oddities Album Version	More Info...	6:07
8)	Piano Concerto In F - Movement III Album Version	More Info...	6:20
9)	Lakmé Medley: Berceuse / Duettino Album Version	More Info...	10:29
10)	Capriccio II - Opus 76 Album Version	More Info...	5:52
11)	Something Borrowed, Something Blue Album Version	More Info...	6:17

Performer Notes

Personnel: Gary Burton (vibraphone); Makoto Ozone (piano).
Recorded at Bluejay Studios, Carlisle, Massachussets on August 14-15, 2001 and October 14-15, 2001. Includes liner notes by Gary Burton.
VIRTUOSI was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Classical Crossover Album.
Personnel: Gary Burton (vibraphone); Makoto Ozone (piano).
Audio Mixer: Bill Scheniman.
Liner Note Author: Gary Burton .
Recording information: Blue Jay Recording Studio, Carlisle, MA.
Photographer: Gildas Bocl.
Arrangers: Gary Burton ; Makoto Ozone.
This CD features Gary Burton's vibes and Makoto Ozone's piano in ten classical duos with jazz improvisations. The two styles have never merged with more soul, spirit, or, well, virtuosity, and the material is rich and varied enough to please fans of both. It begins with one of Maurice Ravel's most popular compositions, Le Tombeau de Couperin, which in these masterful hands sparkles as it flows, reminding listeners why Ravel's harmonies inspired so many jazz musicians. The collection includes a thunderous Rachmaninoff prelude leavened with swing and a Latin feel, a Brazilian take on Brahms, the lush and passionate tango "Milonga," a gorgeous, extended medley from the opera Lakme with a familiar second part (arranged by Jay Kennedy, who worked on four of the tracks here), and a Samuel Barber gem where it's hard to tell the original from the improvisation. There are two beauties by George Gershwin, whose 1924 "Rhapsody in Blue" first collapsed the wall between jazz and classical music; Burton and Ozone add new bluesiness to his "Prelude No. 2" and comment brilliantly on his "Piano Concerto in F." On Sonata K20, they soften Scarlatti's starchy edges with sensuous Latin figures. In yet another pleasing segue -- this CD is very well-paced -- this is followed by a rare "Impromptu," all shifting, Debussy-like pastels until Ozone introduces some barrelhouse piano. The closer is Ozone's quiet, haunting "Something Borrowed, Something Blue," which was inspired by the project itself. Burton and Ozone produce a fulsome, totally satisfying sound, and their fluidity and grace are astonishing. Burton's extensive notes explain the selections and approach to each piece, deepening the experience. A stunning accomplishment, and highly recommended. ~ Judith Schlesinger

Professional Reviews

JazzTimes (7-8/02, p.91) - "...The delight on VIRTUOSI is in how well the 'changes' written by composers like Ravel, Brahms, Barber and Rachmaninoff lend themselves to jazz improv..."