Jazz : A Skillful Burton Plays Vibes at McCabe’s

Vibist Gary Burton’s professorial appearance and manner--glasses, graying mustache and baggy pants, all combined with a whimsical sense of humor and a quick turn of phrase--serve him well in his current job as dean of the Berklee School of Music.

But he also remains, as he has for nearly three decades, one of the foremost jazz vibes players in the world. His one-night stopover at McCabe’s Saturday night provided pleasant confirmation that his teaching and administrative duties (he has been at the school since 1973) have in no way reduced either the intensity or the creative drive of his music.

Accompanied by a young, talented group of musicians (Don McCaslin on tenor sax, Wolfgang Muthspiel on guitar, Larry Grenadier on bass and Martin Richards on drums), Burton played a program that reached from standards and fusion tunes to a lengthy Astor Piazzola tango composed specifically for the vibist. Although the quality of the pieces was not always as demanding as one might have desired (especially in its inclusion of a surfeit of Pat Metheny’s less-attractive fusion numbers), Burton’s work was, without exception, superb.

He was particularly impressive with his four-mallet work on two standards--”I Hear a Rhapsody” and “My Funny Valentine.” The Piazzola work, with its difficult, guitar-like phrasing and chording, was even better--clear testimony to the manner in which Burton can derive passion and intensity from the cold metal and wood of his instrument.

The ensemble playing reflected the group’s extended association (six years in the case of Richards) with Burton. Most of the pieces were composed throughout, often with fascinating textural combinations of tenor saxophone and vibes, guitar and bass, etc. McCaslin, in particular, revealed considerable promise as a soloist.

There was only one problem with the evening: It wasn’t long enough. But perhaps someone can persuade one of our many educational institutions to offer this gifted musician and educator a visiting professorship. The benefits would extend throughout the Southland’s jazz community.