Something's Coming!/Groovy Sound of Music/Time

This 2 CD set is the third in a series of reissues (reissued by different labels) of Burton's early albums for the RCA label. I think this set floats actually somewhere between three and four "stars", but gave in to the higher rating because I really like Burton's early work especially--so you've been warned. His other albums under his name were "Duster" and "Country Roads and Other Places", from 1967 and 1969 on the RCA label respectively, both reissued on the BGO label. Also hear "Tennessee Firebird", "New Vibe Man In Town" (1961), and "Jazz Winds From A New Direction" (1960), both including some of Burton's earliest work. Both RCA albums were basically traditional jazz albums, as is the first album on this latest set, from 1964, "Something's Comin'!". A quartet with Burton, Jim Hall-guitar, Larry Bunker-drums, and Chuck Israels-bass. This is one of Burton's better albums from this period--especially for fans (like me) of his early work. Tunes like "On Green Dolphin Street", "Melanie", and "Summertime" (especially) are great examples of his early sound. Everyone gets in some time out front to solo with Hall's guitar work especially good. The 2016 remastered sound is very good--clean and fairly open which gives us a chance to hear Burton's double mallet technique.The second album here, "The Groovy Sound Of Music" (1965) is less of a delight for fans of Burton's small group sound. The tunes are from "The Sound Of Music" and are arranged and conducted by both Burton and Gary McFarland (hear his own early albums) using strings and horns. The core band is Burton, Bob Brookmeyer-trombone, Phil Woods-alto sax, Joe Puma-guitar, Steve Swallow-bass, Joe Hunt and Ed Shaugnessy-drums. This album has never been one of Burton's favorites and you can hear why. Saying that there are spots where the core band steps out front for short, nice solos, but the overall big band arrangements give the music a constricted feel. But I am glad it's been reissued because it's part of Burton's development as a player. Also remastered in 2016, the sound is clean and fairly crisp.The final set is "The Time Machine" (1966) with three players--Burton-vibes/marimba/piano, Swallow-bass, and Bunker-drums. Through overdubbing we hear Burton on all three instruments which (for my ears) took a bit of getting used to. Even Swallow's bass is double-tracked occasionally. But the album is still well worthwhile for fans of Burton's early work. Tunes like the well known "Sunset Bell", "Falling Grace", and "My Funny Valentine" have some nice work by the band. The 2016 remastered sound puts Burton (to my ears) a bit forward in the mix and relegates the bass/drums a bit too far back occasionally. As I recall this is what the original album sounded like too--emphasizing Burton's multi-tracked playing. An interesting approach to Burton's music that proves he was always trying to advance his sound and try something different (especially at that time) past his last few albums.The 22 page booklet has the original liner notes for each album along with a new essay by Charles Waring, jazz columnist for Record Collector Magazine (a good, informative read--check it out if you're really into music) which gives a decent overview of Burton's music There's also several small b&w photos from each period. Plus there's a nice color photo used for "The Time Machine" cover on the back of the booklet--a nice touch because it is perfect for the album's title and shows Burton's four mallet technique in action. All in all another good addition to Burton's discography now on CD. Also worth hearing are "It's About Time" ('61), "Who Is Gary Burton" ('62), "A Lofty Fake Anagram" and "A Genuine Tong Funeral", both also from the sixties. Burton's live Carnegie Hall set is a stellar set as is the live set from Japan.