AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Although best known for leading quartets that feature top young guitarists (his alumni include Larry Coryell, Pat Metheny, and John Scofield), vibraphonist Gary Burton has actually headed different types of combos since at least 1978. On this ECM date, Burton is joined by altoist Jim Odgren, longtime bassist Steve Swallow, and drummer Mike Hyman. The repertoire is stronger and less introverted than usual, featuring songs by Chick Corea, Mick Goodrick, Carla Bley ("Reactionary Tango"), Billy Strayhorn ("Isfahan"), and Oscar Levant ("Blame It on My Youth"). Swinging sections alternate with more thoughtful pieces, resulting in a particularly well-rounded set.
ECM reviews
Gary Burton’s involvement in any project guarantees smoothness and melodic robustness, and Easy As Pie is no less promising than one would expect from the mallet master. As the title may imply, the results are generally laid back, but ever virtuosic. From the first licks of “Reactionary Tango” (Carla Bley) we get a taste of the banquet about to be laid before us. Jim Odgren shines on reeds the pages of this developing story, snipping from them a string of paper dolls. As one is swept away by the strains of “Summer Band Camp” (Mick Goodrick)—a fantastic piece that first appeared on the composer’s In Pas(s)ing—one notices just how integral Odgren is to the overall sound. “Blame It On My Youth” (Oscar Levant) is emblematic of what Burton does so well, capturing moments and memories as if in snapshots of living sound. In this solo piece, he sews that feeling of nostalgia into every motivic cell of activity. And further in “Isfahan” (Strayhorn/Ellington), a smoky ballad with plenty of shadow in which to luxuriate unseen, Burton turns that shadow into liquid gold in the throes of his soloing. Just so this joint doesn’t weigh us down with too much dark energy, two Chick Corea tunes, “Tweek” and “Stardancer,” give us plenty of beat to chew on and highlight Steve Swallow’s unstoppable groove. Between the kaleidoscopic drum solo from Mike Hyman and Odgren’s storybook endings, there is more than enough color to go around.
The members of Burton’s quartet work like kilned clay, which must be scored before being fit together to survive the heat with which it is imbibed. If this is dinner jazz, then prepare to be stuffed.
Easy as Pie is an album by vibraphonist Gary Burton recorded in 1980 and released on the ECM label in 1981.[1]
Another long out of print ECM album, recorded from vinyl, which has never been re-released digitally or on compact disc.
Track listing
- All compositions by Chick Corea except as indicated
- "Reactionary Tango" (Carla Bley) - 11:40
- "Tweek" - 5:34
- "Blame It On My Youth" (Oscar Levant, Edward Heyman) - 5:43
- "Summer Band Camp" (Mick Goodrick) - 7:47
- "Isfahan" (Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington) - 8:05
- "Stardancer" - 8:55
- Recorded at Tonstudio Bauer in Ludwigsburg, West Germany in June 1980
Personnel
- Gary Burton — vibraphone
- Jim Odgren — alto saxophone
- Steve Swallow — electric bass
- Mike Hyman — drums
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